I signed up for Brookdale West University. I chose it because it's close to my daughter, and it had enough shopping opportunities within walking distance of the community. I also chose them because I was looking for three meals a day being provided, and Brookdale provides that, and it's included in the rent. So that was important to me. They have scheduled transportation and they have trips off-site like they go shopping at Trader Joe's and all over the place. They have a full activities calendar and there are lots of activities. It's up to the individual to choose what he will and won't do. As far as activities go, the real key for me was the average age of the residents at the Brookdale West University site. The average age was in the 70s, while in other places the average age of the residents was between 85 and 90. So there was a lot of disparity. The apartment that I'm going into has a full kitchen, and the only thing I have to provide is the microwave. They have an electric stove oven, a regular-sized refrigerator, a dishwasher in it, as well as a sink and it has a garbage disposal, too. I was very pleased with what I saw and what I heard, and I was just impressed with them. The staff that gave the tour was very, very good.
Brookdale West University
Offers Independent Living
32 Reviews
5151 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77005
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Brookdale West University
Independent Living Reviews for Brookdale West University
April 16, 2022
I visited this facility
April 07, 2022
I visited this facility
We have visited Brookdale West University. I witnessed a lot of participating residents. I liked the fact that I could see that people were enjoying themselves. They were communicating with each other, playing cards, and eating lunch together. All the staff that was working knew all their names, and it seemed like everybody was very happy. I felt that the facility itself was clean and would be able to provide everything that my mom would need to live there. The only thing is that we have to look into the finances as far as what she's paying now and what she can afford because it's a little bit more expensive than from what I have heard. I was not served a meal, but I smelled it, and it smelled great. I saw a family room, a library, and a laundry area. I saw all of those, and that was very nice. I think that she would fit in well there. I only saw a model room, which of course has some upgrades. I wasn't taken to one that didn't have the upgrades, but it looked homey. It's going to be a lot smaller than what my mom is used to, but I like the fact that it has a couple of different rooms and it wasn't all in the same one-room space, so that was a big plus for me.
November 06, 2021
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My parents have moved into Brookdale West University. One of their favorite things about the community is that they are on the first floor, and there is a courtyard. There are six courtyards throughout the property. But the one that they look out onto has a bunch of rose bushes and a three-tiered fountain in the middle, and my father loves rose bushes. Because they're on the first floor of a three-floor residence, the walkway outside their apartment is covered because there's a walkway on the second floor above it. So, they have two chairs like they used to have on their balcony up there, and they have some of their plants from the other residents out there with them. All the residents are very friendly. The place will allow a dog. Although my parents don't have a dog, my dad likes dogs. Their next-door neighbor makes a cake every Sunday afternoon at 3:00, and they have a cake and ice cream social that is separate from the activities that the place has. My dad likes to play pool and there is a pool table in the game room.
It includes all utilities, basic cable, three meals a day, and continuous service from a smaller area called bistro where you can get service from 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 at night. If you had slept through or have an appointment and are not around for specific mealtime, you can still get food whenever you want. They have a full-size kitchen. There is only one closet, it's a big closet, but still, there's only one closet in their bedroom. It has a red button by the walk-in shower. You have to press the red button by a certain time every day or they'll come and do a wellness check. They have monitors around their necks that they can press at any time like if they have fallen and can't get up and they'll send someone.
It has a heated outdoor pool where they have different kinds of water aerobics classes. They have an area called The Porch that has a bunch of rocking chairs, some other tables and chairs, and a lot of ceiling fans. They have a room where they have various meetings like a once-a-month meeting for the residents to express their views on what is being done. There is also movie night on Friday and Saturday. There is an exercise room with machines and their standard Stairmaster, elliptical, stationary bike, that kind of stuff. They have a physical therapy room. They have an activity room that has a lot of books, games, puzzles, audio CDs and DVDs that you can check out free of charge, and lots of large tables so that you could play a game in there or put together a thousand-piece puzzle if you want to.
They have a van. You can make your appointment based on that travel schedule, and they'll take you to the med center and back, or to wherever else your doctor might be. It's free if it's within eight miles, and after that, they'll charge you $14. They have double washing machines and dryers in three places on each floor and they're free, but you can also have your laundry done for you for a small fee. They have weekly housekeeping. They do trash service three days a week. You just put the trash bag outside your door, and they pick it up Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They have a reception area, and they're very responsive. When you move in, you get 10 hours of free move-in assistance like hanging pictures on the wall, hooking up the cable TV, and hooking up the internet. They have classrooms with some computers and phone use. They do activities. Probably bi-weekly or monthly, they'll do things like an outing to the opera or the theater or something like that. They have a monthly birthday dinner for all the residents born in that month. If you have a handicap sticker, which my dad does, you have covered parking for free in any handicapped space. Otherwise, if you don't have a handicap sticker, but you do have a car uncovered is free but covered, there's an extra charge.
It's a gated secured community, but at the same time, you don't need any money to have your account and you can have it auto-debited once a month. The apartment my parents moved into has all new appliances and fresh carpets. One of the main reasons they chose this one is that it is only a block from where they used to live, so their stores and things like that won't change, even though they're not going to need to buy nearly as much at a grocery store. HEB is next door and has a special gate between the residents, and the side door of HEB, so that they don't have to walk around the front entrance. They also do deliveries including prescriptions to the complex. The cost is pretty comparable. It was only about $200 more a month than they were paying where they used to live, once you add the costs, food, utilities, and cable, and all that.
October 16, 2021
I visited this facility
I had an in-person tour of Brookdale West University. I liked the location to all the stores around there, and the fact that it was for an independent living, the way they take care of all the driving for the residents. The staff was super nice. Everything was super clean and nice. The amenities were amazing. They had a pool, a brand new bistro for the food that they just built in, and three different washer-and-dryer sets on each floor. The layout was super awesome. They had a courtyard and a pool. For being in town, it very much feels like you're in the country.
August 20, 2021
I visited this facility
Brookdale West University was worn. It was a little too dependent, meaning that I think the residents were a little more dependent on help. The reason my mother didn't care for it was because she said it felt like a motel when you walked out of your apartment. The staff was very nice. Some of the rooms were very large and some of them were very small, so they had variety. They have activities, a lot of which are pretty comparable. The layout was fine, but the facility itself needed a little updating. The rooms were nice, but the outside needed some updating; you could tell it was old and worn.
August 15, 2021
I visited this facility
I liked Brookdale West University. The location worked for me and I was impressed by it. I liked it personally and some things were very, very good for my friend. I liked the fact that it doesn't have all interior halls, personally, I don't like interior halls. All of those units had a porch or an outside area and I liked that personally. And so that was kind of a tipping point for me. The people I came in contact with seemed very knowledgeable and it's hard to judge that with a one- hour tour, but yes, I was impressed with them also.
May 07, 2021
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My brother just moved into Brookdale West University. He has only been there four days and I think it's a very nice place. I like it alot. He is very happy and everything seems exactly as advertised. We are still getting him moved in, but he's very pleased. The staff are congenial. They are easy to deal with and we haven't had any issues whatsoever. Anything we have asked for they have been good with. The food was bland, but it's very good. His apartment was perfect. It was clean and they just painted everything. It also includes a cleaning service once a week. It going to be very nice and be a good place for him. The activities now are limited, but once covid is over I think the activities will be good. They have an exercise room, a physical fitness room, an activities room, a game room, and a library. There is a laundromat on each floor of every building. They have a functioning elevator, a koi pond, and a heated pool.
December 19, 2018
I visited this facility
My mom is at Brookdale West University. We chose them because its independent living where people can have a large one-bedroom apartment with a separate living area. Its more like a garden apartment with activities and nice facilities. Its not a new, modern place, but it is a nice, clean place. They provide food and activities and have a room where people play games. Once in a while they offer transportation to grocery stores, banks, and stuff like that. People sign up for designated times to go out.
April 25, 2018
I visited this facility
The rooms at Brookdale West University were little and very inconvenient. You don't have washer and dryer in the apartment. You have to go down the hall to the laundry room. I just wasn't impressed at all. I met one lady that showed us around and she was nice. The menu looked nice.
January 25, 2018
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
This facility claimed it had security, however, basic security measures such as security cameras were not functioning for months. Although security has now been upgraded, it is concerning that no action was taken by the company until a resident was assaulted.
Provider Response
We take your comments seriously and are committed to providing quality care and services to our residents and their families. Our management team has reviewed these concerns and we wish to assure you the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority.
May 15, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
This place is terrible. My grandmother moved in here, but will not be staying after seeing what it is really like. There is a major cockroach problem, the elevators are always broken which means seniors have to take the stairs or walk to the other side of the complex to find a working elevator. Staff is not helpful. You can find a lot better for your money, I would not recommend putting your loved ones here!
Provider Response
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. Our staff is committed to providing the highest-quality service and care and we will share your feedback with our management team.
December 29, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Elevators that don't work, robberies, cockroaches, rotting railings, rusted staircases, unmaintained, hazardous visitor parking. These are just a few of the challenges we have faced since moving our mother into Brookdale West University. Please look past the pretty courtyards and really do your homework before moving a loved one into this facility.
Provider Response
Thank you for taking the time to share these concerns with us. The safety and well-being of our residents is our number one priority. We hope you will call our Resident and Family Connection team for us to get more details. We have also passed your comments along to the regional management team for further review.
November 19, 2016
I visited this facility
We liked Brookdale West University. They have a la carte services where you could add on if you need someone to come in and support you in a different way, but it's all independent living. One thing that was great was they will unplug the stove in the kitchen because we don't want my grandmother to cook, and so you don't have that as a hazard. It's larger and it's all-enclosed, and I like that it's gated. The apartments that we looked at were lower level, and the elevator would take you right up to the dining room. They give you credit each month for your meals, and you could go in and eat the standard breakfast or order whatever you wanted. I liked them a lot. They were a nice place.
October 06, 2016
I visited this facility
I would choose Brookdale West. I work very close to that location. Also, I like the offer; I’m talking about the financial offer. I like the arrangements after I saw the apartment. It’s about a thousand square feet. It’s a bedroom about 13ft. squared. It’s got a study and a full kitchen. They’ve got all kinds of activities that certainly were a consideration. They have activities planned everyday, and they issue a list of activities at the beginning of the month. They have all sorts of things from acting classes to exercises and various tours. They keep the residents pretty busy.
They have a large outdoor pool and laundry facilities on every floor -- which are easy access actually. There are two laundry rooms on each floor; they are open 24 hrs. They have a large dining room, and then they have a little section off the dining room called the bistro; you can get a meal there when the dining room is not operational. I was invited for dinner, then I came back for the second dinner, and the food was quite good. The saleslady was there on time when we visited.
September 19, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My brother is in Brookdale West University, and it’s fantastic. When I saw that, I said I wanna go there. I am very impressed with it, and he is too. It looked like an actual apartment; it has lots of big walking closets, a nice size bathroom, and an actual kitchen. It’s very clean, nice, and wonderful. They have all kinds of stuff, and they have speakers come in. They take them to different places, the library is right down the street, and they have a list of things to do almost every day.
June 28, 2016
I am a friend or relative of resident
After touring several senior living residents in our area, my mother chose Brookdale. We both have been very impressed with it. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The food is very good and there are plenty of events and outings to participate in. The people seem very happy here. The courtyard style of living is nice. It feels less like senior living and provides more opportunities to get outside. An added bonus is the HEB right next door. This is especially nice for my mother as she does not drive so it gives her a bit more independence.
December 30, 2015
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My father has been in Brookdale West University (Formerly The Terrace at West University) for two months now. The staff is excellent, very helpful, very caring, has attention to detail, and very friendly. The place itself is very clean. Upon moving in, they had a little welcome gift for my dad. He said almost everyday someone from the staff comes by to check and see how he is doing. He was wishing that they would have better food. It's more of pre-made or frozen food that they heat up. He was wishing he could have more of a home-cooked experience. He's not able to participate in any of the social recreations, but when I took the tour, I saw that they had a lot of social things and a lot of activities that are really excellent and I saw the other people and they seemed to really enjoy them. The food is edible and sometimes I'll re-cook the vegetables because he likes them a little bit more cooked.
October 28, 2015
I visited this facility
I visited Brookdale West University. I was impressed with the facility. I thought they have a lot to offer to every person. It seemed like they have lots of activities going on. That would have been my choice. I saw some people in the pool area. They were several different places to eat, and I did see people in those places too having their meals. It was a very pleasant environment.
September 29, 2015
I visited this facility
Brookdale seemed to be a great place to be, there are a lot of people there, and they all seemed to get along pretty good. The only thing I didn’t like are fees you have to pay, I can’t afford it. The staff is very polite and courteous.
July 14, 2015
I am a friend or relative of a resident
We have been there at Brookdale West University once before, and they changed their name. The rooms were of good size, the people were nice as well as the residents. The food is a little bit healthier, and there were varieties of activities. My dad was there for three months, and he had an incident; he fell, so we moved him out.
May 12, 2015
I visited this facility
Staff is excellent at Brookdale West University, and the girl that we have been working with is really good. So far it has been a really good transition. It’s got a lot to offer, and I am hoping that would be a helpful thing for my mother-in-law. The room looks great, there is a good size living area, there seems to be a lot of consideration to storage space, and the bathroom is set up well. The meal plan was more flexible plan, which suited my mother-in-law well.
With the amount of care that she needed, this was a good fit for her because she is not as hands on at the moment. I like the fact that it seems that you can transfer into the system; you can actually follow on and change location should you become more demanding and need more care. It is a great introductory place for her to start with. We have the chance to see the dining room, it seems really good, and I love the flexibility of it because they have like a dollar amount to be arranged, so they can basically go and have as many meals as they want when they want it.
They have a fairly good range of activities. They got a lot of availability to get back and forth to the medical center or get to shopping or places right beside it so they could walk to the parking lot that’s beside it with their shopping bag if they want to. It’s great to motivate them to get out and get that exercise if possible. The grounds were lovely. It seems like there’s lots of laundry rooms available. They have a lovely library. They have a lot of trips and get togethers. It’s a great value for the price.
May 06, 2015
I visited this facility
I liked Brookdale West University (Terrace at West University) very much. They had beautiful walking grounds and benches. It’s an older residence, but it is very nice. They had one unit there that interested me a great deal. It was 2 single units, and it was broken through to make one 2-bedroom unit, and I like that very much. I like the location. I like everything about it except the coupons. They give you a coupon each month, and you give them a coupon for your dinners. That just goes against my grain, and I would not consider doing that. I thought they were deficient in their program director. Their program director was a young lady who put together parties for a 3-year-old, so I was very unimpressed.
The facility was fine. The meals were adequate, not excellent. They did not have lovely dining. They built a bistro, and you could go there for dinner. They had a carving bench which was for whatever they were carving for that particular day either roast beef or maybe turkey, and then you could get side orders of pizza and salad, not the kind of dinner that I would want.
Provider Response
We are sorry to hear your tour of Brookdale West University did not meet all of your expectations. We want to thank you for taking the time to visit and for providing feedback. Please be assured it will be reviewed and used to better serve our residents and their families in the future.
March 20, 2015
I visited this facility
Everyone seemed very friendly, very willing to help, and very approachable. Brookdale West University seemed like a very nice place. They had individual apartments. They showed me a typical one-bedroom apartment, and it was fine and nicely done. They talked about the activities offered there as well as the transportation that they offer. I thought it might work for my mother. It would be one that I would consider.
August 30, 2014
I visited this facility
Brookdale Plaza West University is very close to the Medical Center, which is great if you have issues. It’s very close to shopping, too. It’s just a two story building. They’ve got gym facilities and swimming facilities in one section. They have a very nice dining room. One bedroom was quite small, but still manageable. I think it started around $1,800 a month. They were still working on improving the actual apartments, so I would say if they had more finished apartments available to view, that would have helped more. There are a lot of things under construction.
July 31, 2014
I visited this facility
Brookdale Plaza West University was the best place we've seen so far. We've been very impressed with the place. The staff has been very friendly and very helpful. They were also very passionate. I visited one time and we had dinner there and we were very impressed with the dining room. I am not living there yet, but it's where I'm leaning to go. The buildings are very laid out beautifully. Each building has something more beautiful to look down on.
March 31, 2014
I visited this facility
I chose The Terrace at West University because of its location. It's near the things that I would like to do. The staff was very good. The rooms were very adequate. I ate there, and the food was good. They had activities like classes and outings to movies and places.
March 29, 2014
I am/was a resident of this facility
The staff is excellent at The Terrace. The place is near downtown, and you can walk across the street, and there’s a grocery store and all that. The layout is different than any other places I’ve seen. There’s a courtyard, which each room or apartment faces. There’s a common walkway, and it's like you’re in a hotel. They have a wide selection of apartments. I got one of the smaller ones, which was perfect for me. I don’t have any complaints with the food.
July 12, 2013
I visited this facility
I visited The Terrace at West University for myself. Their rooms were larger and I like their lay out. The staff was wonderful. The food they serve there was also fine. Their price also was excellent. I like this facility the best amongst the other facilities I visited.
June 25, 2013
I visited this facility
When I visited The Terrace at West University everybody seemed very nice. It was a pleasant experience.
May 11, 2013
I visited this facility
I went for a visit at The Terrace and it looked lovely and welcoming on the outside. When I went inside, it was very well-furnished. The rooms looked fresh and modern. The staff were accommodating and friendly. The atmosphere in the facililty was comfortable, cozy and homey. They served meals in the dining area or you could have it brought to your room. The visit was a good experience, but the price was too expensive for me.
June 22, 2012
I am a friend or relative of a resident
Almost everything I saw and heard about the Terrace was positive. The grounds and facilities were well kept, and even the gardening was always a bright spot for my grandmother. She lived on the "putting green" quad, which didn't really interest her, but which I always enjoyed. Other quads had a swimming pool, a gazebo, and a very nice garden. During all the time I spent there, I was always extremely comfortable, and the staff was always friendly to me. My grandmother liked all the staff that she regularly dealt with, and I know that some of them went above and beyond their jobs to help her out. I only ever had leftovers, but those were always good, and my grandmother seemed generally happy with the food served in their cafeteria. Finally, the actually living quarters were great. Spacious, comfortable, and well appointed. My grandmother even felt comfortable entertaining there, which was very important to her. Overall, I think the terrace did a wonderful job, and is very deserving of a five star rating.
July 22, 2011
Other
This facility is inside the 610 loop area. There's a lot of shopping areas around there, and there are a lot of great dining opportunities nearby. It's also near the medical center, so if any residents are involved with a medical issue that the facility itself can't handle, they can go to the medical center.
It's a really beautiful location for seniors. They have a pool and a hot tub. The exterior part of it is really great. They have different type of features like a private dining area and a nice courtyard. They have a library and a computer lab. There's also a fitness center inside the facility.
The size of the facility is spacious, especially the apartments. They also offer a full kitchen to their residents. Each room has its own thermostat, and there's a pull card in each room so that a resident can call the CNA on duty if they need help with anything. The rooms have a built-in shower and a walk-in closet.
Some of the dining areas were really nice. I didn't see any food being served, but they have nutritional charts that the residents can choose from every day. They also serve food to family members and friends who come to visit. The residents that I talked to said that it was nice that they offer breakfast and lunch on most days.
They have fitness programs there for the residents where someone comes in during the afternoon and they have wellness training for some of the residents. It's really a nice area and the grounds are really well kept.
The staff seem very happy and don't seem disgruntled with the company.
They have poetry classes and poetry readings for the residents. They also have educational learning programs for the residents.
Questions about Brookdale West University
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at Brookdale West University. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
75 + is average age, Outings, socials in the community, quarterly gala and auction benefitting Alzheimer's' foundation, bridge, exercise in gym, shopping trips.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
HEB is walking distance, Starbucks is also very close. Restaurants are available across the street. The Galleria shopping mall is a brief car ride away. West University shopping is also close.
What are some recent off-site events that the community activity director at Brookdale West University has organized?
Cruise, day trips to various events outside of Houston, and shopping trips.
What transportation services does Brookdale West University offer to independent living residents?
Medical appointments, others by appointment, grocery shopping, shopping at the mall, sporting events and cultural outings.
What makes the chef or dining program at Brookdale West University exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
We say YES dining program, caters to vegan or other dietary requirements. Extended dining hours and bistro is available all day.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
Beautiful landscaped extensive green areas that include a swimming pool, putting green, gazebo area, koi pond with fountains.
What safety features or security measures does Brookdale West University offer to independent living residents?
Keyless fob entry into the individual apartments, electronic access through parking gates as well as front and back gates.
If Brookdale West University accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
Pets can enjoy walking around the various courtyards with lots of green spaces.
Does Brookdale West University work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
Brookdale provides Home health, physical, occupation and speech therapy as well as hospice. Also personalized living services on-site to assist in maintaining independence.
Services and Amenities of Brookdale West University
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- Companion Suites: We Do Not Offer Companion Suites
- Housing Extra: One Bedroom With Study
Dining options
- In Room Kitchens
- Dining Room Shared Meals
- Room Service For Meals
Features
- Beauty Barber Shop
- Computer Room
- Resident Transportation
- Coffee Shop
- Party Space
- Golf
- General Store
- Tv Room
- Garden And Patio
- Resident Parking
- Security Gate
- Pool
- Spa
- Features Extra: Fitness Room/Gym
Cleaning services
- Laundry For Linens
- Private Cleaning Services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry For Clothing
Technology and entertainment
- Cable In Rooms
- Internet Enabled Rooms
- Wifi
- Technology Extra: Emergency Call System
Health services
- Medication Management
- Physical Therapy
- Pharma
Activities
- Offsite Activities
- Games
- Stories
- Religious Services
- Lectures Discussions
- Book Clubs
- Wii Sports
- Tai Chi
- Fitness Room
- Yoga
- Gardening
- Arts And Crafts
- Activities Extra: Computer Class
Financial guidance
- Va Benefits Consultation
Guest services
- Guest Parking
- Guests At Mealtime
- Overnight Guests
General
- Minimum Age: 65
- Pets: Small Pets Allowed
Range of services
- Physical Therapy
About Brookdale West University
Brookdale West University provides a full range of choices for today's seniors. Choosing a senior living community represents a lifestyle choice and we understand that our residents are choosing much more than a comfortable living environment to call home. Our Brookdale community delivers Inspired Independent Living, with the promise of Exceptional Experiences Everyday. In choosing this community, our residents have made a conscious lifestyle decision designed to deliver enhanced opportunities for pursuing health and life fulfillment through the exceptional services, amenities and opportunities we offer.
Our Optimum Life® and Celebrations programs provide an all-encompassing way of life that touches our residents, their families and associates alike. Optimum Life® is a journey of self-discovery including services, features and benefits that allow each resident to pursue their peak level of health, wholeness and fulfillment while balancing six key dimensions of personal wellness: emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and purposeful. As part of Optimum Life® we encourage our residents to celebrate life each day. Inspired dining, with fresh meals prepared by chefs trained in our own Culinary Arts Institute, and vibrant lifestyle activities come together in our Celebrations program. These activities fill the monthly calendar with themed experiences, special events and group activities highlighting different cultures and cuisines in a common venue of camaraderie.
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