Brookdale Lakeshore

I did a tour of Brookdale Lakeshore. The rooms were very much smaller, but the people were friendly. The person that gives tours was good. They were in the middle of renovation, so there was a lot of work going on there. The main problem was the rooms were just quite small. I did not get to try the food there. There was just not much going on at the time. There were three people in the hall, and they talked to us a little bit. They seemed very happy. They were in the middle of renovations, and it was hard to tell what the normal state was, but outside it was nice. It looked fairly old on the inside, like it needed renovating. I don't know how far they went with that.

Brookdale Lakeshore was nice, but it was an older place and it had small rooms. The staff was nice. If it was just all about the staff, we would have moved in, but the areas were small and the layouts for some of the places were a little goofy for the furniture.

Brookdale Lakeshore is very expensive and their price does not include our medical needs. The staff showed us the balcony, the TV room and the entertainment room. As for the activities, they have a whole lot including card games. This is a very nice facility, far better than the other facilities we have seen.

The staff and the people that live at Sterling House of Waco were warm and friendly. A lot of them have dementia, but those that could communicate and interact were friendly. We had gone for Valentine's banquet and we saw how they do for special events. We ate seafood pasta and it was nice. It looked very clean, but we haven't seen what normal life is like in there.

My mom is currently placed in Sterling House. We decided on this facility because it meets the level of care that she requires and also because I live here in Waco, so its location is convenient for me. The facility is nice. They have flowers in their big yard. My mom would even help water them. They have picnic tables and shaded areas as well. They also allow pets. Regarding activities, they would watch movies and have popcorn. They take them out on outings every Friday. Professional singers would come over and perform for them. They also have a beauty shop there. Residents are provided three meals a day and tea and coffee available 24/7. Food there is excellent. The staff members are very helpful; however, their director is not. She acts like you're bothering her whenever you ask her about something. When they go on outings and some of the residents were left behind, they have nothing to do and that's not acceptable. They need to be doing activities to keep them occupied. Their activity director should plan activities for the residents. Also residents can only go to their doctors every Tuesday and Thursday. For the amount we're paying for, they should be more flexible in terms of bringing residents to their medical appointments.

Very nice assisted living facility. Only has 37 apartments. Dining facility is cozy and nicely furnished. Staff is very helpful and friendly. They give my mother personal care that she wouldn't be able to get in a larger assisted living facility.

After visiting several facilities in Waco & surrounding communities I was not that impressed with this one. It took several minutes before I was acknowledged at the front door & was greated by an unpleasant odor when I walked in. Apartments were nice but VERY small & the cost was higher compared to others I visited. I did not see any senior citizens engaged in activity which worried me because my Mom is still very active & enjoys being social with other ladies her age. The outside grounds were nicely manicured but just not enough space for Mom to take Lola (her dog) on a walk. The staff was nice don't get me wrong, just not a good fit for my Mom.

We visited the Sterling House of Waco while searching for a suitable assisted living facility for our uncle. Many of the family members live in the area, so this would be an ideal place for him to live. The outer grounds looked well-kept and pleasant. The staff greeted us and seemed very warm and friendly which is the most important thing to the family. The foyer was nicely decorated and seemed homey, as did all of the communal rooms. The apartments were all clean, well-kept and conveniently designed. They take the time to personalize to each residents tastes. The dining areas were nicely designed and warm. Residents may choose communal dining or more private situations. There are places for them to visit with families, as well. The food looked deliciously prepared, as well as nutritious. The dietician and chef changes up the menu to keep it interesting and encourages resident to make suggestions. The activity calendar features many healthy and stimulating activities. We liked that the staff encourages participation and tries to make everything interesting for its residents. They have outings to local libraries, events, culture, restaurants, shopping and even athletic activities. They take suggestions to update the schedule as much as possible. We've visited quite a few assisted living facilities and thus far, the staff at this one are some of the most competent and friendly we have encountered.