Braddock Glen

PastCustomer

I think this facility is best described as independent living or as an assisted living that is appropriate only for medically stable persons who are mainly independent and only need meals and medications provided and to have someone around in case of emergency. In summer of 2021, I was given misleading and incorrect information by the marketing director regarding the level of assistance that Braddock Glen staff would provide, despite specifically asking about this several times. I was mislead about the staff to resident ratio by the marketing director and it was only corrected by the nursing director on the day that the contract was to be signed. I had heard from other Assisted Living facilities that Braddock Glen did not provide a "high level of assistance" and when I asked about this, the marketing director said that she was unaware of that and that they do provide a high level of assistance to residents. When I asked what conditions would require a resident to move to a different type of facility, I was told that a resident would only be required to leave the facility if they were completely dependent (unable to do anything for themselves) or had medical needs beyond the abilities of the facility to provide (like a feeding tube or on an IV), or were a danger to themselves or others. I specifically asked about getting assistance pushing the resident places in a wheelchair and was assured that this would be provided for meals and to take the resident anywhere else in the facility. I was told that if there was not enough staff to provide the level of assistance needed, then additional staff could be added. After move-in, the other Directors told me that this facility is only for people who can get themselves independently from their rooms to the dining room. When pressed, they said that the resident had to at least make more of an effort. After a month and a half of unsuccessfully trying to work this out, it turned out that the resident had an undiagnosed heart condition that made it very difficult for her to push herself in the wheelchair, but the staff thought she was simply stubborn and didn't want to do it. The LPN and RN were very attentive, as was the Therapy staff (from a contracted company), although they all missed an easily spotted diagnosis (both legs newly swollen and increasingly so, could indicate congestive heart failure) and thought for a month and a half that it was due to inactivity. The Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who provide the caregiving try their best and are generally kind, but are overworked and typically in a hurry (have to leave resident on the toilet and tell them to push the call button when they are finished). I have to say that this seems to be the case at other facilities too, however, as the companies try to squeeze maximum productivity out of the fewest number of caregivers. The daytime caregivers at Braddock Glen are occupied for at least 2 hours 3 times a day - before, during, and after every meal - because the caregivers prepare the dining tables, take residents' orders, serve the drinks and meals, and are generally not allowed to leave the dining room area during meals. If a resident needs assistance to use the bathroom during a meal, that is a problem. If the resident finishes ahead of the other residents and wants to be pushed back to her room, that is not generally possible. I had mistakenly assumed that different staff would serve residents their meals, or at least that someone would be available for those who do not attend the meal or who needed help during the meal. If you add in the time it takes for the caregivers to change shifts, to give out medications, to let people in/out of the building, to have their own breaks/meals, to help residents bathe (which is very time consuming), then there is actually very little time available for them to help residents who need a moderate to high level of care. Other things were annoyances: it was difficult to use the courtyard if you were in a wheelchair due to the keypad being too high up and needing to key in the code and physically push the door (although this was going to be addressed and may have changed by now). To get in/out of the front door you would have to ask the receptionist, or if after hours, find a staff person and ask to be let out and back in. Every time the door is opened, there is a very loud and unpleasant beep noise (which happens very frequently during the daytime). That noise limits the enjoyment of any areas indoors or outdoors near the front door. Many of the residents have dementia which made it difficult for a new resident to form friendships. There was frequently a TV playing in the common areas and/or loud music from a jukebox playing during meals. Although hospice can be provided at Braddock Glen by an outside agency, I would caution against it due to the added complication of dealing with the Braddock Glen staff, pharmacy, and computer system, the relative inexperience of the caregivers with providing a high level of assistance, and the lack of enough caregivers to provide the constant assistance that is required (despite the director assuring me that they would be able to do it). The building itself is very nice and clean and the housekeeping staff kept the rooms very clean. The outside areas are not very large or pretty or easy to access. No transportation provided.

Provider Response

Otis

We had a good experience touring Braddock Glen. The people were nice, it was in a good location, and it's affordable. It would certainly be in my top three. Cleanliness was very good, too. We walked around the entire community and saw the dining room, the studio, and their reading room. All of the rooms were occupied at the time. It's all one level which makes it easy to get around if you have any issues.

Provider Response

Hello123123

Great location from the Beltway, easy to visit. Small scale compared to other communities and affordable. People seem happy to be here.

Anonymous112558250

My father in was the waiting list at Braddock Glen. I thought that they were exceptionally pleasant. They listened to what our concerns were. They took him on a tour and showed him what the rooms looked like. They explained that they were not furnished. They had three meals a day plus snacks. They said that they would review his application. They did. They called us and told us that he was on the waiting list. The rooms had microwave and refrigerator. I thought it looked like a fine place.

Caring102619950

My mother is in Braddock Glen, and I like it a lot. It is pretty and clean. The people are nice. It's subsidized by the county, so it's half the price of what a regular place is for her. I'm happy with the staff. She has been there about 10 days, and so far, so good. She seems happy with the food. She has a private room; it is an efficiency apartment. Her only complaint is that it has a small closet. She likes to have more closet space. They play bingo and dominos, and they make cupcakes. They have bible studies, parties, exercise, and outings like shopping and movies. The dining area is very nice. I would recommend them, but they have to qualify with their income. She told me today she is happy, so that makes me happy.

James99758350

The Braddock Glen was a very nice facility. It was very pleasant, and the staff was very nice. They were doing some activities while I was there, and they had a singing program where somebody comes in to sing and play the piano.

Caring81652250

My uncle is in Braddock Glen, and he seems to be doing well. Everything seems to be on the up-and-up. The facility is beautiful. The staff seems very nice and friendly. They did a nice assessment of my uncle in deciding that he is a good candidate. Since he is the one living there, we want to be sure that it is something he likes, and they make it reasonably easy for us to do. It is very close to where I live, so it is easy to go and visit. When we visit Uncle Tommy, he seems to like it very much. He does complain a little bit about the food, but I don't know if there's anything that can be done about that. I know that it is just a matter of taste, and he is very picky with what he eats. So far, I am very happy with it.

Janice29

I think the Braddock Glen community is excellent in terms of the care that they are providing the residents. I think every staff member is very caring and they are extremely knowledgeable. The facility is clean and the grounds were wonderful. The rooms were wonderful too. The problem is that they don't think it’s the right facility for my mother-in-law because it’s more independent living with assisted living. I would highly recommend this facility. If you are looking for plain assisted living and you don’t need extra care, this facility is the best option for your money.

Tina19

Mom was at Braddock Glen before we moved her into another facility. She was there from 2006 to 2013. I really didn't want to take her out of there, but we had no choice because she needed more care. The nurses gotten to know her and they were like family. The food was excellent. The facility was so clean and so well taken care of the day we left. It looked the same as it was when we moved in. There were no scratches on the walls or anything. They kept everything up and it was beautiful. They have a lot of things that they do. They have exercises in the morning. They do have halls that the residents can walk. They also have people come in and sing. They really are great. They do so many nice things.

Caring73021850

I completely love Braddock Glen. I like this facility because it's small and it had a comfortable feeling. It didn't look like fancy luxury hotel and it felt almost like country home. This probably would have been my number 1, but the thing is they don't accept people who need more care. Like for example when a resident is incontinent already, they don't accept that. They are like a level 1 assisted living.

Jeanette7

It was a very nice facility. They have clean studio type apartments. They have several activities. They have excellent food and the staff was very helpful. They were pretty good.

Diane Ham Fullerton

My father is 101. He has a one bedroom and is able to get around with his 4 wheel walker. He loves it here and has been here for 2 years. The staff is caring, responsive and very free with the hugs. The housekeeping is clean, deligent and very interactive with the residents. The food is good and I cannot even convey how great the entertainment and parties, etc. are. They keep the residents interested and engaged in the other residents. I am a very "hands on" daughter because my father means the world to me. I am over there at least a couple times a weeks. Thank God for Braddock Glenn. They are the best in the area and I have certainly done my thorough research.

cris1

My mother has been in Braddock Glen for about a year now and we could not be more pleased. The facility is always immaculate and warm and welcoming with great staff who go out of their way to check on and help anyone who needs it. There is no smell when you walk in, the medical staff is very helpful and caring. The receptionist is so fun and full of life she perks up any day for the residents and makes them feel glad to be cared about. We were concerned about mother being in Assisted Living and now consider it her home away from home. The parties they have for the residents are wonderful and everyone enjoys them. For me and mother, Braddock Glen could not have come to us at a better time in her life and we are so grateful.

FamilyMember

I moved my mother to Braddock Glen because it seemed, at first, clean and safe. The food is quite good and the other residents seem pleasant. But over time I've discovered that they refuse to provide some of the services advertised on their website. When I asked, I found the management and staff to be unresponsive and sometimes quite nasty saying that they don't have to provide these services.

Provider Response

Heather Davies

This program should be considered a national leader of its type. The staff at Braddock Glen are exceptional. My mother with dementia has been going there for 2.5 years. I love taking her in the morning because everyone is so happy and loving. The nurse provides excellent oversight. After 12 years of caregiving, I have finally found the best care setting for her needs.