Brookdale West Orange offers several living choices including studio apartments that are about 301 square feet, where everything sits in one space with a small kitchen area and bathroom, and one-bedroom apartments that give you a little more privacy at about 435 square feet, with a separate bedroom and bath, and people get to decorate their spaces with comfy chairs and their own things so it all feels homier. The community follows a person-centered plan where the staff looks at what each resident prefers and needs, which continues in both the assisted living and memory care areas, and anyone who needs a plan for their own kind of help will get one that's made to fit. The memory care suites have their own small kitchen spots with sinks, mini-fridges, microwaves, and cabinets, as well as dining set-ups, which lets people hold on to familiar habits if they want. The place includes a lovely shady patio with tables, lots of chairs, and umbrellas, overlooking green grass and trees, not to mention a gazebo right there in the yard, where some will go for a bit of fresh air but it's true that the outdoor space does not get as much use as you might expect, though it's there for when folks need quiet or want some sunshine.
Folks living here get help with everyday things like bathing, dressing, or remembering their medicine, plus help and reminders, and people in wheelchairs also have what they need to get around. There's a secured space for memory care, so people dealing with dementia can move around safely, and the community's memory care boss gets high marks for her work from many families. Staff stays on-site 24 hours, so if someone pushes the emergency system there's always someone nearby, and medical folks can help when there's a need for more care. Housekeeping, linen service, and laundry are part of the routine, so residents don't have to worry about chores piling up.
People find places to gather like the library, the TV room, the cafe and bistro, a computer room, and little nooks with fireplaces or pianos if they feel like listening or playing. There's a movie room, a meeting room for small get-togethers, and an activities calendar that fills the days with events, crafts, or music, plus programs that bring people together and help keep minds and bodies active. The dining room looks a bit fancy with round tables, white tablecloths, and brown napkins, and a trained chef cooks up everything from everyday meals to international dishes, and vegetarians have options, while residents can also book private dining rooms if family visits. The salon offers hair and nail care with easy chairs, dryers, and manicure spots, so everyone can feel put together if they like that sort of thing, while the therapy room brings out exercise balls, tables, and an assisted bike for rehab or just taking care of strength.
The outdoor walkways, raised garden beds, and enclosed courtyard invite people to stroll, plant, or just watch the birds, though some say the outdoor spaces could stand to see more activity. Parking's available, and there's help for those who want to hop on a bus, plus the community vans get folks to appointments and outings. People who want to keep up religious practices have options for services on-site or nearby, covering Jewish, Catholic, and spiritual needs. Residents with pets can bring them along, as the place allows animals in some areas.
From independent living to assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, Brookdale West Orange works as a continuing care retirement community, which lets people move through different care levels as their needs change, or stay in place if that suits their health. Home care services reach those who want to stay in their apartments but need some help. Both communal and private spaces give people the chance to gather or retreat, whichever they prefer. Staff, many of whom greet residents by name each day, aim to create a cheerful and home-like setting, with a focus on respect and dignity as needs shift. Structured activities-from games to outings-try to boost quality of life, and the calendar's full for anyone who wants to pitch in or simply watch. The place connects to Brookdale Life and offers its own signature programs, plus plenty of health and safety features for peace of mind. Brookdale West Orange sits at 520 Prospect Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey, and is known around town as a friendly, family-style community where everyone can age in comfort, and though not every spot is always bustling, there's a good chance for older adults to find both support and a bit of independence, whatever their stage in life.
