Overall sentiment across the reviews for Brookdale Montrose is mixed but leans positive for independent and moderately assisted residents who value an active, social environment and dependable dining and activity programs. A large number of reviewers praise the staff as compassionate, attentive and engaged. Many families and residents specifically note long-tenured employees, helpful front-desk and admissions teams, and staff members who go "the extra mile" — from identifying serious medical issues to providing warm, family-like care. The community is frequently described as welcoming, with a strong sense of community, numerous clubs and outings, regular live entertainment, fitness classes, art groups, and frequent transportation to shops and appointments. Apartment offerings — including one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens, ample closet space, and patios or balconies — are repeatedly cited as a major positive.
Dining and activities are among the most consistently praised aspects. Several reviews describe a chef-driven, restaurant-style dining experience with good food, enthusiastic dining staff, and a wide variety of menu options, as well as improvements after chef changes. Activities staff are repeatedly called out for organizing engaging events (bingo, movies, musical groups, writing groups, current events, and frequent bus trips) that keep residents active and socially involved. Many reviewers credit the programming and social life with improving health and mood and helping residents thrive.
However, a recurring theme in the reviews is inconsistency: while many describe excellent care and clean, well-maintained common areas, others report housekeeping lapses, rooms left unclean at move-in, damaged belongings, and occasional strong odors in specific assisted-living wings. Staffing levels and scheduling appear to be variable — several reports note insufficient coverage (particularly overnight), long wait times for assistance, and under-trained or uncaring staff in some assisted-living situations. These lapses have, in some instances, led to medication mistakes, falls, or missed care; a few families even reported transfers to hospital or rehab and serious safety concerns. Because of this variability, experiences range from "fantastic" and "life-saving" to "miserable" and "worst experience," depending largely on specific staff on duty and the acuity of the resident's needs.
Management, admissions, and billing surface as another major area of concern. Multiple reviewers cite sales or admissions promises that were not kept, lack of transparency during the intake process, unexpected charges or billing errors, and disputes over community fees or refunds. A few reviews describe truly troubling administrative behavior — including rude responses, managerial hostility, and alleged disposal of personal belongings — which led families to file complaints with authorities. At the same time, other reviewers report prompt problem resolution, responsive directors, and smooth transitions, highlighting inconsistency between different experiences and perhaps changes over time or between shifts of leadership.
Facility condition and accessibility are mixed topics. The grounds, courtyard, and outdoor spaces receive praise for being pleasant and well-kept. Yet many reviewers point out that the building is older: carpets, furniture and some common areas are described as dated, with the aesthetic sometimes compared to earlier decades. Accessibility issues are raised occasionally — narrow doorways, small bathrooms, and long walks to rooms for residents with mobility limitations — which can be important for prospective residents needing ADA-compliant layouts or more convenient floor plans. COVID-era restrictions affected dining and activities for some residents and were noted as a temporary but impactful negative by several families.
Safety and memory-care suitability require careful consideration. Brookdale Montrose offers multiple levels of care and has an early memory-care program that several families appreciate for delaying progression of cognitive decline. Conversely, some reviewers say the community is not well-equipped for advanced dementia: reports include escapes, inadequate assistance, and understaffing at night. Several families recommended extra precautions (such as in-room cameras) and direct questioning about staffing ratios, emergency procedures, and power-outage readiness when touring.
In summary, Brookdale Montrose appears to be a strong match for residents who are independent or require light-to-moderate assistance, who prioritize an active social life, robust dining, and a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere — and who are comfortable in a classic, older facility. The staff, activities and food are frequently lauded, and many families report dramatic improvements in loved ones' well-being. Prospective residents with advanced care needs (complex medical, higher-level dementia, or significant mobility/ADA requirements) should exercise caution: verify current staffing levels (especially overnight), obtain clear, written commitments about housekeeping and care schedules, review the service agreement and billing practices carefully, and speak directly with current residents and families about recent management responsiveness. An in-person tour focusing on housekeeping standards, medication oversight procedures, emergency/power-outage protocols, and staffing for assisted- and memory-care wings is strongly recommended to ensure the community is the right fit for specific care needs.
