Overall sentiment across the reviews for Brookside Retirement Community is broadly positive, with repeated praise for cleanliness, a pleasant home-like atmosphere, and strong owner and management involvement. Multiple reviewers emphasized that the facility is consistently clean and smells pleasant, contributing to a peaceful environment. The grounds are frequently singled out as a major asset — reviewers mention well-kept gardens, a pond, a new gazebo, and an attractive rural Kansas setting that many find calming. Several commenters also noted that rooms are spacious, include privacy and flat-screen TVs, and that common areas are open and bright, which supports a welcoming, home-like feel.
Staff and care are a central and somewhat mixed theme. Many reviews strongly commend the staff as caring, compassionate, attentive, and coordinated; a few reviewers explicitly stated this was the best place or recommended it highly for long-term care, with one account describing coordinated attention from Nursing, Social Work, Dietary, Activities, and Administration and even an owner visiting during a hospital stay. At the same time, there are notable concerns around staffing consistency: reviewers reported high staff turnover, inconsistent medication schedules, and a mix of positive and negative nursing personalities — several notes that some nurses are "nice" while others are "mean" and that some residents are afraid of certain staff. These mixed reports point to variability in staff performance or shift-to-shift differences despite a generally favorable view of many employees.
Clinical and personal-care quality shows strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, coordinated interdisciplinary care and attentive management engagement were mentioned as reassuring by families. However, some reviewers raised specific care-related concerns: reports of insufficient help with dental hygiene for residents who cannot perform it themselves, inconsistent medication administration timing, and occasional variability in overall care beyond basic needs. These are important patterns for prospective residents and families to discuss with management — they suggest that while many staff do provide high-quality, compassionate care, there are operational gaps that can affect dependent residents.
Facilities and maintenance are generally praised for cleanliness and outdoor upkeep, yet reviewers repeatedly mention dated interior decor and areas in need of renovation. Specific complaints include a living/gathering room that looks worn and needs remodeling, ongoing floor replacement and occasional remodeling disruptions, and some small or outdated bathrooms — all of which temper the otherwise positive descriptions of rooms and grounds. The community also appears to be in a state of gradual updating: some reviewers noted ongoing improvements, while others felt that certain high-traffic common areas remain behind.
Activities, social life, and amenities receive favorable comments. Reviewers reported strong resident activities such as games and cards, a cafeteria and community room, and a chapel, as well as an independent living side. The environment is described as resident-centered and welcoming, with multiple accounts of residents being content and engaged. Dining, however, drew mixed reviews: several visitors did not observe meals, and at least one reviewer described the food as "not amazing but manageable." This suggests dining quality may be adequate but not a standout feature.
Recurring operational concerns that families should note include the frequent loss of clothing (with reports of residents sharing clothes), inconsistent medication scheduling, and variability in staff demeanor and stability. These issues are significant because they directly affect day-to-day quality of life and safety for residents. On the positive side, management and owners appear involved and responsive in many cases, which can help address problems when they arise.
In summary, Brookside Retirement Community is frequently described as a clean, peaceful, and well-maintained small-town facility with attractive outdoor spaces, a warm atmosphere, and many compassionate staff members. The community offers strong social programming and a resident-centered approach, with many families recommending it and describing long, positive stays. However, there are consistent, actionable concerns: clothing management, certain aspects of personal care (notably dental hygiene assistance), inconsistent medication timing, staff turnover and variability in staff behavior, and some dated interior areas that need renovation. Prospective residents and their families should weigh the facility's strengths in cleanliness, grounds, and many caring staff against these operational shortcomings and are advised to ask specific questions about laundry policies, medication administration protocols, staff turnover and training, plans and timelines for remodeling, and how personal care needs (including dental care) are handled for dependent residents.
