Brookdale Ithaca, located in Ithaca, NY, offers several senior living options, including assisted living, memory care under the Clare Bridge brand, independent living, skilled nursing, respite care, and even at-home care. The community puts focus on person-centered care to help every resident feel valued and understood, especially those living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and customizes daily routines through the Daily Moments of Success program, which tries to recreate familiar environments and maintain a sense of belonging for each person. The building's a single story and handicap accessible, with safety features such as emergency pull-cords and circular hallways meant to reduce confusion or wandering, while professional care staff stay on-site around the clock and nurses remain on call.
There are a range of floor plan options, from studios to suites like the AA, CC, and DD apartments. Many units include private bedrooms with patterned comforters, bedside tables, and large windows for natural light, plus private bathrooms and walk-in closets. Every unit has an emergency call system, and some have features like full tubs and wheelchair accessible showers. Pets are allowed.
Brookdale Ithaca's amenities are set up for both comfort and socializing, like common rooms with fireplaces, a sunlit enclosed porch with wicker furniture, a spa, a resident lounge, a fireside lounge with a piano, and a movie lounge, plus a theater and a library stocked with large-print books and periodicals. There are activity rooms, an arts and crafts center, a community kitchen, and private dining rooms for gatherings. There's a courtyard and gardens for outdoor enjoyment, walking paths, and a patio garden, while the inside spaces use cheerful decor and soft lighting.
The dining program provides three meals a day in a full-service dining room with restaurant-style seating, where red linens and wood chairs soften the mood, or residents can opt for guest meals, room service, and even private dining. Weekly menus include favorites suggested by residents, and the kitchen can accommodate special diets like low sodium or low sugar. There are snacks available. Residents can join in organized activities such as book clubs, bingo, movie nights, dancing, and watercolor art, plus devotional and religious services for Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish needs.
Specialized care includes Alzheimer's and dementia programs like the Clare Bridge and the newer Clare Bridge Crossings for early-stage memory care. There's secure access, gentle guidance from experienced staff, and mentally stimulating activities that encourage recognition and recall. Regular wellness monitoring, visual reminders, and structured programs help promote safety, confidence, and dignity for people who may need extra support.
Everyday tasks like bathing, mobility, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and even dressing get help as needed, with services available around the property, continence management, and medication support. Staff coordinate outside care when needed, and licensed nurses stay available every day. Home care services and appointments are bookable Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Residents can relax in the beauty salon or barber shop, get free Wi-Fi and cable, and enjoy a range of practical services like maintenance and guest parking. The property connects conveniently to bus lines, and transportation comes both free and at cost for outings around town. Social outings, special events, and a supportive network help seniors stay active. The all-inclusive rent covers things like guest meals, cleaning, laundry, and maintenance, with payment accepted via private pay, long-term care insurance, and Veterans Aid (VA) benefits.
Brookdale Ithaca sets up living spaces, programs, and schedules aimed at balancing health, comfort, and a sense of community. Residents here find familiar routines, personalized activities, and help when they need it, without having to sacrifice their independence or sense of identity.
