Commons at Brightmore

I am so thankful my Mom and I landed at The Commons at Brightmore. She has been living in Paraklay Way for about 2 years, but was a resident in two other units prior to this last move. As Mom's cognitive status has changed, the staff has gently adapted along with us, and has patiently educated me as I struggled with Mom's dementia. As a staff member said recently, "This is her home. We are all a family." And I am ever so thankful for that sentiment and the care they give that reflects it. What a gift to hear a staff member say, "Oh I love working with this population. It just speaks to my heart." And I have heard that over and over. I get photos of my Mom when I cannot be there for a few days, they are patient with my many worries, and let me partner with them in activities and celebrations when possible. Some friends and I recently participated in a WONDERFUL Valentine's party all planned by the Paraclay Way staff. We had SO much fun! But on any day, my Mom loves these kind, talented, caring folks as do I. They continue to help me adapt as my Mom's illness progresses, assuring me all the while what a good daughter I am and how much they love my Mom. What could be better? So thankful. . . .

We placed my mother-in-law there because it seemed to have a great rating. Our experience was the opposite of great. Chronic understaffing that led to decreased patient care as well as a lack of cleanliness. In less than 9 months they moved her three times within the facility. I would not recommend this facility to anyone. As her sister put it “they have an undeserving high rating”. Nothing about our experience would be even close to adequate. When I asked to see the log showing that she was checked on every 30 minutes ( this is their policy) logs were either missing or incomplete. It was clear that the staff were overworked and under appreciated by management.

Moved my mom here about 6 weeks ago and could not be happier the whole whole experience. Prior to her arrival she was struggling with advanced dementia and ended up in the hospital for extended periods as this horrible disease progressed. I had started to believe that I could not maintain a relationship with her because of the combative behavior among other struggles. But after a couple of weeks in the memory care unit at Brightmore she has calmed and settled in VERY nicely. Thanks to the nursing and care staff efforts - I am able to visit her regularly and go back to having a great relationship with her again.

My mom moved into The Commons at Brightmore and I finally feel like we are in the right place! Director Kelly Paxton and clinical director Emily Wadkins both put me at ease that I’ve found the right place. And then I met Danyel Alston who overseas my moms section… amazing!!!! She has the perfect touch with my mom and really cares. It’s obvious she cares. AND, I have a direct line to her anytime I have a question or concern or just want to check in and see how things are. She believes in getting the residents up and out of their rooms and she gets things done with my “resistant to care” mom with a gentle, loving but firm touch that my mom is really responding to. Thank you Danyel , Emily and Kelly. Oh! And Latonya who’s been there 26 years. Amazing group of ladies. Thank you. 🙏🏻