Brookdale Place at Valencia

On the tail end of Nob Hill is the Highland High School neighborhood, which has seen better days. Here Brookdale on Valencia offers a homey feel for those that are ready to downsize or move somewhere there is support. It is not fancy, or hoitey toitey like many across the country. It is also not poverty level living. Not ostentatious, but a gracious feel does permeate this place.
I rather like the great room, an expansive space with comfortable chairs and couches, a table or two. Nice rich color scheme, with lovely decorations that are changed for the season, though the main art features stay put year round. A lovely sculpture with the Brookdale Tree of Life is high above, in this massive two story space.
As you enter the front door, the front desk is on the right, looking over this expansive space. My mom really enjoys the main feature of this large living room, the grande piano that is well used here. They schedule musical features throughout the month with some good talent, who enjoy performing the songs of old. Some are professional, some are volunteer organizations and individuals. No matter what, it is deeply appreciated by the residents and the staff. Music really does sooth the savage beast and eases the loneliness that can occur as we age. The communal feel is there, sharing the music that has been enjoyed through out their lifetimes.
This particular Brookdale is safely enclaved, within a lovely 6′ iron fence, with a gate that closes in the evening. Opened by buzzing the intercom to get back on the property, there is good security in place, including cameras outside and in the hallways and main areas. Nice grounds are well maintained. Trees, grass and flowers, nice walking paths.
Concierge Services: Having someone available at the front desk, ²⁴⁄₇ gives a lot of comfort to residents as well as their families, who often worry about their loved ones well being. It can be very frightening to age in this society, but Brookdale does try to help in many ways. Definitely nice to have someone just a phone call away. Phone lines with unlimited long distance are included in every apt. As is an emergency call system that has emergency pulls in the main living area, living room and in each bathroom. I can attest that they do indeed immediately come to investigate if they get pulled. :)
The people that live here are a nice mix of New Mexico. The people that work here are kind and thoughtful — treating the residents like dear family members, remembering what they each enjoy, spending time with them as time permits, a wealth of patience and smiles.
Supportive services are part of the deal here, like scheduled transportation to shopping and medical care, beauty parlours. Also regularly scheduled outings such as the Albuq BioPark yesterday, with a lovely lunch next to the big aquarium. They are always asking for input from the residents so they will schedule things that they might enjoy. There is usually something for everyone.
The fellow that runs the kitchen staff and dining room is a true master. John taught Hotel and Hospitality Management for many years at Columbia in NYC. He hires good people from across the world. Born in South Africa, Portuguese, educated in Switzerland, he had restaurants in Brazil. Multi-​lingual and caring, he understands all sorts of people, many cultures. And he really values the elders of our society, I see him often times getting down on his knees to be able to hold the hands of a little old lady, so he can look into her eyes and ask her about what she enjoys eating. Asking for recipes and suggestions, he is a wonderful part of this facility.
Yes the rent does include 3 meals each day with many choices. Two specials for each lunch and dinner, though you do not have to eat the specials, they always have plenty of alternatives to choose from. Freshly made soups, 2 each day, there is always a chicken noodle and then some other one, that changes daily. Today was a hearty ham and bean soup. Made with baby lima beans and nice chunks of ham. She enjoyed it, as did I. Good stuff.
Living here has many options, levels of care. From Independent Living apartments, to an Assisted Living wing, there are choices. There is an ala carte sort of way of getting extra help, if you need it. Thus far my mom is not needing anything extra. Her independent apartment is bright and spacious. With a full kitchen, full size refrigerator and stove, which I use all the time, cooking her favorites. Big bedrooms, each with full bathroom
My brothers and I often would worry about my mom, but we really do know she is doing well as can be expected at this time. As my dad and Bette Davis once lamented, «Growing old is not for sissies.»
She has plenty of privacy here, but when she wants company, all she has to do is go downstairs. Her oldest friend recently moved in, they have known each other for over 61 years! One of the perks here, a price break, $ 1000. when you refer someone and they move in. Win!