BROOKDALE COLLEGE SQUARE

My grandpa-in-law, Al, held a very special place in our hearts and in the hearts of so many throughout the Independence community. He was deeply loved by his family, friends, and countless past clients. My wife and I are in real estate, and even today we still run into people who immediately know exactly who Grandpa and Grandma were, simply because of their long-standing local business, Evans Plumbing. That alone says so much about the life they lived and the reputation they built. Grandpa was a businessman at heart and truly understood people and customer service. He was incredibly smart, quick to make friends wherever he went, and always eager to help. During renovations on our properties, it was not uncommon for me to pull up and see his old plumbing truck parked out front early in the morning. He was not contracted to do a thing, yet there he was, working alongside our contractors. They grew to know him well and often told me stories of Grandpa giving advice, questioning a method, or offering insight that only a well-trained, experienced eye like his could provide. That was Grandpa Al. Helpful, curious, engaged, and proud of good work. After retirement, Grandpa’s words slowly began to fade. Communication became harder, and eventually his speech gave way to his familiar expressions, his occasional laughter, and his warm, friendly smile. When he reached the point of needing full-time care, his final home became Brookdale College Square. What we found there truly exceeded our expectations. Every time we visited, Grandpa was involved in something. He attended worship services, participated in crafts, played games, shared meals, and made new friends. It brought us comfort to see him surrounded by community and purpose. We especially loved seeing a TV nearby playing his favorite John Wayne movies, a small detail that meant the world to our family. During Grandpa’s final moments, nurse after nurse came into his room to say their goodbyes. Each one spoke through tears about how he was one of their favorites. Even without words, Grandpa had formed genuine connections and left a lasting impact on their hearts, just as he did everywhere else in his life. Witnessing that was both heartbreaking and incredibly comforting. Thank you to the entire Brookdale College Square team for caring for our loved one with compassion, dignity, and love. You treated him as family during his final days, and that is something we will never forget. This community completely changed my perspective on the stigma often associated with nursing homes. If you are considering a place for your loved one, they will be in wonderful hands here. This is a truly special place with amazing staff and a caring, active community.

I am so impressed with how happy the residents are there every time I come for bible stories. I am also very impressed with how wonderful Pamela, Amber and Carolyn are doing activities with them. You can sure tell how much they love the residents because of their caring attitude toward them when we are there for bible stories and to see what activities they have planned. They are a wonderful example of kindness and caring for the older ones.

Brookdale College Square has been a wonderful place for my dad. Choosing a higher level of care has been difficult and the staff here has made it a lot easier. Andrea and Amanda in administration have been amazing and very accommodating. Nate goes out of his way to care for my dad and make sure that he is loved and cared for. One of the best things about Brookdale College Square is the activities. I was very concerned that he would be bored and not have a lot of interaction. The activity director, Pam, and Amber go to great lengths to make sure that all of the residents have engaging, thought-provoking activities and they treat them with such great respect. I don't worry so much about my dad knowing that he is in such a great community.

Brookdale College Square is a wonderful place for loved ones with memory challenges. We are grateful for the compassionate staff caring for our mom, particularly the amazing Activity Director, Pam and her staff. While not all residents engage at the same level, Pam has the ability to connect with each resident through daily exercise, music, games, bible studies and of course weekly family nights, holiday/birthday celebrations. There's always something going on, and it's often filled with laughs and smiles!

I cannot say enough about Pam and Amber, the two dynamic, innovative, compassionate activities directors at Brookdale College Square.Their relationship with each of the residents is really a ministry. They are creative, loving, energetic, attentive, respectful and fun! I can’t imagine anyone having such a variety of activities each day, evening and weekends. It’s wonderful for residents and their families too. Exercise, music, education, games, bus trips to local attractions and dining out are just a portion of what they offer. A true blessing!