Brighton Gardens of Columbia

Love the place

Brighton Gardens of Columbia was a blessing for our mother who was not easy to care for. She lived first in the assisted living side where she did very well but her dementia worsened and she needed more memory care. We were in denial of this but the team there really worked with us to introduce us to the idea and immerse us into it which turned out to be the best decision for mom, she was always around people in the smaller unit which mom needed and her care needs still taken care of. The staff became our family, they always knew us and we enjoyed getting to know them. It was hard to leave Brighton Gardens when mom passed. When the time came the team helped us through it with all kinds of support, we have never second guessed our decision to have mom at Brighton Gardens of Columbia - great choice!

Brighton Gardens of Columbia has been my elderly parents' home for the past 4 years, and it has been a perfect fit. The facility is clean, there are always plenty of activities for the residents, and the food is delicious. The staff cares for residents like family, and Veola is truly my folks' guardian angel. Best of all, my parents are happy. I recommend Brighton Gardens without any hesitations.

I have experienced Brighton Gardens as a family member (14 years ago), and as a volunteer (now and for the last 4 years). Sure, I volunteer there to do nice things for other people, but honestly, my primary reason is the way I feel when I walk in the door. In so many ways, its like coming home and being on a cruise ship, all at the same time. The facility is spotless, well lit and beautifully furnished and appointed.My history with Brighton Gardens gives me a rather unique view. I get to see how quality staff members choose to stay there for long periods of time. Four examples come to mind, each of them caring, patient, thoughtful and hard working people, as are most of the staff that I come into contact with. During normal business hours, June will usually be the first person you see. Not only did she remember my dad from 14 years ago, but I could easily see that her fondness for him was warm and genuine. June is often the face and voice of Brighton Gardens. It takes a special kind of person to do this job properly. June makes it look easy. I bet its not.Elizabeth is the Executive Director. I didnt know her back when, but what I see now is a calm, warm individual. The way the facility is run tells me everything else I need to know.Tracy was my fathers care manager. When things or people displeased my dad, he was never shy about telling me, but Tracy could do no wrong. Folks, thats like a magic trick. Tracy is still there, still friendly and patient, doing the job that requires maybe the most direct contact with the residents. We were lucky to have her at my dads side, and Brighton Gardens is lucky to have her there still.Sheila was and still is the Activities Director and Volunteer Coordinator. My dad wasnt interested in activities as such. His passions, among others, were teaching and writing. What did Sheila do? She gave him the resources and a time slot on the activities schedule to lead his own activity, a poetry class. That creativity (I would never have thought of that) and the above and beyond attitude are clear indications of the content of Sheilas character. In the present day, I see the activities portion of the organization from a different perspective. This is where the cruise ship analogy is most pertinent. There is always something going on. The large number and wide variety of activities ensures that there is something for everyone. When I want to volunteer some extra hours, finding an empty time slot can be a challenge, and that is as it should be. Brighton Gardens is what it is because of a strong team effort. The details and fine points are attended to with love and compassion. The residents who live here are lucky indeed. When my time comes, I hope Im as lucky as they are.

Very welcoming and great place to be :)