Directly across the street from Brookdale at Ocean House is a park, which overlooks the ocean and is dotted with plants and benches along its wide walkways. The building entrance is marked by a wrought-iron gate, which passes a mature ficus tree. Inside the gate, a large garden beckons with its cushioned wicker chairs, umbrella-topped tables, various plants and small putting green; the five-foot concrete wall surrounding the property allows for privacy. The lobby is marked by a large aquarium and a reception desk. The adjacent lounge features multiple couches, chairs, coffee tables and a handful of magazines awaiting perusal. The dining room faces the ocean and the dark floral brocade chairs, high windows, crisp white tablecloths and lovely tableware add to the feeling of being in an upscale restaurant. During our tour, we saw staffers setting tables for lunch. Residents had a choice between chicken, fish or a vegetarian dish; all choices looked fresh and attractive. Alternatives are always on offer, as is the salad bar.
Residents’ rooms vary in size and shape. Those that face north or west have the most spectacular views of the coastline. North facing rooms have balconies; all others have large windows. Neutral-colored carpet allows residents to decorate any way they choose. Residents can indulge in their favorite activities in various communal spaces, including the card room, TV room, community activity room, exercise room or the breathtaking lounge that acts as both a library and auxiliary exercise room. The lounge, with breathtaking views of the ocean, houses books, tables, magazines and a fireplace. During our tour, a meditative breathing class was in progress with many residents participating. The top-floor patio boasts another amazing view and is an excellent spot for barbecues. At the time of our visit, some residents were outside and others were in an adjacent room doing everything from crossword puzzles to gazing at the sea.
The residents are active and enjoy outings once a week to destinations such as concerts, museums, plays—or even casinos and horse racing events! In-house activities include bingo, a book club, card games, exercise and poetry reading. Half the residents are Jewish. Shabbat is held every Friday night. Management runs the place exceedingly well and residents are seen as having holistic and very individual needs. We met a ninety-three-year-old resident after having toured her room. She looked much younger than her age and was beaming from her well-spent morning that began with a walk followed by a meditation class; she was on her way to “dress for lunch.” The facility accepts residents only with the mildest forms of cognitive impairment. Residents are given an emergency pendant to wear along with pull cords in rooms as an extra precaution.
