Brandywine Senior Living – Princeton

Overall we have been very happy with Brandywine and I feel my mother could not be in a better facility. The administrators and staff have been caring, attentive and accommodating from day one. The facility is beautiful and clean. There are a good amount of activities and the atmosphere is positive.
One area that could be improved is the food.

Caveat emptor.
The corporate owners are growing rich on the fees paid, and services though insurance/​Medicare/​Medicaid. Much could be done to improve the lives of the Seniors here.
You’d think that the CEO, who’s on the board of the Assisted Living Federation Of America would be concerned with the issues?
The Medicare doctors they send your loved ones to – without notice and without their medical history/​files — a problem. They order the wrong tests, send you to the wrong doctors, for the wrong ailment, all with a smile, and apology. And a bill… to your insurance company, and a lingering ailment.
The food… UGH.
The food is terrible; and the dining room is dirty. They don’t offer *fresh* salad. Iceberg lettuce doesn’t count. No yogurt. Or al dente pasta. No fresh fruit. Hello, an apple? a banana? an orange? Dad won’t eat what he pays for, and, like most of the residents, uses a hot plate in his room. Isolating and dangerous. The hamburger could be used as a hockey puck, if they had a rink.
Outings?
The «van» to shopping — sporadic, at best. Cancelled often. A $ 50 cab can be called to take you to the store instead. That’s a problem. Especially, when your parent can’t eat the terrible food.
Security
Last time we took dad home at 8:30 pm on a Sunday. There was no one at the front desk, the lights were out, the doors wide open. Took him upstairs, got him tucked in, called for his meds, walked back out. STILL no one there at 9 pm.
Staff
The lady at the front desk is lovely, and Stephanie tries hard… but it’s overwhelming — they’re understaffed, lots of turn over, not seemingly a great place to work given the # of jobs listed and Glassdoor reviews.
It’s pretty, and doesn’t smell… all good things. It’s not awful, and we’ve seen worse, but a few fixes and it could be so much better. Starting with food and medical attention.

I can’t say enough about Brandywine in Princeton. I visit every month and not only is the facility absolutely beautiful and immaculately clean, but the Staff are devoted to their jobs and it shows. There are so many Events going on throughout the day, not just your typical Activities, but Broadway Style shows, exceptional Entertainers (How the Activity Director managed to get Jenkinsons Aquarium to bring their Penguins to Brandywine is beyond me, she’s unbelievable!) and exclusive events that capture the interest of the most discriminating taste. (They had just gone to Grounds for Sculpture during my last visit) Kudos to Stephanie and her devoted Staff!!!
And the food at Brandywine in Princeton is absolutely delicious! It’s a treat for me to enjoy some of the chef’s specialties.
I have nothing but good things to say about Brandywine to Princeton and truly appreciate the devotion of the Brandywine Staff.

My mother has lived at Brandywine for 4 years. The staff are genuine, caring professionals. They make the residents and families feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy with their positive attitudes and smiles. I would particularly like to address the exceptional quality of the Activities Department headed by the Director, Stephanie. The activities range from legitimate painting classes taught by professional resident artists to fun arts and crafts, which touch the whimsical while providing the important hand eye coordination practice needed by elder folks. Flower arranging monthly provides the residents with a chance to choose and arrange fresh flowers and plants to give their apartments that special touch of home. Exercise is provided on a daily basis allowing a range of abilities to be addressed. Cognitive health is addressed with multiple games, card games, memory based games and even through the use of Wii. Stephanie and her staff approach the care of the residents in a holistic manner, which is beneficial to mind, body, and soul.

Brandywine, Princeton is an excellent facility according to family members. The staff is caring and attentive, activities are ongoing and original and all the residents enjoy and are proud of their accomplishments. It is a friendly and warm facility where the residents come first and the staff is always working hard to assure their comfort and contentment.

ON the web site they claim «Gourmet Food» but it is practically inedible. The group activities are few and far between. It is not an encouraging place for younger seniors to go, but a place to die. Most of the help are caring and do their jobs, but there is zero leadership and motivation for getting people involved and active in the community. If I had my choice I would change the place where my relatives are staying.

As much as the workers here try to do a good job they are hampered by a front office that really doesn’t care about anything but your $$$.
When it was Buckingham Place I would have said it was a good place. Since it was bought by Brandywine Senior Living it’s gone down hill fast. They have cut the number of aides on duty, have problems with dispensing the wrong medications, theft of personal property & neglect of both residents & the facility itself.
Save yourself & your loved ones a lot of grief & go elsewhere!