Brighton Gardens of Columbia

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, it’s 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 it’s not.

Elizabeth is the Executive Director. I didn’t 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 father’s care manager. When things or people displeased my dad, he was never shy about telling me, but Tracy could do no wrong. Folks, that’s 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 dad’s side, and Brighton Gardens is lucky to have her there still.

Sheila was and still is the Activities Director and Volunteer Coordinator. My dad wasn’t 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 Sheila’s 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 I’m as lucky as they are.

My mom has been a resident at BG of Columbia for the past 4 years. She lived in assisted living until recently when it was decided to move her to the the Reminiscence Care Program.
First, I must say that they although the decision to move your parent into an Assisted Living facility is very difficult, I could not have picked a more perfect place for my Mom. Each person who works there truly has a gift for working with older people.
June, who is both an amazing caregiver as well as the Conceirge is absolutely wonderful. Sheila, in charge of activities does a phenomenal job of meeting the diverse needs of the residents. Elizabeth who is the Executive Director has been so supportive and wonderful to both me and my mom.
Tracy who was my mom's caregiver in AL
Was so patient and kind to my mom.
I have been extremely pleased with the support my mom has received. In March we moved mom to the Reminiscence Care Program and I had a hard time accepting my mom needed more care. It was the perfect decision- the team really knows what they are doing and what is best for each resident. I cannot say enough good things about the absolutley FANTASTIC staff. Every single person whom I've met is truly committed to taking the bestbest of my mom....from Janee the coordinator to Valerie, Roodna, Robinah and all the other caregivers. Forgive me for not knowing each name as I'm still getting to know everyone. I have worked in healthcare for about 30 years (as an LCSW, Director ofHR for a large Home Health Company then as a medical device sales representative). I only mention my background because I have a lot of experience with caregivers and I am EXTREMELY impressed with the dedication and expertise that the employees of Brighton Gardens demonstrate on a daily basis.
My mom is very, very happy. She often says that I could not have found a more perfect place for her. That says it all! PS she also LOVES the food! Marvin does a GREAT job.
With a grateful and thankful heart,
Pamela Hughes Johnson

Brighton Gardens is a fantastic assisted living community that has committed and dedicated staff. They are very responsive to accommodate the ever changing needs of their residents.

Brighton Gardens provided amazing care for my mother while she resided there for 3.5 years. She was initially in the Assisted Living side where she was very active in games, outings, music, you name it! The care staff there could not have been sweeter, Mom bonded with her care givers so well we missed them after she moved to memory care but were still able to see them because they visited her. Eventually Mom needed memory care and the care staff there could not have been nicer with helping us adjust. I was worried about Mom not liking a smaller neighborhood but she really thrived for the year and a half she was there. She still played bingo and went to music and grew to love her new care givers too. The care coordinators really made sure we as a family adjusted as well as it was harder for me than it was for Mom. When the time came for Hospice, I was not ready but the administrators and mom’s care givers sat down with us to help us understand the reality ahead. They were wonderful, just wonderful considering the difficult time we as a family were having accepting mom’s decline. After Mom passed away I was really missing something from my life, I thought it was my mother but I realized it was also my Brighton Gardens family. I still go back and visit and I am welcomed with hugs by the staff. If you are in need of a place for your loved one, consider Brighton Gardens. The whole staff from the care givers to the administrators really listened to us while we were there and cared for not just my mom but our family too.