Jennifer Blachly

Review of Brian Center & Rehab

This review refers to the short term rehab side of...

This review refers to the short term rehab side of the center. I can't comment on the long term side because I never saw it and therefore cannot give an opinion.

That being said, I liked my time in rehab. I have been there twice & fell in love with the staff. From the nurses to the administrators, from the ambassadors to the therapists, almost everyone treated me like a member of a family. Especially the therapists - despite the physical pain I was in, I really did enjoy going to the gym because everyone there was kind, friendly, and genuinely wanted to see me get better. Deepti, Tom, Julia, Brandy, Stephanie, the two Rachels, the two Kims, Al, Michael, Eddie, Cape, Matt and Nate -if I've forgotten anyone forgive me. But these people are wonderful at their job and I'd be blessed to call any of them a friend. Nate gave me a compliment one day that meant the world to me and inspired me to be better in every way. I'll be grateful to him forever for that. I also got especially close to Deepti and Tom while I was there and was almost sad when I had to leave because I knew I'd miss seeing their smiling faces every day.

But back to the review of the facility itself. Every room has its own air conditioner, which as a person who runs hot, I was very grateful for. Most rooms have their own bathroom and shower but not all. If you want to be sure you will get that I recommend asking before being admitted. Some rooms are nicer than others - I found that if you're on the side with carpeting, your room will be nicer. Their are no odd smells or elderly folks passed out in their wheelchairs. All rooms have their own televisions and are equipped with WiFi. The beds are comfortable. And they will bring in a rolloway bed so that loved ones may stay the night (or several nights) with you. Every room had a closet with a key and a small safe in the closet with its own key where you can store valuables. I also enjoyed that I was allowed to order groceries, shelf stable things like six packs of Sprite and snacks. They don't allow a mini refrigerator however.

The nurses are mostly amazing as well. Norma, Mary, Mirica, and Gary are superstars. Despite having a huge number of patients, they still manage to get their meds out on time and accurately. I love them all for taking such good care of me.

There are a few problems that need addressing and one of them is that it takes a very long time sometimes for the call bell to be answered and even when it is answered, the CNA most often takes a long time to fulfill your request. I once waited 45 minutes. This is not always true. There are some superstars there, including Tiffany, Tasha, Anita, Cat, Shaunita, Kahlia and a few whose names are completely escaping me. These CNAs are amazing and truly care about their patients.

Another issue is the food. They really need to hire better cooks and keep better stock. Several times I was served a slice of white bread, referred to as a "dinner roll" on the menu. Often their food tastes like it came from a box and cooked in the microwave. At breakfast they have grits every. single. day. I wish they'd change it up and serve oatmeal or cream of wheat on occasion. There is also no menu for diabetics and the meals are often carb heavy. When I asked for a diabetic menu I was told everybody gets the same food. There is the option of an alternate tray of food but it is often just as bad. I lived on Raisin Bran and PB and J during my stay there, and while certainly not ideal, I knew that my time in the gym would help keep my blood sugar in check.

I did run into a few personnel problems while there, but they were few and far between. Most of the staff will make you feel comfortable. James, the admissions administrator, went above and beyond for me several times. And despite my few gripes, I found The Brian Center to be a warm, inviting place. I think the people complaining about this place have never been to a rehab facility. The Brian Center is a palace compared to some of the other places in the area which can only be described as a hole. I can't recommend it more.