Brookdale is a large assisted living operator with communities across the United States

Brookdale Senior Living is a private company that owns and operates assisted living communities, memory care facilities, and independent senior housing in multiple states. It is not a government program — you pay out of pocket, through long-term care insurance, or sometimes through Medicaid (which varies by state and community). Brookdale runs over 700 communities under brand names including Brookdale, Emeritus, Sunrise Senior Living, and Brookdale Assisted Living.

If you are looking at Brookdale, you are choosing a specific operator, not a type of care. The actual services, costs, and what is included depend on which community you visit and what state it is in. This guide explains how Brookdale communities work, what to expect when you contact one, and what questions to ask before you move in.

Key Takeaways

  • Brookdale communities are private businesses — you pay monthly fees directly to them, and costs vary widely by location and the level of care you need.
  • Most Brookdale communities offer assisted living (help with daily tasks like bathing and medication) and many also have memory care units for people with dementia or Alzheimer's.
  • You can tour communities, ask about current openings, and discuss pricing by calling the community directly or using Brookdale's website to find locations near you.
  • Some Brookdale communities accept Medicaid, but this is not may provide — you must ask each community whether they participate and what Medicaid covers there.
  • Contracts and move-in costs (deposits, fees, first month's rent) differ by community, so you should request a written price list and service agreement before committing.

How Brookdale communities are organized and what services they provide

A Brookdale community typically has multiple levels of care under one roof or nearby. Assisted living is the main service — staff help residents with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and meals. Memory care is a separate unit (usually locked) for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, with staff trained in dementia care. Some communities also offer independent living, where residents live in their own apartments with no daily care but can use community amenities and services.

The specific services included in your monthly fee depend on the community and the care level you choose. Some communities bundle meals, activities, and basic information in one price. Others charge separately for extra services like transportation, laundry, or additional help. You need to ask each community what is included in their base monthly fee and what costs extra.

Brookdale communities are not hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. If you need 24-hour medical care, wound care, or physical therapy, you may need a different setting. Some Brookdale communities partner with nearby hospitals or nursing facilities, but they do not provide that level of care on-site.

How to find a Brookdale community and what to expect when you contact them

You can search for Brookdale communities by visiting Brookdale's main website and using their location finder, or by searching "Brookdale Senior Living near me" plus your city or state. Each community has its own phone number and staff. When you call, you can ask about current openings, tour availability, and pricing. Many communities offer virtual tours if you cannot visit in person.

During a tour or phone conversation, ask about the specific services included, staffing levels, activities offered, and how they handle medical emergencies. Ask whether the community is currently accepting new residents — some have waiting lists. If you are interested, request a written service agreement and fee schedule so you can review the terms before you decide.

Brookdale communities are run independently, so the experience and quality can differ between locations even under the same brand name. Visiting in person or talking to current residents and their families is one of the best ways to get a sense of how a particular community operates.

Understanding Brookdale's costs and payment options

Monthly fees at Brookdale communities vary significantly based on location, the level of care you need, and what services are included. A community in a rural area may cost less than one in a major city. Memory care typically costs more than standard assisted living. You cannot know the price without contacting the specific community you are interested in.

Most Brookdale communities require an upfront deposit or move-in fee when you sign a lease. This may be refundable, partially refundable, or non-refundable depending on the community's policy. You will also pay the first month's rent and sometimes a community fee. Ask for a complete breakdown of all costs before you move in.

Payment methods include private pay (you pay out of pocket), long-term care insurance (if you have a policy that covers assisted living), and Medicaid (in states and communities that participate). Not all Brookdale communities accept Medicaid, and Medicaid coverage varies by state. If you think you may need Medicaid to pay, ask the community directly whether they accept it and what the process is.

What happens if you need more care than assisted living provides

If your health needs change and you require skilled nursing care (like wound care or physical therapy), a Brookdale assisted living community cannot provide that. At that point, you would need to move to a skilled nursing facility or hospital. Some Brookdale communities have partnerships with nearby nursing homes or hospitals that can help with the transition, but this is not may provide.

Before you move into a Brookdale community, ask what happens if your care needs increase. Some communities have a memory care unit on-site where you can move if you develop dementia, but they may not have a higher level of care. Understanding this ahead of time helps you plan for the future and know what your options would be.

Medicaid and other payment programs at Brookdale

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that can help pay for assisted living in some states and at some communities. Not all Brookdale communities accept Medicaid, and the amount Medicaid pays varies by state. Some states cover assisted living under Medicaid; others do not. You need to contact the specific Brookdale community and your state's Medicaid office to find out whether this option is available to you.

If you have a long-term care insurance policy, it may cover part or all of your assisted living costs at Brookdale. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to see what they cover and whether Brookdale communities are in-network providers. Veterans and their spouses may also be able to use VA benefits (Aid and Attendance) to help pay for assisted living, which is a separate program from Medicaid.

Questions to ask a Brookdale community before you move in

Before you commit to moving to a Brookdale community, get answers to these questions in writing:

  • What is included in the monthly fee, and what costs extra?
  • What is the move-in cost, and is any of it refundable?
  • How many staff members work per shift, and what are their qualifications?
  • What happens if I need more care than this community provides?
  • Can I tour the community and meet staff and current residents?
  • What is the lease term, and how much notice do I need to give if I want to leave?
  • Does the community accept Medicaid, and if so, what is the process?
  • What activities and outings are offered, and are they included in the fee?
  • How are medical emergencies handled?
  • Can I bring my own furniture and pets?

Having these answers in writing protects you and gives you a clear record of what you agreed to. If anything changes after you move in, you can refer back to the original agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brookdale Senior Living a government program?

No. Brookdale is a private company that operates assisted living communities for profit. You pay monthly fees to Brookdale directly. Some communities accept Medicaid as a payment source, but Brookdale itself is not run by the government.

Can I move to a Brookdale community if I am on Medicaid?

Some Brookdale communities accept Medicaid, but not all. Medicaid coverage for assisted living also varies by state — some states cover it, others do not. You must contact the specific community you are interested in and your state's Medicaid office to find out whether this option is available to you.

What is the difference between Brookdale assisted living and Brookdale memory care?

Assisted living helps with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. Memory care is a separate unit designed for people with dementia or Alzheimer's, with staff trained in dementia care and a find environment. Memory care typically costs more than assisted living.

What if I need more medical care than Brookdale can provide?

Brookdale assisted living communities are not equipped for skilled nursing care like wound care or physical therapy. If your needs change, you would need to move to a skilled nursing facility or hospital. Ask the community what their process is for helping residents transition if care needs increase.

How do I find out the cost of a specific Brookdale community?

Call the community directly or visit Brookdale's website to find contact information. Costs vary by location, level of care, and what services are included, so you must ask each community for their current pricing and a written fee schedule.