Brightview Senior Living: Costs and Review

Brightview Senior Living is one of the most popular options for seniors in the mid-Atlantic region and parts of the northeastern United States. Though the first priority of Brightview is the care and comfort of its residents, it also goes to great lengths to create a welcoming environment for everyone. More specifically, Brightview has consistently ranked as one of the best workplaces in the aging services industry by multiple sources.1 Since its start in 1997, Brightview has built a strong reputation as a leader in elder care and has steadily grown its network of senior living communities. As of 2022, Brightview Senior Living operates 47 full-service locations across eight states.

Thousands of families depend on Brightview Senior Living to provide comprehensive services for older adults. This makes it one of the most important senior care companies in the tri-state area (as well as other locations in the region). In this guide, we'll cover the types of care and programs offered, amenities, costs, locations, and more!

Types of Care

Brightview Senior Living offers four standard types of care: independent living, assisted living, dementia care (or general memory care), and enhanced assisted living care. All but independent living provide extensive individual support from staff. There is a certain level of crossover between these types of care, and many residents and patients need to transition from one type of care to another, especially if they choose to spend years at Brightview.

Below is a breakdown of each type of care at Brightview Senior Living.

• Independent living: Brightview's independent living provides seniors with a resort-style home and eliminates the need to do chores on their own. Older adults who still manage daily tasks independently can maintain their independence while getting the luxury and security of living in a vibrant senior community. Things like housekeeping, laundry, and lawn care are all done by staff, leaving residents with more time and energy to enjoy themselves.
• Assisted living: This care is a personalized experience that is unique to every Brightview resident. The Brightview community of your choice will work with seniors to determine which kinds of tasks they can and cannot do on their own. This way, residents still have freedom and independence without feeling smothered or bothered by Brightview associates. At the same time, staff members are always available when a resident needs help.
• Dementia care: Dementia care is tailored to residents who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or similar conditions that cause memory problems. Both the facilities and activities can help keep minds active while also accounting for the special needs of every resident. Since dementia patients often require help with memory-related tasks (like taking medications at specific times), Brightview associates are trained to assist and even work to improve cognitive function.
• Enhanced assisted living care: Sometimes simply referred to as “enhanced care,” this type of care is designed for residents who require a greater degree of assistance from Brightview staff. For example, residents living with ALS, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis will require greater physical help from staff to manage daily tasks. Enhanced care is closer to the kind of service offered at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, as residents have access to 24/7 assistance and special attention on a case-by-case basis.

Brightview Programs and Services

Brightview offers various services to its residents, but its two flagship programs are Bright Minds and SPICE. Both of these programs make up the foundation of Brightview's senior care philosophy.

Bright Minds

Bright Minds incorporates a wide range of activities and services designed to enhance cognitive function and keep residents mentally engaged on a daily basis. These activities help encourage and reinforce healthy lifestyle habits so that seniors can overcome or delay mental decline as they age. The activities within the Bright Minds program focus on four health-centered practices:

• Social and mental engagement
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Medical health

SPICE

The SPICE program encompasses a holistic approach to wellness involving five key elements: spiritual, physical, intellectual, cultural, and emotional well-being. Rather than simply providing residents with the necessities to live, Brightview encourages residents to thrive and get the most out of life. All five elements of SPICE are integrated into the daily calendar available to every resident. Though the activities are not obligatory, staff members encourage residents to participate in as many activities as possible to help them feel fulfilled, engaged, happy, and healthy.

Brightview Amenities

In addition to the standard living spaces assigned to each resident, Brightview communities also offer special amenities to keep residents safe, entertained, healthy, and comfortable. Some of these amenities include:

• Chef-prepared meals
• Enhanced infection control
• Indoor and outdoor maintenance
• Specialized classes (woodworking, painting, etc.)
• Putting greens
• Resort-style gardens and walking areas
• Pubs and game rooms
• Libraries
• Cafes
• Check-in systems for visitors
• 24-hour staff availability
• Emergency and medical response systems

Brightview Senior Living Cost

While Brightview Senior Living has plenty to offer, it does not provide much transparency regarding the cost of its living spaces and services. Most senior care providers make their pricing structure public and provide a range of prices based on the services required. For example, someone requiring enhanced care would typically need to pay more per month than someone in an independent living facility.

Brightview Senior Living makes its prices available only to those who apply for a spot at one of their communities. Brightview does offer useful information to help seniors get help paying for the costs. However, since the exact costs are unclear and can vary from one location to another, it is virtually impossible to compare the pricing of Brightview to its competitors.

That said, Brightview's website and various resident reviews note that the upfront costs are relatively low. Each community has a set monthly rate based on the type of care and the individual needs of each resident.

How to Pay for Brightview Senior Living

Medicare or Medicaid may cover a portion of the costs of care if you require medical assistance as part of your Brightview living package. However, independent living, assisted living, and dementia care are typically not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. This means that you will need to make a plan for your budget before applying to live at Brightview.

You may still be able to get help with the costs of living at Brightview Senior Living through private health insurance like long-term care insurance. Additionally, Original Medicare or some Medicare Advantage plans may pay for certain services you get within an assisted living facility, like fitness or medical costs.

Brightview Senior Living Reviews and Ratings

Brightview Senior Living is highly regarded in the industry. It has been listed in both Fortune magazine2 and Great Place to Work3 as one of the best senior care employers in the region. Brightview has also recorded more than 1,600 reviews and testimonials from residents, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some of the most common praise goes to the quality of the facilities and social programs. However, some residents have complained about understaffed locations and slow response times from staff members.

Brightview Senior Living Locations

Brightview has 47 communities across eight states, including various communities in the tri-state area. You can find Brightview locations in the following states:

• Connecticut
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

Final Thoughts on Brightview Senior Living

Brightview puts a great deal of emphasis on improving the quality of life of its residents. Through programs like Bright Minds and SPICE, staff members work to consistently keep residents happy, healthy, and comfortable in their new homes. The company also offers a wide range of amenities, including restaurant-quality dining and beautiful facilities and grounds. The lack of pricing transparency may make it difficult for some older adults to plan their financial future. Nonetheless, Brightview Senior Living provides excellent care for seniors in the mid-Atlantic region and the northeastern United States.