Select Page

Testimonials

OUR RESIDENTS LOVE US

Making the transition to Independent Living or Assisted Living can be challenging. The Brook has made every effort to ensure our residents have an experience above and beyond their expectations. 

OUR MISSION

“To provide a retirement community focused on assisting residents in achieving the highest level of independence possible in an atmosphere of caring and promoting quality of life–not to mention making ‘fun’ a part of each and every day.”

“Dad stayed for a week for respite care. We couldn’t have been happier! The staff was very friendly and caring. They were very attentive to our requests and seemed to be genuinely happy to be there. The facility was spotlessly clean, right down to the kitchen! Meals were cheerfully served and looked appetizing. The staff was very attentive to the needs of the diners. We’ll definitely consider using their services again for respite care or long-term residency.”

Mark N.

Gaylord, Michigan

“My Father-in-law is staying at the Brook. The room is just right and he has a nice view from his window. Staff appears to be very conscientious. He likes the food and the regular schedule. There are a lot of activities available for occupying the day.”

Cathy A.

Boyne City, Michigan

“Our family found The Brook of Newaygo experience for our dad very pleasant and worry-free. My dad was happy there and enjoyed and cared a great deal for the staff. The nurse often worked directly with dad’s doctor and his once a week home care nurse. We visited on a weekly basis and also found the staff above board and more than accommodating. His studio apartment was more than we hoped for and the entire building is beautiful and well cared for. The residents we spoke to when we stayed and shared a meal with dad we’re happy and content. The meal portions were more than sufficient and I found them appealing, and good as did my father.
I’m grateful for The Brook and their staff and highly recommend them. “

Susie C.

Newaygo, Michigan

“I can’t thank enough to the founders of this great institution. We feel so fortunate and blessed to have found the Brook Retirement Home. Because of difficult health conditions my best friend, he has lived in the Cedar springs, Houghton Lake and now the Big Rapids Brook branch. Their excellent service and awesome, friendly and engaged staff are consistent among all the branches. They truly care about their residents. Great place to spend the golden years when assistance is needed. It is like a five star hotel with the warmth of a loving family. They have so many amenities and activities that residents can participate in.

The management at the Brook is outstanding. They are always catering to the particular needs of their residents. They continuously strive to better their service and they are always looking for new ideas to improve on what they do. Their personal touch and loving care makes it feel like home.”

Aurturo P.

Big Rapids, Michigan

“I am writing this letter to express my appreciation for the staff and management at your establishment located in Gaylord, Michigan.

My mother, Angelique, was a resident at that facility from February 2017 through December 2019. My mother has just recently passed in December and I know she would have wanted me to extend her appreciation and sincere thanks to everyone. Both of us felt that the girls at The Brook were like an extended family. I always felt comfortable knowing that she was in good hands and that the girls treated her with love and kindness.

Everyone, including the kitchen staff and Karen who cleaned my mom’s room every Thursday, were always kind, courteous, and thoughtful. They never treated my mom as if she was a burden, but just the opposite, like they were more than happy to help with whatever she needed.

I think it is important that the corporate office know that the staff and management at The Book of Gaylord go above and beyond that which would be expected, and that their superiors should be aware when they have such dedicated and excellent employees. I am amazed at the compassion and kindness that was given to my mother on a daily basis and I can only again say thank you for always being there for her.”

Penny W.

Gaylord, Michigan

“We also had a loved one at The Brook of Gladwin, and I too would like the corporate office to know that they must be doing something right, as we never had a “off” day while we were there! Everyone should be commended for such a wonderful job that they do!!”

Shelly M.

Gladwin, Michigan

ONLINE REVIEWS

My mother "Jackie" moved here last year. She is more than satisfied with the Staff and very happy living here. Andrew makes all the difference. He goes above and beyond to cater to her wants and needs. The food is Good and Staff Outstanding. Highly Recommended. Thank you Andrew for making me feel good about mom living there.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Thank you Liana for the glowing 5 Star Review! We appreciate that you took the time to share your experience about The Brook of Gaylord team! Knowing that you feel good about your mom living with us means the world to us. Thank you for your trust and for acknowledging Andrew and our staffs commitment to making a difference. #satisfiedcustomer #seniorliving #thebrookofgaylord #5starreview
My mom was reluctant to leave her home, but she needed more care than we could provide. After a couple weeks at the Brook in Gaylord she was enjoying the surroundings, company and care. Her health actually improved. The staff at the Brook was top notch and treated my mom like she was part of their family.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Brian, for your thoughtful review. It means so much to us that your mom felt like part of our Brook family and that you saw improvements in her health and well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized compassionate care where every resident feels valued and supported.
My mom spent the last few years of her life at The Brook of Big Rapids. They provided her with excellent care. They have a wonderfully friendly and supportive staff that also helped us navigate the stressful journey of dementia. This is where I want to go when my time comes!
Response from the owner:Thank you Julie, we really appreciate that you shared your experience with your mom at The Brook of Big Rapids, we appreciate your kind words. Our goal is to provide not only quality care for our residents, but also peace of mind and support for the entire family. Thank you for trusting us with your mom's care.
The Brook of Gladwin offers a safe, warm, inviting atmosphere. My mom was there in assisted living for five years and we saw many different staff members during that time. The current manager, Christen, is the best and the care staff that are there now are also great . Christen handles things quickly and efficiently. She cares for the residents and was always professional while making each one feel that they and their care are important to her. Thank you Christen . The care staff were very helpful and compassionate with my mom. Overall, it was a good experience at the Gladwin Brook and I would recommend it.
Mom moved into The Brook of Gladwin five years ago. It is the perfect place for her--as she will tell you repeatedly. Activities are readily available: movies, games, musical programs, a well-stocked library, holiday/birthday celebrations, the occasional group outing, church services, and many more. Her apartment is very cozy, well-furnished and private. The staff is absolutely top-notch. They are pleasant, kind, highly skilled, and treat not only her, but all the residents with the utmost respect. We are so grateful for each of them. Thank you all.
Response from the owner:Christine, thank you for sharing your experience with The Brook of Gladwin! We are truly grateful for your kind words, it means a lot to hear that your mom feels that The Brook if the perfect place for her. Creating an environment that balances social, safety and independence is something that our team works hard to achieve every day. We are thankful to you you as part of our Brook community! #brookofgladwin #brookfamily
The Brook of Grayling is such a beautiful place. The manager Lacey is a caring person. Very easy to talk to and makes you feel like , you can talk to her about anything. The staff at the Brook are amazing and will treat , you're a loved ones like their own family. I highly recommend The Brook of Grayling.
I want to take a moment to thank the staff at The Brook, especially Natalie and Jodie, for the wonderful 101st birthday celebration breakfast they hosted for Jim Brand. Jim and his wife Merrelyn have been long-time members of the Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club. Most of our members attended the party, and had a great time. Phil Little, Cruisers President
Photo from customer review
My brother lived at The Brook for one year. The care my brother received was exemplary and gave me so much relief to know that complete strangers took him under their wing and truly cared for him. This was his home. My brother passed on April 4, 2026. The staff and hospice were very in tune with his needs and compassion. I grew to love the staff and felt like family. The Manager Karen is very personable and wears many hats. The residents are treated with respect, care, and genuine concern. ************** My brother has been at The Brook of Newaygo for several months. Im there 5 days out of the week. Karen, The Property Manager is wonderful and takes time to talk and get to know the patients. Clean facility. This is not a nursing home, it's a retirement facility. They all have been very kind to my brother and helpful. My opinion is quality help is very hard to find and retain! I feel at peace knowing my brother lives there.
Response from the owner:Thank you Karen, for sharing your experience with The Brook of Newaygo, we appreciate your support and review!
They have taken real good care of my Mom. IT TOOK ALOT OF PRESSURE OFF MY BROTHER AND I, knowing She is being looked after. Thank you for all you do!!!!
Response from the owner:Eugene, we understand how overwhelming this journey can be for families, and it means so much to hear that we were able to take some of the pressure of you and your brother. Our goal is not only quality care for our residents, but also peace of mind and support for the entire family. Thank yo for trusting us with your mom's care.
The Brook of Big Rapids has such a warm and caring staff. I visit my friend often, and every time I'm there, the team is kind, welcoming, and always willing to help. It's comforting to see how much they truly care about the residents
Response from the owner:Thank you Sarah for taking the time to share your experience with us about The Brook of Big Rapids. We appreciate your kind words and 5-star review! #5star #BrookofBigRapids #seniorcare
My mom has been living at The Brook in Gladwin for 6 years. The staff there is so caring and dedicated! I never have to worry about her care. If something comes up, they always contact me to let me know. I appreciate this so much! Thank you Brook staff for everything you do!
Response from the owner:Thank you Amy for sharing your experience with us! It means the world to us that have had such a positive experience with The Brook of Gladwin. #BrookofGladwin #seniorcare #5star
Very nice place and the staff are wonderful to work with.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5 Star review! #BrookofGladwin #seniorcare
My mom is living at the Brook in Gladwin. They have a great staff & are always available to talk to. Mom & our family are very happy with them!
Response from the owner:Thank you Joyce for the kind review for The Brook of Gladwin, we appreciate your continue support. #greatstaff #brookofgladwin
The Brook Of Gladwin is a beautiful facility with an amazing staff. The quality of care and the love our Mom has received is more than we could have asked for. They helped us physically and emotionally transition her into a place that still feels like home.
The Brook of Gladwin is an amazing facility. First time I ever visited was when we moved our mother-in-law a few months ago. They have great staff and very caring for this big transition in life.
My Mom moved in 3 months ago and the Brook took something that is very stressful and made it very easy and they were very accommodating. Christen was a blessing to work with.
Response from the owner:Jerry, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with The Brook of Gladwin. We are grateful to have you and your mom a part of our community. #brookofgladwin #seniorcare #stressfreeliving
The Brook of Gladwin has been a wonderful assisted living choice for mom. The facility is very clean, offering delicious meals, friendly, caring staff, a variety of activities, a movie theater, and hair salon. Private rooms and /or studios allow the residents to bring furniture from home - making it feel like home. The manager sets the tone for the facilities many staff with clear expectations of employee job responsibilities. Her positive attitude makes her very approachable when concerns or questions arise. Mom refers to The Brook - as home.
Response from the owner:MarciaSue, we are so happy to hear that you and your mom found our community welcoming, affordable, and truly felt the comfort of home. We especially appreciate your kind words about our staff and manager. Strong leadership and a caring atmosphere hep set the tone for our entire community, and we're grateful that it shows! Hearing that your mom says "it's home" means the world to us! Thank you for trusting us with such an important part of your family's journey.
So far so good - we always worry about how things will be at every stage, but the Brooke has worked with us and been very understanding as we push through. The staff and management are second to none. Wonderful experience!
Response from the owner:Sabrina, we are so glad to be a part of your journey and appreciate your kind 5 star review!
I have toured the Brook twice this past year for the possibility of a family member moving in. Each visit I have felt welcomed and comfortable. The entire facility is clean, and all staff I’ve met have been very warm and inviting. I hope in the near future my loved one will be living there. Each resident I visited with all commented on how they liked the Brook and the fact they felt at home.
Response from the owner:Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice review. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your tour and felt welcomed by our community. We look forward to welcoming your loved one and being part of this next chapter together. Thank you again for your trust and support.
Friendly staff!! 5 Star!!
Response from the owner:Thank you Scott for taking the time to leave such a kind 5 Star review!!
Very clean and comfortable place. Staff is very nice and accommodating.
Response from the owner:Thank you Kip, for your kind 5 Star Review!!
My family has had such a good experience with The Brook of Big Rapids. The staff there really care about the people living there and it shows in the little things they do every day. The maintenance team is honestly amazing. They’re always willing to help my dad with simple things like fixing his TV after he accidentally presses the wrong button, and they never make him feel bad about it. There have even been nights where someone has sat and talked with him for a little while when he couldn’t sleep, just so he didn’t feel alone. I feel like life is really about those small moments, and that’s what makes The Brook of Big Rapids so special. Everyone there is patient, kind, and genuinely treats the residents like family. It means a lot to know my dad is around people who truly care about him. I would 1000% recommend The Brook of Big Rapids as your next home ❤️
Amazing people work here. Great staff and always so pretty inside. Nice place
I love the Brook of Grayling. The staff are amazing. The building manager goes above and beyond for the residents and with the community. It's our favorite place to go on Halloween! Always clean and tidy
A wonderful place , the staff are amazing and friendly , knowledgeable and understanding !!

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Making the decision to move into a senior living center can be very difficult. The Brook is here to help guide you every step of the way. Visit one of our locations and you will see first hand why our residents love living with us.

Our purpose is clear.
Our performance is consistent.
Our passion is people.

FOLLOW US

The Brook Retirement Communities are an equal opportunity employer.

The Brook Retirement Communities fully comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits “Any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

Our purpose is clear.
Our performance is consistent.
Our passion is people.

FOLLOW US

The Brook Retirement Communities are an equal opportunity employer.

The Brook Retirement Communities fully comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits “Any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

Skip to content