Brookdale is a residential facility for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia conditions. The facility, which overlooks Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, opened in 1999. It has several pleasant sitting areas along with an enclosed patio for the warmer months. Brookdale has a diverse population of residents. Most are in their eighties. Some are fairly mobile and can communicate reasonable well, whereas others have very limited mobility and/or have limited communication skills. The caregivers at Brookdale work diligently at making it a good environment for the residents. Cornell Companions volunteers are always given a warm welcome when they visit and the animals have been enjoyed by residents and caregivers alike since 1999.