Geez, these people are reliving their college days but with nicer rooms, better food, and no…read moredrunken frat boys in site (although I was there for lunch so maybe in the evening it gets wild, they do have a bar setup and are pursuing a liquor license). Lots of informational seminars available, full gym, exercise classes, lap pool and even a salon/spa. Full time nurse on location, good food, nice staff...all good things come at a cost and this place is not cheap. This is more of a retirement community, if you require more care, this may not fit your needs. And they do not have the option for more skilled care. Beautiful and pretty new, lots of vibrant people...and yes the ladies out number the men as usual, but there are a high number of couples there. Got to visit a 2 room condo...gorgeous, large bedrooms, large bathrooms, full kitchen. There were 6 of us in the living room with a wheelchair and there was room for 6 more. Better start saving now cause the cost of retirement living is only going to go up from here.

This is an outstanding property, and the cost of entry reflects the difference between this…read moreretirement home and other assisted living facilities. Brand-new, with an extensive array of activities available on-site, the place seems more like a luxury hotel than a place where old folks park themselves in the lobby chairs and stare at you over their walkers as you enter. Library, card room, art classes and studio, full gym with personal trainer on duty, heated pool and spa, grab-and-go deli area, wellness office with RNs, memory unit, beautiful grounds, secure parking, etc. The challenge is that the residences require a buy-in, typically in the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, which amount is explained to be 90% refundable upon the apartment being vacated and re-sold to the next purchaser. Once accepted, you then pay a monthly "rent" of some thousands (which appears to be less than the monthly rate at many assisted living locations) out of which rent there is a monthly food allowance. In addition to knowing your financial capability they require a physical evaluation to be sure you can handle the level of independence required. The regular dining room has an extensive menu, and the food prices are deducted from the monthly food allowance which is part of the monthly rental fee, which means the food is much better and more varied than the two-choices/all-in-one meal fee charged by other assisted living places, where the food is often tasteless and of poor quality. If you buy more than your monthly food allowance has allotted, you get a bill to make up the difference. There is also a weekends-only upscale restaurant which is suitable for families joining a resident for dinner during weekend visits. The place is very clean and beautifully decorated, with the smart choice of handsome carpet squares instead of wall-to-wall in the hallways, for easy replacement in case of spills. The public areas are lined with good artwork, there's a large library, and there are many apartment floor plans to choose from, with large rooms and beautiful kitchen areas, balconies, and frequently there are powder rooms in addition to double-sink master bathrooms. More independent residents may decide to take an apartment in one of the villas rather than in the main building. Overall there's real thoughtfulness and excellence in the design and implementation of this place, and it's very "country club" in feel, so be prepared for sticker shock. Residents I spoke to were all extremely complimentary about Monte Cedro -- they loved it there. But who wouldn't?

At age 92 our mother needed assistance. We met with George and Narine to explain our family needs…read moreand Minoru Home fit the bill. Her care giver provides help 3 days a week. She assists with meals, takes mom on walks, assures she takes her medication and provides her with friendship. Its been a positive experience for mom and a big help for the family. If you are looking for help at home with your love ones call Minoru Homes.

We were doing a research to hire some help for my wife and I. We liked George and his wife right…read moreaway. The accommodated us and our needs. And, the lady who comes 2x a day is just fabulous. I truly recommend BrightStar.

one of the nicest facilities in Pasadena the staff is great and Andy the owner is fantastic super…read morenice and caring

If you are looking for a place for your loved one, look no more. Andy/owner, his wife, along with…read morehis caretakers provide the best experience for your loved one. I had the pleasure of working with Andy and his team and the passion they have for their residents is unmatched. I work with many owner/administrators and Andy and his team by far are the best I've ever encountered. I would absolutely recommend El Molino to anyone looking for the best care for your loved one.

We moved both my parents to the Pasadena Highlands nearly 4 years ago when their health started…read moredeclining. We wanted them to be able to stay together in the same room since they were married for 62 years. This was absolutely possible at the Highlands to do. Also, for my parents to keep their personal furnishings from home was a nice bonus too. We first moved my parents to the 8th floor - then moved them to the 4th floor when a little more care was needed - to finally the "Memory Focus Care" unit on the 1st floor last year, where my parents needed the maximum care. In all 3 moves, the Highlands coordinated with the family the movers and helped my parents adjust smoothly to their new rooms - which change isn't always easy for elderly people. In all levels of care they received at the Highlands, they were treated and respected by all the caretakers and the food was always delicious, which is very important too. The social outings and holiday events are wonderful and family is always welcome to attend everything. Unfortunately, my Mom recently passed last month (May 2019). Pasadena Highlands, especially the director Laura Sanchez and her entire Focus staff, were so compassionate, caring and truly became our 2nd family during this difficult time for our family. They made sure my Mother was comfortable and pain-free during her final transition. Laura took care of all the hospice coordination when the time came. This was truly appreciated by my entire family! My Dad is still living at Pasadena Highlands and we have no plans to move him to another place. We trust the Pasadena Highlands, love their entire staff and truly know they are taking care of my Dad like he's their own family member! I know this is more than a job to them! My advice to you - if you put your loved one at the Pasadena Highlands (or looking at other places), I know it's not an easy decision, but remember to trust your gut and stay involved with their care. You'll be able to appreciate the caretakers better and you'll be able make some wonderful lasting memories in their new home!

I can't speak to being a resident, but I can say that this business is menace to the neighborhood…read more Their maintenance people drop trash in the street, at one point there was what looked like sewage running all the way down the street every morning. They regularly have semis idling right outside mine and my neighbor's houses for hours per week. I asked them to have the trucks shut down due to my severe asthma. This was ignored. Any potential residents should understand that there is a ton of noise/back up beeps, idling trucks every day, all before 7am. To sum up, this company doesn't care about their neighbors and I'm concerned about how they may treat their residents.

When my mother was transferred to Connections we were very afraid. Once there though, we met…read moreMartha. She is a kind and loving caregiver who is always smiling. She treats all of us like family, especially Mom.

Not all that glitters is gold…read more I interviewed here and watched staff perform a three-person manual lift for a restroom transfer--something that should be done with a rolling commode, not three people straining with backs bent to keep a resident from falling. This is not a safe lift technique for staff or residents. Especially those who may be fall risks or wheelchair bound - as this resident was. Turns out transfers are routinely done in this unsafe manner because the 25-resident memory unit has only one rolling commode for the whole unit. One. Thats shameful. When this was brought to Director-level management, there was apparently no interest in the resident's care plan or in finding out why the unit wasn't properly equipped. The Director was only interested in finding out who disclosed the information. For a facility charging up to $40,000 a month, this level of basic equipment shortage is unacceptable. And the witch-hunting behavior of management towards nursing staff who bring valid concerns over safety is ridiculous. I am not impressed and I would not recommend.

Management is horrible! I continuously receive different information and never given a straight…read moreanswer. My brother and sister do not provide medical reports from Dr's visits nor give info. My Mom has dementia, doesn't eat good at all nor drinks enough water and it seems like this facility is only waiting for Mom to die so that they have another room to rent. I've asked management for a call back but never have received. Facility is definitely under staffed!

Caring caregivers, Active community. Responsive to residents and family's needs. Thank you, RPOK.read more

My husband's stepfather lived in Villa Gardens and so did his former mother-in-law. We knew it…read morewell. So when we had to look for a place for ourselves, this was the first place we looked. We liked it A lot. Enough that we tried to get in, but apparently we don't have enough money, so we didn't pass their means test. They gave us our money back, and we used it to move into another place in Pasadena.

My heart breaks to share that our beloved 98-year-old Grandpa Ken passed shortly after Andrew and I…read moremarried. Up until a month ago, Grandpa continued his daily routines of stretching, gardening, walking, exercising, socializing, driving, and investing in his stocks. The past month has been an emotional rollercoaster with Grandpa suffering from a fall fracturing his vertebra, a recent heart attack, and the discovery of aggressive cancer. Miraculously, we planned an intimate wedding at Grandpa's nursing facility within less than 24 hours of him being admitted. As our ring bearer, Grandpa held our family heirloom ring pillow Grandma Ginni (the same grandparent that passed in hospice at Villa Gardens in 2018) sewed for my mom's wedding in 1992. Before Grandpa passed, he signed our marriage license certificate as our witness. Although I'm brokenhearted Grandpa Ken couldn't get medically cleared to attend our larger wedding we've planned for 1.5 years on June 8, I'm grateful we could fulfill his dying wish to see his granddaughter married thanks to your wonderful staff including Irma!

I just moved my dad from Las Vegas to the Oaks. After searching various places, I immediately fell…read morein love with the Oaks. It's a beautiful place and the people who work there are angels. My dad loves his new place and appreciates how nice everyone is there. They take such good care of him. And yes, their food is pretty darn good at their restaurant! I often eat there with my dad and also enjoy talking to the other residents too. If you or your loved one are looking for a fabulous independent living environment, with some support (daily check ins, weekly cleaning, meals, etc), I highly recommend the Oaks! Ask for Steven and Luis to get a tour!

My aunt recently moved out after being at The Oaks, collectively, for at least 4+years. The 5 stars…read moreare mainly due to Luis, the manager. He is so good with the residents (always made my aunt smile), was quick in his responses and was always willing to go the extra mile. The facility is 4 stars mainly because it's dated. And the food is 3.5 mainly because of the heavy-handed seasoning. Overall, the community is great. Thank you, staff, for all your hard work!