I have been in business 17 years as a private geriatric care manager and think the public deserves to know how the owners of this assisted living home conducted business. On Friday, June 14, 2024, I toured Serenity Villa with a client of mine, a potential resident. We were shown two available private rooms and agreed to take one and move in on June 20. On 6/18 12:39 PM Maritza (staff) texted to say the room was no longer available for my client. She said Allie could go into a shared space though. I was on vacation so didn't see this text. On 6/19 at 9:59 AM, I called the owner of Serenity Villa, Aida, who said they chose to phone a person who had toured a couple of months ago to let them know someone expressed interest in the room. Apparently that motivated that old lead to hustle over and put down a deposit. The room was given to that person instead of my client! I expressed to Aida that we were very disappointed to lose the room as the caregiver for the potential resident was leaving the state on 6/22 for a two-month period and we were now in a bind to find a new place with one day's notice. She said, "This is a business." I told her I thought reneging was very unprofessional and unethical. She didn't seem to care. She offered a shared room, but my client has not shared a room since college and said no thank you. I suggested to Aida that perhaps the person they gave the private room to could take the shared room instead for two months, and then after my client left, take the private room. Aida was not interested in this arrangement. I was angry at this switch and commented to Aida that she had not even apologized for the change. She didn't think she needed to since "this is a business" and they can do what they wish. FYI: According to the licensing agency for care homes, Community Care Licensing, this building has five type A citations. An "A" citation "is for the most serious type of violation in which there is an immediate risk to the health, safety of personal rights of those in care." read more

Don't doubt the people at Serenity Villa are truly miracle workers. My father lived there the last two months of his life and benefited greatly from all the kind people, thoughtful and attentive care. It's impossible to put to words the comfort Serenity Villa provided during a tender time. I am eternally grateful for the thoughtful and respectful care of my father. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. read more

My mom lived at SV for over a year and a half. After living at an assisted living facility in Petaluma, my mother required the next level of care which was help with mobility issues, etc. and finding Serenity Villa was a blessing in which we had no idea at the time. The level of care and compassion was absolutely top-notch. The ratio of caretakers to residents far exceeded any large facility and makes a huge difference. What I didn't realize at the time she moved in was that they literally took care of everything, something I had not experienced from previous living experiences. Doctor appointments, nails, hair, etc. Basically everything. None of this I had to schedule or transport. When we were experiencing wildfires and evacuation, they managed to drive them to safety miles away and care for the residents remotely for about a week. Nothing short of miraculous, they handled this with grace during a very stressful time for everyone. The caretakers are exceptional -- kind, caring, funny and compassionate. Honestly, this was the first time in a few years I felt at peace with where my mom was and she felt it too. A trusted friend who owns an in-home elder care business referred me to Serenity Villa so I felt it was a good decision at the time, but I never imagined the feeling of gratitude I would have for the owners, German and Aida, as well as Maritza and all of the caregivers. I honestly can't say enough about my experience with Serenity Villa. Even after my mother had passed we came the following day to collect her things and they had already taken the time to gather her belongings for us which eased the process immensely. This is the kind of thing they do. They genuinely care about their residents as if they were family, and it shows. read more

We couldn't be more grateful for Serenity Villa in Sebastopol. Our mother moved in there a little over a year ago, after experiencing moderate dementia and a host of physical challenges. She was a bit eccentric and used to living on her own, and the staff went out of their way to help her adjust and feel comfortable (even going to a different grocery store to find her favorite snacks). Her mood improved within a month of being at Serenity, and she always talked about how much she enjoyed the food. We found the staff to be caring and thoughtful, and the facility was always clean. German and Aida (the owners) were always receptive to our needs and requests. My mom's private room was tiny, but she was content there and never asked to return to her home. Our mother was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in December and declined precipitously. During the last several weeks of her life, we had the opportunity to get to know the staff more closely, as we were there so frequently. I was so moved by their level of care and concern for my mom. After she passed, four different caregivers (all of whom we had worked with closely) came in to say their goodbyes - holding her hand, hugging her, crying. One staff person even came in early for her shift so that she would have an opportunity to say goodbye to my mom before the mortuary arrived. Two of the caregivers helped me clean my mother's body, and they were loving and attentive. This is a level of care you can't buy - these women genuinely loved my mom, and I will always be grateful for their care of her (and kindness to me and my brother during their dying process). If you have an elder you love who needs a higher level of care, I would highly recommend Serenity Villa based on our experience. read more

My family has had some very sad experiences with assisted living facilities in the past. Foul odors; lousy food; underpaid, unqualified, and uncaring staff; screaming patients at all hours, etc. My cousin and I are responsible for one of our uncles, and we were prepared for the worst when we had to move him into a facility because home is no longer an alternative. That's why we are still pinching ourselves at our good fortune to find Serenity Villa. Right from the start, German has proven to be kind, considerate, flexible, and he clearly cares about the patients under his care. My cousin and I checked the place out several times - unannounced - while we were doing our due diligence. We found Serenity Villa clean, quiet, and pleasant every single time, day or night. German's staff members are incredibly friendly and helpful. Just yesterday, my cousin and I were trying to think of anything we could improve, and couldn't come up with a single thing. The best part is our uncle is happy for the first time in two years, or at least as happy as anyone could be when it is no longer possible to live independently. German allowed us to decorate the room with our uncle's personal furniture and accessories, so it feels very much like home to him. He enjoys German and the Serenity Villa staff, and even likes the food. We wish he would take better advantage of all the programs and socializing activities that are available to him, but that is more a function of his personality than it is the breadth and quality of activities that are available to the patients. Bottom line: We warmly and enthusiastically recommend German and his team at Serenity Villa. Five stars, easy! read more

My father resides at Serenity Villa. I love it there. Seriously! The owners are present and involved. They care about each and every resident. Their staff are happy people who love what they are doing. It's like a big family. Dad has a private room but eats all meals in a home style dining room with the other 14 or so residents. Meals are prepared on site and are excellent. The atmosphere is light and friendly. Multiple activities are available daily. From goup exercise to painting, crafts and art. From trivia, and movies to piano, guitar and ukelele sing-along musicians. The warm and bright facility looks and smells clean and fresh at all times. My father is thriving in this loving and caring environment, surrounded by people who truly care and treat their clients as family. I cannot say enough good about them. I visit 4-5 times a week at all hours and have never encountered anything but wonderful loving competent caring staff in a clean and neat, comfortable environment. Thank you Serenity Villa for all you do!! read more

Serenity Villa's home and staff are amazing! My father needed the care and Serenity Villa took him in patiently and carefully. I no longer need to stress and worry because I am assured that he is in good hands with the loving staff. They are professional, compassionate, and eager to learn about my father and his life. The premises is big and comforting to ensure that everyone that lives and visits feels a sense of home. The furniture is beautiful and I love seeing my father in a clean and safe environment. Thank you Serenity Villa for being dependable, safe, and a true gem that now feels like apart of family. THANK YOU!!!!!!!! read more

My 88-year-old parents-in-law were both in a rehab facility last fall when it became clear that due to their cognitive decline they could not return to their previous retirement community. We checked a number of living options for them and were impressed with Aida and Serenity Villa. During their three month stay there, my parents-in-law presented numerous significant challenges. The staff treated them with kindness. Aida and German were generous, caring and accommodating. Aida worked especially hard to get them appointments with a popular Geriantologist. I am grateful for their excellent care at a very difficult time. read more

A dear friend of mine moved to Serenity Villa last week. He is 91 and I was worried about the type of care he would receive, in ANY facility. Thank goodness, I needn't have worried about Serenity Villa!! Upon my first drop-in visit, I was met with a wonderful welcome and kind and caring staff. I was so, so happy to discover my friend settled into a beautifully furnished room that was different than any facility of its kind that I've experienced!! His room was tasteful, comfortable, cozy and CLEAN!! (Upon walking into Serenity Villa, I was immediately aware of the super fresh smell!! Not an "antiseptic" odor, just fresh and clean!" After visiting my friend for quite a while, the owner stopped in to make sure he wasn't getting worn out- which I appreciated!! The level of caring here is amazing! I was then invited to tour the facility, which I'm so happy to have been able to do. The whole place is tastefully decorated and there are many cozy and inviting common areas. I will look forward to sitting with my friend in one of these beautiful, sunny rooms, talking or just hanging out, enjoying each other's company. They have a beautiful kitchen, nice menu, and many activities and programs for their residents. One I was particularly interested in is their music program. A type of therapy that has been shown to help with the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia. The owner, German (sp?), is obviously interested in doing everything he can to provide the BEST for the residents of Serenity Villa!!! This place is awesome! read more

Our 88 year old parents lived in Serenity Villa for several months and recently moved out in January 2019. They did not like Serenity Villa at all and begged us to find them another place to live. Their primary complaint was that the staff was unkind and did not treat them with respect. They have now moved to another assisted living facility nearby in Petaluma and they are both much happier now. If you are considering Serenity Villa for your loved ones, I recommend looking elsewhere instead. read more

Our Mom stayed there after a stint at Apple Valley Rehab (bad place). The caretakers are love generators and treated my mom so well. The building is clean and spacious. The rooms are large. Food is topnotch. The owners are fine people. I have nothing negative to say (unusual for me). Our mom was on hospice with a lousy company (Heartland Hospice) and the staff at Serenity made up for it. read more

I am so grateful for this place and the people that make it feel like a natural home for there residents! I volunteer here and am so happy to do so because of the owners and amazing dedicated staff. No one seems burdened by the job and I feel everyone is treated as they themselves would wish to be treated at that age. Even calling residence mom and grandma to fully engage with them and make them feel at home. I personally grew up with my grandma and would volunteer with her at assistant living centers. Serentiy villa is a gem in our community and I so recommend it for anyone looking for a caring thoughtful place for a family member. read more

This will be on on-going review.. My family was placed in a very challenging position of overseeing the care of a close family friend. The journey began with an accident and accelerated nerve disease. We coordinated bringing in full time care givers in her home which presented so many challenges the worse of which was an abuse case and subsequent arrest of one of the caregivers. After a serious fall, operation and rehabilitation time at Apple Valley we began exploring options to at home care. When she was cared for at home with minimal catalysts we felt her life options were at a minimum. It came down to just sustaining her life as opposed to options for living. We knew she would not like a care home style environment and by chance stopped in to investigate Serenity Villa. When you first walk into the facility of course it was clean but even more so the staff and residences appeared to really enjoy being there. It did not have the associated aroma of an old peoples home and is a cross between a facility and home environment. After meeting German the owner and his wife what I had hoped for the most was about to be a reality. A place we would know our friend would be cared for and about, her physical and emotional needs addressed and most important she would feel safe and at home with. There was a transitional time from when we were able to secure a private room and her and her stay at Apple Valley. They coordinated immediately with the Apple Valley staff to receive appropriate training and all the medical and care records required for a smooth transition. In addition stayed in communications with me one the progress. As our friend had some preferred dietary restriction they actually went out shopping to insure she would have the foods she would enjoy. In addition worked with us and encouraged us to decorate her room as to make her feel more comfortable and familiar. A very needed step to insure a smooth emotional transition. They even came to transport her with me and their warmth and invite put our friend in an unexpected relaxed state of being. At Apple Valley she was continuing to eat less and put her weight as a great concern. Once at Serenity and the way in which they go the extra mile to address their clients diet preferences, their chef is amazing, our friend began to eat all three meals and gaining the weight she so desperately needed. There is so much more to say but for now each time I visit or call the staff has taken every step one would want and beyond to be there for their clients. They are amazing and we are so grateful. thank you for caring and walking your talk to such a great extent. Just a side note......their mission statement is to provide reasons for their residences to want to life not just exist. read more

Serenity Villa is simply wonderful! After moving my mother to three different residential care homes in five months for various reasons, I was somewhat desperately looking for a place that had the right mix of personal care and guided daytime activity that would help my 83-year-old mother find comfort and begin to feel at home after a time of great transition and uncertainty. I feel so lucky I feel to have come across Serenity Villa. It's really exactly the type of place I was looking for, and to my knowledge, it's unique in Sonoma County. The owners German and Aida are a wonderful husband and wife team who manage their home (their private business) with great care and oversight. They've taken a former convalescent facility and transformed it into a lovely, calm space that makes you feel both at home and in the realm of professional care, which is extremely important for my mom. The building is older and not architecturally special on the outside (and heads up that there's a loud buzzer on the door, which is alarming when you first hear it, but necessary for resident safety). The inside of the building is quite nice and makes you feel good when you walk in. Soft music is usually playing in the common area at the front, and the wide hallways have numerous nice, comfy sofas.The decor is very tasteful (and pretty I think!), but not over the top, and there are several common rooms where you can visit and where residents do activities or spend their time. Another great thing is that the building is located really close to downtown Sebastopol and is within walking distance to the local medical center and various doctors'offices. German and Aida offer transport services for a fee, which has helped tremendously, as I work out of the area and am not always available to take my mom to appointments. The building has a large, commercial kitchen, and the food that comes out looks and smells delicious! They home cook healthy food all day. My mom needs to eat pureed food, and they accommodate everyone's dietary needs, no problem. German and Aida hosted an amazing Thanksgiving dinner for the residents and their family, and their toasts and acknowledgements made it obvious how much they care for all of the residents and the families and their staff. But the BEST things about Serenity Villa are the love and excellent care given to every resident. German and Aida have hired a great crew who are incredibly patient and loving and understanding of every person's needs. My mom presents ongoing and interesting new challenges, and the team is unruffled and constantly attentive. A particular selling point for me was the high ratio of caregivers to residents, about one caregiver for every two residents, which I didn't find elsewhere and which has benefited my mom greatly. When my mom first arrived, she didn't want anyone to touch her, which proved challenging b/c of her care needs, but just last week I watched in amazement as my mom gave one of the caregivers a small gift of chocolate, and the caregiver leaned over and gave my mom a genuine hug, and kiss on the cheek. That absolutely wouldn't have happened two months ago when she moved in, and I give great credit to the team for earning her trust and making her feel loved. German and Aida are really easy to communicate with, are always interested in ideas for making life the best for my mom and have helped me problem solve throughout this process. They also help with doctor or onsite care arrangements, and have basically made a very difficult, worrisome part of my life much, much easier. I'm very grateful to them and the staff, and we are truly lucky to have Serenity Villa in Sonoma County. read more

Serenity provides surface care. By that, I mean room and board. It can be an unfriendly environment where seniors are handled with disinterest and sometimes open hostility. The worker's are not monitored and are substandard. Doors are difficult to open, and often left locked to outside entry past opening time. Doorbells are left unanswered. The food is often tasteless. I do not recommend placing a loved one there. read more

I'm a 67 year old male and have been a resident of serenity villa for 5 weeks recovering from a illness, I go home tomorrow. During my entire stay here I have been greatly impressed with the quality of care I have received and that of my fellow residents. The staff has been wonderful. They are kind, carrying and professional. The facility is clean, cheerful, and homey. I would not hesitate at all in recommending this facility to any friend or relative. The owners, German and his wife have put their hearts and souls into this place and it shows. read more