Ivy Park at San Marino — Attraction in East San Gabriel

BEWARE!!!!

Disappointed by Assessment Tactics and Upcharging

I recently toured this assisted living facility with my 87-year-old mother, and while it appeared nice on the surface, the residents seemd well cared for and the reviews were mostly positive, the experience left me deeply disappointed. I gave them the $6000 deposit to hold my mother's reservation ( seems a little extreme for a non refundable deposit once she moves in and stays for 90 days) but not totally out of line. I can't imagine it costs them that much to paint and re glaze the shower, but....

From the start, I should have paid closer attention to how focused Susan was on the Resident Assessment — specifically how it would determine the final monthly rate. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but during the assessment, things became clearer.

We were honest when asked if my mother had fallen recently — she had lightly tripped on an extremely large curb just after moving in with us. That was entirely my fault for having her attempt it, as I was still learning her physical limits. She is extremely embarrassed about falling so it came off as she has fallen a lot. ( I guess, i cant be too upset at that upcharge too much, however.) They also asked about her medications, and my mother immediately answered, “I do my own medications.” I followed up by saying I want her to continue doing them — it keeps her sharp and independent.

There was a lot of discussion around her medications during the assessment, which made it even more frustrating when I received a follow-up call later that day saying her monthly rate would increase by $1,000. Because of that one curb incident and her managing her own meds, they labeled her a “fall risk” and claimed she’d need help with medication and showers — both of which she’s handled on her own since being a child.

To make matters worse, we were told she would need to use their in-house pharmacy for medication dispensing — otherwise, more “points” would be added against her, increasing her monthly bill even further. That felt like yet another layer of unnecessary control designed to drive up fees.

Then, only after I expressed how upset I was with the process, I was told about a “test” she could take to demonstrate she can manage her own medications. That test should have been mentioned right from the start — especially considering how much emphasis they placed on medication management during the assessment.

I’ve toured and interviewed several assisted living communities over the past few years, for my family members. This was the only one that felt so focused on turning the assessment into a pricing strategy. It didn’t feel like they were evaluating her needs — it felt like they were figuring out how much more they could charge.

I waited two and a half months for this placement. To feel like we were being upsold before even moving in was upsetting and unacceptable. I cannot, in good conscience, place my mother in a facility that seems more focused on upcharges than actual care.

To the facility: if you're reading this, please don’t respond with a templated apology like I’ve seen under other poor reviews. You should be more concerned with fixing the issues being raised than issuing polite but hollow replies. Families deserve transparency and trust — not surprise charges and upselling.

I wonder how many of the positive reviews are ok with being up charged, I guess if my mother had unlimited funds, what harm would another $1000 be on a $4500 a month charge for a studio apartment? You have any additional questions, I'd be more than happy to respond. I feel ive been extremely honest, unlike...

Ivy Park Neglect & Deception—Do Not Send Your Loved Ones Here

My mom had been in senior care at Pasadena Highlands for years, then in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for six months after breaking her hip. She was in good health when she moved into Ivy Park—but within three months of their care, she passed away. Their priority is not the well-being of residents; it’s maximizing profits from vulnerable seniors and their families.

Deceptive Sales Tactics

Kimberly Sanchez and her sales team will say anything to get you to sign. I was explicitly told they could manage my mother’s diabetes. Once we moved in and paid, I learned they were not licensed to administer insulin. Instead, they manipulated her other medications to compensate—going so far as to pressure her previous SNF doctor into adjusting her prescriptions. This is not proper diabetes management; it’s dangerous negligence.

Lack of Medical Oversight

Liberty, the nurse assigned to monitor my mother, ignored clear signs of her decline. The only time she ever spoke with me was to discuss additional charges to my mother’s bill. I had no confidence in their medical care—only their ability to increase costs.

Safety Failures

The emergency pull cords in my mom’s room were either nonfunctional or ignored by staff. I pulled them multiple times, yet no one ever responded. When I resorted to yelling for help, it still took over 30 minutes for anyone to show up. Imagine if it had been a heart attack or stroke—how many lives have been lost due to their negligence?

Humiliating Treatment

One evening, I arrived at dinner to find my mother wheeled into the communal dining area without pants. She sat, exposed in only a diaper and a towel over her lap, surrounded by other residents. This was despite us paying for laundry service and her clear preference to eat in her room. She was mortified, and I was horrified. No senior should be treated this way. Every elder deserves dignity, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves.

I was initially deceived by their polished sales pitch. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Their high-pressure tactics mask the reality of their neglect. Within the first six weeks, I noticed my mom’s decline and desperately sought alternatives. I will always regret not moving her out sooner.

If you love your elderly family member, do not send them to Ivy Park.

If you have any questions about my experience with Ivy Park, Garden Crest Rehab, or Pasadena Highlands, feel free to message me.

Please look at the other reviews. I find consistent 5 stars across the...

Ivy San Marino offers a serene and supportive environment for seniors seeking assistance with daily living activities. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted with warmth and compassion from the dedicated staff.

One of the standout features is its commitment to personalized care. Each resident receives individualized attention tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Whether it’s help with medication management, grooming, or simply companionship, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure the comfort and well-being of every resident.

The facility itself is well-maintained and thoughtfully designed, with spacious living quarters and inviting communal areas. Residents can enjoy nutritious meals prepared on-site, participate in a variety of activities and social events, and take advantage of amenities such as fitness classes and transportation services.

Overall, couldn’t be more grateful that I...