The Magnolia of Millbrae — Local services in Millbrae

I am not one to write reviews but feel that The Magnolia deserves one.

As our parents age, we as children want the best for our parents and that is what The Magnolia of Millbrae is. Whether your parent(s) are completely independent in daily life or if they require a little help with activities of daily living to a lot of assistance… The Magnolia of Millbrae is a perfect place for them. Each resident has their own apartment and can be as independent as they would like to be. They a can participate in multiple activities during the day such as games, TED talks, outings for lunch or shopping, wine tastings, music, movie, etc. The residents are served their meals in a lovely dining room with a wide variety of meal choices. The Magnolia also provides transportation to medical and dental appointments which is important when your parent no longer drives.

Both my mother and father-in-law never wanted to or planned to leave their own homes. But within the last year, each unfortunately had a fall in their home and fractured a hip. Although you can have part time to full time help at home… we found that the home care staff changes frequently, is expensive, and intermittent at times. Your parent also becomes isolated in the home. It became apparent to my husband and m that both parents needed to have a safe place to live where they had their own things, furniture, and pictures and could be as independent as possible where there was staff available to help 24 hours a day … just in case something was needed. Now, both parents have their own apartments at The Magnolia. My mother especially has become far more involved in activities at the Magnolia then when she was in her own home which is really wonderful to see.

The staff at The Magnolia is amazing! Many of staff members have been there since the Magnolia opened over 25 years ago. No matter if they have worked at The Magnolia many years or just a few months, the staff really seems to care about the residents. The staff is friendly and treat the residents like part of their family.

It has been over 6 months now since my mom has moved into The Magnolia and I recently asked my mom what she likes best about The Magnolia. She said the food and the fact that the staff is available to help each person with whatever their particular needs are. She has described The Magnolia as being on a cruise ship that never leaves port with good food, housekeeping, entertainment and...

My mother has now lived in The Magnolia of Millbrae for 1 year and as she tells everyone, “I love it here.” The building and all of the rooms are bright and cheerful. The center courtyard is an inviting and cozy place to sit at one of the tables and chat, read, play a game or just relax. You will find residents sitting at one of the numerous lovely sitting areas throughout the building. The apartments are beautiful and spacious and have everything accessible - full kitchen, washer-dryer, and pretty views.

The meals are absolutely delicious. They have a full menu with numerous choices at each sitting - meat, fish, and vegetarian. If you want a change, there is a darling little restaurant for lunch which also serves as a mini store that sells necessities. The chef is incredible and the wait staff are great and very accommodating.

Another excellent feature at the Magnolia is the focus on physical health. They offer daily exercise classes, and there is a beautiful pool and a gym with a great variety of exercise equipment.

My mother loves the many activities available every day: a game room (bingo, canasta, mahjong, poker, billiards, blackjack, puzzles, just to name a few); Happy Hour several times per week with live music; Giants and 49ers game events with hot dogs and treats; weekly Catholic mass; trips to restaurants, symphony, opera; news presentations; guest speakers. My mom says, “Everyday I’m so busy with so many events!”

It’s very convenient that The Magnolia has an accessible van that takes residents to medical appointments and shopping at several local stores.

It speaks highly that The Magnolia of Millbrae celebrated its 25th Anniversary and several of the employees have been there since the beginning. Everyone there is very friendly and truly care for the residents. The residents are happy and so sweet to one another. The other day the son of a resident brought his mom some plums and she shared them with her friends there. It’s like a big happy family.

We are so thankful that we found The Magnolia...

The Magnolia is a wonderful place to call home.

I know 3 people who have each chosen to live at the Magnolia for different reasons and each of them were very satisfied with their choice and decision for a variety of reasons.

The Management and staff are respectful, efficient and pleasant. The facilities and amenities are wonderful and of high quality. And the building and residences are impeccably maintained. Nothing in any of the front entry lobby or other common areas looked tired or run down.

Everything was clean, fresh and smart looking and above all, the air smelled very fresh and clean.

Walking in the front door, I felt like I was walking into a relaxing cruise ship ready to set sail, the residents all are upbeat, polite and very friendly

I was also impressed at how everyone dresses here. It’s nothing fancy but, all the residents look smartly dressed and put together.

And the dining room reminded me of eating on a cruise ship where everyone is happy to be there. The serving staff is among the best, they are very accommodating and personal and they make a habit of knowing each person by name. Very impressive

But of greatest note is the way the staff and administration work together in a coordinated fashion. It’s a round the clock operation that runs with the precision of a NASCAR pit team, everybody knows their task and it all comes together very well.

If I could convince my mom to move here, it would happen tomorrow but for now as a widow she still believes she’s fine in her 5 bedroom house! I know…crazy.

Hopefully someday I can convince her the Magnolia would be a great option...