Villa Gardens — Local services in Pasadena

My mother lived at Villa Gardens from 2010 - 2018. Both she and the rest of our family considered her incredibly lucky to have been able to live here for the last years of her life. During most of those years, she lived in independent living in her own apartment. As she encountered health issues with aging and was periodically hospitalized, she would always come back, spend time in the nursing center (which is part of the same complex) and then be transitioned back to her apartment with attention and care.

Villa Gardens is a pioneer in continuing care - they have many innovative programs; from things like bringing in young adults to be mentored by residents, to visiting musical performances, artists and writers, as well as a well stocked and current in-house library, cafe, swimming pool, and fitness facilities create a really rich and fulfilling and healthy community.

During the final weeks of her life, while she was in hospice, she was able to be in her apartment with round the clock attention from the onsite caregiver staff. Everyone worked above and beyond to help her be as comfortable as possible and ultimately were with her when she passed. My wife, children and I had eight deeply fulfilling years with my mother at VG. Swimming in the pool in summer, having a special catered 90th birthday party in the dining room, and becoming close friends with many of the other residents. My mother was active in the Villa Gardens community - a member of the residents' board, the librarian and editor of the monthly newsletter. Her life was rich, safe and healthy - both mentally and physically. Our family was blessed to have this resource in our lives. Special thanks go to the staff - Dmitry, Sara, Ruzanna, Silvia, Jon, Karina, Ricardo, Irma, Kathy, Carme, Juana, Kohar and many others. They always listened to both my mother and I, and were as caring, thoughtful and skilled as any team working in a CCRC could be.

My expectation is that by the time I am ready to live in a CCRC that nothing will exist that is on par with what Villa Gardens is in 2018. So, yeah, Villa Gardens...

Review is for their Villa Gardens Health Center in the back (Rehab/Transition):

5 star facility - Beautiful transition rehab home. Your love ones are in excellent hands. From the hospital to here. They take Medi-Cal or that blue/red white card.

Facility is like a more comfy version of the hospital with much more attentive staff. Very clean and organized place. Each room fits 2 patients, and a shared bathroom. There are huge windows to allow plenty of light in. This place is a great transition assisting place from hospital to here to home. They have a shuttle to bring him there from the hospital, and to the doctor appointments.

Physical and occupational therapy is great here! They'll teach my dad to learn to do everything he use to do, include on how to get in and out of the car, clothing, shower, stairs, etc.

They have their own kitchen and dining room. They have two different meal options. The entrees, soup, and deserts are declious! Family and friends will love it. You can dine in or out in the patio for free.

I love their garden. It's large enough for patients to do a short stroll. Shaded in a lot areas.

Just the morale, atmosphere is great. I've visited a different nursing home prior to finding this place for my dad, and mannnnn I am so glad to find this place. The other nursing home looked like any patient going there will end up stuck there forever.

Small parking lot. Ask for paper permit to park there at front desk.

Next to Villa Gardens Retirement home. Looks like a luxury condo or apartment complex.

They have other locations too! Claremont, la Jolla SD, Santa Barbara, Chula...

My mother lived at Villa Gardens—first in Independent Living and later, as her health declined, in the Care Center. Both were warm, supportive communities where she felt truly at home. We wish we had found Villa Gardens sooner. This was the 3rd facility she was in. She had many, many complaints about the others.

This past year was particularly hard on my mom and our family. My mom was in and out of the hospital and rehab at the Care Center eight times. Through each challenge, we got to see what happens behind the scenes during difficult moments. She connected with so many members of the team—PT, OT, nursing, nutrition, social work, housekeeping—and so did we. They didn’t just care for her, they came to love her. And she loved them right back.

Let me be clear: my mom was no quiet little old lady. She was a force—strong-willed, particular, and deeply principled. The staff respected that, rose to meet her high expectations, and cared for her with grace, humor, and dedication.

She passed away on Friday. And Villa Gardens was there with us, every step of the way. They still are. My siblings, our families, and I are forever grateful. We couldn't do it without you. We highly recommend...