Phyllis' Retirement Home II

Pros

• Starfish Care Homes is praised for its wonderful staff.
• The owners, Ben and Kris, are credited with creating a home-like environment rather than a facility.
• The home is described as a small, 10-resident setting with constant care from attentive staff.
• Residents are encouraged to join for home-cooked meals and mild activities.
• The staff are described as knowledgeable, skillful, and warm, providing care through the end of life.
• The home is cozy and clean, with attention to furniture, bedding, and comforts.
• Communication is described as clear, with residents' needs and family concerns heard.
• Starfish is recommended as an ideal assisted living home for loved ones.
• Caregivers are noted for compassion and devotion, with Ben described as approachable and hardworking.

Cons

• Old, ill people can be depressed, querulous, and demanding at times.

Review

Starfish Midtown in Tucson earns high praise from families who entrusted their loved ones to its care, and the stories collectively paint a picture of a small, intimate home where a dedicated team treats residents with warmth, respect, and unwavering attention. With just ten residents, the facility operates like a close-knit household, where each person is known by name and cared for with a consistency and touch that families say feels more like a family member's home than a traditional assisted-living facility. The ambiance is consistently described as welcoming, personal, and steady, with the owners, Ben and Kris, at the heart of the experience.

Across the testimonials, one thread stands out: staff members are more than caregivers; they are compassionate, skilled companions who stay present for residents through every moment of each day. Families note that the care team is knowledgeable, patient, and adept at balancing professional expertise with heartfelt kindness. The work, they imply, is non-stop - yet the caregivers carry that burden with grace, offering steady hands, gentle reassurance, and genuine devotion. In moments of decline or end-of-life care, the same caregivers demonstrate resilience and tenderness, treating residents with dignity and love even when the days are demanding or difficult. The sense of stability and trust that emanates from the staff makes a profound difference for families during challenging times.

The environment itself is repeatedly described as cozy, clean, and thoughtfully maintained. The home feels comfortable and lived-in, with attention paid to the little things that matter - a sense of homeliness, pretty bedding, and furnishings chosen with care. Meals are described as home-cooked and communal, inviting residents to join one another for shared dining and gentle socializing. The overall setting is characterized not as a sterile facility, but as a place that prioritizes comfort and familiar routines, where residents can feel secure and cared for in a familiar rhythm of daily life.

Communication is highlighted as another pillar of satisfaction. Families report that their voices are heard, needs and concerns are acknowledged, and information is conveyed clearly and consistently. This open line of communication helps families feel connected to their loved ones and reassures them that plans and preferences are respected. The sense of being part of a larger "Starfish family" is a recurring sentiment, with families feeling welcomed and supported as partners in the care journey rather than mere observers.

Several reviews center on long-standing, deeply meaningful experiences with specific loved ones. In one account, a mom lived at Starfish Midtown for a year and received care that left the family feeling enormously grateful for the environment created around her. In another, a beloved family member spent nine months under the care of compassionate caregivers whose devotion and tireless effort gave the family comfort and peace through the final period of life. In both cases, the home's warmth, cleanliness, and attention to the small comforts - furniture, bedding, and the overall sense of care - are repeatedly cited as factors that helped their loved ones live with dignity during their remaining time.

The owners themselves are repeatedly praised for their accessibility and work ethic. Ben, described as approachable and hard-working, alongside Kris, is seen as a driving force behind a home that feels genuinely cared-for. Their hands-on involvement contributes to the impression that Starfish Midtown is more than a business; it is a mission-driven home where leadership models the compassion and dedication residents require. The combination of strong leadership, a committed staff, and a carefully nurtured home atmosphere has left several families eager to recommend Starfish as an ideal setting for assisted living.

Overall, the reviews paint a cohesive portrait of Starfish Midtown as a small, supportive community where residents enjoy a dignified, home-like retirement or respite. The residents benefit from constant, compassionate care by a skilled team, a cozy and clean environment, and clear, respectful communication with families. The owners' active presence and the staff's unwavering commitment together create an atmosphere that families describe as life-affirming and deeply comforting during what can be a challenging period. For those seeking an intimate, person-centered option in mid-town Tucson, Starfish Midtown stands out as a place where care feels personal, attentive, and profoundly humane.

This area of Tucson, Arizona offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With a range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, including Asian, Italian, Greek, and American fare, residents have plenty of dining options to choose from. There are also several healthcare providers nearby, including dental services, hearing centers, pharmacies, and hospitals for convenient medical care. Places of worship are available for spiritual support, and nearby theaters offer entertainment options. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are cafes for socializing and parks for leisurely strolls or picnics. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with access to essential services and recreational opportunities.

Restaurants

• Pei Wei Asian Kitchen (0.3 miles)
• Olive Garden (0.5 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (0.6 miles)
• Miss Saigon (0.7 miles)
• Trident Grill III (0.7 miles)
• Opa's Best Greek American Cuisine (0.7 miles)
• Whataburger (0.8 miles)

Physicians

• Su-Wen Chang, DDS (0.4 miles)
• SoundPoint Hearing Centers (0.7 miles)
• Hanger Clinic: Prosthetics & Orthotics (0.8 miles)
• Complimentary Medicine Association (0.9 miles)
• Tucson Occupational Medicine (1.2 miles)
• Arizona Center For Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (1.5 miles)
• Alvernon Optical (1.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Rincon Congregational Church (0.6 miles)
• Desert Valley Adventist Church (0.9 miles)
• Grace To The Nations (1.7 miles)
• Christ Presbyterian Church (1.8 miles)
• Benedictine Sanctuary (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Providence Service (0.6 miles)
• Danville Services (0.6 miles)
• Kindred Hospital - Tucson (1.5 miles)
• Curahealth Tucson (1.5 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Tmc Labor and Delivery (1.8 miles)

Theaters

• Century Park Place 20 And Xd (1.1 miles)
• The Loft Cinema (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.3 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.5 miles)
• Black Crown Coffee Co. (1.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.9 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.9 miles)
• The Human Bean (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Palo Verde Park (2.1 miles)
• Reid Park (2.6 miles)