2212 El Molino, Altadena, CA 91001
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
MonteCedro, a four-story retirement community in Altadena, emerges in these reviews as a place that many find appealing for its neat, clean, and organized environment, as well as for its friendly staff and overall sense of safety. Descriptions from several residents highlight a well-kept campus, attractive exterior, and a setting that feels both vibrant and welcoming for an aging population. With more than 200 residents living in independent units, the property is repeatedly framed as an upscale option in a desirable area, offering two dining spaces and various levels of care. The overall tone from many commenters is that MonteCedro is a serious, quality-minded community with strong features that residents value, even as the discourse around it becomes complicated by events, opinions, and competing narratives.
Nevertheless, the conversation surrounding MonteCedro is far from uniformly praising. One reviewer known as happysocal points to the enclave's financial aspect in a way that many find jarring: "Entrance fees for this place are around a half mil and up." This remark touches a broader tension echoed by others who worry about the optics and real implications of wealth in senior living. In that vein, several voices insist that comments about residents' financial status are inappropriate and potentially harmful, especially when they intersect with real estate markets in the surrounding area. The critiques suggest that sensational or personalizing commentary about money has no place in discussions that should center on safety, care, and community well-being.
A central thread in the discourse is how MonteCedro's community faced the Eaton Fire amid two concurrent disasters: a wildfire and hurricane-force winds that roared through the region. Several reviews urge readers to consider the broader tragedy affecting Altadena - the residents, their families, staff, first responders, and local officials who were all navigating chaos with limited resources. In this context, some reviewers lean on guidance from professional associations, noting that shelter-in-place (SIP) is a protective action that may be favored when evacuation is deemed unsafe or unnecessary. The discussion includes a claim that evacuation warnings west of Altadena, including near MonteCedro, were not issued for a significant period, complicating judgments about whether an evacuation was required or prudent. Supporters emphasize the building's Type 1 construction and the presence of transportation assistance and escort from first responders, arguing these design and safety features provided time and resources to manage the crisis as it unfolded.
Amid the heated debates, there are pointed criticisms about how evacuation was handled. Some reviewers contend that an emergency evacuation was conducted, yet not all residents were evacuated, and this has led to accusations of mismanagement. There is particular concern raised about the handling of vulnerable residents, including a claim that staff left behind a 100-year-old woman, fueling calls for accountability and a demand to identify the corporate ownership of MonteCedro so families can make informed decisions for their loved ones. Other comments focus on the memory care and activities staff, describing them as unfriendly, alongside complaints about transportation drivers. The tone in these passages is urgent and accusatory, driven by fear for residents' safety during a crisis where communication, evacuation protocols, and record-keeping were put to the test.
Amid these accusations, there are strong counterpoints from residents who defend MonteCedro and its team. One resident who has lived there since 2019 asserts that the staff are excellent - "A+ without exception" - and that the evacuation notification was issued in a timely fashion within the local area. This voice emphasizes the collaboration among staff, the fire department, and sheriffs, portraying the situation as chaotic but managed with skill and dedication under pressure. The defender also notes that an investigation is underway, and that the facts show every resident of MonteCedro was safe, describing the place as "stellar" and worth returning to. The sentiment is that premature blame helps no one and that recognizing hard-working responders and care staff is essential in the aftermath of a disaster.
Within the same debate, other reviewers offer starkly different perspectives that emphasize disappointment and anger. They describe scenarios in which calls to "shut down" the facility were made, and they insist that some residents were left behind or inadequately accounted for during evacuations. There are repeated complaints about the memory care and activities staff, and accusations of unfriendly behavior, as well as negative remarks about transportation drivers. The mixed tone culminates in a striking contrast: while some praise the facility's aesthetic appeal and the social opportunities (one reviewer even mentioning dancing in a gown), others call MonteCedro out for failures in crisis response and for what they see as a lack of regard for vulnerable residents.
The collection of comments also provides a snapshot of the facility's described structure and community dynamics. MonteCedro is portrayed as an upscale option with four stories of independent living, offering a nonprofit governance model that, in some reviewers' eyes, represents forward-thinking management in a competitive market. Attendees note the physical beauty of the campus, the existence of two dining areas, and a robust, albeit scrutinized, sense of community. The references to aerial photos being outdated and to the need for prospective residents to visit with appointments suggest a desire for transparency and thorough first-hand evaluation before making any commitments.
Taken together, the reviews present a mosaic of admiration, doubt, and unresolved questions. MonteCedro emerges as a highly regarded, well-maintained community with strong staff and an appealing living environment, but it is also a site of controversy due to perceptions of evacuation missteps during a severe regional crisis, accountability concerns, and the ethical considerations surrounding wealth in senior living. The ongoing investigation and the discussions about ownership underscore a broader call for clarity and accountability, especially as families weigh the safety, care quality, and long-term viability of placing their loved ones in a community that can be as supportive as it is scrutinized. In the end, MonteCedro appears to be a place of significant strengths tempered by serious questions that residents and prospective residents will want to examine carefully.
Montecedro in Altadena, CA is an assisted living community that offers respite care services for seniors. The community provides a range of amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for its residents. These amenities include a beauty salon, cable or satellite TV in every room, community-operated transportation for outings and errands, a computer center, a dining room with restaurant-style dining, a fitness room for exercise and wellness activities, fully furnished accommodations, a gaming room for recreation, a garden area for outdoor relaxation, housekeeping services, kitchenettes in each unit, move-in coordination assistance, an outdoor patio and space for enjoying the outdoors, private bathrooms for privacy and convenience, a small library for reading and quiet time, telephone service in each room, transportation arrangement services (non-medical), a wellness center for health monitoring and support, as well as Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access throughout the community.
In terms of care services offered at Montecedro, residents benefit from 24-hour supervision to ensure their safety and well-being. Trained staff members provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. The community also offers assistance with transfers to help residents move around safely. For those with special dietary needs like diabetes diet or other restrictions, the community provides meal preparation and service tailored to meet these needs. Medication management services are also available to help residents stay on top of their medication schedule.
Montecedro is committed to providing engaging activities to promote socialization and overall well-being among its residents. Residents can enjoy concierge services to assist with any requests or needs they may have. Fitness programs are offered to encourage physical activity and maintain good health. Scheduled daily activities catered towards various interests keep residents entertained and engaged. Planned day trips allow residents to explore nearby attractions while resident-run activities provide opportunities for individuals to take charge of their own experiences.
Additionally, Montecedro boasts convenient proximity to amenities in the surrounding area. There are two cafes, four parks, eleven pharmacies, seven restaurants, two places of worship, and one hospital located nearby.
Overall, Montecedro in Altadena, CA is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to support the well-being and quality of life for seniors in need of respite care.
Montecedro is located at 2212 El Molino, Altadena, CA 91001 in Los Angeles County, California
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