Care Senior Center

Pros

• The senior center is good.
• The outreach center at the same address is good.
• The place is fantastic with friendly people.
• It is a great place with lots of activities and parking is not an issue.
• There is a great group of table tennis players.
• The Buena Park senior center hosts wonderful events, such as a recent expo with many connections and nice people.
• There are great classes and fun activities.
• The gift shop offers hand-crafted items at great prices, making perfect gifts for the holidays.
• The karaoke events are fun and occur every other week.
• The staff, including Annalisa, are amazing.
• The Ehlers Event Center is loved by visitors.
• The center is clean, well-maintained, and COVID-safe, with friendly staff.

Cons

• It is described as very dirty, with trash left around and overflowing trash cans.
• There were many instances where the phone rang and went to voicemail, and visitors found no one in the office because staff were off talking.
• The staff are not kind; they treated a visitor's aunt badly.
• One reviewer described the experience as awful.

Review

The Buena Park Senior Center and its accompanying outreach center, housed at the same address, come across in these impressions as a single, lively hub of community for older adults. Across multiple voices, the place is described as fantastic, welcoming, and full of friendly people who make visitors feel at home. It's not just a building; it's a trusted spot where seniors and those who support them come to connect, learn, and enjoy themselves. The overall tone is consistently positive, with many reviewers praising the atmosphere and the sense of belonging they find there.

A big part of what people love about the center is the breadth and vibrancy of its activities. Reviewers highlight a packed calendar of classes and fun programs, from creative and educational options to physical activities that help keep people moving. There are opportunities to participate in table tennis, pool tournaments, and a variety of clubs and classes, with many attendees speaking warmly about the energy of the participants and the enthusiasm of the instructors. Special events, such as a recent senior expo, are described as excellent; attendees connected with new people and formed meaningful acquaintances during the expo. Even everyday offerings like bingo - paired with produce or staple-item prizes in some sessions - are cited as enjoyable social experiences. The center is portrayed as a place where being active isn't just encouraged; it's the norm.

The physical environment and safety of the facility also receive frequent praise. Reviewers describe the space as clean, well-maintained, comfortable, and bright, with an atmosphere that feels calm and welcoming. Comments point to a strong, outgoing staff and a range of activities and classes, some of which are free, that contribute to a positive, accessible experience for seniors and their caregivers. For many, the center's cleanliness and orderly layout are part of what makes it easy to settle in for an event or a long visit. The combination of a well-kept facility and a friendly, helpful staff helps visitors feel secure as they engage with a busy schedule of programs.

Behind the scenes, several accounts spotlight dedicated individuals who leave a lasting impression. A manager named AnnaLisa is repeatedly hailed as a life saver, especially during a move from Michigan when personal belongings were lost; the outreach program's support helped the individual cope with the setback and rebuild confidence. Other staff members, including a person named Mark who is singled out as "the best," are described as caring and attentive, contributing to a culture of warmth and responsiveness. In addition to staff, there are mentions of volunteers and the wider outreach team who are described as supportive and genuinely invested in the community's well-being. For many, these personal connections - staff going the extra mile and neighbors looking out for one another - are what transform a visit into a meaningful experience.

The center's broader mission as a community resource is underscored by several references to services that extend beyond typical senior programming. Some reviewers describe the center as a shelter for the elderly, underscoring its role as a safety-net and social space for people who may be navigating difficult times. The weekend and weekday activities, the chance to participate in health-related programs, and opportunities to socialize with peers all contribute to a sense of solidarity and mutual support. The presence of a gift shop featuring hand-crafted items at good prices adds a personal touch, giving visitors a tangible reminder of local makers and a way to find thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

Not every note is wholly celebratory, but even the critiques tend to acknowledge the center's strengths while pointing out areas for improvement. A few reviewers mention logistical frustrations, such as phone lines that too often go to voicemail or times when staff aren't physically present in the office. Others describe negative experiences - instances where a loved one, such as an aunt, was not treated with kindness. There are also concerns raised about the surrounding environment at times, including issues with trash and homelessness in the area; some reviews point to overflowing trash cans and cleanliness challenges outside the facility. These observations, while important, are positioned alongside praise for the center's many successes, illustrating a complex but largely constructive picture of the center's impact.

Despite the occasional challenge, the sense that emerges most clearly is that of a dynamic, cherished community space. The Buena Park Senior Center and its outreach arm are repeatedly depicted as places where seniors and the broader community can come to learn, play, and receive support. With a rich menu of activities, strong leadership and staff who are genuinely invested in people, a welcoming, well-kept environment, and ongoing programs that promote health, connection, and personal growth, the center functions as a cornerstone of local life. For anyone seeking a reliable, engaging place to stay active, socialize, and access resources, this combination of senior-focused services and community engagement offers a compelling, worthwhile option worth visiting.

This part of Buena Park, California offers easy access to a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With multiple pharmacies, restaurants, physicians' offices, and hospitals within a short distance, residents can easily attend to their healthcare needs. In addition, there are several parks nearby for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. Transportation options are also convenient with bus stops and car rental services in the vicinity. For those who enjoy dining out or grabbing a cup of coffee, numerous cafes and eateries are available within a few miles. Furthermore, the proximity to theaters and places of worship provides opportunities for entertainment and spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community that is suitable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Portillo's Hot Dogs (0.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.5 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.9 miles)
• Nubia Cafe (2.3 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• Kaiser Permanente, Euclid & Romneya (2.6 miles)
• Dostzada, Ghulam Dr - Los Alamitos Cardiovascular (4.2 miles)
• St Jude Medical Center (4.9 miles)
• The 200 Building (6.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Anaheim Regional Medical Center (2.9 miles)
• Kindred Hospital Westminster (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Willow Park (3 miles)
• Central Park / La Palma Recreation & Community Services (3.1 miles)
• Faylane Park (3.8 miles)
• Shadow Park Hoa (4.2 miles)
• Cerritos Regional County Park (4.4 miles)
• Rossmoor Park (6 miles)

Transportation

• Metro La Mirada & Alondra Bus Stop (3.3 miles)
• Disneyland Monorail - Downtown Disney District Station (4.1 miles)
• DLRR New Orleans Station (4.2 miles)
• Drr Toontown Station (4.2 miles)
• Disneyland Monorail (4.4 miles)
• Drr Tomorrowland Station (4.5 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (5.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• New Orleans Square (4.2 miles)
• Anaheim Packing District (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (4.3 miles)
• La Brea Bakery Express (4.4 miles)
• Hollywood Land (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Fullerton 2 (3.9 miles)
• Harkins Theatres Cerritos 16 (6.4 miles)
• AMC Movie Theater (6.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Chinese Baptist Church (4.4 miles)
• Cottonwood Church (4.6 miles)
• Saint Hedwig Catholic Church (5.9 miles)