Downey Retirement Center

Pros

• The staff at Downey Retirement Center is described as personable, caring, and knowledgeable, making residents feel valued and well-cared for.
• Residents enjoy a clean and welcoming environment with recently renovated rooms that resemble apartments.
• Families appreciate the peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a safe and professional care setting with compassionate staff who prioritize dignity.
• The facility offers a variety of engaging activities and social opportunities for residents, fostering a sense of community.
• The food is well-received by many residents, contributing to their overall satisfaction with the dining experience.
• Communication between families and staff is open and supportive, ensuring families are kept informed about their loved ones’ well-being.
• New management has positively transformed the atmosphere of the facility, making it more welcoming and pleasant for both residents and families.

Cons

• The facility was kept dark and felt depressing, with obnoxious staff who were unhelpful about appointments.
• There were concerns about the terrible administration, lack of care, and insufficient food quality at the facility.
• The memory care unit did not meet expectations, with old food left piled in the dining area and flies present.
• Some reviewers noted that communication from staff could be improved and experienced lazy caregivers with no passion for their work.
• A visitor observed a lack of privacy during care as doors were left wide open while staff assisted residents.
• Frustration was expressed over unreturned messages, indicating poor customer service in response to inquiries about admissions.
• One reviewer found the building old and lacking cleanliness, describing it as having an unpleasant odor.

Review

The reviews for Downey Retirement Center present a complex tapestry of experiences, reflecting both the strengths and weaknesses of this assisted living facility. Many reviewers express significant dissatisfaction with their initial encounters with the center, particularly highlighting issues surrounding communication and customer service. One reviewer had a particularly negative experience when they arrived for a scheduled appointment only to be informed by staff that they had no knowledge of it. Instead of receiving a warm welcome and a tour, they felt dismissed as the staff sent them away, citing that the facility was full. Such interactions highlight concerns about the administration's organization and how prospective residents are treated.

In stark contrast to these criticisms stands the narrative shared by families who have chosen Downey Retirement Center for their loved ones. Positive reviews emphasize peace of mind and genuine care provided by staff members trained in managing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Family members appreciate having open lines of communication with staff, feeling reassured that they can stay informed about their relatives' well-being at any time. For those who have made the transition difficult—like moving a parent from their home—numerous reviewers praised how easily the staff facilitated this adjustment, offering support tailored to both residents' emotional needs and their physical care requirements.

While many describe Downey Retirement Center as clean, welcoming, and vibrant, others cited instances where cleanliness was lacking or where facilities showed signs of neglect. Some visitors noted unpleasant odors within common areas such as elevators and hallways while raising concerns about privacy issues during personal care situations observed on tours. Additionally, complaints surfaced regarding insufficient activity engagement for residents; some felt that more could be done to invigorate the experience of those living there rather than allowing them to appear bored or disengaged.

Food quality appeared to be another point of contention among reviewers. Some praised the meal options—highlighting accommodating dietary needs and diverse menus—while others criticized it as subpar compared to expectations for an assisted living facility. It became evident that dining experiences varied widely between residents; positive feedback existed alongside accounts describing less favorable conditions and offerings.

Nevertheless, many family members expressed gratitude for specific services offered at Downey Retirement Center that contributed to its appeal over other facilities in the area. Features like personalized updates about resident health status during challenging periods like pandemics helped cultivate trust between families and caregivers at Downey. The reassurance parents experienced not only centered around daily life but also extended toward financial considerations; families appreciated knowing rates would remain stable despite increasing levels of required care.

Ultimately, reviews illuminate a community shaped significantly by its management team’s efforts reflected through improvement efforts over time. Some long-term residents reported witnessing substantial changes in atmosphere due to new management initiatives focused on enhancing overall resident satisfaction while prioritizing cleanliness across units within the building itself. These ongoing developments foster a rich sense of belonging by treating individuals like valued family members rather than mere patients—a sentiment echoed consistently throughout much higher-rated feedback related to compassion exhibited towards all who call Downey home.

As prospective residents consider whether Downey Retirement Center aligns with their loved one's needs better than alternatives available nearby, careful evaluation based on firsthand experiences can provide important insights into what future residents may expect: understanding its shortcomings while recognizing strengths such as compassionate caregiving staffs reflecting genuine investment in each individual’s unique journey through this stage in life—the ultimate hope behind finding suitable accommodations where well-being thrives abundantly!

This part of Downey, California offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With multiple hospitals nearby such as PIH Health Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Hospital, medical care is easily accessible. In addition, there are several pharmacies in the area to ensure that medication needs are met. For recreational activities, there are several parks within a few miles, providing opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and exercise. There are also various dining options ranging from fast food to cafes for convenient meal choices. Public transportation options such as Metro stations and bus stops are available for easy travel around the area. Overall, this part of Downey offers a well-rounded lifestyle with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors.

Hospitals

• PIH Health Hospital (0.2 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (1.5 miles)
• Del Rio Convalescent Center (2.5 miles)
• Department of State Hospitals (4 miles)
• Beverly Hospital (5.7 miles)
• Martin Luther King Jr / Drew Medical Center (6.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (5.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.3 miles)

Parks

• Temple Park (1.6 miles)
• Rivera Park (2.8 miles)
• Michigan Park (6.6 miles)
• Cerritos Regional County Park (7.2 miles)
• Shadow Park Hoa (7.3 miles)
• George E. Elder Memorial Park (7.3 miles)
• Central Park / La Palma Recreation & Community Services (8.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Norwalk 2 (3.9 miles)
• Harkins Theatres Cerritos 16 (5.6 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Downtown (10.6 miles)

Physicians

• Paramount Physicians (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (5.6 miles)
• McDonald's (7.4 miles)
• McDonald's (8.3 miles)
• Jack In The Box (8.7 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (9.1 miles)
• Subway (9.2 miles)
• Girl & The Goat LA (9.2 miles)

Cafes

• Bopomofo Cafe (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (7.4 miles)
• Starbucks (8.7 miles)
• Verve Coffee Roasters (9.2 miles)
• Starbucks (10.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (10.5 miles)

Transportation

• Long Beach Airport (LGB) (8.2 miles)
• Komar Aviation Group (8.4 miles)
• Metro La Mirada & Alondra Bus Stop (8.4 miles)
• Metro - Willow Street Station (9.5 miles)
• Union Station (10.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Cottonwood Church (10.2 miles)
• Saint Hedwig Catholic Church (10.4 miles)