Westminster Gardens

Pros

• The interaction between staff and residents at Westminster Gardens was marvelous, demonstrating their commitment to providing excellent care.
• The physical appearance of Westminster Gardens was outstanding, with beautiful grounds and well-maintained amenities.
• The activities lined up for the day were very good, offering a variety of options including exercise programs, trails, ponds, gardens, tennis, and a swimming pool.
• Westminster Gardens provided superior value and services, exceeding expectations in terms of what they have to offer.
• The staff at Westminster Gardens were knowledgeable, helpful, and provided excellent directions during the visit.
• The individual cottages at Westminster Gardens were nice and met the reviewer's requirements for their living situation.
• Bernadette from Westminster Gardens was an incredibly helpful and thoughtful staff member who made the experience enjoyable for the reviewer.
• The layout of Westminster Gardens was ideal as it was all on one level with amenities like a dining area decorated similarly to the resident's home.
• The people at Westminster Gardens were wonderful and friendly, creating a welcoming community atmosphere.
• Residents at Westminster Gardens appreciated the variety of activities available such as a dog park, swimming pool, workout room, and transportation services.
• Some statements have been summarized or paraphrased for brevity)

Cons

• Some of the old employees have been let go or terminated, leading to a lack of experienced staff.
• The food at Westminster Gardens was described as bad and not up to par.
• In the memory care area, residents had to walk outside of the gated community to have meals with others, which was deemed unsafe.
• The facility charges for every care provided, which can be seen as negative by some residents.
• There were concerns about the constant turnover of new employees and whether they can maintain a good quality of service for residents.
• One reviewer questioned if it's worth paying so much to be in a facility that feels institutionalized and full of strangers.

Review

Westminster Gardens is praised as a truly exceptional place by those who have experienced it firsthand. The staff members receive high praise for their marvelous interactions with residents, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The physical appearance of Westminster Gardens is described as outstanding, with its expansive grounds featuring trails, ponds, gardens, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The variety of amenities and services offered is considered superior to other facilities.

The organization and security measures in place at Westminster Gardens are highly regarded. Motion detectors in bathrooms ensure the safety of independent living residents by notifying staff if any irregularities occur. The property is spread out, allowing for leisurely walks around the grounds or easy transportation via scooters or golf carts that can be parked conveniently.

The units at Westminster Gardens may be older but are updated to maintain their appeal. The residents themselves are described as pleasant individuals contributing to the friendly ambiance of the facility. A beautiful library can be found in the main house, adding an elegant touch to the environment. Additionally, there is a gym and a guesthouse available for visitors.

One reviewer specifically chose Westminster Gardens due to its desirable amenities such as individual cottages rather than apartment-style living. The overall experience during an in-person tour was excellent, with opportunities to see communal spaces like the dining room (though not currently open due to COVID-19 restrictions). While they have yet to try the food, this reviewer finds everything else about Westminster Gardens very appealing and places it at the top of their list of preferred retirement communities.

However, another review raises concerns about changes at Westminster Gardens over the past year regarding employee turnover. The reviewer questions whether a facility with constant new employees can maintain a high-quality level of service compared to others that prioritize stability and experience among staff members.

Despite this criticism, many others express overwhelming satisfaction with Westminster Gardens. One person greatly appreciates the helpfulness and expertise demonstrated by staff members during their search for suitable accommodation for their loved one. The layout of the facility impresses them, with all units conveniently located on a single level. They find the studio apartments comfortable and the dining area appealing, decorated in a manner similar to their mother's tastes. Activities, outdoor spaces, and menu choices are also highly regarded. The head chef's Cordon Bleu training ensures a pleasing dining experience for residents.

Westminster Gardens is often described as an oasis with its beautiful grounds, lush trees, and lovely small homes. The recreational facilities cater to various interests and activities, fostering a sense of community among residents. The staff members receive praise for their helpfulness and thoughtfulness, making the overall experience enjoyable for everyone.

The independence and comfort provided by Westminster Gardens are emphasized by its convenient location on a large property. Residents have access to amenities like a dog park, swimming pool, and workout room. All units are situated on one floor without any need for stairs or elevators. Each unit features a small patio and grassy area right outside the door, creating a homey atmosphere. Special dietary needs are catered to, including gluten-free options prepared separately to prevent cross-contamination. Transportation services are available within the community.

While most aspects of Westminster Gardens receive glowing reviews, there are some concerns raised about the quality of food provided. One reviewer criticizes it as less than satisfactory compared to home-style cooking or even barbeque fare. Another concern is that memory care residents have to leave the secured area to dine with others—a potential safety issue according to one individual.

In conclusion, Westminster Gardens stands out as an exceptional retirement community offering an array of amenities in a beautifully maintained setting. From its outstanding physical appearance to its well-organized operations and caring staff members, this facility receives high accolades from many reviewers who consider it an ideal place to live out their golden years. However, varying opinions exist regarding employee stability and food quality at Westminster Gardens which should be taken into consideration when making a decision.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Albertsons Pharmacy (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• City Of Hope (0.7 miles)
• Hope (0.8 miles)
• Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley (4.3 miles)
• Methodist Hospital of Southern California (4.6 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center (5.1 miles)
• Rowland Convalescent Hospital (5.6 miles)
• Casa Bonita (9.7 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Wendy's (2.5 miles)
• Capital Seafood Restaurant (3.5 miles)
• 626 Night Market (4.8 miles)
• Din Tai Fung (5.1 miles)
• Johnny Rockets Santa Anita Mall (5.1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (5.3 miles)

Transportation

• Metro - Monrovia Station (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Flo's Coffee Shop (4.6 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (4.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Evangelical Church Arcadia (3 miles)
• Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church (4.2 miles)
• Saint Rita's Catholic Church (5.5 miles)
• Real Life (7.4 miles)
• San Marino Community Church Nursery School (8.9 miles)

Physicians

• Healthcare Partners Medical Group (3.4 miles)
• Santa Anita Medical Plaza (4.6 miles)
• Doheny Eye Center (5.2 miles)
• Glendora Dentistry (5.7 miles)
• Healthcare Partners (7.8 miles)
• Foothill Dermatology Medical Center (8.2 miles)

Parks

• Arcadia County Park (4.1 miles)
• Live Oak Park (5.5 miles)
• Rosemead Park (7 miles)
• Creekside Park (8.9 miles)
• Lacy Park (9.1 miles)
• Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park (9.4 miles)
• Almansor Park (9.5 miles)

Theaters

• 0206 Amc Bar Santa Ani (4.9 miles)
• AMC Puente Hills 20 (10 miles)