Athena's Caring Hearts Retirement Home

Pros

• Encino Terrace offers a vibrant, engaging environment with attentive staff and great dining.
• The facility is very clean and well maintained.
• The on-site chef delivers delicious, homemade meals that residents enjoy.
• The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely care for residents.
• The community hosts well-organized events and activities with exceptional food and drinks.
• Families feel their loved ones are safe, supported, and valued.
• The location is convenient and well-situated in the heart of Encino.
• Residents frequently praise staff for going above and beyond in daily care.

Cons

• The ownership is described as not caring for the residents and prioritizing money over their well-being.
• Rent is indicated to rise annually with no cap, making costs unaffordable for fixed-income seniors.
• The facility has experienced high leadership turnover (multiple head nurses, head chefs, and directors) in a short period, signaling instability.
• There is a claim of corporate greed and that residents can be booted out when they can no longer afford to pay.
• Staff allegedly forced medications to be taken all at once, causing nausea and discomfort for the resident.
• Families reported affordability concerns and significant price hikes leading them to leave Encino Terrace.
• Reviews warn that future rents could reach around $5,000 to $5,800 per month for a small apartment.

Review

Encino Terrace sits in the heart of Encino as a bright, welcoming home for many seniors and their families, and the impressions shared by residents and their loved ones paint a picture of a lively, caring community. Visitors and long-term residents alike emphasize the energy of the place - the social activity calendar, the variety of dining options, and the steady, attentive care that helps make daily life feel engaging and meaningful. The overall tone is one of appreciation for a location that already feels well placed, with a community that seems to thrive on connection, companionship, and good service.

A frequent source of praise centers on the facility's atmosphere and the people who run it. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the warmth of the staff, the welcoming nature of the team, and the genuine effort to create a hospitable environment. Events hosted on the campus - ranging from gatherings with generous food and drinks to performances and social outings - are described as memorable experiences that bring residents together and give families a sense of pride in the community. The leadership team receives particular acknowledgment: Kendall Mesa, the Community Relations Director, and Rose Yousefian, the Executive Director, are repeatedly thanked for their role in making events special and ensuring residents feel valued. The renovations that have refreshed the property also receive favorable mention, contributing to an atmosphere that feels contemporary and cared-for.

Food and dining are consistently cited as standout features. The on-site dining room is described as a place where meals are not only nutritious but also delicious and beautifully presented, with residents praising the skill and dedication of the culinary staff. A number of residents specifically mention a professional chef (Adriana) who takes pride in delivering meals that feel homemade and heartwarming, reinforcing the sense that Encino Terrace is attentive to comfort as well as nutrition. The dining experience is often framed as a highlight of daily life, enhancing the feeling that residents can enjoy high-quality meals without the need to venture far from home.

Cleanliness and meticulous upkeep are additional themes that run through many accounts. The rooms and grounds are described as spotless, contributing to a sense of pride in the facility. The entire property - hallways, communal spaces, and dining areas - receives praise for being well maintained. In this environment, residents feel their surroundings reinforce a sense of safety and dignity, which complements the attentive care they receive from staff in various roles.

Staff across departments are repeatedly spotlighted for their dedication and responsiveness. Several accounts recall concrete examples of prompt assistance - an evening medical need that was met quickly, for instance - underscoring a culture where caregivers and support staff go above and beyond to support independence and comfort. Housekeepers, maintenance personnel, and dining servers each receive commendations for friendliness, reliability, and genuine regard for residents' well-being. Names that come up frequently - Julia, Veronica, Cesar, Julia (the activities coordinator), Gus, Alfredo, Julio - paint a picture of a team with wide-ranging responsibilities who nonetheless feel like a close-knit community. The consistent theme is that the people who work at Encino Terrace are central to the positive experience, bringing energy, humor, and a sense of care to daily routines.

The resident experience is not a monolith, and a portion of the reviews does surface concerns that families weigh carefully. Some families describe shifts in leadership and staffing over time, noting changes in chief nurses and chefs and the broader management team. There is mention of increasing costs, with several reviewers pointing out annual rent increases and the sense that pricing may outpace fixed incomes. One family shares that, after an initial period of affordability, the monthly costs rose substantially, which has led to a reconsideration of where to place a loved one as needs evolve. These observations acknowledge the realities of being part of larger, corporate-owned senior communities and reflect broader conversations about affordability and policy that families consider as they plan long-term care.

One particularly serious concern that appears in a firsthand account involves medication administration. In a difficult moment, a reviewer described an experience where medications were administered together rather than spaced appropriately, causing discomfort and distress. The account underscores the importance of personalized oversight and respectful autonomy, and it serves as a reminder that, even in well-regarded facilities, stories can highlight areas where policies or practices need careful evaluation and adjustment to safeguard residents' comfort and safety. Family members who shared this experience ultimately sought alternatives that aligned with their loved one's preferences for independence in medication management.

Overall, Encino Terrace/Atria Encino Terrace presents a compelling blend of warmth, community, and high-quality service. Residents consistently note the vibrancy of the social calendar, the excellence of the dining program, and the genuine care demonstrated by a broad team of staff members who make daily life feel thoughtful and well supported. The sense of community is reinforced by the staff's visible investment in residents' happiness - whether through lively activities that spark memories and movement, or through timely assistance that helps people stay as independent as possible. The location itself - well-situated in Encino with easy access to nearby shops and restaurants - adds to the appeal, making it a practical and appealing option for families seeking a comfortable, active home for their loved ones.

At the same time, prospective residents and their families are urged to weigh affordability and corporate structure when comparing options. The experiences shared here reflect a community that delivers on care, connection, and culinary quality, while also navigating the realities of pricing trends and governance within a larger network of senior living properties. For many, Encino Terrace represents a place where residents can enjoy meaningful daily activities, dependable care, and a welcoming, energetic atmosphere - an environment that can feel like home to those who value companionship, good food, cleanliness, and staff who treat each resident with patience and respect.

This area of Encino, California offers a variety of amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies and healthcare facilities nearby, residents have easy access to medical care and prescription services. The range of restaurants, cafes, and parks provide opportunities for socializing and staying active. Additionally, the proximity to Van Nuys Airport and transportation options make it convenient for travel. The presence of theaters, places of worship, and hospitals in the vicinity cater to diverse interests and needs. Overall, this part of Encino provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for a vibrant community with ample resources at their disposal.

Restaurants

• Uncle Bernie's Deli (0.3 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (0.7 miles)
• The Stand American Classics Redefined (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Valley Drug & Compounding (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Parks

• Encino Bike Path (1 miles)
• Lake Balboa Park (1.7 miles)
• Serrania Park (4 miles)
• Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park (4.3 miles)
• Top of Topanga Overlook (5.1 miles)
• Shadow Ranch Park (6.2 miles)
• Parthenia Park (6.3 miles)

Transportation

• Van Nuys Airport (VNY) (2.8 miles)
• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Winnetka Bowl (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (3 miles)

Physicians

• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (3.7 miles)
• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (4.8 miles)
• UCLA Health Woodland Hills (5.2 miles)
• Liberty Pacific Advanced Imaging | West Hills (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Veterans Administration (5.8 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Emergency (6.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Immanuel Bible Church (6.1 miles)
• St Michael & All Angels (6.4 miles)