Westmont Living in La Jolla, CA

Pros

• Westmont has everything families look for in elder care.
• Peggy is a caring professional who has a passion for caring for elderly people.
• The Westmont team goes above and beyond to ensure the best possible experience for residents.
• The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and warm, making residents feel at home.
• The food is delicious and healthy.
• The resident rooms are modern and thoughtfully designed.
• Sandie is wonderful, easy to talk to, and very informative as a tour guide.
• Westmont Living is described as high end with beautiful buildings and incredible amenities.

Cons

• Westmont made a terrible situation worse.
• The cost of care increased dramatically over two years without significant changes in condition.
• Residents were left alone for significant periods in the common area without nearby care staff.
• The Escondido facility required residents to stand in line for meals, which the reviewer called elder abuse.
• The Westmont Living Corporation's online marketing and sales notifications and documents were false and most services were not available.
• Activities were minimal, the food was terrible, and apartments were left filthy.
• Anything requested was charged to residents' accounts, and customer service was very poor with promised expectations not met.
• Westmont moved a father in and, within five days, his family moved him out due to nonexistent care, and they kept $9,700.

Review

Westmont Living in La Jolla is best suited for discerning seniors who want a high-end, socially active environment with a built-in memory-care focus and families who prefer active involvement in daily life. The campus distinguishes itself through a care-first culture demonstrated by experienced leadership and hands-on staff who remember residents' stories and needs. Prospective residents will find bright, well-designed living spaces - even in assisted living - where kitchens are standard and rooms emphasize natural light and easy movement. The calendar emphasizes nourishment for the mind as well as the body, with meals described as delicious and healthy and with abundant opportunities to socialize, learn, and participate in meaningful activities. In short, those seeking a polished, welcoming home with a genuine sense of community will feel at ease here.

Not every senior will be a perfect fit. A few families should consider alternatives if cost predictability is a priority, if constant reliability of staffing is nonnegotiable, or if small lapses in service carry significant weight. While La Jolla Westmont consistently earns praise for leadership and warmth, broader brand history includes reports of disrupted communication, pricing questions, and variable service quality at other locations. Some facilities have faced criticism over meal service logistics, understaffing, and inconsistent maintenance. For residents who require very steady, around-the-clock attention or who are sensitive to scheduling or dietary disruptions, a cautious, in-person comparison with other communities may be warranted before committing.

On balance, the strongest advantages lie in the staff culture, design of the spaces, and the programming. Tour experiences describe the executive team as caring and accessible, with leaders who model the level of engagement families can expect. Residents and family members frequently report friendly, attentive dining staff and caregivers who know residents by name. The setting itself feels modern and uplifting: large windows flood public areas with light, the lobby is welcoming, and outdoor decks invite fresh air and social activity. Importantly, Westmont's approach to memory care, when chosen, emphasizes individualized attention and continuity of relationships, translating into greater participation and motivation for residents who need extra support.

These strengths are important because they help offset several practical concerns that sometimes surface. Service gaps - such as delayed lawn maintenance or missed program notices - do not have to define the experience, especially when leadership remains accessible and responsive. The combination of a high level of care, visible management, and opportunities for family involvement can blunt the impact of occasional scheduling hiccups or maintenance delays. Cost is a real consideration in this market, but the value proposition rises when the experience includes a genuine sense of community, a robust activity calendar, and caregivers who know residents' histories and preferences. For many families, the trade-offs are acceptable given the overall quality of life on offer.

To decide with confidence, the approach should be concrete. Tour with a checklist: confirm current staffing levels during peak hours and ask about staff turnover; review the exact memory-care model, including whether dedicated teams stay with residents through shifts; request sample menus and, if possible, a tasting, to verify the quality highlighted in marketing. Obtain a detailed contract that lists what is included in monthly fees and what incurs extra charges. Speak with several residents about meal timing, transportation options, and response times from administration. For memory-care needs, review a formal Service Plan and insist on family input reflected in ongoing care updates. If red flags emerge, compare with nearby options to ensure alignment with expectations.

Overall, Westmont Living in La Jolla presents a compelling option for families seeking an upscale, engaging living environment with accessible memory-care capabilities and a welcoming culture. It is a particularly strong match for residents who prize warmth, personal attention from a capable team, and a bright, activity-forward lifestyle. However, not every family will find it the right fit, especially those prioritizing predictable pricing, consistent staffing, or tighter budgets. When those needs exist, exploring alternatives within the Westmont family or other comparable communities in the region is prudent to avoid compromises on care or peace of mind.

This area of La Jolla, California, offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the neighborhood. With several CVS pharmacies nearby, accessing medication and healthcare essentials is easy. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes within a short distance, providing opportunities for enjoyable dining experiences. For outdoor relaxation, there are multiple parks in the vicinity, offering scenic spots for recreation and leisurely strolls. Additionally, top-notch medical facilities such as UC San Diego Health and Scripps Hospitals are close by for any healthcare needs. Transportation options including trolley stations and an airport offer ease of travel when needed. Overall, this part of La Jolla provides a well-rounded living environment with convenient services that cater to the senior demographic.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• The Taco Stand (0.3 miles)
• Mavericks Beach Club (3.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.5 miles)
• Pacific Beach Shore Club (3.5 miles)
• Waterbar (3.6 miles)
• The Local Pacific Beach (3.6 miles)
• Pacific Beach Fish Shop (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (2 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (6.4 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (7.9 miles)
• Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (8 miles)

Parks

• La Jolla Shores Park (1.5 miles)
• Tourmaline Surfing Park (2.7 miles)
• Kate O Sessions Memorial Park (3.2 miles)
• Crown Point (4.1 miles)
• Mission Bay Park (5.3 miles)
• Mission Bay Park (5.3 miles)
• Mission Beach Park (5.3 miles)

Physicians

• UC San Diego Health - La Jolla 8910 Villa La Jolla Drive (3 miles)
• NVISION Eye Centers (3.2 miles)
• Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center at UC San Diego Health (3.8 miles)
• Stahl Richard Dr Scripps Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Group La Jolla (4.1 miles)
• Pearl Mini IVF (5.7 miles)
• San Diego Mental Health Services (6.5 miles)
• Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego Radiology (7.6 miles)

Hospitals

• UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center (3.7 miles)
• Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla (4.1 miles)
• Scripps La Jolla Emergency Room And Trauma Center (4.1 miles)
• Scripps Green Hospital (4.2 miles)
• Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines (4.3 miles)
• Scripps Clinic (6.9 miles)
• Kearny Mesa Convalescent and Nursing Home (7.5 miles)

Transportation

• UTC Trolley Station (4 miles)
• Balboa Avenue Transit Center (4.4 miles)
• Old Town Trolley Station and Transit Center (7.5 miles)
• Montgomery Field Airport (MYF) (8.1 miles)
• Fashion Valley Trolley Station and Transit Center (8.1 miles)
• TSA Pre-Check (8.7 miles)
• Terminal 2 (8.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Fashion Valley 18 (8.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Good Shepherd Catholic Church (8.6 miles)