5809 East Marita Street, Long Beach, CA 90815
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Gold Star Manor, a large, gated retirement community on the edge of Long Beach, is described by residents and former tenants as a place with impressive amenities and a strong security presence, but one that also comes with a complex mix of frustrations and painful memories. The property is often framed as a 23-acre campus designed for seniors, veterans, and their families, featuring a swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness and computer rooms, a spacious recreation center, resident gardens, a non-denominational chapel, and park-like areas. The sense conveyed by many comments is that the community aims to be welcoming and active, with plenty of ways to stay engaged, socialize, and enjoy outdoor spaces. Yet the waiting list for housing, including Section 8, can stretch for years, and several reviewers note a desire for practical conveniences like covered parking and air conditioning inside apartments.
On the positive side, many reviewers describe Gold Star Manor as a very quiet, very safe place. The grounds are praised for being well kept, with glassy-eyed enthusiasm for the array of amenities available to residents. People speak warmly about the sense of community they've found there, especially those who have settled into one-bedroom units that feel comfortable and well-suited to their needs. The layout and outdoor spaces are repeatedly highlighted as strong points: private patios or balconies, easy access to gardens, and a setting that seems conducive to a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle. There is also abundant appreciation for the security features that come with this type of senior living, including 24/7 guards, a gated environment, and a general sense of order that some residents equate with safety for themselves and their loved ones. Several comments are saturated with gratitude for the opportunity to spend more time with family, engage in activities, and enjoy a peaceful home atmosphere.
But the glow is tempered by a number of serious concerns raised by others. A central complaint centers on the indoor climate control: there is no central air conditioning in the units themselves, with cooling limited to the hallways, and some residents note the option of a portable unit only if they're willing to cover electricity costs. This is described not as a minor inconvenience but as a real hardship for families and elders who deserve more comfortable accommodations and predictable utility expenses.
Security interactions also feature prominently in the reviews, with a spectrum from praise to distress. Some reviewers recount positive, respectful encounters and appreciation for the constant security presence and the sense that rules are enforced for everyone's safety. Others recount painful, even traumatic experiences: a security guard who blocked a resident from leaving, menacing or inappropriate comments about race, and a history of incidents being logged or tracked in ways that added to a family's distress. There are references to a former security arrangement and a belief that a change of security companies might have been a step in the right direction, especially after a shooting on the property. One family member notes that the lingering impact of past incidents depressed a parent, highlighting how the behavior of security staff can shape the overall experience of living there for residents and their families. The sentiment among several reviewers is that staff and security could be more respectful and mindful of elders and visitors, and that better handling of conflicts and clear, compassionate communication would improve the atmosphere.
Another frequent theme concerns how deposits and move-out charges are handled. Some residents or families describe deductions that feel excessive or inaccurate, including charges for a door handle that allegedly passed inspection previously, carpet replacement, and even accessories inside a refrigerator. The sentiment is that certain deductions should have been part of routine inspections or repairs, not charged as extras after a resident has already paid a substantial deposit. A common piece of practical advice from these reviewers is to conduct a thorough walk-through and to document the condition of the apartment at move-in and move-out so there's a clear trail when security or management reviews the space. The broader take is the perception of nickel-and-diming in some cases, which understandably sours otherwise positive experiences.
The living experience for families with elderly relatives also comes with stories about visitors and access to residents. Several reviews reference restrictions on visits, with some relatives feeling that staff overstep boundaries or threaten evictions, which understandably creates anxiety and fear among family members who want to stay connected with loved ones. This tension sits alongside testimonials about caring, engaged staff who help residents feel at home and supported. The overall impression is that the people who run Gold Star Manor intend to be supportive, but inconsistent practices and a sense of rigidity in enforcement can make the environment feel inhospitable at times, especially for families dealing with health or mobility concerns.
In terms of opportunity and process, reviewers point out that the process for moving in or securing a place can feel slow and opaque, with references to a lottery-like system and the frustration of applying years earlier. The waiting period for Section 8 housing is cited as a major barrier, and some applicants express mixed optimism about finally getting a chance to move in after previously applying in 2023. Practical feedback often centers on preferences for carpeting versus hard floors, the desire for auto-pay options to simplify rent and fee payments, and a general wish for more straightforward, transparent communication from management about timelines, policies, and changes in security or staff.
Taken together, the reviews paint a portrait of Gold Star Manor as a large, well-equipped, security-minded community that can offer a rich, stable, and socially active lifestyle for seniors and their families, especially for those who value privacy, safety, and access to a broad set of recreational amenities. At the same time, they reveal real concerns about climate control, fairness and consistency in charges, sensitivity and respect in interactions with residents and visitors, and the administrative transparency needed to make the experience less stressful for residents and their loved ones. For anyone considering moving in, the overarching message is to weigh the strong positives - the safety, the facilities, the sense of community and routine - against the ongoing concerns about comfort, credit/charge practices, and the human dimension of how residents and families are treated day to day. It's a place that can feel like a true home for some, while for others it requires careful navigation, proactive communication, and clear expectations to ensure that life at Gold Star Manor lives up to its promise.
Golden Life Manor IV is an assisted living community located in Long Beach, CA. Our community offers a range of amenities to ensure the comfort and well-being of our residents.
Our dining room provides a welcoming space for residents to enjoy their meals, which are prepared and served by our staff. The community is fully furnished, allowing residents to move in with ease and feel at home right away.
We also have a beautiful garden where residents can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Housekeeping services are provided to ensure that the community remains clean and tidy at all times.
Our move-in coordination service helps residents with the transition to their new home, making the process as smooth as possible. We offer outdoor space for residents to explore and engage in recreational activities.
Residents can stay connected with their loved ones through telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access.
We provide care services to support our residents' daily living needs. Our trained staff is available to assist with bathing, dressing, and transfers. We coordinate with health care providers to ensure that each resident's individualized needs are met.
For those with special dietary restrictions, we offer diabetes diet options and cater to special dietary requirements. Our staff also manages medication for residents who need assistance in this area.
Transportation arrangement services are offered for medical appointments, ensuring that residents have convenient access to necessary healthcare services. We provide transportation for doctor's appointments as well.
In terms of nearby amenities, there are four cafes, five parks, 21 pharmacies, one physician's office, eight restaurants, three transportation options, two places of worship nearby,and one hospital nearby. This allows our residents easy access to various services and recreational opportunities outside of our community.
At Golden Life Manor IV, we strive to create a warm and comfortable environment for our residents while providing them with the necessary support they need.
Golden Life Manor IV is located at 5809 East Marita Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 in Los Angeles County, California
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