Villa Elena

Pros

• It has two TVs.

Cons

• The food is disgusting.
• The staff won't even eat.
• The rooms in the shared setup are extremely small, leaving little room to move.
• There is only space for a wheelchair and getting into bed, with nothing else available.
• There are two TVs but six months passed without any remotes.
• There is nothing to do except sit outside, listen to music, or watch cars go by.
• People should not place their loved ones there.
• It is a horrible place.

Review

This place is described in stark, unflinching terms right from the start: "This place sucks." The reviewer doesn't mince words or beat around the bush, laying out a sequence of complaints that hits at every basic expectation a family might have when considering care for a loved one. The tone is resolute and frustrated, implying a daily experience that feels unsafe, unsatisfactory, and dehumanizing. It's not a casual critique but a blunt warning about what life there supposedly looks like for residents, and it signals a belief that the facility falls far short of any reasonable standard.

Food quality is singled out as profoundly disappointing, with the stark claim that "food is disgusting." The negative assessment of meals isn't just about taste; it reflects concerns about dignity, nourishment, and the ability to sustain someone who may already be vulnerable. The reviewer's choice of such unambiguous language suggests a routine problem with what's being served, and it underlines an impression that meals are not something residents can rely on for comfort or health. The accompanying impression that the staff might not be supportive around this issue adds to a sense of indifference that compounds the frustration with daily life at the facility.

Space and mobility within the rooms are the next major area of critique. The reviewer writes that there are "very small rooms," and that in a shared room configuration, residents "couldn't move around in [the] room." The description makes it clear that the space is so cramped that basic needs - such as turning from bed to chair or maneuvering a wheelchair - feel restricted to the point of being impractical. The blunt observation that "all you had enough room for is wheelchair and get in bed nothing else" emphasizes a suffocating lack of autonomy and highlights how the physical layout can directly impact a person's comfort, safety, and everyday dignity.

Entertainment and practical conveniences (or the lack thereof) are also called into question. The facility "has 2 TVs but six months there never had any remotes." The absence of remotes disables even the simplest form of personal entertainment or distraction, leaving residents largely dependent on staff or outdoor settings for stimulation. This detail paints a picture of a facility that may be deficient in maintaining basic amenities, contributing to a sense of neglect or underfunding that permeates other parts of the resident experience.

The reviewer is clear about what life looks like when there's little to do: residents had "nothing to do except sit outside listen to music or watch cars go by." This line conveys a stark, almost suffocating level of inactivity and isolation. The absence of meaningful activities, social interaction, or engaging programs suggests a routine that keeps residents physically contained but emotionally disengaged. The outdoor option and passive activity become the only real outlets, reinforcing a sense of stagnation and boredom that can be emotionally draining for someone who craves engagement, purpose, and companionship.

There's a strong, direct warning interwoven through the critique: "do not place you loved ones there." The insistence is not couched in mild caveats but delivered as an explicit admonition to families considering placement. It reflects a deep concern for the safety, wellbeing, and happiness of a loved one, implying that the facility's shortcomings extend beyond minor irritations into the realm of real harm or at least unacceptable neglect. The language underscores a belief that the setting is ill-suited for anyone who values care, attention, and a reasonably decent quality of life.

In sum, the reviewer paints a cohesive, stern portrait of a facility that appears to struggle on multiple fronts: nutrition that's considered unpalatable, a staff and environment that seem indifferent to resident needs, severely cramped living spaces that limit mobility and autonomy, a lack of basic utilities like remote controls for TVs, and a severe lack of stimulating activities. The overarching verdict is unequivocally negative, culminating in a blunt admonition to others to avoid placing loved ones there. The closing sentiment - describing the place as a "horrible place" - leaves little room for doubt about the author's dissatisfaction and concern, and it serves as a stark counterpoint to any expectation of comfortable, respectful, and engaging elder or patient care.

Orangevale, California is a charming and convenient location for senior living. With several parks nearby such as Negro Bar State Park and Maidu Regional Park, residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and outdoor activities. There are also various physicians and pharmacies within a short distance, ensuring easy access to medical care when needed. Additionally, there are cafes and restaurants like Sociology Coffee Bar and Scott's Seafood Roundhouse where seniors can socialize and enjoy delicious meals. Hospitals like Mercy Hospital of Folsom and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent healthcare services in close proximity. For those interested in entertainment, Folsom Century Theaters is just a short drive away. Places of worship like Lakeside Church and St Mel's Catholic Church offer spiritual support for residents. Overall, Orangevale offers a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors.

Parks

• Negro Bar State Park (1.4 miles)
• Granite Park (1.9 miles)
• Hillsborough Park (2.8 miles)
• Maidu Regional Park (3.9 miles)
• Harry Crabb Park (4 miles)
• Nimbus Flat (4.1 miles)
• Castle Park (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Debruin Medical Center (1.6 miles)
• Linder Psychiatric Group (3.1 miles)
• Revolutions Naturopathic (3.1 miles)
• O'Malley Peter L MD - UC Davis Medical Group (3.3 miles)
• Donald Jonathan Clutter (3.4 miles)
• Daniel J Cooper (3.4 miles)
• El Dorado Orthopaedics (3.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Biosrx (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Cafes

• Sociology Coffee Bar (1.7 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• T4 Tea For U (4.9 miles)
• Temple Coffee Roasters (5.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Scott's Seafood Roundhouse (1.8 miles)
• Plank Craft Kitchen & Bar (1.8 miles)
• Red Bus Brewing Company (2.2 miles)
• Chang's Mongolian Grill (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream (3.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Hospital of Folsom (3.5 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (4.4 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Labor and Delivery (4.4 miles)
• Yuan Franklin E MD - Kaiser Permanente Medical Group (4.4 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente (5 miles)

Theaters

• Folsom Century Theaters (3.7 miles)
• Regal Ua Olympus Pointe (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Lakeside Church (4.1 miles)
• The Block At Lakeside Church (4.2 miles)
• St Mel's Catholic Church (4.9 miles)