Vilmar II Residential Care

Pros

• The care at Empress is tender, loving, and supportive, with staff consistently smiling.
• Vickie and Rowena in Rehab provided therapy that helped the resident walk again.
• Hector, Carl, and Sonny are described as knights in shining armor for their strength and care.
• Jessica and Emily in the activity room coordinate activities with care and energy.
• April, Jane, and Lydia ensured residents were comfortable.
• The facility is clean, welcoming, and staffed by caring, attentive personnel who are accommodating to questions.
• The resident flower pots create a cute, creative space for residents.
• The staff greet visitors warmly, contributing to a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
• Empress Care Center is praised for high-quality, compassionate, and professional care.
• The center is highly recommended for its ability to improve residents' quality of life and overall care.
• Independent ratings recognize Empress as top-notch with excellent care and services.

Cons

• The staff neglected a resident for over an hour at night, resulting in a fall and readmission to the hospital.
• A doctor was never called for an arm issue, and the family was not notified promptly.
• The nurse failed to document the resident's arm complaint, delaying care.
• The service is very slow and residents must ask multiple times before anyone responds.
• The facility could not hold a bed for a patient due to insurance, and the family was not informed of the reason.
• Two nurses were rude and dismissive when needles were requested, telling the requester to get them themselves.
• There were reports of neglect and conflicting information about infections, eroding trust in care.
• The facility did not provide a form to file a complaint.

Review

Empress Care Center emerges in these accounts as a place where compassion and teamwork are values that show up in everyday moments. Many reviewers describe a culture of TLC - tender loving care - that feels personal and attentive. They recall smiles that greet them as they pass through, and a sense that everyone is rooting for the residents' progress and comfort. Specific staff members are named with warmth: Vickie and Rowena in rehab are praised for helping someone regain the ability to walk; Hector, Carl, and Sonny are remembered as "knights in shining armor" with strong, capable arms; Jessica and Emily are the chaos coordinators who keep the activity room running smoothly; April, Jane, and Lydia are highlighted for ensuring comfort. The sentiment that shines through is that the BEST care is not just about routines but about people who truly care and show up for residents day after day. Barbara and Wilma are singled out as memorable care providers who stayed with the person's memory long after their stay.

Another set of reviews highlights the everyday excellence that families notice when they visit or when a family member graduates from physical therapy. One reviewer proudly shares that a family member recently completed a physical therapy program, attributing that success to the Empress team. The rehab team - Vicky and Rowena in particular - receives continued praise for their expertise and encouragement. A concrete impression left by visitors is that the facility itself is clean and welcoming, and that staff members are exceptionally caring and attentive. This same voice emphasizes how accommodating the staff are when questions or concerns arise, and how those interactions help visitors feel comfortable during the entire visit. The environment feels safe, organized, and supportive, and the staff's genuine concern for residents is repeatedly described as evident in every interaction.

A lighter, yet meaningful, thread in the collection of notes is the appreciation for the facility's outward-facing spaces and the way residents are invited to engage creatively. One reviewer mentions walking by the resident flower pots - a small but charming feature that provides a cute, therapeutic space for residents to express themselves and enjoy a moment of creativity. The overarching tone here is that Empress Care Center offers more than just medical or nursing care; it provides a setting where residents can feel at home and where small, thoughtful touches contribute to their daily well-being.

Not all experiences align with the very highest praise, however. One detailed account describes a troubling episode that began when a mother could not move her arm on a Saturday, with a sudden change by Sunday that left her unable to move it and in distress. The reviewer alleges that the nurse on Sunday did not know what happened, that no doctor was called, and that the patient was left alone through the night, causing fear that a stroke might have occurred. The account emphasizes a breakdown in communication - claims that a previous nurse did not document a complaint and that the family was not notified promptly. The reviewer criticizes the absence of a formal complaint form and expresses deep concern about how such situations could escalate, ultimately noting that the patient ended up hospitalized and diagnosed with no stroke. This narrative underscores a plea for tighter communication and more consistent medical follow-up in moments of patient distress.

Another review cycle highlights a visit that left the reviewer with nothing but praise for the facility's approach at the time of a tour and for the ongoing positive atmosphere perceived by new visitors. Cory is mentioned as the tour host, and the impression is that the staff - across nursing, rehabilitation, and housekeeping - greeted with genuine warmth. The reviewer repeats the sentiment that Empress Care has exceeded expectations, cultivating a welcoming space where residents feel supported and cared for. The language used suggests a trust in the facility's commitment to high-quality care, and a clear recommendation for families seeking a nurturing environment for loved ones.

There is also a more critical thread that voices dissatisfaction with perceived neglect and communication gaps. One account recounts neglect that led to a fall after a patient was left unattended for over an hour when asking to use the bathroom, and another review claims irregularities around infection testing and treatment. A nurse's response in one instance - describing a lack of knowledge about a complaint - and a later hospital report of an infection add complexity to the picture. A separate note about picking up needles for an insulin pen describes a rudeness of staff, with a couple of nurses described in strongly negative terms who allegedly directed hostile questions and offered little practical assistance. The overarching message from these voices is a demand for respectful, responsive, and competent care, with better communication and a consistent standard of service across shifts and departments.

Amid the contrasts, several reviewers reaffirm a strong sense of community and cultural connection within Empress Care Center. One prior resident mentions Ethiopian friends among the nursing staff, calling out warmth and professional care from nurses and CNAs who left a lasting impression. A reviewer with personal ties to the Ethiopian and broader immigrant communities notes how meaningful this diversity and the sense of belonging can be for residents who come from varied backgrounds. A final note from another reviewer praises the facility as top-notch, giving it a five-star rating from a recognized rating agency. They emphasize excellent care and services, and they report "no complaints whatsoever," a striking contrast to more critical voices and underscoring how experiences at Empress can be markedly different from one person to the next.

Taken together, the collection paints Empress Care Center as a place of contrasts and extremes: moments of standout kindness, expert rehabilitation, and a welcoming environment sit alongside episodes of concern about responsiveness, documentation, and certain staff interactions. For families and residents, this tapestry suggests that the facility can deliver remarkable, compassionate care when it aligns with attentive communication and consistent medical oversight, while also highlighting the critical need for ongoing improvements in responsiveness, record-keeping, and respectful, professional conduct across all staff. The voices collectively call for continued excellence, open dialogue, and a sustaining commitment to the core values of care, dignity, and connection that many already associate with Empress Care Center.

This area of San Jose, California offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant community. Within close proximity are numerous parks such as Townsend Park and Penitencia Creek Park, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. There are also several dining options nearby, including Pho Kim Long and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, catering to various culinary preferences. For healthcare needs, there are pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, as well as hospitals such as Carbon Health and O'Connor Hospital within a short distance. Transportation options are easily accessible with the Milpitas BART Station and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport nearby. Additionally, there are theaters like Century 20 Great Mall and XD for entertainment and cafes such as Roy's Station Coffee & Tea for socializing. The area also features places of worship like Calvary United Methodist Church for spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this neighborhood provides a balanced mix of recreational, dining, healthcare, transportation, and cultural facilities that would suit the needs of seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in a vibrant community setting in San Jose.

Parks

• Townsend Park (0.9 miles)
• Cataldi Park (0.9 miles)
• Penitencia Creek Park (1.7 miles)
• Murphy Park (2.2 miles)
• Reed Street Dog Park (4.4 miles)
• San Jose Municipal Rose Garden (5 miles)
• Central Park (6.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Pho Kim Long (1 miles)
• Dave & Buster's (1.9 miles)
• Jack's Bar & Lounge (3.1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.8 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (3.9 miles)
• Flames Eatery & Bar (4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Elemental Wellness (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)

Transportation

• Milpitas BART Station (1.3 miles)
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) (3.2 miles)
• The Club at SJC (3.2 miles)
• Terminal A (3.2 miles)
• Santa Clara Caltrain Station (4.2 miles)
• Santa Clara Transit Center (4.2 miles)
• San Jose Diridon Station (4.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Carbon Health (1.6 miles)
• O'Connor Hospital (5.6 miles)
• Valley Health Center Bascom (6.2 miles)
• Valley Medical Center Clinic (6.3 miles)

Theaters

• Century 20 Great Mall and XD (2 miles)
• AMC Mercado 20 (5.7 miles)

Physicians

• Regional Medical Center (2.7 miles)
• San Jose Medical Center (3.5 miles)
• Abbott Vascular (5.8 miles)
• Palo Alto Medical Foundation (6 miles)
• South Bay Allergy and Asthma Group (6.1 miles)
• Santa Clara Valley Speciality Center (6.2 miles)
• Vaughn, Sarah Spring Fertility Management (6.2 miles)

Cafes

• Roy's Station Coffee & Tea (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Nirvana Soul (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Calvary United Methodist Church (4.5 miles)