Auswill Care Home in Foster City, CA

Pros

• The food is restaurant-quality and residents love it.
• The staff are courteous, loving, and go above and beyond to care for residents.
• The light-filled layout and patios create an inviting, home-like atmosphere.
• Atria Foster Square feels like a five-star hotel with top-notch service.
• The community is highly recommended for independent, assisted, or memory care living.
• A wide range of engaging activities - art, exercise, and local outings - keeps residents active and connected.
• The dining and culinary teams provide high-quality meals with attentive service.
• The facility is modern, luxurious, and well-maintained, offering a resort-like experience.

Cons

• They warned not to be fooled by how pretty everything looks, because the care did not reflect the attractive exterior.
• They would not recommend the facility, citing safety concerns after a relative fell six times in the first 30 days.
• They described inconsistent overnight care, with staff checking in the middle of the night and sometimes scrolling on their phones.
• They reported poor handling of residents' belongings, with clothes left scattered and items missing.
• They heard horror stories of residents being moved to other facilities and noted high vacancy rates, implying subpar care.
• They recounted a negative interaction with a staff member who was rude and unhelpful to a visitor.
• They criticized the lack of on-site medical support, noting it isn't a medical facility and care depended on alert pendants rather than immediate medical help.

Review

Atria Foster Square in Foster City is best suited for seniors who crave a polished, resort-like living experience with rich social programming, restaurant-quality dining, and plenty of light-filled spaces to stay active. This community excels for independent residents who want a seamless transition into assisted living or memory care without sacrificing style, and for couples where one member may need discreet assistance while the other remains engaged in the community. The reviews repeatedly highlight a vibrant calendar of activities, opportunities for cultural outings, and a dining program that feels like a high-end restaurant, all set in a location convenient to shops and services. In short, it is ideal for those who prize luxury, connection, and a broad slate of amenities accompanying a continuum of care.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are families facing heavier medical needs or tighter budgets. Several reviews flag scenarios where care expectations did not align with needs - ranging from concerns about safety early in a memory care stay to reports of inconsistent nighttime oversight and staff responsiveness. While the community can accommodate memory care, assisted living, and independent living, it is not described as a medical facility with round-the-clock clinical nursing on site. For residents with significant medical complexity, wandering risk, or the need for intense daily monitoring, a more medically focused setting could be a better fit. Families should weigh the appeal of luxury against the imperative of hands-on clinical support when evaluating options.

On the upside, the pros strongly offset most notable drawbacks for many residents and families. The environment consistently earns praise for feeling like a five-star hotel, with careful attention to safety and accessibility, well-trained staff, and a culture of genuine care. Food is repeatedly described as outstanding, with desserts and regional cuisines earning regular compliments, and the culinary team is recognized for tailoring meals to residents' preferences. The activity program stands out for its breadth - art, exercise, local excursions, and events - from which residents derive ongoing social stimulation and purpose. Staff engagement is a recurring strength, from thoughtful direct care to attentive dining service and collaborative leadership, creating a sense of community that many families value deeply.

Still, the cons cited by a minority of reviewers deserve careful consideration. Instances of early falls or safety concerns during transitions into memory care, perceptions of inconsistent night coverage, and occasional perceptions of staff being absorbed by multitasking or personal devices can erode confidence. The most compelling counterbalance lies in the proven strengths: a robust engagement program, transparent medication management, and a staff culture that treats residents with respect and kindness. Families should not dismiss these warnings, but should countercheck with direct conversations about care level guarantees, staffing patterns at night, and the specific memory care supports available. A pre-move ask about a detailed care plan and a trial period can mitigate risk.

For decision-making, it makes sense to approach a tour with a structured checklist. Probe how care levels are assessed and re-evaluated as needs evolve, request specifics on staff-to-resident ratios during peak hours, and verify how medications are delivered and administered. Assess the calendar of events and ask to sample a few activity streams to gauge how well personalization occurs across cognitive levels. Inquire about transportation, housekeeping, and laundry services, and confirm what is included in monthly pricing versus add-ons. A candid discussion with the memory care director about safety protocols, response times, and continuity of care will reveal how well the community's strengths align with a loved one's daily reality.

Ultimately, Atria Foster Square stands out as a top-tier choice for families seeking luxury senior living with a broad continuum of care and a thriving social ecosystem. For residents who value a culinary-forward experience, frequent cultural and outdoor activities, and attentive staff in a modern, sunlit setting, the community offers compelling advantages that often justify the premium. It is a strong recommendation for those prioritizing dignity, active engagement, and a sense of "home," provided that the care level matches the individual's needs and that thorough due diligence is completed to confirm the fit. When aligned, this community can deliver peace of mind, meaningful daily life, and the reassurance of a well-supported loved one.

Located in Foster City, California, this area offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. The proximity to multiple pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens ensures easy access to necessary medications. There are also several hospitals and medical centers nearby, including Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center and Sequoia Hospital, providing quality healthcare services. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy dining options like McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A, as well as parks like Leo J Ryan Memorial Park and Central Park for outdoor relaxation. In addition, convenient transportation options such as the Hillsdale Station and San Carlos Airport provide easy access for traveling or visiting loved ones. Overall, this part of Foster City offers a balance of convenience, healthcare resources, and recreational opportunities for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant community.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.8 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (5.1 miles)
• New England Lobster Market & Eatery (7.4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (7.7 miles)
• Lark Creek Grill (8.2 miles)

Parks

• Leo J Ryan Memorial Park (1.2 miles)
• Marlin Park (2.3 miles)
• Central Park (3.9 miles)
• Burton Park (4.5 miles)
• Coyote Point County Park (4.6 miles)
• Laurelwood Park (4.8 miles)
• Highlands Park (4.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Philz Coffee (5.3 miles)
• Coffeebar (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• San Francisco Giants Clubhouse (8.6 miles)
• Café Venetia (9.3 miles)

Transportation

• Hillsdale Station (3.1 miles)
• San Carlos Airport (SQL) (3.2 miles)
• San Carlos Airport Control Tower (3.6 miles)
• Redwood City Caltrain Station (5.4 miles)
• Millbrae Caltrain Station (7.9 miles)
• Boarding Area C (8.1 miles)
• Boarding Area D (8.2 miles)

Theaters

• Cinepolis San Mateo (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Urology: San Carlos Center: Palo Alto Medical Foundation (3.3 miles)
• Bundy Opticians (4.1 miles)
• California Skin Institute (4.3 miles)
• California Skin Institute (5.3 miles)
• Kaiser RWC Birch Building (5.3 miles)
• Redwood City Women's Health Center (5.8 miles)
• CCRM Fertility of San Francisco (6.7 miles)

Hospitals

• San Mateo Medical Center (3.4 miles)
• Mills-Peninsula Radiology (4.2 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center (5.2 miles)
• Sequoia Hospital (5.7 miles)
• Mills-Peninsula Health Services (7.6 miles)
• VA Medical Center-Menlo Park (8.2 miles)
• A & C Convalescent Hospital (8.4 miles)