Westlake Group in San Mateo, CA

Cons

• The company is terrible and dishonest.
• The staff's handling of seniors is described as despicable, with unresponsive behavior and conflicting explanations.
• The reviewers urge avoiding these people.
• Will Chang is depicted as an evil man harming seniors and dementia patients.
• Landlords allegedly forced San Jose seniors out, leaving them needing new homes, and the facility shut down after lease non-renewal.
• The complex was poorly managed, exemplified by a nine-month delay to learn about the security deposit.

Review

Westlake Group in San Mateo is best suited for families that have exhausted other options and are prepared to tolerate persistent administrative friction and questionable resident care. The collective feedback portrays a pattern of unresponsive leasing personnel, shifting explanations from different staffers, and a culture that appears indifferent to the needs of seniors and their families. Reviewers describe experiences that feel transactional at best and dismissive at worst, with concerns that extend into holidays and everyday interactions. The implication is clear: stability, clarity, and reliable, respectful treatment are not reliably in place, even before considering the daily realities of caregiving for elders.

Those weighing alternatives should not overlook the explicit warning signs. Anyone who requires dependable communication, transparent financial dealings, and consistent governance should consider other options. The critiques center on miscommunication, promises made and then contradicted, and a troubling willingness to defer or avoid accountability. Financial interactions are a particular red flag, with a notably slow or opaque handling of security deposits and lease questions that often ends only after escalation or legal threat. In short, if trust and straightforward service matter, this community is unlikely to deliver.

The few potential upsides suggested by any reviewer - such as proximity or basic affordability - are decisively overwhelmed by the main drawbacks. When the primary concerns are manipulation of information, inconsistent staff messaging, and a perception that residents are not treated with dignity, any cost savings quickly vanish. The heavy emphasis on administrative missteps, rather than quality of care, makes it difficult to see how any minor conveniences could meaningfully offset the risk of mismanagement or resident dissatisfaction.

Patterned concerns include long delays in responding to inquiries, transferring information between offices, and reportedly cold handling of residents' needs during sensitive times. There are also references to more serious consequences, such as an environment where leases can be terminated or properties shuttered, requiring residents to relocate with little notice. One review notes a security-deposit dispute lasting months, resolved only after threats of legal action. Taken together, these cases point to a governance problem that would complicate any attempt to rely on this community for ongoing, predictable care.

If this community remains on the radar, a disciplined due-diligence plan is essential. Prospective families should demand a single point of contact, written or emailed confirmation of every commitment, and a clear timeline for all financial transactions. Verify the licensing and compliance status with appropriate state authorities, and obtain current, candid references from current residents and their families. Insist on a detailed resident agreement that spells out care expectations, what constitutes a breach, and how disputes are resolved. Before signing, seek opinions from elder-law professionals about lease terms, deposit handling, and exit options in case the environment proves unstable.

In conclusion, Westlake Group represents a high-risk choice for most families seeking dependable senior living. The prevailing feedback indicates a risk profile dominated by miscommunication, questionable ethics, and operational instability. The prudent conclusion is to pursue alternatives that demonstrate consistent transparency, respectful resident care, and reliable management. Only families with no viable options and a willingness to navigate potential upheaval should consider moving forward, and even then only after rigorous verification and protective contractual guarantees are in place.

This area of San Mateo, California, offers a diverse range of amenities within a short distance, making it an ideal location for senior living. With multiple parks nearby such as Central Park and Washington Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and the beauty of nature. Additionally, there are several pharmacies and physicians' offices in close proximity, providing easy access to healthcare services. The presence of reputable hospitals like Mills-Peninsula Radiology and San Mateo Medical Center ensures quality medical care for seniors. For entertainment, there are theaters like Cinepolis San Mateo and cafes including Starbucks for social outings. Restaurants offering various cuisines like New England Lobster Market & Eatery and Lark Creek Grill cater to diverse culinary preferences. Overall, this neighborhood in San Mateo provides a convenient and vibrant environment for seniors seeking a comfortable and active lifestyle.

Parks

• Central Park (0.1 miles)
• Washington Park (1.8 miles)
• Coyote Point County Park (2 miles)
• Laurelwood Park (2.5 miles)
• Leo J Ryan Memorial Park (2.9 miles)
• Marlin Park (4.6 miles)
• Highlands Park (5.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)

Physicians

• Bundy Opticians (0.3 miles)
• California Skin Institute (0.6 miles)
• Urology: San Carlos Center: Palo Alto Medical Foundation (4.8 miles)
• Redwood City Women's Health Center (6.8 miles)
• California Skin Institute (6.9 miles)
• Kaiser RWC Birch Building (7.5 miles)
• Coastside Clinic (8.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Mills-Peninsula Radiology (0.3 miles)
• San Mateo Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Mills-Peninsula Health Services (3.9 miles)
• A & C Convalescent Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Sequoia Hospital (6.8 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center (7.4 miles)

Theaters

• Cinepolis San Mateo (2 miles)

Transportation

• Hillsdale Station (2.1 miles)
• Millbrae Caltrain Station (4.4 miles)
• Boarding Area C (4.9 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (5 miles)
• Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (5 miles)
• TSA Security Checkpoint (5 miles)
• Boarding Area D (5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• San Francisco Giants Clubhouse (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.3 miles)
• Philz Coffee (7.3 miles)
• Coffeebar (7.4 miles)
• Starbucks (9.5 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• New England Lobster Market & Eatery (4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.9 miles)
• Lark Creek Grill (5 miles)
• Yankee Pier (5.2 miles)
• Mustards (5.3 miles)