1579 Darrah Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93063
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Darrah Manor Costs & Pricing
At Darrah Manor, the monthly costs for accommodations offer a compelling alternative to both Ventura County and the broader state of California. For a semi-private room, residents are charged $2,500, which is significantly lower than the county average of $3,438 and the state average of $3,333. Similarly, those opting for a private room will find that Darrah Manor's rate of $3,000 is more economical compared to Ventura County's average of $4,082 and California's overall average of $3,939. This pricing structure positions Darrah Manor as an attractive option for individuals seeking quality care in a cost-effective setting.
| Floor plans | Darrah Manor | Ventura County | California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $2,500 | $3,438 | $3,333 |
| Private | $3,000 | $4,082 | $3,939 |
Overall Review of Darrah Manor
Pros
The owner is a special soul, beautiful inside and out, with a twinkle in her eye.- She is incredibly hardworking, honest, kind, and wickedly funny.
- Her residents are lucky to have her in charge.
- The community she runs is lovely, and the care provided is in a clean, well-maintained home.
- The staff at Darrah Manor are always pleasant, caring, and available.
- Residents and their families are treated like family and welcomed into the home.
- Darrah Manor provides excellent care and comes highly recommended for loved ones.
- Bernadette provides exemplary care and goes far beyond expectations.
- She keeps residents engaged and well cared for, including overnight supervision.
- She arranges enriching activities, like dancing at the Senior Center, which supports residents' well-being.
- Her efforts helped forestall the progression of Alzheimer's.
Cons
The reviewer noted the facility seemed crowded and the mom’s room was very small.- The house needs work, and the neighborhood isn’t the best.
- The space overall felt cramped.
Review
Darrah Manor in Simi Valley is best suited for families seeking an intimate, home-like senior living option where the owner and staff know residents well, stay highly engaged, and deliver highly personalized care. This is a compact, approximately six-resident setting, where warmth, continuity, and a strong sense of family shape daily life. The leadership under Bernadette is a defining strength, described as hardworking, honest, and genuinely devoted, creating an environment where residents aren't simply cared for, they're known. Reviews repeatedly highlight clean, well-maintained surroundings and staff who are consistently available, patient, and affectionate. For seniors who value stability, predictable routines, and a caretaker-first approach, Darrah Manor offers an unusually intimate alternative to larger facilities.
Alternatives are worth considering for seniors who want more space, more modern infrastructure, or broader programming. The setting's small footprint means room sizes can feel tight, and common areas may feel crowding to visitors. An older home plus a somewhat less advantaged neighborhood may matter to families prioritizing curb appeal, safety, and the latest amenities. For residents who require a higher level of on-site medical services, robust activity calendars, or more private rooms, Darrah Manor may be too limited. In short, those who prize expansive layouts, ongoing wellness programming, and stronger external referrals could fare better in larger, newer assisted living communities.
On the plus side, the core strengths hinge on people, not square footage. Bernadette's leadership translates into a high-touch experience: caregivers who know residents' routines, histories, and preferences; a willingness to adjust care to individual needs; and a family-oriented welcome that extends to visiting relatives. Several testimonials emphasize that residents are treated as members of the family, with staff who are pleasant, caring, and consistently available. Cleanliness and careful maintenance reinforce a sense of respect and pride in the home. The small scale also makes it easier to tailor activities, such as dementia-friendly engagement or directing clients to local Senior Center events, so staying active feels purposeful rather than incidental.
Long-tenured residents and their families are strong validators. One account notes a brother lived there for fifteen years and received excellent care until his passing, with Sunday visits that reinforced a sense of belonging. The same thread runs through other reviews: a caregiver who goes beyond expectations, keeping a loved one busy, arranging social moments, and ensuring nighttime support when needed. The consistency of care and the trust in leadership translate into a stability not always found in larger operations. Even in a smaller home, the staff’s ability to respond quickly and with warmth creates confidence that a resident is valued and protected.
However, practical concerns do surface in the trade-off. A visitor described the atmosphere as crowded, with a room that felt small for the number of residents and a family room that lacked ample space for visitors to spread out. An older structure means ongoing upkeep, and one review notes that the house could benefit from improvements while acknowledging the neighborhood isn't the strongest element. These considerations can affect daily comfort, privacy, and perceived safety, especially for seniors who value expansive common areas, private rooms, or a stronger sense of modern infrastructure. Weighing these realities against the warm culture is essential.
Bottom line: Darrah Manor is a compelling choice for families who prioritize intimate, hands-on care, a deeply personal touch from a dedicated owner, and a homelike daily rhythm that honors familiar routines. It is less suited for those requiring larger living spaces, more extensive onsite amenities, or a highly polished, contemporary setting. Prospects should visit with a clear checklist: observe room sizes and layout, assess whether roommate match is feasible, ask about daily schedules and activity options, and confirm how care plans adapt to cognitive or medical needs. If the priority is continuity, genuine warmth, and reliable daily attention, Darrah Manor delivers; if space, curb appeal, or proximity to a broader caregiving ecosystem loom large, alternatives warrant serious consideration.
6 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Board and Care Home
Activities on-site
Bath tubs
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Private
Private bathrooms
Respite or short term stays offered
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena (21 miles away)
24-hour supervision
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
High acuity care
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
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