The Willows

Pros

• The staff at the facility are pleasant and capable, demonstrating patience and commitment to resident care.
• The Willows offers a family feel and a home atmosphere that many residents appreciate.
• The owner of The Willows makes her guests feel like family, contributing to the community's welcoming environment.
• Residents enjoy fabulous food and an excellent open-door policy, with invitations to share meals together.
• The caregivers are conscientious and sensitive to the emotional needs of the clientele, ensuring a supportive living environment.
• Shared room arrangements at The Willows have provided residents with a sense of security and companionship.

Cons

• The facility is dirty and infested with insects, as noted in California state licensing complaints.
• The administrator frequently fails to respond to calls made by residents during the night.
• The facility is not equipped to handle residents who are bedridden or in need of constant supervision.
• There are issues with food preparation areas being dirty, with leftover food often left out too long before refrigeration.
• Structural concerns exist, including a hillside that is slowly sliding away from the home and rickety elevated walkways.
• The administrator becomes very cranky if payments are late.

Review

The reviews regarding two different facilities, one criticized heavily for its management and condition, and the other praised for its atmosphere and care quality, illustrate the diverse experiences families encounter when seeking care for their loved ones. Each facility presents a unique environment and dynamic that can significantly impact residents’ well-being.

The first facility paints a troubling picture of decay and neglect. With complaints lodged against it regarding cleanliness from the California state licensing agency, this facility is reportedly plagued by dirtiness and insect infestations. While staff members are described as pleasant and capable during their limited hours of operation (approximately 10-12 hours each day), the reality for residents outside these times is concerning. The administrator is often the only person present overnight, which has left some family members feeling unsupported—especially during critical nighttime hours when calls went unanswered. It seems that the administration’s approach may lack responsiveness to urgent resident needs.

Additionally, there are serious concerns about the general upkeep of the premises. The kitchen conditions have been described as unsanitary, with leftover food left out for extended periods before being refrigerated—a worrying sign of poor food safety standards. Structural stability also appears to be an issue; irregularities such as sliding hillsides, rickety elevated walkways, and cracked walls create an atmosphere of risk rather than reassurance for those living in or considering residence at this facility. The need for timely payments seems to add another layer of pressure on families, as late payments reportedly evoke noticeable frustration from management.

In contrast to this disheartening depiction stands The Willows community—a facility that numerous reviewers have commended for its inviting and nurturing home-like atmosphere. Many patrons felt that it provided a familial environment that was warm and welcoming compared to other board-and-care homes they visited. Residents at The Willows appear to thrive in an environment where they not only receive adequate care but also feel genuinely valued by ownership—characterized by an owner who treats guests like family members.

The commitment demonstrated by both owners and caregivers at The Willows has garnered positive feedback throughout reviews. They are described as conscientious individuals who prioritize emotional support alongside physical care—an important factor particularly noted by families looking after older adults dealing with various challenges. A sense of humor among staff helps create a delightful experience; while some might find it strictness indicative of concern rather than harshness, most families seem appreciative of these boundaries set with good intentions.

Shared accommodations are encouraged at The Willows—a factor many families find appealing due to increased social interaction among residents fostering bonds that can alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation commonly faced by seniors. For example, one review highlighted how having her mother share a room has made her feel more secure in her later years, emphasizing the benefits derived from companionship afforded through shared living spaces.

Meal times at The Willows represent another communal highlight; with invitations extended to family members to join residents during meals, it reinforces this sense of connectivity within the community while ensuring nutritious offerings pass through well-managed kitchen standards unlike those critiqued elsewhere. Families appreciate open-door policies allowing them freedom in visiting without restrictions—a refreshing change amid tales from less welcoming environments experienced elsewhere.

In conclusion, while one facility struggles under significant strain related to management shortcomings—failing to provide enough oversight or proper conditions—the other maintains its reputation through heartfelt service aimed directly at meeting resident needs holistically within an engaging community framework purposely designed for comfort. As seen through these contrasting narratives between facilities like these two reviewed here, finding appropriate care necessitates thorough consideration informed by actual resident experiences mixed with genuine assessments surrounding accommodations available therein.

The Tarzana area offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With several dining options nearby, such as Uncle Bernie's Deli, Chili's Grill & Bar, and Vinh Loi Tofu, residents can enjoy a diverse selection of meals without traveling far. Additionally, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are easily accessible for any medication needs. For recreation and relaxation, there are parks like Lake Balboa Park and Serrania Park within a short distance, providing tranquil outdoor spaces for leisurely walks or picnics. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians and hospitals in the vicinity, including Southern California Orthopedic Institute and Veterans Administration. Overall, Tarzana is a well-rounded community with essential services that make it an attractive option for senior living.

Restaurants

• Uncle Bernie's Deli (0.7 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1.1 miles)
• The Stand American Classics Redefined (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (3 miles)
• Vinh Loi Tofu (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Valley Drug & Compounding (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Encino Bike Path (1.8 miles)
• Lake Balboa Park (2.5 miles)
• Serrania Park (3.4 miles)
• Top of Topanga Overlook (4.4 miles)
• Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park (4.9 miles)
• Topanga State Park (5.6 miles)
• Shadow Ranch Park (5.8 miles)

Cafes

• Winnetka Bowl (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (3.5 miles)

Transportation

• Van Nuys Airport (VNY) (3.7 miles)
• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (4.6 miles)
• UCLA Health Woodland Hills (4.8 miles)
• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (5.7 miles)
• Liberty Pacific Advanced Imaging | West Hills (6.5 miles)
• Center For Orthopaedic Specialists (6.6 miles)
• Evan Bachner Evan J Bachner MD (6.6 miles)
• Providence Medical Institute West Hills OB-GYN (6.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Veterans Administration (6.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Michael & All Angels (6.8 miles)
• Immanuel Bible Church (6.9 miles)