Leisure Living
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30821 Catarina Drive., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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Varenita Westlake is described by many visitors and family members as a place of striking beauty and hospitality, where the moment you walk in you sense a level of care and polish that feels almost spa-like. Several comments highlight the dining experience as a standout, with one reviewer calling the pesto chicken and gnocchi delicious and noting that the staff were friendly and accommodating. The dining room and restaurant atmosphere are often praised for being welcoming, and one visitor specifically lauded a server named Roxanne for her attentive service. The building itself, the cleanliness, and the general upkeep are repeatedly praised, with phrases like "wonderful clean facility," "beautiful facility," and "rooms are well appointed" appearing frequently across the notes.
Beyond aesthetics, the sentiment about staff ranges from exemplary to mixed. A number of postings emphasize the warmth and professionalism of the on-site team, including praise for a young server named Chase who went above and beyond to make a visiting experience meaningful for residents and their guests. Attentiveness and genuine care are recurring themes in those accounts, with several residents and families expressing gratitude for staff who engage residents in conversation, make them feel special, and bring a positive energy to the environment. Another voice singles out Dan, a MedTech, for careful and respectful handling of medications, noting how impressed they were by his schedule management and bedside manner.
Yet the tone across the collection is not uniformly positive. Several reviewers point to more troubling issues that seem to have grown with management changes. One long-time visitor laments that since Sunrise took over in May, the community has fallen from five stars to two, citing food problems, caregiving gaps, staff losses, and broader concerns about care quality. That critique contrasts sharply with the many glowing accounts and underscores a tension between isolated, positive personal experiences and wider organizational challenges. The same voice points to systemic concerns about consistency and reliability in care, suggesting that some residents may not be getting the support they need on a day-to-day basis.
Another thread of feedback focuses on the memory care versus assisted living distinction. A reviewer describes the facility as "beautiful" and filled with friendly staff, but warns that residents appear to be primarily memory care patients and that the environment may not align with expectations for assisted living. Reports of unprofessional behavior, hallway gossip, and a perceived lack of work ethic raise concerns about the internal culture and the level of staffing - and specifically med tech coverage - needed to support residents effectively. There are mentions of staffing gaps, too few keys for staff, and broader worries about whether the right equipment and protocols are in place to meet residents' needs.
Despite these cautions, there is strong testimony about the philosophy and leadership of Varenita. One piece of feedback emphasizes the community's "uniquely educated and authentic staff" who demonstrate integrity and kindness, and who thrive because they're supported by the ownership. Stories about progression of memory care, and the sense of belonging for loved ones who have moved into the memory care wing, are common. A family describes their father with progressive dementia finding a sense of place, noting that he asked for a key soon after moving in and tellingly expressing belonging and welcome. The Founding Family is thanked for envisioning and bringing the community to life, reinforcing a sense of pride in the care culture that underpins the operation.
Other voices contribute a balanced mix of praise and critique, underscoring how this community can feel like the right choice for some families and the wrong fit for others. Supportive remarks from spouses and visiting family members emphasize how easily they can sign in, how staff greet visitors with warmth, and how activities and common spaces - like game areas and social programming - contribute to a sense of normalcy and joy. Descriptions of the community as "like a Four Seasons" or "a spa/luxury hotel" capture the aspirational atmosphere many residents and their families seek when choosing a memory care or assisted living setting. On the flip side, critics call out communication gaps, inconsistent staffing, and concerns about whether dietary restrictions and meal preparation are consistently met, particularly in terms of food availability and adherence to residents' dietary needs.
A recurring thread is the tangible impact of the day-to-day experience on families who visit or rely on Varenita for care. Several reviewers note that visiting someone there feels reassuring in its warmth - staff are described as friendly and attentive, and the environment is portrayed as clean, inviting, and well maintained. Others praise specific staff contributions during their visits - Roxanne in the restaurant for service, or Mimi and other caregivers noted in the hallways - highlighting how individuals can make a meaningful difference in a resident's day. There is also appreciation for the intergenerational and community aspects, such as Easter artwork on display and the sense that residents are part of a lively, cared-for setting.
In sum, Varenita Westlake emerges as a place of considerable beauty, warmth, and potential. Many families celebrate the elegance of the facility, the perceived kindness and professionalism of many staff members, and the moments where residents shine - whether through engaging conversations, thoughtful dining service, or the small rituals that make a house feel like a home. At the same time, some reviews raise legitimate concerns about governance shifts, the alignment of memory care versus assisted living, staffing levels, and the consistency of day-to-day operations. The collective voice suggests a community that can offer exceptional, personalized care and a luxurious ambience, but one where continued attention to staffing, communication, and program delivery will determine whether the experience remains reliably five-star for all residents and their families.
Leisure Living in Thousand Oaks, CA is a premier assisted living community that offers a range of care services to meet the unique needs of individuals requiring assistance with daily activities. Our community provides a warm and homelike environment, offering both board and care home options as well as specialized memory care for those with dementia or Alzheimer's.
At Leisure Living, we prioritize the comfort and well-being of our residents. Our fully furnished accommodations feature private bathrooms, ensuring privacy and personal space. Residents can enjoy the convenience of on-site amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, and telephone services. For relaxation and recreation, we offer beautiful outdoor common areas, gardens, and a swimming pool/hot tub.
Our dedicated staff provides assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, transfers, and medication management. We also offer incontinence care for those who need it. Our staff coordinates with health care providers to ensure comprehensive care for each resident. Additionally, residents with diabetes can benefit from our specialized diabetes diet and diabetic care services.
Leisure Living understands the importance of social engagement and staying active. We provide various activities on-site to cater to different interests and preferences. Community-sponsored activities promote interaction among residents while scheduled daily activities keep them engaged throughout the day. Devotional activities offsite are also available for those seeking spiritual connections.
Meals at Leisure Living are thoughtfully prepared with special dietary restrictions in mind such as kosher and vegetarian options. Residents can enjoy delicious meals together in our dining room.
Conveniently located near numerous cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, and hospitals; Leisure Living ensures easy access to essential amenities and healthcare services.
If you or your loved one is seeking a comfortable assisted living community that focuses on providing personalized care while promoting independence and an engaging lifestyle – look no further than Leisure Living in Thousand Oaks. Contact us today to learn more about our exceptional services and schedule a tour of our community.
This part of Thousand Oaks, California offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several parks nearby such as Westlake Village Community Park and Malibu Creek State Park, residents can enjoy nature walks and outdoor activities. There are also cafes like Tifa Chocolate & Gelato and restaurants such as In-N-Out Burger and Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant in close proximity for dining options. Additionally, there are several healthcare providers including DLV Vision - Westlake Village and pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy for easy access to medical care. The area is also home to Westlake Surgical Center and Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital for any emergency medical needs. Overall, this part of Thousand Oaks provides a peaceful and well-rounded community for seniors to call home.
Leisure Living is located at 30821 Catarina Drive., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 in Ventura County, California
The features provided by Leisure Living are integral to supporting residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being. With 24-hour supervision, caregivers can promptly respond to the needs of residents, minimizing the risk of accidents or confusion. Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, helps maintain personal hygiene and self-esteem while promoting a sense of normalcy. By aiding in transfers, caregivers help prevent falls and injuries, fostering mobility and independence. Coordination with healthcare providers ensures that medical needs are met seamlessly, while specialized incontinence care maintains comfort and dignity. Meal preparation and service cater to individual dietary preferences and nutritional requirements, while medication management guarantees adherence to prescribed treatments. Additionally, arranging transportation for medical appointments facilitates access to necessary healthcare services without placing added stress on residents or families. Collectively, these features create a compassionate environment that promotes cognitive engagement and emotional support for individuals living with memory impairments.
Yes, Leisure Living allows both dogs and cats.
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