Golden Villa Retirement Ctr

Pros

• Anandi continues to stand out in this regard.
• Dad loves his home and looks forward to enjoying many more years of active living at Solista Newberg.
• The staff is very friendly and engaging.
• The team at Astor House has done an amazing job managing through the situation with COVID-19.
• The General Manager (Charlie) and Sale Person (Bridget) showed a high level of empathy, passion, and concern for insuring their residents and staff had their needs taken care of and concerns addresses.
• Astor House is a nice-looking environment.
• Moving to Astor House has also improved her mood.

Cons

• The food and services are getting worse and worse at Solista, according to Sheila Parker.
• Solista is described as the absolute worst place to move an elderly loved one.
• The administration allegedly calls residents "THRASHY" for minor mistakes and uses announcements during meals.
• Meals are reportedly insufficient or of poor quality, often with dry sandwiches, crumbled chips, and wilted lettuce.
• Light housekeeping is inconsistent, the coffee station is dirty, and some fire alarms are non-working.
• Since the ownership change to investors, decisions are driven by money rather than residents' needs.
• There are not enough staff during meals, causing long wait times.
• The facility has refused to refund a resident's deposit after their passing, with various excuses.
• Outings have been reduced and buses are limited, leaving many residents unable to participate.

Review

In the Portland and nearby communities, elder living options bring a mix of warmth, challenge, and ongoing conversation about what quality care really means. A set of reviews from residents, family members, and staff reveals a common throughline: the human connections matter tremendously, but the experience can be deeply shaped by management decisions, staffing levels, and how well a facility translates its promises into daily realities. Two names recur in this landscape - Solista Newberg and Astor House - each carrying its own strengths and areas for improvement, framed by the broader backdrop of corporate ownership and the upheavals that sometimes accompany transitions.

Solista Newberg stands out in the testimonies for its welcoming atmosphere from day one. One reviewer describes arriving to a warm introduction from Anandi, noting that the moment the family arrived felt like coming home. The staff is repeatedly praised for kindness and graciousness, and the sense that the community itself helped ease a major life transition is a recurring theme. The reviewer who spoke of the dad's immediate sense of belonging emphasizes how, beyond the scenic, quiet surroundings, the people - the residents who already considered him a friend, the staff who made him feel at ease - made the decision to move in an easier one. The praise extends to particular team members: a driver named Chris and a maintenance supervisor named Leon are singled out for helping ensure a wonderful living experience. The sense of gratitude here transcends routine praise, underscoring that personal attention and reliable, consistent support can be as meaningful as the amenities on the grounds.

But the circle of voices around Solista Newberg also includes pointed concerns that echo widely in the industry. One reviewer - Sheila Parker - frames the experience in terms of food quality and value, arguing that "old people need meat or protein they can chew," and noting dissatisfaction with how the dining and services have evolved over time. The comment hints at a frustration with changing times in long-term care: a loved one has been there for more than a decade, and the sentiment shifts toward a call for improvements rather than continued price increases. It's a reminder that longevity in a community does not immunize it from scrutiny, and it highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining high service standards and the financial realities that accompany senior living.

A broader set of reviews paints a more volatile picture about some senior communities under corporate management. Several comments describe a spectrum of experiences that range from "unprofessional staff" to criticisms about corporate-driven cost-saving measures. One reviewer, painting with very strong language, discusses what they view as a decline following ownership changes - claims of misaligned priorities, a sense that the administration has become more about managing investor expectations than resident needs, and a persistent concern about cost cutting. Specific incidents become touchpoints: frustrations with meal service, concerns about frequency and quality of meals, and complaints about housekeeping and safety systems. The pattern that emerges is not merely about a single building; it is about how transitions - especially those framed as corporate restructurings - can ripple through daily life, affecting meal variety, staffing consistency, and the perceived attentiveness of management.

Amid these critiques, Astor House in Portland area emerges as a focal point for deeply positive experiences, particularly for families seeking independence and meaningful daily engagement for their loved ones. Several residents and family members describe Astor House as a "godsend," a place where mom or a loved one can retain independence while enjoying a robust social and activity program. The amenities and routines that matter most - outings to local stores, transportation to appointments, and opportunities to socialize and solve puzzles - are highlighted as key benefits. A recurring refrain is relief and reassurance: residents feel safe, connected, and engaged, with staff who make a visible difference in mood and daily life. The accounts consistently celebrate staff dedication and the sense that the community fosters genuine relationships and purposeful living.

Yet Astor House is not without criticisms, and several reviews offer a more nuanced view. Some residents note that meal service can be inconsistent, with occasional shortages or delays during peak times, and a desire for menus that feel more tailored to seniors' nutritional needs - less red meat, more whole grains, and more flexibility for individual dietary requirements. Communication systems are called out as needing improvement, including the use of loudspeakers that can be confusing or disruptive for residents. The facility's branding as an Independent Living community is questioned by some who feel the noise levels, the menu constraints tied to corporate mandates, and the pace of food service do not always align with residents' expectations of independence and dignity. In one instance, a proposal is even suggested: a system to count meals taken or adjust monthly costs accordingly when someone is not consuming a full schedule of meals. It's a thoughtful critique that speaks to the heart of how people experience value and fairness in long-term care.

Despite criticisms, many reviewers attest to the overall warmth and sense of community at Astor House. A resident's personal note - "Extremely quiet; close to vendors; largely older women who obviously enjoy the camaraderie" - paints a picture of a tranquil, social environment where friendships form and residents feel part of a living, breathing neighborhood. Another family member emphasizes that their mother has settled in well, praising the staff and activities and thanking individuals like Tracey for smoothing the transition. The sentiment is consistent: there is genuine affection for the people who work there and for the supportive atmosphere that allows residents to thrive. Several voices also acknowledge improvements over time, crediting a new manager with turning things around and noting that the community's leadership has learned to navigate recent challenges with greater empathy and responsiveness.

The most poignant threads in these narratives come from the marriages of praise and critique that live side by side. Longtime families reflect genuine affection for the people who work there and for the everyday moments - the bus rides to events, the companionship during meals, the simple routines that give structure and joy. At the same time, others raise legitimate concerns about staffing levels, meal quality, and the broader corporate structure that can drift away from the core mission of resident-centered care. One review captures the tension well: even within a facility that many residents clearly love, there remains a recurring push-pull between maintaining a warm, community-focused environment and meeting the practical demands of scale, budgeting, and corporate oversight.

In the end, these voices weave a complex portrait of elder living in this region: Solista Newberg offers a welcoming, resident-centered atmosphere with standout individual staff who help new residents feel at home, and a sense of stability that many families prize. Astor House presents a strong case for independent living that emphasizes social connections, purposeful activities, and the comfort of a trusted staff, while also inviting ongoing attention to meal quality, communication, and the realities of corporate governance. For families weighing options, the common thread is clear: residents value dignity, meaningful activities, reliable care, and a community that treats them as people rather than as numbers. The path forward for these communities, as echoed by many reviewers, lies in balancing heartfelt, human-centric service with the practicalities of operations - ensuring consistent meals that meet nutritional needs, reliable staffing to support daily life, clear and respectful communication, and a governance structure that keeps resident well-being at the forefront.

This part of Newberg, Oregon is a vibrant and convenient area with a variety of amenities nearby. There are several cafes within a short distance, providing opportunities to socialize and enjoy a cup of coffee. Additionally, there are multiple physicians' offices and pharmacies in close proximity, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. A selection of restaurants offers dining options for every taste, while the local hospitals provide medical care when needed. For recreational activities, there are parks and theaters nearby, as well as transportation options such as the McMinnville Municipal Airport for travel convenience. Overall, this part of Newberg offers a mix of convenience and leisure opportunities that may appeal to seniors looking for a comfortable and engaging living environment.

Cafes

• Social Goods (0.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.7 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (7.8 miles)
• Starbucks (10 miles)
• Starbucks (10.4 miles)
• Starbucks (10.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (10.9 miles)

Physicians

• Providence Sleep Disorders Center - Newberg (0.6 miles)
• Newberg Pediatric Clinic (0.7 miles)
• Asthma Allergy Centre (0.8 miles)
• Grant R Lindquist MD (0.8 miles)
• Newberg Vision Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Lenza Eye Center (10.4 miles)
• Asthma Allergy Centre (11.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Mike's Medical Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (8.3 miles)
• Walgreens (9.7 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (9.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (10.3 miles)
• Miller (10.9 miles)

Restaurants

• J's Restaurant & Lounge (0.8 miles)
• Chehalem Valley Brewing Company (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Wendy's (1.6 miles)
• Jory (2 miles)
• Dundee Bistro (2.3 miles)
• Red Hills Market (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• The Children's Clinic (1.2 miles)
• Providence Newberg Hospital (1.9 miles)
• Sherwood Family Medicine (8.4 miles)
• Silverton Hospital (11.6 miles)

Theaters

• 99W Drive-In (1.3 miles)
• Mcminnville Cinema (11.4 miles)

Parks

• Champoeg State Park (4.5 miles)
• Safe And Hound (9.7 miles)
• Wilsonville Memorial Park (10 miles)
• Cook Park Soccer Fields (10.1 miles)
• Ibach Park (10.2 miles)
• Memorial Park (10.3 miles)
• Evergreen Aviation Playground (10.4 miles)

Transportation

• McMinnville Municipal Airport (MMV) (10.5 miles)