Shared Living for the Elderly

Pros

• Faith is warm, patient, and genuinely caring, making families feel like part of the Desert Marigold family.
• Faith answers questions thoroughly and never makes visitors feel rushed.
• Desert Marigold is welcoming, inviting, and well-maintained, with appealing apartments and an active atmosphere.
• On-site services such as physical therapy, dental care, and vision care are highly valued by residents.
• Vanessa M. is incredibly helpful, professional, and reliable, making tours and move-in processes smooth.
• Vanessa is consistently helpful, informative, and easy to work with, with fast and reliable communication.
• The staff at Desert Marigold care for residents as if they were family, creating a compassionate environment.
• Faith's professionalism and uplifting energy stand out and are greatly appreciated by families.
• The campus is described as 5-star, with convenient amenities, well-kept grounds, and a vibrant activity schedule.
• Tours feel safe, home-like, and reassuring thanks to attentive staff like Faith and Vanessa.
• Samantha is highly helpful to families during tours.

Cons

• A reviewer reported poor communication and a four-business-day callback delay, noting a loved one hadn't been bathed in over a week and was sunburned.
• A reviewer described a man in a wheelchair crying for help, claiming his call button requests were ignored and that he was neglected.
• A reviewer said background checks take too long and there are no available openings.
• A reviewer warned prospective families not to choose the facility, alleging theft of personal items (including a license plate), a lack of security, and bed bugs.
• A reviewer attributed ongoing care problems to poor management and criticized the staff for not keeping families informed.
• A reviewer advised not to come, citing safety and care concerns and recommending looking elsewhere.

Review

Desert Marigold Senior Living in Tempe stands out in the memories of many families for its welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful care, and the way the team makes residents feel truly valued. Across a range of experiences, caregivers consistently come across as kind, patient, and genuinely invested in the well?being of both residents and their families. Faith, in particular, emerges as a guiding presence - steady, responsive, and full of warmth. Families describe her as a reliable resource who answers questions thoroughly and treats each visit as an opportunity to ensure comfort and confidence about placing a loved one in Desert Marigold's care.

The admissions process and early interactions with Faith set a hopeful tone for many tours. Reviewers repeatedly note that Faith outlines services clearly and takes the time to discuss options without rushing anyone. Her ability to explain what Desert Marigold offers, from daily care to specialized services, helps families feel that their loved ones would be welcomed with kindness and respect. In several accounts, Faith is credited with not only sharing information but also helping families imagine their loved ones thriving in a community where thoughtful attention and genuine care are visible from the first contact.

During visits and tours, prospective residents and their families frequently remark on the overall vibe of Desert Marigold. The community feels inviting and comfortable, with an emphasis on a warm, home?like atmosphere rather than a clinical or stuffy environment. The apartments, outdoor spaces, and a sense of activity create a picture of a lively place where residents are encouraged to engage with their surroundings. The staff are described as genuinely kind, with a tangible sense that residents are treated with respect and as part of a caring family rather than as anonymous occupants.

An important strength highlighted by several reviewers is the on?site, outpatient services that contribute to convenient, integrated care. Faith often points out the on?campus options, such as physical therapy and the unique "house call" dental and vision services. Families report real benefits from ongoing physical therapy - often led by Matthew and his team - who help improve strength and mobility. Dental care, including denture fittings, along with improved vision through new prescription glasses, are noted as meaningful touches that lessen the burden of coordinating care across multiple providers. One reviewer even credits a weekly medical vitals screening with discovering a heart rate issue, underscoring the value of on?site oversight.

Vanessa M. is another name that repeatedly appears in the feedback as a standout partner for families navigating the process of relocation. Multiple accounts describe Vanessa as not only knowledgeable and thorough but also consistently available, warm, and attentive to both residents and their families. The impressions are almost universally positive: Vanessa makes introductions smoothly, explains what to expect, and helps families feel confident about choosing Desert Marigold. Reviewers call her "an angel," "incredible," and "so helpful," highlighting her calm, organized approach and the way she helps prospective residents find a good fit with minimal stress. Her presence, along with the broader staff, is often described as a major factor in making the transition feel manageable and supported.

Beyond the glowing praise, the collection of reviews also includes some concerns that prospective families may want to weigh. A few writers describe delays in communication, with callbacks taking several days and some questions going unanswered for longer than expected. One account notes ongoing difficulty with a family member's daily needs, including bathing and suiting activities to personal preference, and expresses concern over communication gaps that can leave families feeling out of the loop. Another review raises alarms about security and safety, mentioning theft and a lack of responsiveness to call buttons, as well as a suggestion that bed bugs were discovered. There are stories of a resident feeling neglected and of a caregiver turning to family for help in a moment of distress, which underscores that experiences can vary and that some families feel the need to push for stronger management oversight. A separate reflection mentions a lengthy background?check process and a feeling that, despite friendly staff on site, certain operational aspects could use more attention.

Taken together, Desert Marigold Senior Living in Tempe presents a complex picture of a community with many remarkable strengths and a few areas to improve. Families consistently highlight the compassionate care, the warmth of the team - especially Faith and Vanessa - and the strong on?site services that support both independence and assisted living. The campus feel, the well?kept grounds, and the active, engaging environment contribute to a sense of belonging for residents. At the same time, there are understandable concerns about communication efficiency, proactive updates for families, and some safety and security issues that prospective residents and their loved ones may wish to discuss in depth during tours and pre?move conversations.

Ultimately, Desert Marigold appears to be a place where many families find solace and confidence in placing their loved ones, drawn in by the family?style atmosphere, the accessibility of on?site therapies and services, and the dedication of team members who consistently go above and beyond. The experiences of Faith, Vanessa, and the wider staff reflect a culture that prioritizes kindness, attentiveness, and genuine care. Prospective families are encouraged to visit, meet the team, and evaluate how the community's strengths align with their loved one's needs, while also asking pointed questions about communication practices, safety measures, and ongoing oversight to ensure that expectations are fully understood and met.

This area of Tempe, Arizona offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, and healthcare facilities within a few miles radius, residents can easily access essential resources. Additionally, there are local parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The nearby theaters provide opportunities for entertainment and cultural experiences. Transportation options are available for ease of mobility. Places of worship cater to diverse spiritual needs. Overall, this part of Tempe provides a well-rounded environment suitable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Fry's Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• The Dhaba (1 miles)
• Twin Peaks Tempe (1 miles)
• Bar Louie - Tempe Marketplace (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (1.3 miles)
• Mazaj Hookah Lounge (1.3 miles)
• Mandi House (1.3 miles)

Theaters

• Harkins Tempe Marketplace 16 (1.1 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Tempe (3.4 miles)
• Arizona Mills 18 w/ IMAX (5 miles)
• AMC Mesa Grand 14 (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Selleh Park (1.4 miles)
• Daumler Park (1.5 miles)
• Tempe Beach Park (3.1 miles)
• Blue Sky Airport Parking (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Infusion Coffee & Tea (1.6 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Bikini Beans Espresso (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Cartel Coffee Lab (3 miles)

Transportation

• METRO University Dr /Rural (2.1 miles)
• Concourse C (6.1 miles)
• The Centurion Lounge (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Community Center of Tempe (2.7 miles)
• Kingdom Hall (2.7 miles)
• Mesa Arizona Temple (4.1 miles)
• Temple Emanuel (4.1 miles)
• Salt River Assembly of God (4.5 miles)

Physicians

• 20/20 Image Eye Centers (3.2 miles)
• Azam Medical Clinic (4.1 miles)
• Momdoc-Women for Women (4.2 miles)
• Scottsdale Cardiovascular Center (4.7 miles)
• Riviera Opticare (5.9 miles)
• One Medical (6.1 miles)
• Oasis Behavioral Health Hospital (6.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Greenbaum Surgery Center (5.2 miles)