Bellflower Friendship Manor

Pros

• The seniors appreciate the food donations.
• The rooms are nice and the staff work hard to keep them bug-free.
• The seniors look happy and well taken care of.
• The residents seemed very content at the Mother's Day luncheon.
• A friend loves living there.

Cons

• The new manager ran out the volunteers and blocked parking so food could not be distributed.
• She yelled at some of the seniors to leave.
• The manager's conduct is described as shameful.
• Some residents were described as bullies.
• The residents told the reviewer he couldn't be there and that he wasn't 62.
• They told the reviewer he couldn't use the laundry facilities.
• The group of ladies harassed the reviewer.

Review

Over the past five years, a steady stream of food donations has become a quiet lifeline for the seniors living in this community. A dedicated volunteer has been visiting regularly, bringing nourishment and a sense of connection to those who call the building home. For a long time, this routine ran smoothly, with volunteers and residents alike appreciating the regular distribution and the care that went into it. Then a new manager arrived, and with her came changes that rattled the routine. The volunteer notes that she has tried to enforce rules about parking and food distribution that hadn't been part of the culture before, and the atmosphere quickly shifted from cooperative to confrontational.

The conflict intensified as the manager reportedly barred volunteers from parking on the property and distributing food in the usual way. There are accounts of tense moments where the manager yelled at seniors and asked them to leave, despite the fact that many residents are long-time tenants who rely on the support the donations provide. The volunteer who spoke up during one of these exchanges emphasized a simple truth: these are people who live there, and their needs deserve respect. The reaction among seniors was palpable - shock, sadness, and a sense of being pushed away by someone who is supposed to look after them. The energy around the donations grew heavier, and what had once felt like a shared act of care started to feel more like a friction point.

In response to the friction, the seniors found themselves adapting. Rather than letting the disruption end the support they'd come to rely on, they began meeting at a nearby park to receive the food. It's clear from the accounts that the seniors still value the generosity and the dignity of receiving food, and they express sincere appreciation for the efforts the donor has made over the years. The sense that they deserve a reliable, respectful arrangement is strong, and their gratitude for assistance remains clear, even as they navigate the new logistics and the uncomfortable tension created by the manager's approach.

A separate perspective comes from a resident in a 62-plus unit who recalls a different encounter with a group of neighbors. This person describes being told repeatedly that they cannot be there because they are not the right age, and being denied access to laundry facilities as well. The tone here is stark: the resident felt harassed and warned that filing charges could be a next step, with an undertone of possible legal action if health issues or further conflicts arose. Despite the friction with fellow residents, this account also acknowledges some positive aspects of living there - the rooms are described as nice and the property as largely well-kept and clean, with efforts to keep it pest-free. It's a reminder that even in the midst of conflict, there are elements of comfort and maintenance that residents do value.

Amid the tension, there are moments that suggest a more hopeful picture. A visit for a Mother's Day luncheon painted a scene of cleanliness and friendliness, with residents appearing content and engaged. A friend of a resident spoke warmly about life there, underscoring that the community has its charms and can feel like a true home for those who live there. These observations stand in contrast to the more heated anecdotes, illustrating a complex landscape in which care, community, and conflict coexist.

In another positive thread, a volunteer notes personal involvement in arts and crafts for the seniors. The activity contributes to visible happiness and a sense of being well cared for, which the seniors validate through their smiles and engagement. This detail highlights an important value of the place: when creative programs run smoothly, they offer meaningful interaction, pride, and a sense of belonging for those who live there. It's another reminder that, despite disagreements about policies and management style, the community broadens and enriches the lives of its residents through these ongoing, meaningful activities.

Taken together, the collection of reviews paints a picture of a community with real strengths and notable challenges. On the positive side, there are clean, well-maintained spaces, active and affectionate involvement from volunteers, and opportunities for residents to engage in crafts and social activities that brighten their days. The warmth of residents who appreciate the consistent support they've received over the years is unmistakable, as is the gratitude expressed by the donors who have shown up time and again. On the other hand, recent management decisions have introduced a strain that affects how services are delivered and how residents and volunteers interact. The tension around parking, distribution, and personal treatment has sparked frustration and calls for accountability.

Ultimately, the community seems to be at a crossroads. The long-standing acts of generosity and the visible care of residents and volunteers exist alongside real concerns about how management communicates, enforces rules, and treats those who live and work here. Several voices urge the owner to engage directly with the manager and the tenants to restore a sense of fairness and partnership that supports the well-being of all involved. If the owner takes those concerns seriously, there is a path to harmonize the warmth and generosity that define the best of this community with a respectful, orderly framework that protects both residents and volunteers.

This part of Bellflower, California offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a variety of nearby physicians and hospitals, residents have access to quality healthcare services. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are also easily accessible for medication needs. In terms of recreation, there are several parks in close proximity for outdoor activities and relaxation. Additionally, a selection of theaters, restaurants, cafes, and places of worship provide opportunities for social engagement and cultural enrichment. Transportation options such as the Long Beach Airport and metro stations offer convenience for travel. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with essential services and leisure activities for seniors to enjoy living in Bellflower.

Physicians

• Paramount Physicians (1.7 miles)
• Dostzada, Ghulam Dr - Los Alamitos Cardiovascular (7.6 miles)
• Harbor Ucla Medical Center - David Durkovich Do (10.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Costco Vision Center (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (2.4 miles)
• PIH Health Hospital (3.5 miles)
• Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (3.5 miles)
• Department of State Hospitals (4.6 miles)
• Del Rio Convalescent Center (6.1 miles)
• Martin Luther King Jr / Drew Medical Center (6.9 miles)
• VA Long Beach Healthcare System (7.5 miles)

Theaters

• Harkins Theatres Cerritos 16 (2.6 miles)
• AMC Norwalk 2 (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (2.7 miles)
• McDonald's (5.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (5.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (7.5 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (7.9 miles)
• El Torito (8 miles)
• McDonald's (8.3 miles)

Cafes

• Bopomofo Cafe (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (8.4 miles)
• Starbucks (9.1 miles)
• Lees Sandwiches - Gard (9.9 miles)
• Starbucks (10.2 miles)

Parks

• Temple Park (4.4 miles)
• Cerritos Regional County Park (4.6 miles)
• Shadow Park Hoa (4.7 miles)
• Rivera Park (5.8 miles)
• Central Park / La Palma Recreation & Community Services (5.8 miles)
• Rossmoor Park (6.6 miles)
• Michigan Park (8.3 miles)

Transportation

• Long Beach Airport (LGB) (4.6 miles)
• Komar Aviation Group (4.9 miles)
• Metro - Willow Street Station (6.3 miles)
• Metro La Mirada & Alondra Bus Stop (7.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Hedwig Catholic Church (7 miles)
• Cottonwood Church (7.1 miles)