Monarch Cottage

Pros

• The friendly and expert staff at Monarch Cottage provide excellent care for their residents.
• Monarch's whole environment, including their strengths-based approach to care, makes it a standout facility.
• The community at Monarch Cottage is social, stimulating, and loving, creating a positive experience for residents.
• The outstanding food at Monarch Cottage is delightful and enjoyed by the residents.
• Monarch Cottage has made a huge difference in the lives of its residents and their families, bringing joy and happiness during challenging times.
• The staff at Monarch Cottage show warmth, care, and attentiveness towards the residents' needs.
• The facility is beautifully designed and decorated with many places for residents to walk, sit, and socialize.
• Families have peace of mind knowing that their loved one's physical, social, emotional, and medical needs are well attended to at Monarch Cottage.
• Moving to Monarch Cottage gave a resident a new lease on life and improved their overall well-being.
• The Monarch team successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID pandemic while keeping residents safe.

Cons

• The facility did not properly change the resident, leading to a UTI and lack of proper hydration.
• The caregiver staff at Monarch are overworked and understaffed.
• The resident's toenails hadn't been clipped in a year.
• The facility did not provide a monthly newsletter until a family council was organized.
• The resident looked uncared for when moving to another facility.
• The caregivers at Monarch were not able to meet the expectations of care.
• The transition to Monarch was difficult for the resident, particularly due to COVID challenges.
• The physical space at Monarch is not designed well and does not live up to its 5-star reputation.
• Some residents at Monarch were bored and lacked engagement in activities.
• Inconsistent quality of meals at Monarch was dissatisfying for some residents.

Review

Deciding to entrust a family member to the care of strangers is a significant decision that requires a leap of faith. This sentiment is echoed by one reviewer who expresses gratitude for choosing Monarch for their mother's care. They visit regularly and have witnessed how their mom has opened up and re-engaged since moving to Monarch. The friendly and expert staff have played a crucial role in ensuring her physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.

However, not all experiences at Monarch Cottage have been positive. Another individual moved their mother into the facility with high expectations of receiving top-notch care but was ultimately disappointed. Within a month, their mother had to be hospitalized due to a UTI caused by inadequate hygiene practices and hydration. They also found that their mother was often left soaked through during visits. Frustrated with having to constantly fight for proper care despite paying premium prices, they made the decision to move her elsewhere.

On the other hand, there are those who have found Monarch Cottage to be immensely helpful in dealing with the challenges of dementia. Placing their mom at Monarch brought about positive changes in her life and helped her transition smoothly into the community. The strengths-based approach adopted by Monarch stood out for them, creating an environment that is social, stimulating, and loving. Their mom loves being part of the community at Monarch and enjoys activities reminiscent of her college days. Additionally, the beautiful setting and outstanding food add to the overall experience.

Another reviewer shares a similar sentiment regarding the positive impact Monarch Cottage has had on their mom's happiness during this challenging stage of life. Moving from one facility after their father passed away, they were initially concerned about the transition for their mom amidst COVID-19 restrictions. However, she immediately loved Monarch from her first visit due to the caring environment provided by staff members at all levels. The engaging activities and aesthetic appeal of the cottage further contribute to her enjoyment. The reviewer expresses gratitude for the difference Monarch Cottage has made in their mom's life and wishes they had moved her there sooner.

Moving a bedridden individual who required 24-hour care at home to a facility can be challenging, but one reviewer found that selecting Monarch Cottage gave their loved one a new lease on life. The staff at Monarch encouraged their family member to be more active, resulting in increased engagement and happiness. The caring and loving environment, coupled with dedicated staff, played a vital role in this transformation.

While many reviews highlight positive experiences at Monarch Cottage, there are also dissenting voices. One reviewer felt that they were paying high prices for subpar service. They observed issues such as lack of engagement for residents, inconsistent meal quality, and misleading caregiver-to-resident ratios. These factors left them feeling ripped off compared to other memory care facilities offering better services at lower costs.

Overall, the reviews present a mixed picture of experiences at Monarch Cottage. While some have found it to be a haven of care and positivity for their loved ones with dementia or other care needs, others feel let down by the level of service provided in relation to the high prices charged by the facility.

This part of La Jolla, California, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities suitable for senior living. With multiple CVS pharmacies within close proximity, access to healthcare and medication is readily available. The area also boasts a variety of dining options, including The Taco Stand and Pacific Beach Fish Shop, providing opportunities for socializing and enjoying local cuisine. Nearby cafes such as Starbucks and Bird Rock Coffee Roasters offer spaces for relaxing with a cup of coffee. Additionally, several parks like Kate O Sessions Memorial Park and Mission Bay Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access to healthcare services is easily accessible with UC San Diego Health facilities nearby, along with Scripps hospitals in the vicinity. Transportation options are also convenient with trolley stations and airports within a short distance. Overall, this neighborhood in La Jolla offers a blend of convenience, entertainment, healthcare access, and transportation that can contribute to a comfortable lifestyle for seniors.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)

Restaurants

• The Taco Stand (0.3 miles)
• Mavericks Beach Club (3.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.5 miles)
• Pacific Beach Shore Club (3.5 miles)
• Waterbar (3.5 miles)
• The Local Pacific Beach (3.6 miles)
• Pacific Beach Fish Shop (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (2 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (6.4 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (7.9 miles)
• Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (8 miles)

Parks

• La Jolla Shores Park (1.5 miles)
• Tourmaline Surfing Park (2.7 miles)
• Kate O Sessions Memorial Park (3.1 miles)
• Crown Point (4.1 miles)
• Mission Bay Park (5.3 miles)
• Mission Bay Park (5.3 miles)
• Mission Beach Park (5.3 miles)

Physicians

• UC San Diego Health - La Jolla 8910 Villa La Jolla Drive (3 miles)
• NVISION Eye Centers (3.2 miles)
• Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center at UC San Diego Health (3.8 miles)
• Stahl Richard Dr Scripps Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Group La Jolla (4.1 miles)
• Pearl Mini IVF (5.7 miles)
• San Diego Mental Health Services (6.5 miles)
• Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego Radiology (7.6 miles)

Hospitals

• UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center (3.7 miles)
• Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla (4.1 miles)
• Scripps La Jolla Emergency Room And Trauma Center (4.1 miles)
• Scripps Green Hospital (4.2 miles)
• Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines (4.3 miles)
• Scripps Clinic (7 miles)
• Kearny Mesa Convalescent and Nursing Home (7.5 miles)

Transportation

• UTC Trolley Station (4 miles)
• Balboa Avenue Transit Center (4.3 miles)
• Old Town Trolley Station and Transit Center (7.5 miles)
• Montgomery Field Airport (MYF) (8.1 miles)
• Fashion Valley Trolley Station and Transit Center (8.1 miles)
• TSA Pre-Check (8.7 miles)
• Terminal 2 (8.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Fashion Valley 18 (8.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Good Shepherd Catholic Church (8.6 miles)