Hillside House

Pros

• The care is excellent.
• The staff are doing a labor of love.
• Hillside has provided great care to residents for many years.
• They provide some patients with one-on-one aides.
• They take really good care of residents.
• They do a tremendous job with people who are completely disabled.
• The setting has a beautiful countryside near the beach in Santa Barbara.

Cons

• No one answers the phone at Nursing Station ext 113 or 119.
• It is hard to contact residents by telephone after hours.
• The reviews suggest that residents are poorly treated there.

Review

Hillside comes across through a blend of warmth and setting that many people notice as soon as they arrive. The property sits in a beautiful countryside setting near the beach in Santa Barbara, and that tranquil environment seems to complement the care people describe. Across several comments, there's a clear sense that the place exudes a calm, well-tended atmosphere where residents can receive attention in a way that feels thoughtful and attentive. The overall tone from multiple voices is one of genuine appreciation for the way the space itself supports good care.

A central theme in the positive remarks is the people who work there. Many reviewers describe the staff as being deeply committed, calling the care a "labor of love." This isn't just routine assistance; it feels personal and sincere, with caregivers who are remembered for putting their hearts into their daily tasks. The sentiment that staff members genuinely care about the residents - sometimes for years on end - recurs in the stories shared, painting a picture of a community where caregivers form meaningful connections with those they serve.

There is particular praise for individualized attention, including the use of 1:1 aides for some residents. This level of dedicated support appears to make a meaningful difference for families who want ongoing, personalized supervision and care for their loved ones. One reviewer notes that their cousin has been at Hillside for many years, and the one constant they observe is the great care provided. That emphasis on continuity and personalized assistance contributes to a sense that Hillside can meet complex needs with consistency.

Nevertheless, not all feedback is uniformly positive, and some comments highlight gaps in communication that can be frustrating for families. A recurring difficulty is reaching residents by telephone, especially after hours. The challenge of contacting loved ones when they most want to check in or coordinate care adds a layer of stress for families and suggests that there could be improvements in how the facility handles after-hours communication.

Alongside the praise, there is also a pointed critique from some family members who feel residents are not treated as well as they would like to see. One comment asks readers to consider their own family experiences and implies that some people may not be fully aware of the quality of care - or lack thereof - reported by others. This stark perspective stands in tension with the many affirmations of excellent care, signaling that perceptions of quality can vary widely depending on individual experiences and expectations.

Despite the contrasting views, there are strong affirmations about the facility's capabilities in caring for highly disabled residents. Reviewers say that Hillside "takes really good care" of their sons and that the staff do a tremendous job with people who are completely disabled. This emphasis on skill and capability reinforces the impression of a capable, resilient team that can handle complex needs with competence and compassion. In combination with the scenic setting, these positive notes create a portrait of a place where specialized care is a core strength.

In sum, the narrative about Hillside reflects a community with a deep commitment to its residents and a staff that often goes above and beyond in providing attentive, individualized care. The setting and the sense of a labor of love from caregivers are highlighted as notable strengths, contributing to meaningful, long-term placements for many residents. At the same time, the feedback points to real operational challenges - especially around after-hours communications and a spectrum of family experiences - that suggest there is room for improvement in how the facility engages with families and ensures consistent perceptions of care. The overall impression is of a place valued by many for its dedication and atmosphere, while recognizing that ongoing attention to communication and family involvement remains important.

Located in Santa Barbara, California, this particular neighborhood offers a variety of amenities to suit the needs of seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to reside. With several parks nearby like Arroyo Burro Beach and the Douglas Family Preserve, individuals can enjoy nature walks and outdoor activities. There are also restaurants such as the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach and Lure Fish House for dining options. For medical care, there are multiple physicians' offices and hospitals within a short distance, including Cottage Children's Hospital and Advanced Surgical Associates. Additionally, pharmacies like Sansum Pharmacy and CVS are easily accessible for medication needs. Places of worship like Hope Community Church provide spiritual support, while theaters such as Arlington Theatre Ticket Agency offer entertainment options. Overall, this neighborhood in Santa Barbara provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with a range of services and facilities close by.

Parks

• Arroyo Burro Beach (1.1 miles)
• Douglas Family Preserve (1.5 miles)
• Mission Historical Park & Rose Gardens (2.1 miles)
• Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens (2.2 miles)
• Alameda Park (2.2 miles)
• Kid's World (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Boathouse at Hendry's Beach (1.1 miles)
• Lure Fish House (1.3 miles)
• Le Cafe Stella (1.4 miles)
• Spudnuts & Bagels (1.4 miles)
• Denny's (1.5 miles)
• Luna Grill (1.5 miles)
• Harry's Plaza Cafe (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Jackson Medical Group (1.2 miles)
• Cancer Center Of Santa Barbara (1.2 miles)
• Advanced Surgical Associates (1.2 miles)
• Anesthesia Medical Group of Santa Barbara (1.2 miles)
• Susanne Ramos, MD (1.2 miles)
• Petite Pediatrics (1.3 miles)
• Donald E Lindblad, MD (1.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Cottage Children's Hospital (1.4 miles)
• Cottage Health System (1.5 miles)
• Summit Surgery Center (1.5 miles)
• Rehabilitation Institute At Santa Barbara (1.5 miles)
• Emcare Of California (1.6 miles)
• Dr Tavinder Dhillon DMD (1.6 miles)
• Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Sansum Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• The Medicine Shoppe (1.4 miles)
• Longs Drugs (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Federal Drug Co. (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Hope Community Church (2 miles)
• Old Mission (2.1 miles)
• Santa Barbara Mission Church (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Arlington Theatre Ticket Agency (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Cajé Coffee - Arlington St (2.2 miles)
• Savoy Cafe & Deli (2.3 miles)
• Dune Coffee Roasters - State Street (2.3 miles)
• Handlebar Coffee Roasters (2.6 miles)