904 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of South Pasadena Care Center
Pros
It is a wonderful skilled nursing facility in the heart of South Pasadena, with incredible staff, clean facilities, and excellent activities and social services.- The staff are incredible and provide high-quality care.
- It is highly recommended for post-hospital care.
- Sela the liaison is very helpful and supportive to patients and their families.
- The charge nurses are helpful and responsive, and the administrator goes above and beyond to provide the needed care.
- The nurses are caring, knowledgeable, professional, and attentive.
- The food is good.
Cons
The reviewer describes the facility as biased and dishonest, with staff they call lazy, and warns others to stay away.- They say the facility was bogus and that they would never have placed their loved one there.
- They state the staff are rude and unprofessional, and that the place is awful for aging loved ones.
- They report missing personal belongings and no clear records, with run-around and erased security footage.
- They allege a non-family member coerced their grandmother into signing a power of attorney and that family visits were restricted.
- They note essential medications are sometimes unavailable, especially during transfers.
- They complain there are not enough staff to answer call buttons promptly and that there are no phones in rooms, creating a hassle.
- They describe the facility as plain-wrap and suitable only for short stays, not long-term care.
Review
South Pasadena Care Center is best suited for families that need a solid skilled-nursing option in central South Pasadena, especially for short-term post-acute rehab or ongoing nursing support where frontline staff are engaged and discharge planning is well-coordinated. The facility earns trust for cleanliness, a focused rehab orientation, and active social-work and liaison support that helps families navigate transitions back home or to another setting. Residents in this community often benefit from a predictable routine, approachable nurses, and a willingness to leverage rehab services to restore function. When the primary objective is recovery after hospitalization and steady daily care, this center tends to deliver reliable value.
Parents and adult children should consider alternatives if governance, safety, or transparency are non-negotiables. Several reviews raise red flags about administrative lapses, recordkeeping gaps, and questionable interactions around power of attorney, visitation, and family access. Instances of lost personal items, inconsistent follow-through on requests, and situations where a non-family member appears to exert legal influence have heightened concern. For families prioritizing rock-solid governance, absolute privacy, and a consistently flawless record-keeping culture, other options with clearer accountability structures may be a safer choice. Additionally, those who demand private rooms, quiet surroundings, or room-by-room control over noise and TV reception may find this campus less aligned with those preferences.
The strongest positives here are staffing approach, cleanliness, and the practical support structures around rehab and social services. Reviewers repeatedly commend the attention of front-line nurses, the availability and competence of charge nurses, and the involvement of social workers or liaisons who coordinate care and family communication. The programmatic emphasis on activities and social engagement also helps residents stay engaged, and for families, the ability of the administration and clinicians to go above and beyond in coordinating care can be a meaningful offset to some operational hiccups. In rehab-focused stays, these pros translate into tangible progress, smoother discharge planning, and a sense that competent hands are guiding the recovery process.
That said, the cons are nothing to ignore. Staffing pressure and variable response times to call buttons surface as recurring complaints, especially in busier shifts or shared-room settings. The reality of three-bedded rooms, plus occasional noise from nearby roommates and limited room amenities like in-room telephones, can erode comfort for longer stays. Medication supply gaps during transfers and the occasional difficulty locating or transferring personal belongings create real friction for families and residents. Finally, governance concerns, ranging from allegations of biased treatment to disputes over consent and family access, can undermine trust, particularly for families navigating sensitive end-of-life or long-term planning scenarios.
From a decision-making standpoint, families should insist on concrete reassurance before choosing this center. Seek a detailed tour with a focus on staff-to-resident ratios, call-button responsiveness, and the process for med-management continuity during admissions and transfers. Ask for a written policy on personal items, intake documentation, and post-discharge planning, including who holds responsibility for record-keeping and how families are kept informed. Clarify room configurations, the availability of private rooms, and how noise and privacy are managed in shared spaces. Probe governance practices: how POA matters are handled, visitation rights, and the steps taken when family concerns arise. A candid review of how social services collaborate with hospice and discharge planners will also help determine fit for complex care needs.
Bottom line: South Pasadena Care Center can be a strong fit for families prioritizing a clean, well-staffed environment with robust rehab and social-work support, especially for short-term recovery. However, families must enter with eyes wide open about governance and safety concerns, and be prepared to push for transparent processes and strong oversight. If governance reliability, consistent medication management, and privacy are non-negotiable, exploring alternatives with higher confidence in administration and record-keeping is prudent. A purposeful campus visit, a clear set of questions, and a loud advocate during the transition phase will be decisive in confirming whether this center aligns with long-term goals and peace of mind.
156 resident community capacity
Skilled Nursing Facility
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena (13 miles away)
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Concierge services
Planned day trips
Supportive Employee Benefits That Help Caregivers Attain Better Work-Life Harmony
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