Retama Manor North in San Antonio, TX

Pros

• The staff at San Antonio North are passionate and genuinely care for their residents.
• The team is really friendly and attentive to residents' needs.
• The entire staff is professional and deeply concerned about the residents' care.
• Loretta is warmly welcomed by volunteers, and the staff cooperates to keep residents comfortable.
• San Antonio North has great, wonderful caring staff, outstanding activities, and delicious meals for residents.
• The staff consistently goes out of their way to help residents, and everyone looks out for each other like family.
• There is a positive atmosphere with encouragement from the nursing staff and management; many describe it as the best place to be.
• The nurses and therapists are sweet and attentive, and the meals and cleanliness are well regarded.

Cons

• They would give zero stars to this place.
• They could not reach anyone by phone there unless it was to pay the bill.
• It was a horrible place, especially at night and on weekends when staffing was questionable.
• Residents lay on the floor in diapers, crying for help.
• The family did not receive a refund for the remaining weeks after their relative's passing.
• Most of the time, no one would answer their calls.
• The building was horrible.
• There were nurses sitting around doing nothing.
• The place was dirty.
• People are advised not to send their family here.

Review

Retama Manor North is best suited for families seeking a warm, person-centered environment where frontline caregivers genuinely engage with residents. The strongest signal from the most consistent accounts is that the direct care team - nurses, aides, and activity staff - often shows real dedication, warmth, and familiarity with residents' needs. Residents benefit from active programming, attentive dietary service, and staff who, when reachable, respond with patience and care. This community tends to work well for seniors who prize a friendly, family-like atmosphere, regular social interaction, and hands-on attention from caregivers who know their names and preferences.

That said, certain families will want to consider alternatives. A recurring warning is the fragility of administrative responsiveness: phone lines that go unanswered, delays in getting updates, and difficulties reaching the right person during crises or transfers. Several reviews flag a history of communication gaps that can leave families feeling out of the loop, especially during weekends or after a loved one's discharge or transfer. Safety and upkeep concerns also appear in some feedback, including mentions of outdated facilities, inconsistent cleanliness, and experiences that prompt state-level or ombudsman involvement. For families who require consistently seamless communication, rapid problem resolution, or modernized surroundings, exploring other options is prudent.

On balance, the strongest pros - the passionate, attentive care in day-to-day patient contact and the robust social and activity offerings - can offset many residents' needs for companionship and meaningful engagement. When the staff is available and responsive, families report visible compassion, reliable medication timing, and thoughtful activity coordination that keeps residents engaged and feeling valued. The dining program is repeatedly praised, and volunteers highlight the facility's positive atmosphere and the caring nature of many team members. These advantages matter deeply for long-term stays, where daily interactions and a sense of community influence quality of life as much as clinical care.

However, the main drawbacks do not disappear in the shadows of the positives. Persistent access issues, inconsistent communication, and a perception of understaffing at night and on weekends undermine confidence, especially for families juggling multiple responsibilities. Several reviews describe periods of confusion when addressing administrative matters, delays in updates after moves or changes in care, and, in some cases, negligent lapses cited by families as unacceptable. Paint-on criticisms about the physical plant - dilapidation or the need for upgrades - also recur, framing a tension between the care people see on the floor and the broader organizational experience. In this context, trust hinges on whether front-line staff can be reached quickly and whether concerns are acknowledged and acted upon promptly.

A practical, action-oriented assessment is essential before choosing Retama Manor North. Prospective families should request to meet the director of nursing and the administrator, and then observe communication workflows: how calls are routed, how quickly messages are acknowledged, and who follows up with families after appointments or incidents. Insist on transparent, written care plans, up-to-date daily notes, and a clear schedule for therapy, meals, and activities. Verify weekend staffing levels and the process for flagging urgent concerns, transfers, or discharge decisions. Check how belongings - especially clothing and personal items - are tracked during moves, and confirm a concrete policy on refunds or settlements related to overpayments or billings after a loved one's passing.

Ultimately, Retama Manor North can be a strong fit for families prioritizing genuine caregiving presence and an active, socially engaging environment, provided tolerance exists for occasional administrative gaps and aging infrastructure. For those who cannot compromise on consistent communication, guaranteed timely updates, and a modern, well-maintained setting, it makes sense to compare nearby options with stronger reputations for transparency and reliability. The right choice hinges on whether the daily warmth and attention from caregivers outweigh the potential frustration of navigating less reliable administrative systems. A careful visit, candid questions, and a concrete plan for how concerns will be handled will reveal where Retama Manor North truly stands for a given loved one's needs.

This part of San Antonio, Texas, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With close proximity to various physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals, residents can easily access healthcare services. Additionally, the abundance of restaurants, cafes, and places of worship cater to a variety of preferences and lifestyles. The nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For those who enjoy entertainment, there is a theater within driving distance. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community with access to essential services and activities for seniors to enjoy a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.

Physicians

• SAGA - San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. (0.4 miles)
• San Antonio Eye Center (0.6 miles)
• UHS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Summit Children's Clinic (1.2 miles)
• San Saba Medical Building (1.2 miles)
• John A Campagna (1.2 miles)
• Kidney Treatment Center-East (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• H-E-B Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Essence (0.4 miles)
• Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen (0.9 miles)
• La Panaderia (1.1 miles)
• The Esquire Tavern (1.3 miles)
• Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar (1.3 miles)
• Rainforest Cafe (1.3 miles)
• Mi Tierra Cafe (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Habibi Cafe (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Theory Coffee Company (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple Beth-El (0.5 miles)
• St Ann's Catholic Church (1.2 miles)
• Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana-San Antonio (3.4 miles)
• Mission Concepcion (3.6 miles)
• Second Baptist Church (3.8 miles)
• Mission San Jose (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Exit 567/Fredericksburg Rd/E (1.4 miles)
• Terminal A (5.9 miles)
• Rental Car Center (5.9 miles)
• Terminal 1 Arrivals (5.9 miles)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT) (5.9 miles)

Parks

• Woodlawn Lake Park (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• University Health System (3.9 miles)
• US Army (4.5 miles)
• Texsan Heart Hospital (4.6 miles)
• San Antonio Military Medical Center-SAMMC (4.8 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Park North (5.3 miles)