Pasadena Guest Home

I spoke to the woman who runs the guest house. She was very friendly and helpful in every way I can't complain about that. She's been in the business of running that particular house for many years. She obviously had a lot of experience but I would suggest it could be cleaner. When they took me upstairs gave me a tour, it smelled of urine. The rooms that I saw there were absolutely bare. I didn't see any personal things in it. There was actually one person living in that empty room. It was a double room because there was one bed in another corner sort of in a niche. There was just no personal effects at all. Well I did not see every single room, maybe some of the rooms are decorated but everything just seem kind of broken down and old, and beat up. Not very cheerful.

They also don't have a dedicated cook. Different people and the staff take turns in cooking. I happened to get there at lunch time, the residents were eating and it was very quiet. There was no chatting going on at all. If you weren't depressed before you got there, you would be when you got there.

This is a 30-bed facility, operated by an owner who does much of the cooking and caregiving. It’s a mental health board and care, so every resident must have a mental health diagnosis. Many of them are long-term—and have been there more than 20 years. The age intake is 18 to 59, although there is the possibility of a waiver for those who stay longer.

What is really awesome about this place is the setting. It’s near the base of the mountains, which is just beautiful. All of the grass and plants around the facility are beautifully landscaped and well tended. There is a huge yard and outdoor recreation area with a covered patio.

The downstairs, in an old stucco building, looks like a regular house. There is a game room and an organ for residents to play. And the dining room is set up so that each table sits six people—each set with placemats and silverware. All the residents sit and eat at the same time.

Most of the residents here share two to a room—although there are a few private pay residents who have single rooms. The rooms are of a nice size: two beds, dressers and chairs are easily accommodated.

The owner is exceptionally loving, but runs a very tight ship. She is very strict, with zero tolerance for drugs, for example. She does most of the grocery shopping and cooking herself—although some other family members also work here. All the food is homemade and nutritious and good.

The care is awesome. Again, the owner is exceptionally hands on and caring, and coordinates the care and even personally takes residents to health appointments if needed. The other staff members are also friendly and personable—taking the time and effort to learn the residents’ histories.

Residents are all given little jobs to do—and made to feel like they’re living in their own homes. It feels like a big family, with an emphasis on inclusion rather than exclusion. One of the nice personal touches is the Christmas party that features a Santa who actually looks like Santa. Family members are invited to many of the outside activities.

Pasadena Guest Home is a great fit for those seeking a true home environment.