Aegis of Corte Madera

It was amazing and fabulous, but there was also $40,000 entry. It had more space and gardens. If not for the expensive entry cost, I think we should probably put my aunt in there.

My mom had a stroke three years ago, and we were faced with the difficult decision of finding care for her. Overall, Aegis has proven to be an excellent choice -- and truly the best quality care we could ever have asked for. The ratio of staff to residents is almost an astounding 1:1 ratio. They don't cut corners. The place, near Nordstrom mall, is warm and welcoming with a diverse community for those with memory care issues and certainly, those without. Our deciding factor came down to Gail G., their activity director. We wanted a place where my mother could socialize and be engaged and active if she so chose to. Gail creates an amazing monthly calendar chock-full of activities which range from discussion groups for men and women, musical and singing entertainment (she herself sings beautifully and has a background in musical theater), art and museum outings, gardening and so much more. There are also different "place" themes each month where residents can "travel" to new places and learn about different cultures. For the holidays, Gail plans both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, and it is a very inclusive place where all feel welcome. It's not super religious in any way, which for us, was good -- but there is a shuttle and drivers to church or synagogue, if desired. Because it was such a difficult decision for our family, we never felt any sort of hard pressure sales tactics like some of the other places. There was only warmth and compassion from the marketing team and Jennifer -- we truly felt that they realized it needed to be a good fit for both my mother and the family (there are five of us kids and we are all in the area). The food is healthy and very good -- with a wide selection of daily entrees made to order. The wait staff (Norma and the other gals at breakfast), are extremely professional and friendly. They make my mother feel at home. The location is excellent and right next to 101 -- and there is a beautiful market called Paradise right next door. My mom has two good pals, and people with whom she can socialize during meals, which she very much looks forward to. The staff is accommodating to families and family structures of all types. What I like most is the richness and diversity of the staff and their level of training. Valentine and Jenzie, both med techs who deliver my mother's daily pills (and watch over to see that she takes all), are excellent and cheerful. There are about 125 or so residents, and it feels big enough to have a large selection of friends from which to choose (though, of course, there are far more women to men), yet small enough to be intimate without an institutional-like feel. Highly recommended. I know it can be difficult.

Nice facility in wonderful area of Corte Madera in Marin county. Very much like a Hilton/ upper level chain hotel. Dining staff was kind and was able to help with special requests. Grounds are well manicured as well as next to high end grocery and down the street to very nice mall. Very high income area in marin county.

When I first decided to put my grandfather into an assisted living facility, I was terrified. I didn't completely trust a stranger taking care of my elder grandfather. But, as soon as I brought him to Aegis of Corte Madera, he and I knew that he was going to be in good hands. The staff is over the top helpful and the environment is absolutely beautiful for an assisted living facility. They were always conducting different activities so my grandfather was kept busy and it was always very fun visiting my grandfather because of their library and private movie theater. My grandfather's favorite part of the Aegis of Corte Madera was the food. He said that food was exceptionally better than my cooking and loved the meals he was served. In conclusion, I am very happy with my as well as my grandfather's experience while at Aegis of Corte Madera.

The marketing for Aegis is far different from what you end up getting once you move in. The place looks beautiful, but beware. The level of caregiving is minimal at best, and often bordering on incompetent. For example, prospective residents and families are told that each resident can summon a caregiver for help by pressing a button and that someone will be there within 5 minutes. The wait is generally between 20 and 30 minutes, which is unacceptable if it were an emergency. There is simply not enough staff. The "cleaning service" is often not performed at all due to staff shortage. The staff turn-over is quite high also--two of the nurses have recently left, the head care manager left, the director of operations has changed 3 times in 3 years. There is frequently no nurse on the premises on the weekends, or at night, though they will tell you there is always someone on hand. A resident waited over an hour to get a bandage for a bleeding wound last week, another resident fell on a weekend and received minimal care from a "med tech" and was told there was no nurse on duty until Monday. The fire alarm system in the building goes off randomly often in the middle of the night, and wakes residents with a frightening and deafening sound (inside each apartment) sometimes for several minutes until someone figures out how to turn it off. The chef tried hard to prepare meals with what is obviously a limited budget--lots of pre-packaged frozen chicken, cold cuts, minimal amounts of meat in "stews"--everything is delivered by either Cisco or a similar institutional food service. The "bistro" consists of stale packaged donuts and equally stale coffee. And do not be fooled by the initial prices--if your loved one needs any additional care as time goes on (and they will), they will be charged for every small service from help with their shoes to helping them get to meals to showering and medication help. We have spoken with numerous (at least 15) families of residents; the problem is once your relative moves into an AL facility, it is difficult and traumatic to move them, so you are in a sense "stuck" and it appears that this facility in particular is well aware of that, and continues to charge exorbitant rents and fees for very minimal service. Just wanted to warn other prospective residents that the marketing of Aegis truly does not match the day-to-day experience.