Be very careful if you consider this facility, get EVERYTHING in writing, and know your rights. Though the management appeared very friendly and helpful, by the time we left it was clear they hadn't been honest and were focused on money, not care. Just a few details: We asked for a studio, and the salesman told me that none were available, only one-bedrooms. I was shown the one-bedroom they would move my mother into and we accepted it, letting them know it was only for 30 days. I live out of town and wasn’t there the day she moved in. A few days later when I went to visit her, that apartment was locked, and she had been put in another apartment, not as nice, a studio. (I later learned from staff that several studios had been available.) When I asked the salesman why they switched her room without telling us, he gave no clear reply.
At our initial meeting, the salesman explained the fee structure clearly, and said we would received 80% of the move-in fee refunded, minus $500 when she moved out within 30 days. When I later called to initiate the 80% refund, the salesman said he thought it was only 60% or maybe 40%; then he said he thought perhaps there was only a refund if the resident had died! Then he said he didn’t really understand the refunds and that I should talk to the executive director. Yet the salesman was the one who had clearly outlined the refund policy at the sales meeting.
In addition, the care is very uneven. There are some wonderful caregivers there. But there's clearly a problem with response. My mother, who can't move by herself, waited between one to three hours at times for someone to respond to the call button. Finally we enabled her to call the front desk with a cell phone when she needed help (the room phone didn't reach to her chair or bed, and management had no solutions). No one explained or took responsibility for the long delays, and at one point a staff person blamed her for using the call button too early in the morning. It seems that there aren't enough staff members, and that some of the staff aren't aware that the residents are vulnerable, both physically and mentally. Repair requests are ignored; I asked several staff members, including the salesman, for the stove to be repaired (it never worked), and no one responded. So there was no way to heat or cook food during her entire stay.
Fortunately, I found a nonprofit that advocates for families with long-term care facilities, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform: http://www.canhr.org. Thanks to them, I found that Las Palmas owed us the refund by law, and once I was able to cite the appropriate regulation, we received the refund. The executive director didn't return my calls or emails until I found this information, so go well-armed if you deal with Las Palmas!
Las Palmas Laguna Woods, CA
Offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care
18 Reviews
24962 Calle Aragon, Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Las Palmas
Assisted Living Reviews for Las Palmas
November 13, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
September 10, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My mom stayed at Las Palmas for about a month in spring 2017. Unless you are able to advocate for someone staying there, or the resident can vocally advocate for themselves, I highly recommend AGAINST Las Palmas as an assisted living community. Meghan in Sales was very helpful in getting our mom in and helping us with furniture via phone and email - Really wonderful in a terrible and stressful time. But once inside the facility the experience was quite poor.
While the care givers we met were very kind, there were far too few. The promise was with the push of a button my mom would receive care in 10-15 mins. Sometimes my mom would wait for an hour. Also, when visiting her we could smell her and went to inquire about if her weekly shower had happened. They had to look it up and realized it had somehow been missed. But they couldn't explain why.
In addition, while we were there their button service had been experiencing difficulties. For residents that can walk to the front desk this is not a big deal. However my mom was transitioning to a wheelchair and she HAD to push the button to do anything like go to the bathroom. My sister and i had to alert the desk her button wasn't working 3 times. That means even though they were aware the system was having difficulty they didn't put anything else in place (maybe a walkie talkie or having someone check on her more regularly) for a very vulnerable resident. Mind you we paid for the services she needed because your cost is based on need. But they didn't live up to the services we were paying for.
Also no one in management knew our mom by name. The care givers did. In all the time we'd visit we never once saw a manager in the hallways - not the Exec Director, no Asst Directors, not Sales, no one. I was told I passed the Activities Director once, but she hadn't identified herself and had nothing showing she worked there. One day I needed to drop off a payment check. Front desk reception told me to knock on the door of the Finance person. When I did she was clearly bothered. She told me I should just leave checks in the box. I asked her why we never saw management. Why doors were always closed. She waved this complaint away saying she was doing pay roll. I asked her if she even knew who my mother was. And she looked at me blankly.
One positive is that the food seemed to be celebrated by the residents. Apparently there was a new chef and they loved the food.
So again if it is someone that can self-advocate and looking for more of a retirement community seems could be OK (hence two stars, not one).
But if you need to trust the care of a loved one to a place, and you want them to be known and loved - this is not the place. We now have our mom in a facility in WA state. I am not sure if the regulations are different as we didn't try any place else in CA, but it is night and day. The staff all know our mom. They are invested in her happiness and health. They all know us. It feels like we are a team all working together. We know if we don't come in they have her best interests at heart. If you are reading this, good luck! It is a tough time.
August 29, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Las Palmas is average. My husband's room is wonderful and very large. The food is good. The staff during the day is good, but the night staff is terrible because they only have two people who don't want to work and are not available when you call for help. They have a red cord in the bathroom that's supposed to be able to call for help, but it goes to a computer and the person sitting at the computer I guess never gets the message because it never works. The day staff is wonderful and make it work. They have a fabulous activities director who keeps everybody busy with music programs and concerts. The night staff is horrible and pulls everything else down.
August 21, 2017
I visited this facility
Las Palmas (Vintage Senior Living at Las Palmas) was very nice. The people that we worked with were very nice too. I ate there and the food was good. We had actually decided to go there, however, when it came down to the true numbers, they had a lot of extra charges that they hadn't told us about. It irritated us enough that we said no.
March 18, 2016
I visited this facility
We visited Las Palmas for my stepdad. My husband and I like it better because it is a bigger facility with more amenities that stood out to me, like the pool. The staff and cleanliness seemed good. The rooms were large and very nice. The common dining areas and entryway were nice. Everything seemed very nice.
March 15, 2016
I visited this facility
We visited Las Palmas. It was a really nice place but didn’t have what my friend was looking for, and the rooms were too small for her. The staff was fine. I saw a pool and a lounging area for the residents.
January 19, 2016
I visited this facility
Everybody at Las Palmas was fine. We went in and had lunch. They were very nice, and the food was good. They showed us around, and it was very pleasant. The rooms were OK, although on the small side, but nice.
December 28, 2015
I am/was a resident of this facility
I am currently at Vintage Senior Living at Las Palmas – Laguna Woods. The staff is pretty caring and efficient. I'm sure there's always room for improvement as the med techs and caregivers are not always on the same page, but for the most part, I think they are very caring. They have a very good chef here that feeds us. They probably could improve just a little bit on having maybe some foods with more complex carbohydrates rather than plain carbohydrates, but for the most part, I don’t have any problem ordering either breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
November 24, 2015
I am/was a resident of this facility
We liked Vintage Senior Living at Las Palmas for the cost per square footage and the amenities. My mother-in-law also lives there, and she's very pleased. It has been a good experience, so far. We've been here for three weeks now. They do more in the summer than the winter because we're down by the beach, and it's pretty cold. There's transportation for doctors' appointments and special trips to the grocery store, department stores, malls, or pharmacies. There are also activities on-site, but I have not had time to get involved. I know that my mother-in-law really enjoys the movies in their movie room. The food is really good and very healthy with no salt, no sugar, and fresh vegetables every day and every night. The staff is extremely helpful and very accommodating, and they know you by your first name as soon as you get here, which is amazing. It's an older building, but they have done great in terms of refurbishing the inside and keeping the outside well groomed. Everything is clean, and if you have a problem within the apartment, maintenance comes and deals with it.
May 01, 2015
I am a friend or relative of resident
My mom was in Memory Care Unit and we pulled her out after a few months. BEWARE - this PLACE OVERSELLS and DOES NOT DELIVER quality care for elderly. The Memory Care floor is tremendously understaffed, poorly managed and they make major mistakes. We got sold a lot of marketing and little real service. So disappointed with Las Palmas whose staff made mistakes with medications several times. They did not have enough people working to care for how ill the residents are so we moved out FAST --and so did many others.
September 23, 2014
I am a friend or relative of a resident
At Las Palmas (Vintage Senior Living), we really like the friendliness of the place. It is very open and very welcoming. My loved one has a studio room. It is a very nice room. We are very happy with it. It has a little kitchenette and a bathroom. There is a very nice view of the pool. She has a small balcony, so it is very light and airy. She doesn't feel closed-in. Also she loves the food at Las Palmas. They have a nice salad bar. There is a special menu everyday and if you don't like that, you can order from the regular menu. She is very happy with the food.
November 28, 2013
I am a friend or relative of a resident
I just liked Vintage Senior Living. The rooms and the grounds are lovely. The staff is very nice and thorough. The people were also nice. She has only been there for two weeks, so I really don?t know much about the facility. For the memory care area, I would like to see that they have a space where the residents can go in and out freely.
October 21, 2013
I am/was a resident of this facility
What I like most about Las Palmas is the entire facility, the ambience of the facility, the staff, the service that they provide, the grounds in which they're located and the resources they provide including enclosed patio with pool. It's much like a garden apartment complex. The dining area is very comfortable. The architecture there is very welcoming. It's a little bit like a theme restaurant and the food so far in the several weeks we've been here has been excellent. Breakfast, lunch and dinner have been more than quite satisfactory. The only thing that's missing is a bottle of wine with dinner.
June 28, 2013
I am a friend or relative of a resident
Overall very impressed with facilities, activities and intake procedure. Employees to genuinely care. Excellent food facilities (@June 2013). Weekly cleaning acceptable.
Need to be cognizant of rent points/charges so you can determine monthly service charge. Also be aware of what can cost extra, such as room delivery of meals.
February 28, 2012
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My Grandmother is a resident of Las Palmas for a few years. The facility is always clean and the halls, rails, and walls of the facility are always clean and there is no trash anywhere. They have a pool and I believe a water aerobics program. Every time my grandmother has needed help the staff is right there to help and attend to her needs quickly. They are prompt when it comes to assisting with dinner or a bath and never make her wait very long if it is an emergency. The apartment she lives in is small, and they help clean as well. I don't believe they allow pets. I've never seen one and I have my grandmothers cat, so I don't believe they allow pets. They have a really nice outdoor seating area with a big fireplace and a small golf green or putting area for the residents. All in all I think we made a good decision on where we could put grandma. She likes it and there have been no problems. She has friends there and seems happy. I would recommend Las Palmas to anyone looking to put their loved one in assisted care or temporary medical care.
September 09, 2011
I am a friend or relative of a resident
This facility was provided for my uncle through medicare and I don't think he could have gotten a better facility. It was clean, the nurses were very kind and professional and the place did not smell like a dirty bathroom like so many places do. The food was out of this world with plenty of choices and snacks anytime my uncle wanted them. Unfortunately the care he received quickly turned into hospice care and he was moved to a different nurses station and into a room directly across for the station. This was for the best as he was becoming very frail and actually fell out of bed a couple of times. His room door was wedged open and had orders posted on it, not to shut it. This permitted the nursing staff to keep a constant eye on him. The nurses were top knotch in my view because even though he was confined to his bed and had become pretty much non respondant, they still came in to see him regularly. They would talk to him and he got to feel there caring touch because every one of them made it a point to touch him. You could easily tell he saw comfortable and happy. At one point I asked the nurse's station if they might be able to get him in a wheelchair the next day and take him outside to the atrium so he could feel the sun and breath the fresh air. He loved the sun as he went to the beach almost everyday for the last 15 years of his life. The next day when I came to see him the head nurse told me that they were able to take him outside and he spent almost an hour out there. She advised me though that it was probably not a wise idea to do it again as he was so frail getting him out of bed with out hurting him was very difficult. He passed 3 days later but I can tell you that he was very pleased with his last days because it really showed in his eyes. I think he even developed a crush on one nurse in particular. I am so that his care was so good.
Independent Living Reviews for Las Palmas
May 10, 2018
I visited this facility
I visited Las Palmas, and they were very nice. They have all the facilities they need for taking care of active seniors and people needing special care. They have swimming pools, music areas, restaurant-style dining basically 24-hours a day, and they don't have a planned mealtime. You can order whatever you want off a menu, so that's appealing to a lot of people, and the fees are less expensive. They encourage people to use the gifts that they've come to the place with, and one of the residents was playing the piano when we were on our tour. They have classic studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-studio apartments. It's a really nice, high-quality facility.
April 16, 2014
I visited this facility
Las Palmas was very clean and bright. I spoke with some of the guests and they were very happy there. I spoke with some of the staff too, one had worked there for 22 years. That told me a lot, that she did like working there. Many different rooms - library, card, billiards etc.
Amy who showed me Las Palmas was very pleasant, answered the many questions I had.
Why am I not going there. Expensive.
Questions about Las Palmas
What programs or activities does Las Palmas offer to enrich residents' well-being?
We have a Zest program that embodies mind, body, and spirit centered activities.
What transportation services does Las Palmas offer to assisted living residents?
We offer 5 days a week to either personal and scheduled doctors appointments. We can also assist on the weekends!
How does Las Palmas keep residents' families informed about their loved ones?
LifeLoop is our new communication tool, to send updates for events, activities and family communication.
If Las Palmas accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
We do allow your furry friends at Las Palmas. We have a lot of walking space outdoors and our courtyard for them to enjoy!
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
We are right next to Laguna Woods. We have several shopping centers walking distance, local grocery stores, fitness centers, golf course, churches, parks etc.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
We have a fitness center, gym, pool, spa, card rooms, puzzle rooms, theatre, club rooms, community room, convenient store and so much more open space to enjoy in.
Costs for Las Palmas
Services and Amenities of Las Palmas
Costs
- Entry Fee
- Assisted Living Starting At: $4130/month
- Independent Living Starting At: $3630/month
- Memory Care Starting At: $6580/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- Studio Apartments
General
- Resident Capacity: 178
- Minimum Age: 62
- Pets: Small Pets Allowed Only
Licenses
- State Licenses: 306005349
About Las Palmas
Set in picturesque Laguna Woods, Las Palmas boasts a coastal location and temperate climate. This much sought after retirement community offers a resort-like atmosphere, but is just minutes from everything. Relax with the paper as you soak in the morning under an outdoor courtyard trellis. Meet friends for a trip to the Pageant of the Masters and Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts. Or, take a dip in the heated pool and fire up the BBQ after. Try a fitness program like yoga and tai chi or learn how to watercolor. And find sanctuary in your own residence—perfect for enjoying the beautiful seaside weather all year long. Independent Living at Las Palmas.
Here are the included services for independent living
- Exceptional restaurant-style dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Weekly housekeeping and flat linen laundry services
- Full calendar of social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities and programs
- Health and fitness classes
- 24-hour emergency call system and onsite staff
- Scheduled group transportation services to doctors’ appointments, shopping, events and entertainment
- Utilities (except phone), heating and air conditioning
- Interior and exterior care and maintenance of all residences, common areas and grounds
Assisted Living at Las Palmas
Las Palmas’ assisted living services take a “whole-person” approach to wellness, and are tailored to meet your needs, now and in the future. Services can be dialed up, or back, at any time, so you are always getting the help you need. Residents choosing assisted living services enjoy the service amenities and common areas as listed above, as well as personalized care services as needed to support independence and wellness. Here are the additional services offered in assisted living:
- Restaurant-style dining choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Weekly housekeeping, personal and flat linen laundry service
- Help with daily activities, including bathing, dressing and grooming
- Assistance with managing medications
- Licensed nurse on staff
- A holistic personal wellness plan that supports the whole “you”—physical, spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual
Memory Care at Las Palmas
Las Palmas’ Enliven™ Memory Care offers personalized care within a secure residential environment. Our carefully selected and trained staff works closely with memory-impaired residents and their families, developing individualized and innovative programs. Our Memory Care is also all-inclusive. Here are the services provided in our memory care residences:
- Three family-style meals served daily
- Secured, residential environment
- Specially-designed common areas and outdoor courtyard
- Interior and outdoor walking paths
- Studio and one-bedroom floorplans with private bath and shower
- Weekly housekeeping, personal and flat linen laundry service
- 24-hour staffing and emergency call system
- Scheduled group transportation
- Help with daily activities, including bathing, dressing and grooming
- Assistance with managing medications
- Licensed nurse on staff
- A full calendar of social, cultural and recreational activity programming that maximizes independence while focusing on strength and abilities
- An environment (physical, social, and cultural) designed to encourage and support independence
- Personalized care services to meet the changing needs of each resident
- All utilities (except phone)
What Makes Us Special
As a resident at Las Palmas, you will find a CARF-Accredited community with all kinds of lifestyle opportunities for social connections, health, and wellness activities through our ZEST™ Wellness, along with all the comforts and conveniences of care services to help simplify life.
Get CostsMap of Las Palmas
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