Atria Newport Plaza

Harry

We moved my mom to Atria Newport Plaza. It's working out well and she seems to be happy there. The facility is brand new. We chose it because it isn't too large. The walking distance between her apartment and the main lobby, gathering area, restaurant, and entertainment were all close. My mom wouldn't go anywhere without being dressed to the nines with lipstick on and makeup on. At Atria Newport Plaza, all the concierge people, the valet guy at the door, the men are suits and ties, and the women look like they're coming out of a fashion mall with high heels on. The nursing staff wears nice and pressed hospital clothes, and they're all made up. The staff is exceptional. Everybody is friendly. All the staff have name tags, and everybody is greeted by their name. The protocol once you enter the facility, they ask you to sign in. They have a digital sign-in where you say who it is that you're going to see. There's a camera and it takes your picture. You enter your phone number, it prints out a badge of who you are that you put on your shirt. Mom wears what looks like a wristwatch that gives her a passcode to get into the various facilities as well as her specific apartment. Sometimes, she's not great at answering the phone, so I can call the front desk and they can tell me where she is. She has lots of freedom there. They have great entertainment. Every evening, they have a big grand piano in their entry lobby area, and people just show up and play music. The last time we visited, there were several nights where they had karaoke and there was somebody who led the karaoke who had a background in entertainment because when he couldn't get somebody to sing, he would sing. I was also impressed that some of the other concierge people who work in the place had great voices that joined in. It's like they're always building connections between the staff and the residents. And there's a real mix between people who are independent living and assisted living. I noticed that even some of the people from the memory unit are brought over on certain evenings when they have well-organized karaoke entertainment. I think in the activities, they could improve. I think they could encourage their residents to participate more in the activities and use the little yoga studio and the exercise room. They have great occupational therapy there, but they're not great at initiating those things. The food is like going to an upscale restaurant. They have a menu that changes, but they have a lot of standard things. It's everything from steak to Italian dishes. It's pretty eclectic and incredible chefs, and they customize the food to individuals. My mom sits at the table and she goes, "I'd like a burger, but I don't want the bun. I only like romaine lettuce, I don't want iceberg lettuce. And I like my tomatoes sliced very thinly." And it comes out just like that, and then the plate is garnished. I like eating there. They even have a bar in this place, which I worry about because my mom loves to drink. But they close the bar early. Her apartment is brand new. You walk in, there's a living room and a kitchenette area. And then you walk into a short hallway and the hallway is a big master closet. There's a nice-sized master suite bedroom, tables, and a little couch to sit down on. And then there's a bathroom off to that side that's very spacious with a large vanity area, sink, and walk-in shower with grab bars.

Christopher

Atria Newport Plaza seemed dark and a little dreary. The floor plans weren't the right fit for us, but the staff was helpful. They were trying to make a lot of things available. They have a library and a film room. They were having a party over on one side of the facility with a large group. They seemed to do that very often. They had outdoor barbecues, and there was a lot of noise. So, it just didn't fit our needs.

Provider Response

Lesley

Atria Newport Plaza is a nice facility, but I think the hallways are too long for my friend. The place is huge, so when somebody can't walk too far, it's a long hallway to get to your place. My friend is in an unusual situation because while she can't move around too much, she's very mentally active. Maybe that's not your typical old person. What the lady said, though, was that if we did choose to go there, maybe something would open up closer to the elevators. Independent living is what we were looking for, but the staff gave all the information about extra services that you can buy. All the staff was very helpful during our tour. They were good and it's a professional organization.

VWilde

My sister and I are trying to find a place for my mom now that covid is seemingly under control. Mom has needed extra help but we were so scared during the pandemic to move her but now we think we should have. We visited without an actual time set up and Joanna was so helpful and kind. She showed us around and we really liked hte one bedroom best. When we were there the people that lived there were having a happy hour and were all so friendly and asked us to join them. We met a lady that is in the 3rd floor club and she said they are all best friends and would love to meet our mom. Parking was a bit of a challenge but the overall experience definitely proved it is a great place for us to move our mom. She needs help with transpo to Dr. appts and Joanna said they can get her there as well as help her with her baths and general stuff. Looking forward to the great environment and social aspect for our Mom.

Provider Response

Judztoy

The rooms are great, with different sizes and there are three floors with not bad views. The staff interactions I had were great and everyone seems happy. When I visited, they were doing some exercise in what looked like a movie theater. They have a driver and can take my parents to appointments which is great. There is another place like it really close but this one is more my parents speed. Diane showed us around and she was very knowledgeable about the area. Didn't eat there but the food smelled good when we went by the dining room.

A.F.

Atria Newport Plaza looked old, and it was next door to a dumpy apartment complex. I found the apartments a lot smaller. There were a lot of studios, but I wanted a one-bedroom. The staff was superb; they went out of their way for everything. It was clean, but older.

Pier

I visited this community and very impress with what the community has to offer. The bistro have fresh fruits, pastries, coffee machine that serves hot cocoa, cappuccino, latte, coffee, mocha, Etc. They even have pastries 24/7. Residents are welcome to get juices, sodas, sandwiches at the bistro for free. I was greeted by friendly staff and even if I didn’t have an appointment, the Executive Director gave me a tour immediately. She offered for me to stay for lunch and I ordered cheeseburger. It was probably the best burger I ever had in Newport Beach. She introduced me to residents and they were happy and vibrant. They said they went to pier walk early in the morning and it was perfect. I asked about doctor’s appointment and they said that their activities director assist residents with scheduling transportation. I asked about care and I was told that they have 24/7 carestaff. The community is clean, the 1 bedroom is gorgeous. They have memory care but I’m not interested since there is no need. I’m looking for a place for my mother in law and I must say I found the perfect place. The residents are happy, staff are friendly and welcoming, food is good and community is clean. This community is beautiful although the parking is a bit challenging.

Kristine Marie

My mother has lived at the Plaza for five years. Recently the facility changed management companies and has gone through many changes since the takeover. Many of the long time employees have left and the new company, Atria, is struggling to hire workers. The dining room is getting better service, but it wasn't unusual to wait up to an hour to be served. The facility has a bus to take residents on outings, but currently they have no bus driver. The residents are pretty much restricted to staying at the facility unless they get a driver and bus from another facility, which they do a couple times a week. As Mom put it, "it's pretty much like being in prison". The activities director seems overwhelmed by the new position and often schedules an activity, but ends up just putting out a few games for residents to play on their own. They do have entertainment at least once a week, but were used to more activities and outings. The three times weekly outings to the pier to walk have been cut to two, one of which is on Saturday when the pier area is very busy with bikers and skaters and unsafe for the elderly with walkers. Mom was a regular during the week, but is afraid to go on Saturday. The weekly shopping trips to buy needed essential living supplies has been discontinued. Sometimes a last minute shopping trip is arranged if they have a driver that can take the residents in a car, but unless you are in the right place at the right time, you don't know these trips are taking place. I'm now getting frequent calls to bring toilet paper and toothpaste. For the amount the residents are paying for assisted living services, the service is not being provided. Mom has many friends at the Plaza so doesn't want to move. The thought of moving is overwhelming to her, so she is prepared to make the best of the situation. She noticed there are lots of empty apartments, so it is obvious that people are moving.

Provider Response