Pasadena Highlands

Pasadena Highlands was very nice, and they've got everything there. Care was not far from the hospital. It was the most affordable of the places we visited, and it's probably the one we're going to go for. They had two bedrooms -- which were very nice -- with a view in the upper floors. It was more of a condo feeling.

Pasadena Highlands is terrific, and it is perfect for my mother-in-law's needs. It feels more like a home than any kind of care facility. The rooms are very spacious. From what I have seen, everything seems beautiful in and out. It has a very nice feeling, and the apartments are just beautiful. They have entertainment nights in some nights. They have a beautiful dining room. They have games and bridge to play, and they go on outings.

We chose the Pasadena Highlands over other similar assisted care living facilities in the area because it offers the most activities. For example, there are weekly field trips, concerts, a variety of classes and other activities for the populace, which are geared to the different levels of ability/disability of the residents. The facility has its own van that accommodates wheelchairs. Also, Friday services for Jewish people are offered. They have special events where families are invited to eat for holidays.Carla, the director of the assisted care segment of the building, has always been easily accessible and responsive. The care givers do a variety of things for Mom, such as helping her bathe and dress/undress. They also change her sheets every weeks, make her bed every day, bring fresh towels and toilet paper as needed, vacuum her apartment and take out the trash. They are very sweet and careful with her, but Mom says they often seem to be in a hurry.Mother's apartment is a one bedroom and she has all of her own furniture and collections. I've walked by some of the apartments on the assisted care floors when the doors were open and some looked sparse like hospitals rooms. Breakfast is brought to Mom's room every day and then has her dinner downstairs in the dining hall, which is lovely. It's like a fancy restaurant with white table cloths and china. She does complain about the food sometimes is tired of chicken. But I find the food delicious and healthy. They have a low sodium policy. The servers are very professional and the guests are treated like they are special. For lunch and dinner, the tables are assigned seating so people who are alert and talk don't get stuck with people who don't talk. For those who are not able to or interested in going downstairs for dinner, there is a smaller dining hall on one of the assisted living floors that is mostly used by folks who need help eating. It also has white table cloths and nice china. They get the same food as those who eat downstairs. Mom was shy at first, but now can't wait to go eat so she can see her friends that she sits with.Mom had Life Alert before moving in, but the building has its own version of that and she wears a similar necklace with a button to press if she's in trouble. The lobby of the building looks like a hotel lobby. Visitors must sign in and out, and we also have to sign Mom out and in when we take her off the grounds.A podiatrist comes to the building and cuts her toenails regularly, and there is also hair salon where she can have her nails done on the premises. These services cost extra. There is staff to do repairs and maintenance and the response is pretty quick (heater doesn't work, plumbing, etc.)My only complaint about the building is that there are only two elevators. Sometimes Mother has to wait 15 minutes before she can get into one of them since they are very crowded at mealtime. I think the building has eight stories. Other than that, we're very happy that she's there and feel confident that she is safe and well cared for.

My friend and I went to see the Pasadena Highlands assisted living facility while looking at places for his mother to live. We especially liked the garden and park-like atmosphere of the grounds. His mother to spend time at the park. The main foyer had a nice receiving area, like that of a nice motel or stately manor with fresh flowers and comfortable furnishings. The interior of the whole facility was clean, fresh and bright. The communal areas featured rooms where seniors can read, play games, socialize, relax and participate in arts and crafts. The staff at the facility can accommodate all levels of ambulation. Seniors can use the exercise room at any time and also go on daily walks. Aerobics and yoga classes are also offered. They host a daily happy hour and have a piano room where seniors can either play, sing along or simply enjoy the music. There is also a full service salon where they can enjoy many amenities. Private units are beautifully decorated, many with stunning views, all with a great deal of natural light and fresh air, through very large windows. Most units come with either a balcony or a terrace. Each unit had easy access kitchenettes. Events and outings scheduled include many options - from restaurants, to art museums and the library, which his mother really likes. The activity calendar is updated regularly to include all of the great things that Pasadena offers regularly. They host monthly celebrations and encourage friends and family to attend as often as they can. There is an active theater community in Pasadena and residents see films and visit eateries and other local establishments. Residents can choose whatever they like from a restaurant style menu that is changed regularly. The food choices all looked nutritious and delicious. Regular snacks are also offered whenever desired. Staff appeared to make every effort to ensure that the residents were both safe and comfortable in this very nice and accommodating living environment.