We went to Sandia Vista Senior Living. It would be my second choice. It was a very pleasant place. The rooms on the west had a beautiful view of the sunset. There were nice rooms. We got to visit a couple of empty rooms and a couple of rooms where the people were there. We went in and saw how they had it set up and everything. It had a good layout.
We had dinner there. They had a special of the night. They have a menu of things you can get at any time. We got my husband a hamburger and it came with chips and a drink of course. I ordered a steak, and it didn't come with anything. I asked for a salad. And they had a little thing at the table that you can check off what kind of lettuce you want, what kind of vegetables and things you want on your salad, and what kind of dressing and do you want bread. That's certainly a really good idea, and then you give it to the waitress and she fixes the salad for you. I saw some people going to the salad bar themselves. The staff was a very, very pleasant, bubbly young lady. Then we asked for cookies because every night they had cookies, and the cookies were awesome.
The cafeteria was not on the first floor like all the other ones. It was on the second floor. I like the energy there, but my daughter said it was noisy and crowded. So there are two different ways of looking at it, but there were a lot of people in a small space, and when we were there, it was dinner time, so it was full. I kind of thought that's nice because some of the things are on the first floor, some are on the second floor and then there's something else up on the third. But then I thought that's kind of weird having the cafeteria in the middle of the room. We went outside, too. They had a nice little courtyard out there with a fountain. They had all the things that every place else had, and they were nice.
Sandia Vista Senior Living
Offers Independent Living
28 Reviews
500 Paisano Street Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Sandia Vista Senior Living
Independent Living Reviews for Sandia Vista Senior Living
November 24, 2022
I visited this facility
November 20, 2022
I visited this facility
Sandia Vista Senior Living was very welcoming. The individual who was trying to sell me to move there was knowledgeable but left some things out and did not give me quite an accurate view of dining hours, and I can understand that he is a salesman and trying to sell apartments. He was always gracious and answered all my questions. He did not make me feel old or decrepit or anything like that. The apartments appeared to be very, very nice. They're spacious, clean, and well-managed. It's a nice place to live. The dining room is very nice. The regular staff are very gracious, very concerned, and very caring. The food is very, very good, and it's well prepared and there are choices.
November 01, 2022
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
It was a very hard decision to move my parents from their home of over 30 years, but it was way too much for them.
I visited several living communities and Sandia Vista was hands down the best- food amazing, beautiful courtyard, friendly staff, never ending activities for residents and apartments well cared for and perfect space.
It is also gated with a nice walk area around grounds- I seriously would highly recommend!
March 30, 2022
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My mother moved into Sandia Vista Senior Living in December, it's an independent living. They feed them, they have an on-site gal that comes in if something happens. She's like a part-time nurse. They have scheduled events for them all the time and they take them shopping too.
She has a 1-bedroom apartment with a kitchen that's very clean, very nice, and very spacious.
Depending on what day it is, some of the staff are not very friendly, and not very helpful. Other days, depending on the day, they're great, and they're courteous. They could be nicer. They could also have a bit more activities.
I like the cleanliness there, that's the big part for me. The least would probably be some of the staff and I wish they had a little bit more of activities too. I think the people need to have more to do because they're paying that much to stay there.
December 05, 2021
I visited this facility
I went to Sandia Vista Senior Living. It was a nice tour. I had a nice conversation with the staff. The bedrooms were a little bit small. It was OK. It's just that for what we were looking for, it didn't really fit our needs. We wanted a bigger room, and the rooms were kind of small. She gave me a list of their activities. There were a lot of stuff.
November 13, 2021
I visited this facility
I did a tour of Sandia Vista Senior Living and they had me having lunch with them. We ate lunch outside in a big area that was more like a patio, it was a huge area. Everybody was eating outside, and it was a nice day. I liked the people, and I like best of all, the woman who was the manager. She was the best of all the managers, the best of all the ones that I visited in any place.
They were just kind of ordinary rooms. They weren't particularly good; I didn't like them. It's an old place, kind of old for Albuquerque, and I didn't like the neighborhood. I liked the staff a lot in that, but it's in a kind of industrial neighborhood, down behind the car lots and RV places. It's not a place where I would want to go out and walk a lot.
They have a little room where people play games or do arts and crafts, and stuff like that. They have an exercise room. It was good food, and they were feeding everybody. It was huge, the whole big patio was filled with people eating outside.
August 21, 2021
I am/was a resident of this facility
We're very happy with Sandia Vista Senior Living so far. The grounds and the premises are very clean. The food is very good. Everybody's very friendly. We have a one-bedroom apartment with one-bath, and it has a balcony. There are two-bedrooms and studios, but we didn't look at those. We have three meals a day, they clean once a week, and they change your bedding. They do that once a week. In fact, tomorrow is our day. They'll be coming in and cleaning tomorrow. We haven't really explored very much because we still are in the process of moving in. They have a beautiful courtyard with flowers. They have games, and bingo, and all kinds of things. We just haven't had a chance to partake of that because we've been so busy running back and forth moving in. They put in a new shower here, and I took a shower last night, and the water ran all over the floor, so they got to fix that. I'm sure they will. What is nice is if you don't like what is on the menu, they have items that you can order. Like today, they had fish for lunch, and my husband didn't want that, so he had a cheeseburger. They've got things that you could order anytime.
March 10, 2021
I visited this facility
Visited with a friend, very nice facility, the staff was very open and friendly, the tenants seemed to be very comfortable and content.
I understand they are doing some updating and renovations which will certainly brighten the place even more.
Nice place.
February 22, 2021
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
I think Senior Star at Las Colinas Village is excellent. They've taken good care of my sister and they've been extremely vigilant about COVID, so I appreciate that. She has been relatively happy there. She's actually only 58 and much younger than the other people there. That part was not great, but she is disabled in several aspects too, so she still needs assistance. They had some activities but my sister is blind, she mostly can't participate in them. I've been there myself before she moved in and I think the facility has a lovely layout. They also have an excellent staff, they are well-organized, the place is clean, and the food is relatively good.
January 20, 2021
I visited this facility
Senior Star was the one I went to. The visit was really good. I even paid a deposit, and then the next day they called me back and they said they didn't want me. The rooms looked all right, but they were unfurnished. The entire facility looked good. That's one of the reasons why I decided to take it. Plus, they supplied meals and transportation. The reason why they turned me down, they said that I was too demanding, and I didn't know what they meant by that. As far as the facility, I would rate them high, but the way they treated me, I would rate them the lowest.
Provider Response
Thank you for your review. We are grateful that you would take the time to share your experience here. Would you consider calling the HR team at the Corporate Office to share more? We'd like to hear from you.
September 18, 2020
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My mother was a residence for over 2 1/2 years. The staff was very respectful of her needs. Her residence was great for what we selected and she was comfortable with her stay.
Provider Response
Thank you for your 5-star review! We are grateful that you would take the time to share your experience here.
February 19, 2020
I visited this facility
Senior Star at Las Colinas Village was a little older facility. It had a very nice courtyard and grounds where people could hangout outside. The rooms needed updating. It was all fenced in, so it seemed secure. The location was an industrial kind of area, so that was not very attractive for somebody who would like to get out and walk in the neighborhood. They had a small dining room, and they gave us some chocolate chip cookies that they made. The activities director made sure that everybody could partake. They were doing a really good job with the activities. The staff was very friendly and informative.
Provider Response
Thank you for your 4-star review Patricia! We are grateful that you would take the time to share your experience here. It was an honor to have you visit Las Colinas Village!
January 12, 2019
I visited this facility
I visited Senior Star at Las Colinas Village. I liked the staff, facilities, and the food. The room seemed roomier than the one my mother chose and had a full-sized kitchen. I liked that. I liked the variety of food; it had lots of choices and a salad bar. There was a yoga class going on while I was there, and they seemed to be enjoying it. They offered plenty of other activities.
Provider Response
Thank you for your 4-star review Jodi! We are so happy that you enjoyed your experience and were able to sample a “taste” of life here at Las Colinas Village. We have so much to offer and are always happy when people visit. We are grateful that you would take the time to leave your thoughts/impressions here.
July 06, 2018
I visited this facility
Senior Star at Las Colinas Village has fairly modern facilities. The staff members are somewhere in between friendly and indifferent, but sometimes it's hard to get their attention to get directions. The community and its rooms are fairly typical among the senior places I have been to. They have a library, a chapel, a fairly good sized lobby, and recreation area.
Provider Response
Thank you for your 4-star review Harry! We appreciate the time that it takes to leave your thoughts and we take your comments to heart. At Senior Star, it part of our culture to honor each other and respect everyone. To the extent that you didnÕt have a 5-star experience with our associates, we hope you will give us another chance.
July 10, 2017
I am/was a resident of this facility
I spent months looking for the best place for mom and Crystal, at Las Colinas, helped me immensely as I was evaluating and dealing with that process. She listened and took a sincere interest in understanding mom's needs and determining if or how they could best be met. She set up a phone meeting with the nurse to explain how the health & living needs would be addressed.
The Las Colinas "family atmosphere" became quite clear, which was very important to me. I knew that mom didn't really want the expensive hotel atmosphere but would thrive with people who cared about her and routinely showed that interest. I was worried about the decision on an assisted vs an independent living facility. In the assisted living, management exercised options to move residents from floor to floor or worse.....memory care unit. I read reviews from even the nicest places where they were concerned how quickly they had moved residents around (and, of course, it cost more money!). I believe Las Colinas strives for success with a special win-win for both the resident and facility in that the only way your loved one would be moved would be to move out of their facility. It is in everyone's best interest to keep their occupants happy, social, taken care of, and well fed! By the way, the food is excellent! My mom commented on the food everyday! As mom possibly needs additional help, it is available right there (it costs but doesn't compare to the assisted living cost). Las Colinas provides meals, cleans apartments weekly (washes towels, sheets and makes the bed).
I recently moved my mom to Las Colinas and stayed with her the 1st week to help with the transition. I noticed how the staff are friendly, helpful and caring (front desk, nurse, housekeeping, dining staff and maintenance). But my favorite is Crystal who has been the most helpful going above and beyond to ensure moms move and stay there is a good one. She truly represents the compassion, knowledge and caring that Las Colinas is all about. But also, the residents are amazing! There's mom's neighbor who stops by to go to meals with her! Everyone is that way. By the time I'd left, the dining room staff knew I liked green chilies with my meals, and residents called me by name. Lots of activities, van service, family get-togethers, beauty parlor, beautiful outside sitting/walking areas, socials, etc - most facilities offer this; however, Las Colinas has that sincere family atmosphere that makes it the real deal.
I am truly happy for my mom. She was lonely all by herself but didn't want to leave her home of 40 yrs. She's been there a month and she told me today she likes it, has met a lot of wonderful new friends and doesn't miss her home. I feel so good knowing mom is well taken care of, looked after and loved. What could be better????
Provider Response
Kathy, thank you for taking the time to review our community. I will share your kind words with the rest of the staff. We love having Jean here and think she is a great addition to our family.
May 06, 2017
I visited this facility
We visited Las Colinas, and it was very well done; it had nice kitchens, it was very friendly, and it was well-run. I really liked that place, I've been there 2 or 3 times, and that would be the place I would pick. The dining area was very nice, the food was very good, and they had wide choices. The staff was marvelous. They had an art class, lots of clubs, and outings. They had different courtyards and one you could take the dogs to and let them run free.
Provider Response
Thank you for taking the time to review our community! We pride ourselves on our friendly atmosphere, active community and healthy food choices. You are welcome to come back anytime!
February 16, 2017
I am/was a resident of this facility
We moved my mother into Las Colinas about 3 years ago, and it was the best decision we have ever made! The staff is absolutely wonderful! Their food is delicious and made from scratch. They are truly in the business of helping people, and keep their culture very family centered. I couldn't have asked for a better home for my mother. The medical staff from their homecare agency, Gemini have been a blessing as well. They have enabled mom to stay in an independent setting rather than an assisted living, which she does not need. Love you guys!
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
I haven’t moved into Las Colinas (Senior Star at Las Colinas Village) yet, but the single most outstanding thing that I found was the staff and how friendly and welcoming they were and how special they made me feel. I haven’t even moved in yet, but the facility is very appealing. I’m very happy with it. It is clean and well maintained. There is a little bit of every kind of activity you could possibly want. They’re letting me bring my weaving loom and put it in their activities area.
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
We liked Senior Star at Las Colinas Village. The rooms were very large, the atmosphere was extremely comfortable and we felt very welcome. The food was excellent. Our experience was very good. They are on the list of places we would like to live in. The staff were very friendly.
November 24, 2015
I visited this facility
Senior Star at Las Colinas Village was very nice and clean. The staff was very informative. They seemed to have a lot of activities and played a lot of games, which was something I'm not into, so that kind of put me off.
September 07, 2015
I am a friend or relative of a resident
I liked that there are more staff than managers, and included in the rent is they walk your dogs three times a day. They're also putting in a dog park which is important to my client. The food is excellent, and they have regular activities, i.e., shopping trips, bowling, and bingo. It's a good social environment, and she's pretty happy there. She is in a wheelchair, and she has two dogs, so it's difficult. The dog thing and how excellent their staff is were really very important to her. Nobody else has dog walking included, and it would normally be a couple of hundred dollars to have somebody come and help you with the dogs. That's pretty unique to Senior Star at Las Colinas Village.
January 16, 2015
I am a friend or relative of a resident
We visited several places, and Senior Star at Las Colinas Village was the one we liked the best. Everybody has been very nice and has gone above and beyond, and it is a lot better than we even thought it would be. The food is great, and it is made from scratch -- it is not the bought and warmed up kind of stuff. My mother just moved in a couple of days ago, and she hasn't really done activities, but there are lots available. She has a nice room. There is a kitchen, and it is actually a one-bedroom, so it is working out very well for her. It has got a new carpet and new paint, and she needed the bathroom door widened. The very same day we asked for it, they started doing it, and it has been great -- no extra charge on the rent for that. It seems to be very secure. They lock the doors at 9:00 P.M and unlock them at 6:00 A.M, and everyone who comes in has to check in.
August 30, 2014
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My mother and uncle are both in Las Colinas (Senior Star at Las Colinas Village). My uncle is just right next door to my mom. The employees there are very caring. They are all trained for what is right for memory loss and how to help people who are suffering from some short-term memory loss. It is an independent living, but there is home health care on-site. It isn't our favorite though, because what they did is, they take an existing apartment complex and turn it into independent living. We looked at a newer facility and they have more handicap bathrooms and things like that, but they are much smaller than where they are now. The apartment here is much spacious and they actually work with us and actually replace the bathtub with a handicap walk-in shower before they moved in, and they didn't charge us for that. They have a lot of activities. They have a lot of different exercise programs. They also have exercise equipment for seniors who are motorized, so people can have that full range of motion. The activities director is really great about having all kinds of field trips for the folks.
The grounds are very park-like. There is a lot of green space around the apartment complex. It is not my favorite area at Albuquerque, but it is very easily accessible because it is very close to the on and off ramp of the freeway, so it is easy to go to and from.
August 26, 2014
I visited this facility
Senior Star has a lovely physical environment. It had two large enclosed gardens which were really beautiful. They have a few apartments in the upper floor and it’s three stories tall. The inside is kept up beautifully. Everything is fine and the upper floors have several apartments that have balconies outside. I had lunch there and everybody would introduce themselves using their first name, even the dishwasher. They allow pets there and every lady seems to have one. They also have somebody who can walk the pets if you cannot do it.
August 14, 2014
I am a friend or relative of a resident
We moved my mother into Senior Star in June. It seems to be perfectly fine. They kept in close contact while she was making her decision, and they made it as easy as possible when the moving time came.
It's an apartment. It was much larger than any other places we looked. The mealtimes are extended so that she can go when she wants. She said the food is not wonderful but OK.
It's getting to be an older building, and it does need some updating, which they have started. They've put in new elevator interiors.
February 27, 2014
I am/was a resident of this facility
Senior Star at Las Colinas Village looked and felt like a hospital. It also smelled moldy. Their activity director was a little bit of a busybody. She gossiped about everybody. The staff there was mean to me. The maintenance person just snapped at me. I tried to talk to him but he just yelled all over me again. After that incident, the director said to me that if I said anything negative about the place, she would kick me out right on the spot. It freaked me out. I actually almost had an anxiety attack when she said that. I was there for only five months. I got the heck out of there after she made that threat.
At Las Colinas Village, people were leaving. They had like 20% vacancy and they were just taking whoever they could get. They were only independent living but half of their residents there should be in a more of Alzheimer's type unit. They shouldn't take people in there that really need different care. They had a lot of problems with them. They had alcoholics, they had people that wander off, etc. They were desperate so that they were just taking whoever needs a place. However, with regards to food, they were actually better than the other facility. It was pretty good and you can get as much as you want.
January 31, 2014
I visited this facility
We visited Las Colinas Village in Albuquerque and the facility is too crowded with all the people and the furniture that they have. I don’t like it as far as space in concerned because I am in a little wheelchair and it would be difficult for me to maneuver in such crowded places. Their staff is very friendly and they are wonderful. They had me for lunch and their food is extremely good.
August 04, 2011
I am a current client of this provider
My family had placed my maternal grandmother in Las Colinas Village after her husband was lost to Alzheimers. The reason for placing her in this particular facility was due to is location, which is within easy access to the freeway, as my family members make frequent visits that last over the weekend. What impressed me about Las Colinas Village was the attention of the staff. When my mother and I would make trips we would arrive late at night and someone would always be able to greet us and let us inside. The staff was also commendable in their ability to remember many of the residence that surprised me on every trip and helped in creating a very friendly atmosphere. But the best feature about Las Colinas was the calender of activities that the home provides to residents. In the case of my grandmother, this helped her in the death of her husband. My only gripe with the facility is that each of the apartments has an intercom system installed to notify all residents about events and the dishes served for the day. However the speaker works at a low volume and my grandmother is quite hard of hearing. Yet she is still able to keep up due to the event calenders the home delivers.
Questions about Sandia Vista Senior Living
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at Sandia Vista Senior Living. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
The residents at Sandia Vista are what makes our community special. Everyone is lively and helps to care for each other. The bonds they have with each other are something truly special. The average age is in the early '80s, although the ages range from 56 to 99. Some of the most attended activities are morning exercise, social hours, bingo, and live music on Friday.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
Convenient to I-40, Sandia Vista sits at the base of the Sandia mountains where there is beautiful walking trails, the Sandia Peak tramway. The community is just minutes from Kirtland AFB, UNM, historic Old Town, museums and of course Balloon Fiesta Park.
What are some recent off-site events that the community activity director at Sandia Vista Senior Living has organized?
Our residents enjoy getting out and exploring all that New Mexico has to offer. Recent off-site trips include: BioPark, local Casino's, Nuclear Museum, different restaurant weekly, Opera, Fort Union National Monument, and Acoma Sky CIty. We also will go to Santa Fe a couple times per year, and have traveled as far as Taos, NM.
What transportation services does Sandia Vista Senior Living offer to independent living residents?
Transportation Services are included in the monthly rates. Monday thru Thursday, medical appointments take precedence. Friday's we go on a special trip and will fit in any medical appointments as needed. Saturdays are store trips. Sundays we go to any Church within a 6 mile radius of our property, and go for a Sunday Drive.
What makes the chef or dining program at Sandia Vista Senior Living exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
Our tenured Chef, Dave Newton, has been with Sandia Vista for 8 years and prepares specials daily featuring seasonal, local favorites as well as traditional comfort food. Everything is prepared fresh daily from breads to desserts Dave loves to bake and it shows! Seated, served dining and optional menu choices are available providing residents options all day.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
There are several common areas at Sandia Vista. When you first enter our property, you will notice the Los Amigos Lounge. This Lounge acts as a second living room for the residents as well as a communal activity space. Live music, exercise, bingo, and many other activities happen here daily. We have a continued learning center near our front desk. In here you will find residents reading in the library or using one of the 3 computers. We also have our Dakim Brain Fitness machine in this area. If you traveled down the North Hallway, you would find the Fiesta Lounge. In the Fiesta Lounge, we have our ShapeMaster equipment, BikeAround, and a pool table. Outside on the Southside, we have a lovely dog park and walking trail- we love our furry friends at Sandia Vista
What safety features or security measures does Sandia Vista Senior Living offer to independent living residents?
Safety is a top priority for us at Sandia Vista. Each resident is given an emergency pendant which they can push for help at anytime. Our 24/7 staffing assures residents that in an emergency, a team member is there to help them. Our campus is the only secure and gated Independent Living Facility in Albuquerque. We also have security cameras in all common areas/hallways and outside of the building. We also complete a daily well check in on all residents., assuring that everyone is safe.
If Sandia Vista Senior Living accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
We are a pet-friendly community! Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, gerbils - bring them all. The community features a fenced dog park and a walking trail. There are weight restrictions for dogs. Dogs can be walked for a minimal additional monthly fee. We do collect a small, non-refundable pet deposit for any pet. Pets are allowed on any floor and in any apartment.
Does Sandia Vista Senior Living work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
Simplicity Home Health is on-site 24 hours per day at Sandia Vista. Simplicity allows residents to age-in-place in an independent setting. Simplicity is able to assist residents with the activities of daily living (ie: dressing, bathing, toileting, etc.). Simplicity care plans are overseen by a Registered Nurse. Services from Simplicity include medication management and administration, escort to medical appointments, meals, and activities, support with grooming, and much more. All services provided by Simplicity Home Health come at an additional fee.
Costs for Sandia Vista Senior Living
Services and Amenities of Sandia Vista Senior Living
Costs
- Entry Fee
- Fee Structure Extra: Entry Fee Cost : $1000
- Independent Living Starting At: $1995/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- Studio Apartments
General
- Resident Capacity: 130
- Minimum Age: 55
- Pets: All Pets Allowed
About Sandia Vista Senior Living
Our philosophy of service at Sandia Vista Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico is that Independent Living encourages an active and free senior lifestyle that supports residents’ privacy and dignity. Our senior apartments are considered the largest and most spacious in Albuquerque.
Additional Services:- All Day Dining serving from-scratch meals
- Select Balcony apartments
- Beauty Salon & Barber Shop
- Daily Activities
- Concierge Services
- Fitness Room
- Housekeeping & Linen Service
- Computer Office & Library
- 24-Hour Staffing & Emergency Response
- Pet-Friendly Community with Gated Dog Park
What Makes Us Special
Our community environment is rich in daily activities, with all day restaurant-style dining, graciously appointed interiors and apartment styles. Our Independent Living environment provides full-service senior living with resort-style amenities in the heart of New Mexico, serving Albuquerque and surrounding communities.
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