As of 1/1/25, Varenna at Fountaingrove in Santa Rosa has decided to mark their old Yelp review page…read moreas inactive and start a new one. I assume they took this action because of 2 unfavorable reviews (one of which I am reposting below) as a means to erase the past and start fresh. Sorry Varenna, it's not going to be that easy. A quick update to my earlier review below, the restaurant service went from mediocre to horrible over the last almost 2 years, and the food quality has also gotten considerably worse. I realize that Varenna is undoubtedly having staffing problems with the restaurant as are most eating establishments, but perhaps you should make some changes to the employee pay and allow tipping to attract employees who will stay with the company for more than a month or two. Most elderly people are more than happy to tip and tip very well for great service. Here is my previous review. Varenna is probably one of (if not the nicest) retirement centers in the entire Bay Area. The facility is 1st class with a beautiful setting, and a staff that is very attentive to all of your needs. So, you're probably wondering why I didn't leave a 5 star review, right? Well, if you visit their web site, they have a video describing the dining room, and an interview with their executive chef who goes into great detail about sourcing out locally fresh seasonal ingredients for their 5 star dining experience. In reality, the food is mediocre at best, more along the lines of what you might find at a Denny's restaurant. My parents moved to Varenna several months ago and overall, they're happy with their choice. As you can imagine, the place is very expensive like most retirement centers. Besides the monthly fees of around $10,000, you have to buy your apartment, which at Varenna starts at around $400,000 for a studio to well over 1.5 million for the larger suites. For those of us fortunate enough to have saved a nice nest egg for our retirement, this isn't a bad way to go. My parents like most elderly people can take care of most of their own needs, but meal preparation and eating right sometimes takes a back burner to everything else in life. So elderly people who can afford to live in Varenna generally have a very selective pallet. They know what fine dining is, and have experienced the best restaurants the bay area has to offer. What they're getting at Varenna is not what they're accustomed to. I remember the week my parents moved into Varenna, and as I drove to the main entrance, I noticed 2 semi trucks on the side on the main building unloading goods. Normally I wouldn't think much of this, but these 2 trucks belonged to a company called Sysco, which is a very large commercial food distributing company. They deliver frozen food to airlines, large restaurant chains (like Denny's) and while their food isn't bad, it's not the kind of food you get in a high end restaurant that sources out local fresh ingredients. I've eaten in the dining room with my parents at the restaurant in Varenna perhaps a dozen times, and some meals are very good, while others are really horrible. Bad meals that come to mind are a Caesar salad that was obviously made with bagged/pre-chopped Romaine lettuce that was turning brown, meat balls that were still a little frozen insides because they hadn't been microwaved long enough, all of their seafood dishes are frozen, which is ironic because fresh halibut and salmon are in season right now and plentiful, and they can't seem to find it anywhere. Hamburgers are generally dry and over-done, and my father complained about a skirt steak they served him last week, and it was so tough he couldn't cut or chew it. The waiter simply took his plate without asking how his uneaten meal was. They have a very limited daily menu, and even though they only have to be sure to have a few ingredients on-hand for that limited number of dishes, they are still frequently out of things. They have a decent wine and beer selection, and they're always out of some of the best wines (hence customers bringing their own bottles and being charged a corkage fee) and almost always out of beers that we want to order. I could go on, but you get my point. I'm writing this mini-novel not to inflict any kind of reputational damage on the staff or the facility, only to make them aware of a problem that absolutely should not exist. Most elderly people are too nice to complain about the food, but they talk amongst themselves and most agree, the food isn't great and it should be. Out in the real world, if they paid for an expensive meal and received this food, they wouldn't return, but that's not a choice they have at Varenna. If there truly is an executive chef at Verenna, fire him/her and hire somebody who knows what the heck they are doing. If there isn't a chef currently, you folks make more than enough money to hire a damn good one from just about anyplace in the world. Give these people their money's worth, and let them enjoy life

my grandmother is so well cared for and I feel very confident that she is well supervised and safe…read morein this environment. I love all the entertainment that comes in throughout the week and how OPEN they are for my grandma to have visitors including her card player friends that stay for a few hours playing cards. The staff is very friendly and the home always seems very very clean.

Our 96 year old mother's health declined quickly after a long stay in skilled nursing so we were…read moreencouraged to seek out a board and care facility that could take her in and support hospice once we got to that point. Everyone at Wild Rose is amazing, so kind and flexible which was so important due to Covid. Although our mom was only there 5 months she got great care, whatever food she wanted (Within reason) and lots of attention. Our family strongly recommends Wild Rose Care Home - the owner Mary Garcia is such a pleasure to partner with, we are grateful that such a place exists in Santa Rosa.

My mom is getting the best care. The ladies are super sweet and attentive. There are only 6…read morepatients and my mom for the first time is making friends there. The home is clean. My mom eats and sleeps well. She is always clean and happy. I would recommend t this home to anyone who really cares about their loved one. I would give them 10 stars

My grandma lived with Elizabeth for a few years before moving back home. This home was very…read moredifferent than any other assisted living facility I've ever seen. Elizabeth treated my grandma like family, always making sure she was taken care of with tons of love! The food was amazing, well balanced meals. The yard was beautifully kept, with lots of flowers, homegrown herbs, and vegetables. The staff was so kind and gentle with everyone in the home. I would highly recommend the Canterbury Home!!!!

Ten months ago, I moved my mom into Vintage Brush Creek. Yes, of course I was initially impressed…read morewith the beauty of the facility, but the staff is what makes this place truly amazing. Although I would love to mention by name all the staff who help my mom beyond their job description, I'm afraid I might leave out someone out who treated her with dignity and made her feel better.. Besides caring for my mom, the staff offers me support and makes me feel welcome whenever I call or come to visit. I'm glad I found a place where genuine compassion and sincere understanding are real.

My parents were so afraid to make the change, but the management and support staff at Vineyard…read moreCommons in Santa Rosa made their transition so easy, comfortable, and affordable. Thank you so much Vineyard Commons! I will tell everyone how much this place has made a difference in the lives of our family and for my parents! K~

As caregiver it's great place for senior living, love this place, it's open to nature, beautiful…read morevue from the front and back

The level of care provided at Burbank Manor was exceptional. My mother spent her last year of life…read moreas a resident at the Manor, the staff was diligent at keeping her clean, well fed and monitored. Arlin was communicative, kind and proactive with making sure my mom was comfortable. My mom required the highest level of care, at Burbank Manor she received it!

My dad has been with Burbank Manor for a little over 2 years. They have taken wonderful care of my…read moredad and they are always in contact with me as I live out of state. I have had therapists and home health go in and they have all told me that that is one of the cleanest and friendly places they have been in. The food is home cooked and my dad is always telling me what he had for dinner and how good it was. They always have him well groomed and send me pictures of him during celebrations or if he is getting a spa day. Eveytime I visit I am greeted like family and he is always happy and well cared for. I highly recommend Burbank Manor.

My father in law was a generally pleased occupant. I visited he and his wife many times in their…read morelast 3-5 years or so. I shared many meals with them and although they were pleased, I was very disappointed by the quality of the food--really horrible. Also, the limitations on the space allowed are profound. No one person allowed to live in a 2-bedroom apt, no matter their willingness or ability to pay. I have heard good things about their newer assisted living premises, but reviews do not seem to support that impression. I am an old Quaker and AFSC employer and am way disappointed by the above concerns.

My mother lived at Friends House in the assisted living building until she passed in 2020. Although…read moremy mom enjoyed the social activities available to her in the beginning of her stay, she was sadly neglected more and more as she grew more dependent. The staff, for the most part, was insensitive to her needs (often short with her) and one aide grabbed her and caused bruises on her arm. If your parent or loved one is living here be aware and involved with their care (daily visits). Exception...Miguel is a sweetheart and is the one bright light of care and compassion! I want to add that, although we had problems with some staff and admin.... the people who live here are wonderful and the activities are plentiful!!!

My mother was a resident of Oakmont of the Terraces Memory Care facility for several years. I have…read morebeen very pleased with the level of care and kindness that she received while a resident there....from the administrative personnel, from the med-techs, and from all of the individual members of the care staff. The amenities and facility are excellent, and I have really enjoyed participating in the special events that the residents' family members are often invited to participate in. This year's Thanksgiving party was elegantly presented and the food was delicious. I will certainly give the Terraces a "5 Star" rating.

I've seen my fair share of communities over the years, and The Terraces really stands out. There's…read morejust something about it that feels warm and comfortable right away, more like home. The care feels thoughtful and consistent, and the energy is surprisingly lively. Having live entertainment five days a week is something you don't come across often, and it really shows in how engaged everyone seems. What stuck with me most is the staff. From the care team to the dining staff, everyone is genuinely kind and attentive, and you can tell they really care about the people who live there. It's a special place for memory care, and it leaves a lasting impression.