Great place to live. Kind and caring staff. Quality food and many choices. Highly recommend.

I recently moved my mom into The Gardens at Park Balboa. It wasn't a move she welcomed, which of course was stressful for both of us! The Community Director Jonathan gave us a tour and was treated by the residents like an adored rock star as we walked through the halls - making introductions with residents, explaining the extensive amenities, along with the robust calendar of daily activities for residents to participate in. We moved her in a week later (after visiting other facilities). Within 2 weeks she told me "I'm meeting so many interesting residents. It's like living in a resort, everything is done for you. I love it here!" Last night I got a text from her saying that she attended a mini classical concert in one of the residents rooms (that resident is known for her musical talents). The staff is attentive, responsive and kind. Prayers answered! I am beyond grateful. read more

The Gardens is truly a gem! From the moment you walk in, the ambience is one of peace and calm in a lush and lovely setting. The rooms are generous in size and wheelchair-friendly, and many have beautiful views of the courtyard and small private patios for mini gardens. There is a restaurant-style dining room serving up award-winning meals--and ample desserts! The activity and living rooms have a cozy, family feel, and there is always something going on in the way of games, fun exercise classes, lectures, movie showings, field trips, and special events. The greatest asset, of course, is the patient and caring staff of the family-owned facility. Community Relations Director Jonathan is warm and welcoming. Health Services Director Laura is professional and generous with her time. Javier the Dining Services Director takes pride in his cuisine. The caregivers are loving and nurturing, and they keep lines of communication open. But perhaps the best indicator of the quality of The Gardens is how happy the residents are. They extol the virtues of the place with no prompting. (One woman said she'd tried five different facilities, and this was the best.) They're eager to welcome new residents into the family--by the third day, lunch-goers were calling my mom by name to sit at their table. As with most assisted living places, there is a sliding scale of services based upon need, and when a transition to a higher level of care is required, Safe Haven offers memory care with a higher caregiver-to-patient ratio. Safe Haven is safe and secure, with its own small garden and dining area. Caregivers encourage residents to spend most of their day in activities with others rather than remaining isolated in their rooms. I'm delighted I found this new home for my mom. She's still in the process of settling in--she's been there just under two weeks--but I can already sense this is a perfect place for her. read more

The Gardens at Park Balboa deserves a 5 Star + rating! My brother has been a resident here for just over a year. There is nothing I can complain about. The staff is very friendly, always smiling, and totally engaged with the residents and each other. It appears that all the staff love their work. It is very clean and very well maintained. It does not smell like bleach, or excrement. It smells like "home". The entire facility is totally decorated for every holiday. The staff has gone above and beyond for all of my requests. My visits are random. Every time all is in order. It is such a pleasure to visit here. The staff, and residents, are very welcoming. I am confident that my brother is being well taken care of! As the gentleman who referred me to this facility said "It is the Gem of the Valley". Indeed it is! read more

The whole staff at the Gardens at Park Balboa is amazing. I've been working with Jonathan, Laura, Katia and Deon for a couple of years now and you can tell they love what they do. Working in this kind of industry (senior care), you need to love what you do and have passion for it. You can also see this in their residents. They have a lot of activities, the meals are great (hats off to the chef) and the remodeling that has happened the past couple of years is complete and this has leveled up their assisted living. The place is beautiful and they're also dog and cat friendly. If you're looking for an assisted living or memory care for your loved one, you should give Jonathan a call and get a tour. read more

We are so pleased with The Gardens at Park Balboa! This is a Assisted Living facility where my Mom has lived for the past 4 years. They have excellent food, and they administer all of my mother's medication and vitamins. The facility is clean, the care givers and employees enjoy their jobs and go out of their way to assist everyone. They have lots of activities organized by,Brittany and the residents can attend whichever activity suits their needs. Each holiday they have large buffets and music and entertainment. My Mom participates with exercises twice a day and goes to movie matinees. Each day they have Bingo and there are arts and crafts, a poker club, and quiz games, field trips, Costco, or CVS, Walgreens or restaurant trips etc. In addition as my Mom requires more care, they have a dementia unit (Safe Haven) on the premises where they can take care of my Mom when she requires additional help. The atmosphere is extremely friendly the residences are happy and Brittany is Miss Sunshine! I highly recommend The Gardens at Park Balboa, located on Kester in Van Nuys! read more

We are thrilled to have found the Park Balboa through Sandra Heller of Compassionate Senior Solutions! Jonathan has been amazing and has made my mom so comfortable while moving in. My mom has been ecstatic with the food, accommodations and the staff! We feel very fortunate to have found such a perfect solution for our 88 year old mom. The Gardens at Park Balboa is a gem!!! read more

My review starts with the end of the story. My mother passed away at the Gardens of Park Balboa. My family feels so blessed that she was surrounded by an amazing staff and facility that we had no idea would ever be such an important part of the end of her life. We moved my mom across the country to California and did a lot of shopping for what might be her last place to live. Park Balboa offered a great boutique experience. Jonathan McFall, the Marketing Director was refreshingly authentic in helping us learn about life there and was unbelievably responsive in addressing our MANY questions to make this mom's home. We know our mom enjoyed her apartment, the outdoor space and all the friends she made there. The staff - always so kind and responsive - was a gift to us. When you look for an independent/assisted living facility, you never really appreciate what might happen if your loved one diminishes. We researched step up care and memory care with Jonathan, but I never could've comprehended how much those services would mean when we needed them. The staff at the Park Balboa, including Laura and Alondra could not have been more caring, informative and helpful as we navigated a decline in my mother's health. When we were in crisis, they were professional and responsive. I never would've known how much that would mean to us when we were most vulnerable. The relationship with the the team from Park Balboa is something extraordinary. We will always be grateful for our mothers time there. I can share firsthand, it is a place your loved one will be cared for. read more

This is like a family warm home. Brittany is a hands on administrative lady that really puts her heart and sole into her career. My relative is living in a beautiful studio newly done and it is light and bright. She has never been happier and with the help of Brittany, Vickie, and Clara and all the sweet helpers she is so lucky that we found this assisted living place. Soon she will be able to go to the Brandman Center for her Therapies and doctors as it is a daycare center. I highly recommend this lovely place. I am adding to this review during the Covid19 Virus. April 20, 2020. The manager is now John and he is a miracle worker. He has kept all resident well and has very strict policies and that is why they are all well. He is the best there is in a lovely man, manager, and caring person for all that work for him and all the residents. My sister is well taken care of and we are so lucky we found this assisted living place. None of the others which were at least 8 more felt like a home and were very institutional types that felt more like a hospital. You will be lucky if you can live here or have your loved one live here. My sister has been here 3 years now and I am not moving her. There is really no place or person like John. read more

I have been a resident for almost one year. The facility and it's management and staff are very good. The activities supervisors are fantastic. The number of Senior activities are non- stop. Socials, wine parties, weekly entertainment., YOGA and TAI CHI classes , music appreciation seminars , much more. Periodic trips to local parks and seaside locations;, as well as L.A. symphonies and Shows included. Dining room is spacious. The chef and his staff are first rate. Bus service to all Valley locations very convenient. UBER service a phone. call away. Daily Resident transportation to local stores, medical appointments. Walkers and wheel chairs are welcome. read more

I can honestly say I am so glad I found the Gardens. If you have been in the unfortunate situation of finding an assisted living home for a loved one, you quickly find out there is a wide range in the quality in care across facilities. My mom passed away this last November after a long bought with dementia. She started at the Gardens in an assisted living apartment and moved to their Memory Care wing. Suffice it to say, I experienced the full range of services at the Gardens. They were all fantastic. The staff are really friendly and helpful, the facility is clean, and the price is reasonable for what you get. Really tops in my book. read more

08/20/13 UPDATE!!! There are so many events that transpired over the last year my parents lived at this facility. Please be very careful if you are considering moving your loved ones with dementia here. There was a change of Directors and everything went bad. When we originally moved my parents in, the facility had a full time RN on staff. When the RN left shortly after we moved in, Marie, (a great facility director) hired a full time LVN to take her place. Over a year ago Marie was just gone, no notification from management, when I would ask where Marie was no one could tell us, not a letter, email, nothing. The facility was without a director for over 2 months before we were notified a new Director would be joining the Gardens. Several months after they hired Dana (with no previous experience as a director of a facility) the LVN was gone. No word from management, not a letter, email, nothing. When I spoke with the director she told us that she and one of the "med techs" were capable of covering the job of the RN/LVN and that they were not going to replace anyone in the position. Neither of them are medically qualified to take the place of an LVN or an RN. While most of the med techs are wonderful and caring, many other young caregivers do not have sufficient knowledge to care for seniors with dementia in the free community or in Safe Haven. My mother began having some behavioral issues that I, her doctor and Dana were trying to sort out. Dana suddenly began forcing our hand to move my mother to Safe Haven. She cut off my ability to speak with the med techs and said I had to go through her. She never consistently followed through on communicating important information so we could evaluate how my mother's meds were working or not. After the multitude of emotional events Dana put our family through due to her lack of support and knowledge of helping a family traverse the terrain of a loved one with Alzheimer's, along with her inability to take responsibility, and because they no longer had an RN or LVN, we decided it was in our parents best interest to move them to another facility. We simply had lost confidence and trust in them and they wore us down. We served formal notice via email to Dana and the owner of the facility on May 1st, 2013. About a week later Dana presented my father, a 97 year old sweetheart of a man with a notice to move to Safe Haven or be Evicted. This notice went on to list out various events with my mother as the reason for the need to move. My dad, a loving, honest, and hardworking man all of his life was beside himself with fear, confusion and grief. There was no reason under the sun that anyone with any compassion would do this to a senior who didn't have the ability to comprehend what was going on. I had already given them our 30 day notice! This broke all of our hearts to see our father in such a state of depression. The owner of this facility backed Dana all the way at every turn. When we moved my mother and father out, I realized that they had lost her brand new wheelchair. I decided to let it go and move on. I was exhausted. My mother died two weeks ago. I was shocked to receive a bill from The Gardens for $340.00 last week for services they say they didn't charge us for. read more

The Gardens at Park Balboa is a fantastic home for our father. He is happy which means the rest of the family is happy. The Gardens is clean, well-staffed, and the team is very experienced...not to mention incredibly friendly! Anytime I call with a question or request, they are pleasant, knowledgeable, and take care of things right away. Linda, Brooke, and the whole team have been incredible! read more

Wonderful homey feeling. Two story place with full care. I would have moved my mother in law right in if it wasn't for the distance. The place looked well Kept and it had a resort feel, somewhere you would feel Comfortable leaving your loved ones. Our tour was with Britney. She gave my husband and I all the information we wanted and more. I would highly recommend scheduling your tour with her. She was patient and informative and a delight to work with. read more

I am giving a huge shout out to Lillian, the Activities Director. She makes sure my mom gets the assistance she needs in order to get to bingo, and when I have a special request she helps me out if she can. She really cares. A hard worker with a good heart. Thank you Lillian! read more

I moved my 95 yr old Dad to the Safe Haven section of The Gardens a few days ago. I was naturally apprehensive about making the move and worried about how he would adjust, but it is going amazingly well! I am happy and relieved. I've got to give a shout out to Linda Muggli, without whom I don't know that I could have done it. She treated me with compassion and kindness from the moment we met; it is such a difficult time in one's life, and she made me feel cared about and understood. She treated my father with the utmost respect, conversing with him in a manner I had not seen before. That went a long way to show me we were making the right decision. Linda greeted every resident by name when we toured; it really feels like a family. Linda was not in the least bit pushy; yet, she was available to me via cell even on her off days. Thank you Linda. I am forever grateful!!! read more

All but 2 times I was there, my friend's room was unlocked. She and or I would lock it and it would be unlocked when we returned. People were not equipped to help a blind person even though the Marketing Director told us that they had other blind people who lived there, which was not true according to the staff. When my friend was tired of the poor service, and lack of help which they promised was no problem (having someone to walk with on the "daily" walks, Exercise instructor told her she would show her the exercises but actually wouldn't, no vegetables available to eat at meals, other activities didn't happen, hardly any participated in what activities they did have) she gave 30 days notice. She left shortly afterwards & they showed her apt but didn't lock it. Someone at the place STOLE all her new furniture before I could get it moved out. They REFUSE to reimburse her for a desk because she intended to give it to an employee which NEVER got it because it was STOLEN BEFORE she could take it home! Many other issues there. Things, including apparently security was misrepresented. She's out about $800+ for the new desk. read more

I was very worried about finding a place for my brother, who was used to living alone but could no longer do so. The Gardens had been suggested to me by A Place For Mom and so my brother and I decided to check it out. What a Godsend, from the time we met Britteny, any concerns were laid to rest. They had several rooms available and my brother picked his room and we placed a deposit, he moved in a week later and it has been a perfect fit for him. Everyone is friendly, my brother who pretty much kept to himself has made friends and enjoys living there. I visit him every weekend and the staff are always polite and the people who live there are looked after and look happy. I feel very fortunate we found the perfect place for him. read more

This facility is extraordinary! I was beside myself when I was searching for assisted living facilities recently and as soon as I stepped in the door at The Gardens I felt the care tone of a professionally run place. This feeling was actualized by the outstanding professionalism and welcoming reception I was given by Linda and Liz. Linda immediately identified and expedited the care needed for our family member. I can't say enough about Linda and Liz: the Gardens are fortunate to have them. More specialized facilities in the community should be like this one: clean, efficient, cheerful and safe. Thank you Linda, Liz and everyone at The Gardens for your care and assistance. read more

Great value in Van Nuys location. Wonderful staff and it has a lovely apartment feel. Many active seniors and a great salad bar.

The time had come for my dear Mom to move to assisted living. I was dreading the search, believing that our budget could not accommodate the type of place I envisioned her living in, as I knew assisted living was quite costly. And the nicer the neighborhood, the more expensive they seem to be. I checked out Yelp reviews and was pleasantly surprised by the ones I read about The Gardens at Park Balboa. While I grew up in Van Nuys and my parents still live in the area, the town isn't what it used to be. So I was not expecting an assisted living place there to be so nice! But it is...Wow! My initial contact was with Brittney Black, the marketing director. Her sweet voice set the relaxing tone of our conversation. I asked her if she could give me an idea of the cost over the phone, as I didn't want to come for a tour, find out it's a good fit and a place we liked, only to discover that I couldn't afford to move my Mom there. I thought I'd get a sales pitch and be required to come in to talk about costs, but Brittney graciously gave me the info I requested. And as it turned out, we could make it work! I then scheduled a tour with Brittney, who could not have been kinder or more compassionate. When I realized the studio apartment we looked at would be perfect for my Mom, I started to cry, and Brittney quickly gave me a hug to comfort me. The room my Mom was interested in was not ready for move-in, as it was currently under construction. Brittney assured us that it could be ready in a week, and my Mom was invited to choose the flooring (carpet or wood) and paint color that she wanted. When my Mom moved in, Brittney had a basket of goodies waiting in her room, including dark chocolate which she had learned my Mom loves. Two months after the move-in, Brittney continues to be helpful with any needs or concerns, and she frequently checks on my Mom to see how she's doing & encourage her to participate in activities. The complex is beautiful from the outside, nicely landscaped, and various garden areas with vibrant flowers and seating throughout the buildings. Plenty of places to sit outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. The food served in the dining room is so delicious, and the menu for each meal is extensive--so many options! Everyone from the front desk (Henry, Ivan, Leslie & Alessandra) to caregivers (Blanca, Jonathon & Yolanda), maintenance staff (Martin), med techs, and housekeepers are so accommodating and helpful. They treat my Mom with kindness and respect and even joke around with her. They clearly develop relationships with residents. Park Balboa has a daily menu of various activities, shopping and field trip excursions, transportation to doctor appointments, and families are always welcomed to visit, participate in activities, and stay for a meal. There's a private dining room that can be reserved, free of charge, for families and friends to spend time together. I could go on and on, but my review is long enough, and I've probably made the point that The Gardens at Park Balboa is a wonderful place! Give Brittney a call and take a tour! read more

We have had my Aunt in Safe Haven Memory Care Unit for three years now at Gardens at Park Balboa. i can say is that she is very happy there and it is a very pleasant place... the staff takes good care of her. We are particularly fond of the head of the unit, Lupe, who really makes my Aunt feel very special. Lupe really cares about the residents and keeps them engaged. The food is better than at other places and I find the place clean and cheerful. I like that they have a fall protection system. The Director, Dion Gallarza, is very concerned about the residents and is approachable if you have questions. He is very professional and thus far, my aunt is Covid Free so that is a top concern of mine. They are monitoring things very carefully in these difficult times and taking precautions. It is hard to find a place for memory care that is this good. I feel this place does as excellent job caring for its residents so I felt compelled to write this review. read more

My mother-in-law has been living here for four years. The care she receives basically has improved her health and outlook of life. She often says "I have a good life", that says it all! read more

I move people from their current residences to retirement communities. I always find the Gardens to be well priced, clean, and has a great staff. I usually deal with Brittney Black and find she goes above and beyond when it comes to caring for her current and future residents. This is truly special when dealing with a salesperson. She spends a great amount of her time making sure the resident is comfortable with this huge change. I so appreciate this extra care. Brittney is an asset not only to the people but to the Gardens. They are lucky to have her! read more

Just an amazing place for your loved ones. I have a dear friend who placed her mother there last year and has been very happy. Her mother is doing wonderful and she loves the staff and the new friends she has met. The prices are very reasonable compared to other larger chains. My friend and I would recommend The gardens at Park Balboa to anyone who is searching for a loving and caring environment. read more

I have had the privilege to work with The Gardens at Park Balboa and Ms Brittney Black, I was so impressed!!! I was so Impressed with The Gardens at Park Balboa and your own personal helpfulness, that I felt i needed and did, place my own parents in your home. My parents and I was so Impressed with the Relaxation area Gardens that you have placed all around the grounds, It just feels so relaxing. The rooms at the Garden are so well maintained, manicured, clean and when we walked in, my parents told me they feel like they are at home now. The Gardens at Park Balboa also has a high-end restaurant dinning experiences, that left myself and my folks completely impressed, I really enjoyed the salad bar and the complete fresh verity of assortments I was able to choose from, to create my master pieces of my Mega Salad. My mother was also very impressed with all the food she was able to choose from and how it was freshly prepared and cooked. My father just said he couldn't believe he was offered five different type of ice cream flavors. He liked the Mint Chocolate Chip!!! Brittney you and the staff at The Gardens at Park Balboa are a highly professional group that works in unity to make everyone that comes into your doors, feel like they are now at home and are living with friends and family. I look forward to working with you and The Gardens at Park Balboa, I will definitely be placing more of my clients with you. read more

My parents have lived here for the past 8 years, my dad passed away 3 years ago. Two years ago my mom came down with dementia so she was unable to pay her bills. I took over paying her bills, but I live in Boise Idaho. I have had nothing but problems with the finance office at the facility. They mail out the invoices on the 26th of each month, it takes 4 days to get to Boise Idaho if there are no mail problems, when I get the invoice I get a check in the mail the next day. The problem is it is late if not to them by the 5th of the next month, then they charge you a $250 late fee. I have tried for over a year and a half to get Elizabeth in the finance office to send me the invoice by e-mail so my payment wont be late. It still is not happening even after I send a reminder notice, after at least 5 different directors and false promises. I think this is just there way of getting more money by such a short grace period to get late fees from relatives out of state paying there loved ones bills. The rest of the staff is very good, if my mom was in better health I would move her out of this facility, but that would be too hard on her. Every month stressed out due to the billing process!!!!! read more

I am giving only three stars due to the terrible customer service. Everyone was very kind with my mother and took care of her until she passed, but trying to get information regarding a bill, or trying to get someone to call me back, or any kind of response was very difficult and frustrating. I wish that the customer service was as great as the care. Maybe someone will see this and make improvements. read more

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this beautiful place! My father's assisted living facility was closing down, and I had to find him a new one. As soon as I walked into The Gardens at Park Balboa I was greeted by a warm and sincere staff. Brittney Black was who took us around for the tour, and was hands on through the entire process with me. I was so impressed by how clean and beautiful the facility and grounds were, how happy the residents were, and most of all how genuinely caring and attentive Brittney was. She came in on her day off to meet my father and oversee us having lunch in the private dining room. We were treated better than most fine dining establishments! When I thanked her for all that she had done her response was simply, "I love my job". That is what you will find here; people that love working there, living there, and visiting their loved ones. What more could you ask for? read more

My mother recently passed away after a slow decline in health. She had lived at The Gardens for the past six years in relative comfort and with excellent care by the staff. We first saw that my parents needed to be in assisted living and had a long battle to convince my father to make the move. After his passing, it was a necessity. They had friends who'd lived there in the past, so were familiar with the facility. We met there, Abby Oppenheim, who graciously assisted with visiting, then processing my mother's settling into a small studio. There was room for her mementos and she could live comfortably within easy distance of the dining room. We met a number of the residents and as one can expect, found a variety of states of health and aging, but by and large, pleasant and happy people. The staff was most helpful at all times and I can only say that they were outstanding in their attention and assistance to Mom's needs. My lady-friend, a clinical dietitian with years of experience in similar facilities was immediately and favorably impressed as to the quality of the place. Late in my mother's stay, she needed to go to the secure, dementia unit, which is a part of the facility and readily accessible to visitors. This was easily done and still, most convenient. It's hard to think of anything not worthy of recommendation at The Gardens, from the administration, nursing, front office and dining room staff. I can name names throughout the staff, but rather than chance missing any, I will say that some were even more special to Mom and myself and they should know who they are! Their assistance and care made this whole experience a positive one. read more

12/16/2011 I am a 77 year old guy (78 in January) and have lived by myself for many years. Recently my already crummy back had been giving me more and more trouble as I could not stand in the kitchen for longer than about 2 minutes to fix meals. Consequently, I had been eating junk for a long time. My next door neighbor was helping to fix some meals but she had her own family to care for. I had found The Gardens at Park Balboa last year when I was being proactive, knowing that a move to a facility such as this was coming. The final decision was made for me when I crashed into the wall at a local market when I couldn't tell if my foot was on the gas or brake. I could have killed someone! I carefully drove home and put the keys on the counter, saying I would never drive again. I found the staff here very helpful and moved immediately. The hardest part was giving up "stuff" that I would no longer have room for. Coming from a 1,300 sq ft 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment to 282 sq ft one room was tough. Garage sales and giving stuff to family and friends took care of that. I have found the meals quite tasty and very adequate. I can have more food if I like, but so far have not done so. Fresh salad bar and eggs and egg substitute for breakfast fixed any way I like. I was feeling ill a day or so ago and stayed in all day. They checked up on me 5 times during the day to make sure I was okay. I feel very comfortable and safe. There are lots of activities and trips to the bank and CVS. I would recommend the Gardens at Park Balboa to anyone who needs this type of facility. read more

Im Pat Y, I am currently living at the Gardens at Park Balboa, and I love it!!I've been here just about a year.The staff here is friendly and professional,Vickie the executive director has an infectious laugh that made me feel home at first meeting.One of the main reasons my family and I chose this location was because its a gated community , and also staff 24/ 7 on site & that makes me feel secure.The food is great with a salad bar and several options to choose from daily specials to the hardcover menu on a daily basis.The warm friendly people who live here as my neighbors made my transition easy for me. The beauty and surrounding of the gardens and courtyard are what initially attracted me to visit the Gardens.I found a purpose with the William the activity director and Vickie and we all agreed on takeing my dog to Safe Haven to help them with pet therapy we love it and they love it . read more