We are so grateful for the exceptional care Mom receives at Jazba. At 86 years old, she is…read morephysically healthy and remarkably fit -- her main challenges are related to memory. After three years of living with me, it became clear that Mom needed a higher level of structure, supervision, and social interaction than I could consistently provide at home. I began an extensive search, exploring nearly 40 different care options -- everything from large assisted living and memory care communities to smaller, private board-and-care homes specializing in dementia care. I asked tough questions about caregiver-to-resident ratios, staff turnover, nutrition, movement, music, routines, and social engagement. Jazba quickly rose to the top and became the gold standard by which I compared all other options. Here's why: A Warm, Homelike Environment: Each Jazba residence is a single-family home, full of light, warmth, and thoughtful design. Far from cold or clinical, they're inviting, clean, well-organized, and charming. Visitors and residents alike feel at home the moment they walk through the door. Nutritious, Family-Style Meals: Meals are prepared fresh each day and enjoyed together around the table. The menu follows the MIND diet -- rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based, high-fiber foods -- supporting both brain and overall health. Meaningful Daily Activities: Every day includes music, art, gentle exercise, fresh air, and light occupational therapy. Holidays, birthdays, and life milestones are celebrated with joy and creativity that rivals any kindergarten class -- in the best way possible. Field trips between homes build a sense of community and connection among residents. Unconditional Acceptance: Residents are met with patience, dignity, and respect -- always. Whether a story is told for the third time or a memory gets fuzzy, staff respond with kindness and compassion. This culture of acceptance extends to everyone in the home. After just a month at Jazba, my mom began speaking to me with more warmth and tenderness than I remember from my youth -- a transformation that still moves me deeply. Compassionate, Competent Care: The staff are not only incredibly kind, they're highly capable and organized. Detailed records are maintained for every resident, which allows them to tailor care and keep families and medical providers well-informed. Whole-Person Support: What sets Jazba apart is their commitment to the whole person -- not just the diagnosis. My mother is a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist, and her faith is central to her identity. I worried about how she'd feel when she couldn't attend church regularly. Jazba didn't miss a beat: the team helped arrange transportation when possible, and on Saturdays when she couldn't go, they streamed the service on the big TV so she and other residents could participate together. When I visited later that day, I found them making crafts and listening to uplifting music. It was beautiful. Connection and Communication: Every week, I receive text messages and photos of Mom -- laughing, doing light housework (which she adores), creating art, or exercising with others. She's been at Jazba for four months now, and I can honestly say: this is the happiest I've seen her in over a decade.

It's been a year since my mom has been at Jazba and we are over the moon about how wonderful Shane…read moreand her team has been. We love the holistic values and here is mom's bestie Miss Zoe enjoying her spa time. My mom loves to snap pictures and insisted on taking pictures of Zoe (her roommate) I appreciate the responsiveness the team has been to accommodate our requests. Thank you Jazba Care!

River's Edge is a great place for my parents! They love their apartment, they were able to bring…read morethe most important things from their old home to their new home. The staff has been wonderful, everyone is so friendly. My parents are making new friends and enjoying their new community. The move in process was very detailed, the River's Edge staff was very knowledgeable and walked us through every step. They have shown us nothing but respect and were very transparent about everything prior to moving my parents into the community. I completely recommend visiting River's Edge if you are looking for a great assisted living community for anyone.

My mom stayed with River's Edge for a few months and it was a bad experience from start to finish…read more The communication from the staff was HORRIBLE! When we moved out I left 8 messages to establish what was needed for the move out procedure and NEVER got a response, they just charged us for a 30 day notice with ZERO communication whatsoever. If you're going to spend $8k per month, this is not the place. They are not forthcoming at all and do not respond to messages unless it's in their advantage to do so. I offer 2 stars because they did set us up with a good care team that was NOT associated with their facility, and there was some follow up involved with my mom's care and hospital visits. But all in all, the management is not worth the price tag.

Eskaton is a wonderful place. There is not enough space here to say why but I'll try... my mom is…read more79 and disabled due to a stroke but can do her own things except needs help with mobility, transportation, help if she were to fall. She lived in Merced with my dad (married 55 years) and he suddenly passed away. We had to hurriedly find her a senior residence closer to me or my sister with the 24 hour front desk, pull cord in the bathroom and pendant to wear around her neck to push a button for emergencies. Eskaton has all that and more! My sister also lives very close by so the location was perfect. Let's start with Joey, the first person I spoke to on the phone who runs the entrance area/front desk - he had no idea who I was or what we'd been through and he was just the friendliest kindest voice ever. He needed to transfer me to Latoya to inquire about apartments, but I already had a great feeling about it just because of how Joey treated me in that first interaction. Then Latoya was also extremely friendly, empathetic and more than happy to take the time to go over in detail how Eskaton works, which apts were available, pricing, and emailed me floor plans and the Eskaton calendars with meals and daily activities. She was glad to reserve the apt mom wanted even before we could get paperwork/deposit back to her, being out of town and at this time still dealing with my dad's passing, his service, packing to move...they both made a terrible situation into an exciting and welcoming new start. Tristin was next, helping to formalize paperwork and just the sweetest kindest person. They answered all my million questions and Latoya took a video and pictures of the apartment so mom could plan and feel more comfortable about the move. My mom LOVES it here. The place is classy and decor is beautiful. I'm jealous of her adorable apartment! The residents make a point to chat and say hello in the hallway, elevator, dining room. She loves all the activities - seated exercise classes, Ted talk viewings, live music, libraries on 2 floors. Most of all she feels very, very safe and welcomed. The food is delicious and we eat with my mom all the time. They also encourage (if people want to) to sit with others in the dining area. My mom right away started off with a nice group of women including her neighbor across the hall. She enjoys the social aspect of the meals. Often she is very busy with activities and doesn't have time to call us! Helen in the dining room is wonderfully sweet and so fun to talk to. She seats you and comes to every table to say hi and chat for a moment, which we love and I think for those who choose to eat solo it's nice to still interact. At Eskaton you're never really alone, there are friendly staff and residents everywhere. Toni in housekeeping is also friendly and kind and does an amazing job, my mom loves talking with her and seeing her weekly. My mom's apartment is always super clean and fresh thanks to Toni! Tom and Roberto who do all the repairs/hook up cable/hang pictures are so sweet and funny...my mom always talks about how they helped her decorate and they even put together a new walker for her so she didn't have to wait to use it! Recently, believe it or not, my sister actually started having stroke in their lobby!! My mom called it and yelled to Joey they needed an ambulance, he called right away and this is the whole entire reason my sister will make a full and fast recovery. The hospital said it's miracle-it is!! I want to also call out Matthew, Ellen, Daniel, Minayah, Arsel as just so sweet and wonderful. They have helped us out multiple times with literally everything. The building is super secure, the residents are watched over carefully, it's just perfect. I will also share that my mom has only been there 1.5 months and already this is our impression.

My review is for the activity coordination/ enrichment director. I left several messages for the…read morecoordinator over a couple months span asking if there was interest in my music students performing for the residents at Eskaton. (They have performed here before and it was a great success.) The coordinator never returns calls or messages. I never received word back, even after leaving my information and contact number and a voicemail several times (at the desk as well). It is really disappointing to not be acknowledged, have no communication whatsoever and a disappointment for my students not to have an opportunity to play at this time. The former director from last year was very prompt and welcoming.

With all my heart I recommend the Memory Care Staff!! My Mom…read morestayed there for a few months while we relocated her to Davis. Every Staff person we met in the memory care was Top Drawer. That's the highest praise I can give!! Thank you All!

Felix, the sales director, gave us a warm welcome and a thorough tour of the AL/IL part of the…read morecommunity. He answered all of our questions thoughtfully. My only knock, and I understood why, was the lack of balconies or patios in the units. I work as an activities coordinator for a well-regarded community in Reno. Every unit, AL included has a patio. This might be a deal breaker for my mom, who is already ambivalent. I would like to take her there, because it otherwise ticks the boxes.

Golden Moments Residential Care Home rates above and beyond 5 stars. My stepdad was a resident of…read morethis facility for over 10 years until his passing at 95 years old. Denise Walker (owner), Mackayla (administrator), and all of the Golden Moments staff instantly became a part of our family. The love, patience and caring attitudes shown by all the staff was beyond anything I would have expected in a care home. They welcomed my stepdad with open arms and made him feel like he was home. They did the same for our family when we came to visit him as well. I would not hesitate to choose Golden Moments Residential Care Home for any of my loved ones. Golden Moments is not only a safe and secure facility but also a very clean environment with a homey feel. The personal hygiene of the residents is of the utmost importance to all the staff and in the 10 years my stepdad was living at Golden Moments he was just as handsome and CLEAN as the day he started. The staff remains engaged with the residents throughout the day participating in exercise circles and sing alongs. They play games like Bingo, put together puzzles, and also make art projects to go along with every season and holiday. Holidays at Golden Moments Residential Care Home are marked with special activities and luncheons which are open to all family members to enjoy. I am more than thankful for the time my stepdad spent in the care of Golden Moments Residential Care Home. The love, attention and memories they gave him and my family is more than I could have ever asked for. Linn Williams (daughter of PK Taylor)

Golden Moments Care Home has been a great fit for my loved one who has early onset dementia and a…read moreblessing for our family! The caretakers are engaging, personable, and truly care about the residents. Whether it's exercise circle, outdoor walks, or helping each resident with other activities of daily living, Golden Moments Care Home has been a bright light in an otherwise dreary experience (this is not our first care home / living facility experience). The administrator is detail-oriented, calm, professional, and keeps me and my family in the "know" about happenings at the home and about our loved one. She also helps support our family by attending appts and also scheduling non-medical appts. like hair cuts! Overall, our experience has been GREAT and we're so happy to be part of the Golden Moments Care Home family!

Our experience with Visiting Angels was amazing. We appreciate the understanding and compassion…read morethat accompanied all services. Brian really enjoyed spending time with Ginelle. I believe that she made his days brighter with her laughter and caring nature. Thanks so much for providing such great care. It was an absolute pleasure!

Lena, Brian and ALL the exceptional caregivers have provided loving, patient, supportive and…read morecompassionate care for my dear father in his home. Thank you.

My mom moved here last year. Looked at some of the bigger places but I am so glad we chose…read moreWaterleaf! Family owned, very low staff turnover, very clean, reasonably priced and great neighborhood. My mom has a private room with a private bathroom and patio. The residents are great and so is the staff. The activities are good too: ceramics, flower arrangement, live music weekly, games, daily exercise, and more. My mom is always clean, well cared for, socially stimulated, and treated great.

This place is amazing!! I have worked in several nursing homes. And this one is top notch. The…read morestaff is friendly and kind. They really care for the residents. There is no strong urine smell when walking in. The residents are always busy. My mother in law has dementia and this disease makes her upset and anxious along with being verbally aggressive. With all that said the staff has a lot of patience for her. It's a very clean facility and we are very happy with the care.

After multiple strokes and other serious health problems forced her to move to assisted living, my…read morebest friend definitely needed and deserved a place that felt like home. Susan lived in a number of AL facilities over a period of several years but would ultimately move out. She experienced a lack of adequate staffing as well as poor management, lack of follow-through, rude and unmotivated employees, and problems with medication and basic care. Thankfully, we found Tina and the Village at Heritage Oaks! Susan now lives in a great apartment, has plenty of friends, and enjoys creative and unique activities. The dining room serves excellent cuisine, and the staff members are supportive, skilled, responsive, and dedicated. They clearly love the residents and, most importantly, they treat each person as a unique and valuable individual. Thanks to Tina and the amazing a a staff, my best friend is a HAPPY woman. What a tremendous gift, and it is so wonderful that Susan finally has a real place to call home.

If there is a way to give 0 stars, I would. As a physician, I've taken care of really sick patients…read moreand helped families put their loved ones in skilled facilities and assisted living. From the outside view this facility looks amazing, however, it was anything but amazing. My dad fell multiple times and I was never notified. Majority of the time, my dad was not even transported to a medical facility for proper assessment which is what is supposed to happen, considering they don't have a registered nurse or a physician there to make an assessment. Mind you, my dad is on a blood thinner and could have bled internally. They were weeks. My dad did not get a shower and smelled like a dead corpse. My dad was confused for four days and the facility made an independent decision that it was UTI and thus did not transport him to the hospital. It wasn't until the geriatrics nurse practitioner from his regular doctors office visited him and found him confused and with a fever. When my dad went to the hospital, not only was he septic, but he also had a hemoglobin of 5.5 requiring multiple blood transfusions and invasive work up which included EGD and colonoscopy to look for the bleed. I brought up this issues with the facility multiple times with multiple care, meetings without success. I asked for my money back, and now Edward Kaiser, and the representative for the facility is giving me the run arounds and using intimidation tactics.

I need to order food service. They refuse healthy suggestions…read more Many management issues Lots of lazy. A few saints 2 yrs no improvement

Do not bring your family here the director Greg and Tammy the Nursing director are horrible . Tammy…read moresmokes all day in the parking lot. Greg does not care what's best for the residents all business if you want your loved one taken care of do not bring them here

I struggled with how many stars to give The Woodlake, so I'll break it down into pros and cons…read more When I chose this facility for my parents in August 2023, I was encouraged by how new and clean everything was and how everyone seemed to be happy, residents and staff alike. But oh, how a new Administrative Director (since January 2024) can change all of that... PROS: I have both my parents in Opal (memory care) and there are many really caring and loving caregivers (Maria, Cherry, Precious, Aggie) who take such good care of my parents. There are some caregivers who just seem to be there solely for a paycheck and do the least amount of work possible. The activities director, Annemarie, and fitnesss director, Kirk, are very very good too. Some of the best staff has been unfairly terminated or left (Talei, Robina, Laura) due to the current AD, Marty Nichols. The food has improved since a new chef, Angel, has been hired, but the menu could improve more. On the weekends, the food is abysmal. I have taken pictures of food and sent it to the appropriate people but the weekend staff doesn't seem to care to change, and they treat the care staff like dirt. CONS: The list is so long, I don't even know where to start so I'll just give you bullet points. * A egomaniacal AD who uses bullying, gaslighting and lies to run the facility, who has been fired from three previous facilities. * Increase in pricing and random room searches for retaliation each time I speak up about improper care of my parents. * Recommendation to use hospice so that the facility has less responsibilities. Hospice gave my mother morphine after a fall and almost killed her. * Understaffing that has been reported to and observed by the CCLB (Community Care Licensing Board). Some lazy night staff who care more about being on their phones than looking out for the residents. * Needing to reach out to the Ombudsman to try to get issues resolved * Mismanagement of Covid outbreak, leading to 12 residents and 6 staff members testing positive. One resident gravely ill as I write, it's not looking good. Two previous outbreaks on Assisted Living side, first time on Memory Care side. Numerous residents were sick for days before any testing was done. No real attempts to segregate negative and positive residents. * Landscaping on memory care side is left to be a mass of weeds and dying plants. The one positive thing I can end by is that I just became aware that a new owner and management company is now taking over. I will update my review after I see how the new company affects the care of the residents, staff and building. Keeping my fingers crossed that we get a new Administrative Director...pronto!

The Woodlake is now operated by a company called ONELIFE and there have been many, many staffing…read morechanges during 2025. They are now touting a new and improved program for residents in memory care ("The Neighborhood") but thus far, it is difficult to see much that has improved daily life for the memory care residents. On the plus side, the staff are uniformly well-trained, wam, kind and patient, and this includes care staff, medical techs, housekeepers, and activity staff. They are supportive both of the residents and their families. However, it frequently feels like there are just not enough o them. The memory care "neighborhood" has a large population of residents with varying levels of dementia and physical and/or cognitive impairment. This larger population offers higher functioning residents more opportunities for social engagement which is a plus. But the negative side is that there are several residents who are very agitated and physically or verbally disruptive much of the time, but there appears to be insufficient staff to manage these more disruptive residents so that they won't continually cause stress and frustration in other, calmer residents. It might help if the physical layout of the memory care wing made it easier for more manageable residents to socialize together, but it doesn't appear that any thought went into that. While my loved one has in many ways thrived since living at The Woodlake, there are days when that has not been the case. It is a constant balancing act.