Vista Gardens

rita z.

2021-01-01

The time my husband was at Vista Gardens was one of the most stressful times of my life.  Every time the phone would ring I would jump no matter the time of day or night..They were constantly understaffed.  One time a caregiver actually asked me if I would mind showering my husband because they were so shorthanded.I have caught caregivers there lying many times.  When I said something to Evelyn her comment to me was "if I fired every caregiver that lied to me I would not have a caregiver here."  I don't know about you but I find it hard to trust people that think nothing of lying to me.Before he moved in I carefully explained he had dental issues from the disease and needed to have his teeth brushed after each meal and at least rinsed after a snack.  I was assured they would take care of it but when I discovered no wear on his Sonicare toothbrush head and the tube of toothpaste unused I took him to the dentist.  Again a broken promise and sadly I had to have all but 5 of his teeth pulled because they were all broken and he was actually chewing on the nerves. If Vista Gardens looks so good when you are touring it could have to do with their messaging system.  When they have a tour coming thru the phone used to ring downstairs and whoever answered would announce to the staff it was T time.  When I asked what that meant I was told a tour was coming thru.On a Wednesday late afternoon I questioned why his feet looked so swollen even though he had his compression hose on . I asked if I should take him to the ER or Urgent Care and Victoria told me it was not necessary.  She told me she would send him downstairs and have them elevate his legs. Long story short Friday morning I got a call that he fell and was being sent to the ER.  Don't ask how many times he was at the ER the time he was at Vista Gardens.  The ER Doctor told me he was fine from the fall but he had acute renal failure and had 10% kidney function left.  I was told by the Dr. that this was made worse when Victoria called the Doctor and had him double up his Lasix.  Did they not notice his diapers were dry despite the fact that he was consuming liquids?Can you imagine how disturbing I found it when I brought my husband downstairs and for at least 15 minutes there was not a caregiver in sight.  The residents that needed extra supervision were there and there was at least 1 resident that would suddenly go off and strike other residents unprovoked.  To make matters worse I observed an open scissor on the meds cart with no one attending the cart either.  As I said it took at least 15 minutes before a caregiver appeared.I could go on and on fill pages about what I observed on a daily basis since I was there daily.If you would like pictures of the bones I found in his dinner one night (fortunately I was feeding him so I caught it) I will gladly send then.  Just message me.In case you are asking the logical question why I kept him there the answer is I was waiting for a space to open at another facility which we thought was going to happen any minute.  It was a facility that people did not ever move out from and we were waiting for someone to pass. Also moves are hard on dementia residents so I was trying to avoid moving him and then moving him again.Fortunately the Dr was able to reverse the renal issue but the last place I would have brought him upon his release from the hospital was Vista Gardens.

Marie G.

2020-07-28

I can't say enough kind words about the Vista Gardens Memory Care and team.  Although my dad's stay was short, they were so kind and caring.  They made his last days very comforting.  We are so grateful for the care from the whole team but especially nurses Victoria and Ray.  Thank you Vista Gardens!

Maria P.

2020-06-20

After looking at multiple care facilities, we placed our dad at Vista Gardens due to the cozy environment and caring staff. Through the two years of his journey, VG was able to address each stage with compassion, ultimately working in conjunction with hospice to ensure his last days were peaceful. Dementia/Alzheimer's impacts the entire family and the emotional toll this journey takes on all involved can be extreme so for those just beginning down this path, I urge you to find a care facility that addresses the family as a whole. Vista Gardens recognizes that not only does the resident need to be supported but the family does as well.

Michele T.

2020-02-06

Thank you Vista Gardens for taking such good care of my father-in-law in his last days.  You all were so kind to take him as he neared the end of his hospice journey.  He was cared for beautifully by your staff and the hospice nurses.  Leah and Stephanie were so attentive and helpful with the transfer, and they made sure he had everything he needed.  We really appreciate you!

Richard S.

2019-07-27

My Mom recently celebrated two years at Vista Gardens and I've been waiting to write a review because I couldn't believe a place like this could be so perfect.   There had to be something wrong, so I waited... and waited...  But, just as it was the first day I walked in, it's a wonderful place for my Mom.   I searched about a dozen places for her, and they were all very similar.  A separate wing of an assisted living facility.  The residents were usually locked behind a door.   These places have the long hallway of rooms and one recreation room at the end for dining.  They can only go out with a supervised group.  The smell was never great and, for sure, you felt like everyone there was in bad shape. Vista Gardens is the opposite.  When we pulled into the parking lot, I noticed right away there were residents out walking and enjoying the fresh air.  They had full access to the gardens, the walking paths, the parking lot, and the golf area.   We walked in the lobby and there were residents sitting about doing puzzles, chatting, and looked very independent.  Not behind a locked door.  There was a beautiful self-playing piano, that later, I would learn would be used by a local who comes in and plays for the residents.  I noticed no smell.  Not even the smell of a cleaning solution.  There was a calendar on the wall with endless activities and entertainment.  A special Ronald Reagan Library, dining hall, movie theater, and chapel.   Residents could dine when they wanted to dine (or gently asked to head in if they needed a reminder).  The facility was clean, organized, well maintained, and the staff was incredibly friendly!   Flash forward to today and it's all the same.  Even better as I've come to know the staff and the facility.  They manage all of her medications, meals, and activities.  They wash her clothes and clean her room.  My Mom participates daily at the "breakfast club" in the Ronald Reagan Library, she attends all meal opportunities, watched the daily entertainment in the lobby (singing groups, dancing, etc.) and insists on going on the weekly bus trip out to the community.  When I come visit her, she is often in the dining room or walking in the garden... sometimes watching a movie with others in the movie theater.  She has always attended church, and on Sundays, Vista Gardens brings in a minister that gives a message.  She loves it.  My Mom couldn't be more happy.  She feels respected, loved, and independent (even though she is under constant watch and care).  No question this is the right place for my Mom and I highly recommend it.   I would like to thank all of the staff at Vista Gardens for their constant care, love, and attention.  I know my Mom is in a safe place. A++  or as my Mom would always say: "BRAVO!"

Francisco L.

2019-06-25

this place is trash i went to go look into it for my grandmother only because this was the closest place to go , i will not be back. from what i heard as i walked around there was  nothing positive and as far as the mangers go i would trust anything they say. from what i see they where under staffed and didn't seem to care about the care of the elderly. now i have my grandmother at a care site in San Diego. it is a long drive but id rather have here there then this place , i did get to talk to a Jackie as well  and from what i seen to what she had said is all lies . i never put bad reviews but for the concern of my grandmother and others who care looking for care go with your guts. and if it does seem right then plz just move on there are better places

Gabby Z.

2019-06-12

I toured  Vista Gardens a few months back. Vista Gardens exceeded my expectations. I work for a Home Care Agency and we often need to transition our clients on too a community. Vista Gardens  seems like a family everyone was friendly and all the staff I spoke with seemed very knowledgeable. I have toured many communities but Vista Gardens compassion to the residents always stands out.

Shawn F.

2019-05-20

We love Vista Gardens - they took such great care of our great grandpa . All the care takers really knew all the patients and really cared for them .

MapChristy P.

2019-05-20

Vista Gardens has been a wonderful place for my grandmother. I am so impressed with the facility and the caring staff.  Activities are plentiful, well planned , and organized. The staff is kind and caring,  not only to residents but to visiting family as well.  Grandma gets excited about her "beauty shop " visits , getting her hair done on certain days. Grandma knows the schedule! And she is familiar with the many entertainers that come, she especially likes a particular piano player. It does my heart good to see her so happy and well cared for.

Alaina T.

2019-05-20

I toured Vista Gardens for a loved one in our family that needs to be at a place that can specialize in Memory Care. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and attentiveness from all the staff to the residents. Everyone was happy and well taken care of. I visited on a day when there was a group visiting and leading all residents in a singing/musical session. My heart was warmed to see so many smiling faces actively participating and having a wonderful time. Rooms and common areas were also very clean and well taken care of. Overall, the kindness and compassion displayed would be the main reason I would highly recommend Vista Gardens and why I would feel completely confident to have my loved one live there.

Gina D.

2018-12-23

I am so GREATFUL for Vista Gardens.  My beautiful mom has been there going on 3 yrs.  She is so happy and has great friends there.  I must say the staff is AMAZING in all areas.  Compassionate people who all deserve an A+.  Thank you Vista Gardens for taking such good care of mom.  Sincerely,  Gina Dennison Cheryls daughter:)

Barbara M.

2018-11-20

I can only hope it works out to have my dad at this place. Vista Gardens is beautiful, spacious, gracious and the kind of place that would allow a family to breathe easy having their loved one here.  Stephanie in marketing is so warm, engaging and loving with the residents and I so appreciate the time she took with me to walk me through this difficult process. I have spent the last two days with her gathering information, taking my dad through the assessment process and having her introduce me to the bright and friendly residents who all tell me that they love living there and that it's the best place to be.  The spaciousness of this facility is hard to come by in memory care facilities. The beautiful outdoor gardens and patio area are unlike anything I have yet seen in the area.  If you are looking for a memory care facility that truly seems to care, I suggest you come in for a visit. Take care is reflected in everything and everyone you see.

Marc C.

2018-06-30

My mom Shirley can not get enough of the activties and outings! She also loves the live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Daniele the piano player is her favorite! She also really likes Mara, Theresa and Paulette the activity ladies. Thank you to all the staff at Vista Gardens...We are blessed that she adapted so well. We moved her all way from New York and she has loved new home from day one!Thank you Vista Gardens!

Sara D.

2018-06-28

My Mother has Alzheimer's disease. Like so many families, we struggled navigating the disease as she moved from mild cognitively imparted to ALZ. Finding the right Memory Care was a huge challenge. Everything changed in April when we moved our Mom into Vista Gardens. My sister and I have been so impressed with the care she has received. She has improved and is using a walker in lieu of a wheelchair! Jacque DePont and the entire Vista Garden's team are exceptional. Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of our mother.

sue s.

2018-04-13

My step -mother has been at Vista Gardens about a month. During that time she has become more mobile than she was at home with a private caregiver; she feeds herself easily with a fork and spills less on herself than she used to. Overall her mental status and physical status has improved noticeably over the month. Her care plan was individualized to meet her needs; she is carefully watched because she has been wandering and closely observed to prevent choking at meal time. She looks clean, groomed, and calm. Given her age of nearly 101 years, I could not be happier with her care and her progress. The staff is very pleasant and supportive of residents and their families. Excellent facility!

Bryan N.

2018-02-01

Vista Gardens is a beautiful local memory care community located in the heart of Vista. I have worked in the senior care industry and have worked side by side with Vista Gardens for many years now. We have become very close with Leah and Stephanie, they have been nothing but welcoming and professional. From their putting green to amazing staff, Vista Gardens would be a place where I would feel at ease with my family receiving care. If you ever need information or assistance during what may be for some a difficult transitional period, do not hesitate to call and use them as a resource.

Chris M.

2017-09-07

My husband was a resident at Vista Gardens for almost three years.  We made the decision to move him there because while he was suffering from dementia, he was still very physically healthy.  The spaciousness both inside and outside was a key factor in our initial decision especially after visiting several other facilities.  The staff; from administration, nursing, care and janitorial; was always kind, loving, respectful and accommodating of my husband's needs as well as all of his visitors.  Over the course of his time there, he's needs increased tremendously.  The staff diligently communicated with me regarding my husband's care and condition.  When it was time to place him on hospice, they worked with me in finding the best company to accommodate him.  The positive working relationship between the nursing staff & hospice was greatly appreciated as this was obviously a very emotional time for our family.Additionally, Vista Gardens coordinates with doctors who visit and care for the residents on a weekly basis so it was never necessary for me to take my husband to an appointment outside of the facility. All of his prescriptions were delivered to the facility as well.  A beautician comes in weekly to take care of residents' hair care needs.  These services allowed me to focus on sending time with my husband and while the staff handled the burden of managing all of the logistics that can be so cumbersome with someone who is suffering from dementia.I am immensely grateful for the care each staff member generously gave my husband in the last chapter of his life.

Stephanie M.

2017-08-24

When our family came to the decision that it was time to find our grandmother a care facility because of her worsening Alzheimer's, I was nervous about the type of place where she would end up. Most of the nursing homes I've visited in the past all had a very distinct look, smell, and general lack of care. However, the first time I toured Vista Gardens, I couldn't believe a place like this could be possible. From the minute we walked in, our family was greeted with friendly smiles and given a tour of the beautiful grounds. It was esthetically beautiful and clean inside and out and didn't have the smell or appearance of a care facility at all. Most importantly the caregivers and staff were all very professional, caring and attentive and I could tell right away that our grandmother would be in very good hands. There's many activities they provide for the residents, a beautiful piano in the lobby she loves listening to throughout the day and I know she loves the meals that are provided by the chef. I can truly tell our grandma is happy at Vista Gardens and we're so grateful for the wonderful care they provide.

Rick E.

2017-08-20

Almost 20 years ago I had to find a memory care facility for my father because I was unable to provide the care he needed due to my extensive work load.   He ended up living in several facilities around San Diego. his first year.  By several I mean 7 different assisted living/memory care institutions..  That 1st year was exasperating having to relocat him seven times in 12 months before we found a professional memory care place that had the proper staffing and management to meet his daily needs.This experience came in handy when my father in law came to live .with of us after my mother in law passed away.  He had early stages of Alzheimer's disease which eventually progress to a level where he needed the professional assistance of an assisted living/memory care institution.    Because of our previous experience with my father, my wife and I did a very extensive search to find a facility that "truly" specializes in memory care.  I didn't want to revisit the experience I had with my father.   After several months we narrowed our choices down to 3 places and in the end decided on Vista Gardens.    I can say with complete honesty that my wife and I believe we made very good decision when we placed the care of my father in law with Vista Gardens.  Sadly my father in law passed away last week, but we are most gratefully for professionalism, kindness, and   respect shown to my father in law by staff and management.  Listed below are bullet marks of why we feel this way:1.  Professional Management -  Jackie, Elsy, Stephanie, Evelyn, are on top of things.  They are quick to follow up and have done an excellent job of hiring and training personnel.2.  The Care Givers "Care"  A special shout out to Salome and Mara for your kindness.  3.  Nursing Staff - Ray and the night nurse, who's name escapes me, were so professional and caring. .4.  Food -  Nikki, the chef, is provides great meals.  They have an organic garden which she utilizes, and takes on special request.5  Support Staff - I never saw more thorough cleaning.  The have a great system and everyone seems to work well together..  I actually saw Jackie, the director,  lending a hand by cleaning and polishing tables after an event.6  Receptionist - special shout out to Gabby..  Always pleasant and very helpful.7  Maintenance - i can't speak much to this category other that the fact that everything seems to be running very smoothly.  .8. Ownership -  One of the reasons my wife and I chose Vista Gardens is that fact it was family/friend owned.  We wanted to stay away from the "Corporate" model and stay with a more family/guest friendly concept.My bias is showing, but I think anyone who is looking for an assisted living/memory care facility should visit Vista Gardens and see for themselves.

Eddy S.

2017-08-09

We Love this place. My mom is so happy. Clean rooms. Clean everywhere. Dining room is a hit. Mom can't remember my name but she knows when to turn right to go to her table. She loves the dining room and all the food prepared by their culinary chef. I met with Chef Dee, what a doll. She tailors menus per each person's needs. That by itself means a lot . The staff is always around helping everyone. The activities are always helpful. My mom loves bingo now LOL. Their Baby Grand Piano in the lobby is a hit by many. Their management and sales teams are super super nice. Jacque DuPont is such an amazing person, always on top of everything and anything so that things are taken care of promptly. I noticed she called each resident by their names including their family members. That shows a very caring attitude. She also knows what each person likes and needs and I was so impressed to see, during one of my visits, brining a specific beverage to a resident that he gets daily. Now that's why I call top notch service in the hospitality field. What a Gem to have a person like that running this fine establishment. . I haven't had the opportunity to meet with the other owners Joe and Harry but I hear they are top notch people as well. Very caring. The sales team we had to deal with were very very very pleasant and knowledgeable. Not pushy at all like other places we visited. They offer so many things that other places don't. The Nursing staff are so professional and always going a step beyond to make my MOM feel comfortable and safe . The grounds are kept beautiful. We feel very comfortable that this facility is totally gated. I recommend this place to everyone who needs their loved one taken care of as if they are in their own home. Vista Gardens is THE place to choose for your family member. They are the BEST. I can personally vouch for that.