Vintage Simi Hills

My mom has been here about 2 months now and even though she kept saying «I’m not ready» she reluctantly moved in and is now very happy. She is most impressed with both the food and how EVERY staff member knows her by name even though she’s never met them. It’s a wonderful place and I wish I could move in. EVERYTHING is included. I visit almost every day and find things clean and relaxing. I highly recommend Simi Hills.

This review is in reference to Vintage Simi Hills in Simi Valley, CA. The staff seems mostly friendly and dedicated. I agree with the other reviewers that the facility is understaffed, however. On a recent visit to my 90 year old mother in the alzheimer’s section, I saw that her shoes were covered in fresh feces — COVERED — and this is while she was eating breakfast in the dining area. I had to speak with several people before I found someone willing to help her. More troublesome, I cannot help but to feel there is a «bait-​and-​switch» philosophy with Vintage management. I just received a letter from management advising me that the fees for my mother’s services would be increasing by 10% across the board starting June 1. Upon further inquiry, I was told that every resident had their fees increased by 10% because Vintage did a market survey and determined its rates were less than its competitors’ rates. It’s kind of hard to switch facilities with an alzheimer’s patient, but the choice seems to be pay the increase or move. I was able to «negotiate» a slightly lower increase of 8%, but still find the decision to make such dramatic increases to be unreasonable and exploitative for many of the residents who live on fixed incomes. I am investigating filing a claim with the California Department of Social Services.

If your loved one is independent, this place can really be a nice place. They offer lots of activities and the food is quite good. But avoid if your loved one needs assistance with his or her special needs (even if you pay extra for this type of care). There is not enough staff, some are poorly trained, and are impatient with those who need special care. Some staff are good but there are some who should not be working with seniors. Housekeeping staff havent a clue about changing bedding or making beds, but thats just the tip of the iceberg.

I agree with the other reviewer «Nikki» that stated most of the staff desire to do the right thing but possibly some may not be trained properly. I also noticed that at times there was not enough staff to manage the residents (within a prompt timeframe) in the memory care wing but they do the best they can with what they have to work with. I experienced multiple occurrances of a wet bed and it was made over instead of changed with dry sheets. During a hospital visit the doctor stated to me that my parent’s rear end was not being cleaned properly and the care facility is not doing what you’re paying them for. You can communicate with management but many times the issue was not consistently resolved. The communication between management and the staff is disorganized as at times the staff did not follow specific resident requirements. I’m not sure if the information was not available or they were short staffed and did not attempt to locate the document. The staff fed my parent foods that should have not been provided which could have caused aspiration and that is a serious event. At times the director seems to not believe what the resident or their family claims. He would say «that didnt happen» or «we always have someone available to answer the phones in the middle of the night» although he was not there and never called himself to confirm. My response to him was «you may have someone there but they did not answer the phone» and this occurred more than once. I told him if you dont believe my parent or myself then chat with the hospital as they also tried to contact the facility and did not receive an answer. After speaking with the director many times, I do not receive a warm and fuzzy feeling which makes me feel comfortable. Overall I believe Vintage wants to do what is right but somehow cannot consistently pull it together. I now understand why they’re cheaper than the competitors. In the future if I choose to live in a care facility I would definitely evaluate all competitors and bring in an attorney (whom specializes in care facilities) to actually see what’s happening behind the scenes.

my father seems to be happy living here. he did not want to leave his home in newman, ca but he has adjusted quite well. he is not a very social man so he doesn’t participate in all there is to do. the can go out to eat, take a road trip to the library, or shop at the 99 cent store. there is a small theater to watch movies and eat popcorn. the folks living there play games, and enjoy exercise class and conversation. the dining room is very nice where there is a salad bar with fresh fruit and veggies. they also have fresh cookies daily. my father came from a very small town, so simi valley works just fine for him. he enjoys the blue skies, green trees, and nearby hillsides and mountain views. it is a safe area to live in and he takes his scooter out for a trip around the block almost daily. you can do your own laundry or they will gladly do it for you. the staff is great too. my father was able to save some money and i’m so grateful he did. he pays 2500 a month for a small room but that covers me not having to worry about him, three meals a day and snacks in the fridge, getting his room cleaned and laundry washed and folded weekly. and so much more if he wanted. i think 2,500 is the very least that it cost to live there.
anyway, i would recomend this place to anyone that is able.

There are not words to describe how well Vintage has been for my father. He had been through 4 different facilitites and hated them all till he came to Vintage. He was considered family from the moment he entered tell he passed on. All of the staff new him by name and seemed to truely enjoy his being there, they encouraged him to get involved in the games, parties and activities that they have regularly. It got to the point where he would actually want to cut his visit short with us so he could get back for the party they were having. When he needed more care and a hospice situation they were the only organization that counseled us and gave us all of the laws and options on the matter and even counseled us when he finally left us.

This place has been a godsend. Had to find a place for my mother in a short amount of time. She has been there over 6 months now and this place has been great. All the amenities are just as promised, the staff are always friendly and the activities are fun. Even the food is good! — My mother has some picky eating habits and they have really accomodated her. It has been such a relief to have her in a place she is happy at!