Ivy Park at Santa Monica

I wanted to highlight one of the directors that used to be here. Jayden B you are amazing, always responsive to my family needs and the community. Jayden you are such a gem and I hope your next opportunity supports you and is everything you ever wanted. Your responsiveness, professionalism and passion for seniors will be missed. Thank you for all you do for the senior living community.

My Mom's dementia probably started during the covid days, so it really wasn't detected in the beginning. Upon realizing she wasn't safe or able to care for herself in her home, I made the decision,with the recommendation of her doctors to place her in assisted living care. Initially moving her into a facility closer to her home, thinking she would benefit from her community visiting. As her stay continued several incidents and one final one lead me to move her to Ivy Park of Santa Monica. The whole idea of moving her made me anxious. I didn't know if she should stay in a larger facility or try something smaller, how was she going to take to a new environment, would it just be the same wherever she was placed. All these thoughts circled when looking to move her. After a visit to Ivy Park and a great impression by Chelsea a meeting with Richard in the memory care unit was arranged. Richard was knowledgeable about the care needed for dementia, he was warm and efficient. He explained how the caregivers worked and how residents are meet on their own terms. I left feeling excited about the move and finalized my decision. Ivy Park picked up my Mom and the transition couldn't have been easier. After less than two months at Ivy Park I am so optimistic about the quality of life my Mom has now. I don't worry about missing a visit...or two. My heart doesn't race when the phone rings. Dementia is a rough journey and I'm so happy to be on the road I'm on now. Richard and the caregivers at Ivy Park not only help with the basic needs, but have put me in touch with resources I never knew were available and the care given to my Mom and each resident with their own needs is such a comfort. Thank you for easing my mind and the continued care.

I had transferred my husband from another facility because I was not happy with the care he was getting. At Ivy Park Santa Monica, I met Richard, the Director and was immediately put at ease. It was evident he really cared for the residents and was involved in their care. He has a smart and tender approach which he passes on to his staff. My husband has Alzheimer's and can be difficult at times. He had been a CEO of a company, lectured around the world. His dementia has led him to believe he's at work, so he tries to tell everyone what to do which is not always tolerated by the other residents. The staff are wonderful in dealing with these situations. When I call or visit I get updates on how my husband is doing. When I speak to Richard I am impressed with his ideas or solutions to issues rather than just talking about what happened. I am an RN. Had been the Manager of Cardiology at the Harley Street Clinic in London. I worked at UCLA for 15 years in Cardiology. I mention this only to show I recognize good care.

I was lucky enough to just move my aunt who has Alzheimer’s in to Evergreen just recently, and I received so much compassionate assistance and guidance from Chelsea who was my first contact there, and also a TON of support from Richard who runs the memory care part of their facility. Her adjustment period went unbelievably smooth, because the staff at Evergreen put time into asking me who she is, what she enjoys, what career did she have, what mattered most to her in the full life she used to have, etc. Absolutely everyone on staff at this facility is AMAZING! The thoughtfulness, patience, and kindness was just beyond. The memory care program and activities directors really put a lot of thought into enhancing the lives of all the residents, and their families as well. I was very concerned about my aunt’s transition into Ivy Park and the new program because, because it was due to an emergency situation. Her beloved husband had just passed. She had been brought to the ER, and then moved to a home that she escaped from and was lost, and also had been injured. She was under extreme duress, and had to be moved immediately. I myself was quite emotional and worried too. We were both treated like family here at Ivy Park, and shockingly after just one week of being moved in she was physically better, more active, and mentally able to process and communicate more than I’ve seen in a very long time. I believe this is b/c it is so necessary for our loved ones to feel connection, compassion, socialization and respect. That’s what Ivy Park prioritizes. I will forever be indebted to these beautiful people that work very hard to make sure life is worth living and enjoying. There’s laughter, music, good food, games, outings, and joy here. I honestly cannot say one bad thing about Ivy Park. The actual facility is like a 5 star hotel too. May you be lucky enough to find a place like this for the one you love. I really want to thank Tyler O’Donnell from A Place for mom, who connected me to Chelsea Blackshear, for my tour. It was the beginning of a new life for my aunt, one that really mattered.

I cannot recommend Ivy Park of Santa Monica enough to my clients and families in need of placement. The staff reflect the utmost professionalism and compassion for residents in need of a caring and safe environment to live all the while providing them with the socialization and support to stay engaged and mobile. Richard Alvarenga has created and continues to foster a dedicated team who go above and beyond to take care of their residents and families. The trust we have been able to put in the leadership and staff of this facility in caring for our patients and clients has made all of the difference in choosing a facility we know will deliver great quality of care.