Gardens at Escondido

ONE STAR. I would give zero stars if Google allowed it. I am sharing our family’s documented experience so other families can make an informed decision before placing a vulnerable loved one at Gardens at Escondido. My 86-year-old mother, who has cognitive and memory impairment, moved into this facility on March 14, 2026. Gardens had her Durable Power of Attorney and our responsible-party information on file from the beginning. Our concerns started with billing. Gardens attempted to charge my mother rent for a period before she occupied the room or moved in her belongings. We repeatedly requested a corrected accounting and a copy of the executed admission agreement. Numerous emails and certified letters were sent, but management did not adequately address the disputed charges or provide the requested documents. The situation became much worse when management informed us that my mother’s room had a bed bug infestation. We immediately requested the pest-control report, photographs, treatment information, an inventory of affected property, and an explanation of what would happen to her belongings. Despite our requests, we were not provided with the pest-control report, supporting photographs, or a complete inventory. Furniture and other personal belongings were reportedly discarded without written or verbal authorization from her attorneys-in-fact. We have repeatedly requested a list of everything removed or destroyed. To date, we have not received a complete inventory, adequate documentation justifying the disposal, or reimbursement for the missing property. My mother was moved into another room during the incident. She reported being repeatedly instructed to remain in that room and said that her clothing and personal belongings were not promptly returned. This was extremely confusing and distressing for an elderly resident with cognitive impairment. Our family struggled to obtain clear and consistent information about her condition, belongings, temporary room, and the measures being taken to protect her. We contacted the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and California Community Care Licensing because management’s responses did not resolve our concerns. We have preserved the related emails, text messages, certified-mail records, billing statements, and other supporting documentation. Before placing a family member here, insist on receiving the complete signed admission agreement, written fee schedule, care assessment, pest-control procedures, property-disposal policy, and direct contact information for management and the responsible-party representative. Keep copies of everything and make important requests in writing. Based on our family’s firsthand and documented experience involving disputed billing, inadequate communication, a bed bug infestation, the handling of my mother during that incident, and the disposal of her belongings without our authorization, I cannot recommend Gardens at Escondido. Families should investigate carefully, demand clear written answers, and proceed with extreme caution.

Chris, Erica and Monica have helped make the process of movie my father and sister into assisted living so much easier than it could have been. They were helpful in dealing with the Skilled Nursing Facility where my Pop had been living. This was especially helpful. All three of them have made themselves available whenever needed. The apartment we chose for them to move into suites their needs perfectly and the grounds are well kept and beautiful.

Everything is okay, they have a second menu if you don’t want any of the first, nice people and staff!

Was not a good experience for mom in memory care. I had to take mom To urgent care after 3 week stay. She had a very very swollen foot and leg from her fall in memory care.They never notified me about her injury. She Had feces under every nail , solid black. She also had 2 pair of briefs on after I told them, I did not want them double briefing or triple briefing.My mother in the facility. Her hair was greasy and dirty hadn't been washed in a long time. Hospital reported to adult protective services. They do not have enough staff to manage their residence properly. One caregiver per fifteen people. We were all so misled about several things. The staff also talked to me about a lot of issues going on in facility.

I cannot say enough about the caring staff at Gardens. They have gone above and beyond, not only with everyday care, but also by helping our family navigate situations outside of their immediate responsibilities. Who does that? People who truly care. This facility genuinely cares about its residents and their families. Every resident I have met has been happy and friendly, and the staff consistently show kindness, compassion, and professionalism. Knowing your loved one is surrounded by people who truly care brings such peace of mind. This is exactly what families hope for when choosing a senior living community for someone they love. Just wow!