Executive Summary

Ivy Park at Escondido, formerly known as Felicita Vida Senior Living, is a senior living community located at 930 Monticello Drive in Escondido, California. This European-inspired facility offers assisted living and memory care services in a resort-like setting in San Diego County. This review provides a detailed analysis of the community’s services, amenities, resident experiences, pricing structure, and competitive position in the Escondido senior living market.

Types of Services Offered

Ivy Park at Escondido provides a continuum of care options to meet varying senior needs:

Assisted Living

The assisted living program at Ivy Park offers personalized support with daily activities while promoting independence and dignity. Services include:

• 24/7 professional care team availability
• Medication management and administration
• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Transportation services
• Three chef-prepared meals daily plus snacks
• Regular wellness checks and health monitoring

Memory Care: Evergreen at Ivy

The specialized memory care neighborhood, called Evergreen at Ivy, is designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This program includes:

• Secure environment to prevent wandering
• Specially trained staff in dementia care approaches
• EverYou program featuring engaging, meaningful activities
• Structured daily routines to reduce anxiety
• Activities designed to preserve cognitive abilities
• Support for families of residents with memory challenges

The community emphasizes a personalized approach to care, with services tailored to each resident’s unique needs and preferences. This allows residents to transition between care levels as their needs change without needing to relocate to a different facility.

Amenities and Living Environment

Ivy Park at Escondido offers resort-style amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life:

Dining Experience

• Restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals
• Multiple dining venues, including a café/bistro and private dining room
• Bar or pub area for social gathering
• Special dietary accommodations (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium, sugar-free)
• Professional chef overseeing meal preparation
• Anytime dining options
• Room service available

Common Areas and Recreational Spaces

• Beautiful courtyard and garden areas
• Indoor common areas with central fireplace
• Library with computer or media center
• Arts and crafts center
• Game room for social interaction
• Movie or theater room
• Fitness center
• Beauty salon and barber shop
• Piano or organ for music enjoyment
• Outside patio areas
• TV lounge

Outdoor Amenities

• Walking paths through beautifully landscaped grounds
• Raised garden beds for resident gardening
• Swimming pool
• Outdoor common areas for relaxation and socializing

Apartment Features

Residents can choose from various accommodation options including:

• Studio apartments
• One-bedroom apartments
• Two-bedroom apartments

All apartments include:

• Air conditioning
• Handicap accessibility features
• Kitchenettes
• Cable or satellite TV
• Wi-Fi/high-speed internet
• Emergency call systems
• Some units with garden views or private patios/balconies
• Wheelchair accessible showers

Daily Activities and Programs

Ivy Park at Escondido offers a robust schedule of activities designed to engage residents physically, mentally, and socially:

Physical Wellness

• Fitness classes tailored to senior abilities
• Walking club
• Yoga and chair yoga
• Swimming opportunities in the community pool

Social Engagement

• Wine tasting events
• Happy hours
• Holiday parties
• Birthday celebrations
• BBQs and picnics
• Live dance and theater performances
• Dances and music events

Intellectual Stimulation

• Educational speakers and lifelong learning
• Book club
• Art classes
• Live Well programs
• Bible study group

Community Outings

The community arranges excursions to local attractions, including:

• Wineries and breweries
• Gardens and parks
• Shopping centers
• Concerts and cultural events
• Golfing opportunities

A notable aspect of the activity program is its flexibility and resident input. Staff members are available 24 hours a day to listen to activity suggestions, and residents are encouraged to take the lead on some events, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.

Resident Experiences and Testimonials

Ivy Park at Escondido has received generally positive reviews from residents and their families:

One family member shared: “It can be difficult to find the next living arrangements for your parent under the most normal of circumstances. During a pandemic it caused me much anxiety until I found Felicita Vida Senior Living. After another broken hip and diagnosis of late onset Alzheimer’s, I started looking to place my Mom in an assisted living facility with memory care. No boring details, but I found Felicita Vida Senior Living and could not be happier. Every step of the way, they have guided me and helped make my decision an easy one.”

Another resident family member, Mike M., stated: “Our mother is a resident of Ivy Park and we have found the entire team to be caring, responsive and flexible to her changing needs. They have our highest compliment and recommendation.”

A visitor described the facility as “really beautiful. It was super nice, like a five-star hotel. It was one of the nicest places I toured. The building itself was fairly new, and all of the interior was very modern, current, and clean. It was a two-story, so it was low and spread out. They had a lot of outdoor areas. It was a really, really nice place. The staff were helpful and friendly. Budget was the only concern for us.”

However, not all experiences have been entirely positive. One family member reported concerns about the memory care facility, noting issues with the facility’s ability to handle certain dementia-related problems.

Overall, the community has an 8.4/10 rating based on 37 reviews, with 63% being 5-star ratings, 16% 4-star, 5% 3-star, 8% 2-star, and 8% 1-star.

Pricing Information

Ivy Park at Escondido operates on a monthly rental model. Based on the available information:

• Monthly rates start at approximately $4,300 to $7,000, with an average of about $6,903 per month
• Memory care typically commands a higher monthly rate than assisted living
• Costs vary based on apartment size and type (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom)
• Additional services may increase the cost of care depending on individual needs

The community offers various promotional discounts including:

• Move-in assistance
• Room discounts
• Fee discounts
• Rate lock options

For specific pricing details, prospective residents are encouraged to contact the community directly, as costs vary based on the level of care required and accommodation preferences.

Regional Comparison

When compared to other senior living communities in the Escondido area, Ivy Park positions itself as a premium option with resort-style amenities and comprehensive care services. Several nearby communities include:

• Splendor Valley LLC (930 Rockwell Springs Court)
• Life Care Center of Escondido (1980 Felicita Road)
• Life Saver Place of Escondido (2234 Cortina Circle)
• Citrus Garden Residential Care (704 Via Ladera)
• Villa Bernardo (2960 Bernardo Ave)

Ivy Park at Escondido appears to differentiate itself through its upscale amenities, extensive activity programming, and dedicated memory care services. The community’s pricing is likely higher than some competitors in the area, reflecting its premium positioning and comprehensive service offerings.

Management and Staff Quality

Ivy Park at Escondido emphasizes the quality and training of its staff:

• 24/7 awake staff for supervision and assistance
• Staff specially trained in memory care and dementia support
• Team members described as “caring, responsive and flexible” by residents’ families

Resident testimonials suggest high satisfaction with staff interactions, with one family member noting that “Felicita Vida employees greeted Mom with smiles and as much interaction as allowed by Covid19 protocol. Mom is happy to be there and getting all the attention from the friendly staff.”

Another family member praised the staff’s attentiveness: “From my experience not only with our intake help [name removed] all of the care staff and facilities staff this community has I would have given them a 10 out of 5! They are not only attentive but truly care about their residents in a way I have never seen.”

The management approach appears to focus on personalized care and resident satisfaction, with flexible programming and responsiveness to resident needs and preferences.

Awards and Recognition

Ivy Park at Escondido has received several notable recognitions:

• “Best Meals and Dining” award for nutritious meals with quality ingredients
• “Best of Senior Living” recognition, representing top-reviewed senior care providers based on resident and family feedback
• “Best of Senior Living All Star” award for communities receiving 25+ reviews

These awards reflect the community’s commitment to quality in various aspects of senior care.

Unique Programs and Differentiators

Several features distinguish Ivy Park at Escondido from other senior living facilities in the region:

1. EverYou Memory Care Program

The specialized Evergreen at Ivy memory care neighborhood features the EverYou program, which provides engaging, meaningful activities specifically designed to stimulate and enrich the daily lives of residents with cognitive impairments.

2. Resort-Like Environment

The facility offers a high-end, resort-like atmosphere with premium amenities including a swimming pool, multiple dining venues, and beautifully landscaped grounds. As one visitor described it, “like a five-star hotel.”

3. Resident-Directed Activities

Unlike many communities with rigid activity schedules, Ivy Park encourages resident input and leadership in planning and executing activities, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.

4. Scenic Location

Located in what Money Magazine has called “the Best Place in the West to Retire,” the community takes advantage of its setting near lakes, parks, horse ranches, and nature preserves to offer an “outdoor oasis” for residents.

5. Flexible Dining Options

With multiple dining venues, special dietary accommodations, and anytime dining options, the community provides residents with exceptional culinary experiences and choices.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Ivy Park at Escondido (formerly Felicita Vida) represents a premium senior living option in the Escondido area, with particular strengths in its upscale amenities, dining program, and specialized memory care services. The community’s resort-like environment, comprehensive activity programming, and personalized care approach create an attractive option for seniors seeking assisted living or memory care in a high-end setting.

While pricing is higher than some alternatives in the region, the facility offers distinctive features that may justify the premium for those seeking luxury accommodations and services. Reviews suggest generally high satisfaction with the physical environment, staff, and overall experience, though prospective residents should carefully assess whether the specific services align with their needs and budget.

For families considering Ivy Park at Escondido, recommended next steps include:

1. Schedule an in-person tour to evaluate the physical environment, observe staff-resident interactions, and sample the dining experience.
2. Request a detailed fee schedule that outlines base costs and additional charges for various services.
3. Ask about staff training and ratios, particularly for memory care positions that require specialized knowledge.
4. Speak with current residents and families if possible, to gain firsthand insights into daily life at the community.
5. Review the activities calendar to ensure it aligns with your or your loved one’s interests and preferences.
6. Inquire about the assessment process used to determine appropriate care levels and how transitions between care types are handled.

Based on the available information, Ivy Park at Escondido offers a high-quality option for seniors requiring assisted living or memory care services in the Escondido area, with a particular emphasis on creating an upscale, engaging, and supportive living environment.