Ivy Park at Escondido (Formerly Felicita Vida): A Comprehensive Review

• Executive summary

• Types of services offered
  • Assisted living
  • Memory care: Evergreen at Ivy
• Amenities and living environment
  • Dining experience
  • Common areas and recreational spaces
  • Outdoor amenities
  • Apartment features
• Daily activities and programs
  • Physical wellness
  • Social engagement
  • Intellectual stimulation
  • Community outings
• Resident experiences and testimonials
• Pricing information
• Regional comparison
• Management and staff quality
• Awards and recognition
• Unique programs and differentiators
  • 1. EverYou memory care program
  • 2. Resort-like environment
  • 3. Resident-directed activities
  • 4. Scenic location
  • 5. Flexible dining options
• Conclusion and recommendations

Executive summary

Ivy Park at Escondido, formerly known as Felicita Vida Senior Living, is located at 930 Monticello Drive in Escondido, California. The facility offers assisted living and memory care in a European-inspired setting. This review covers the community's services, amenities, resident feedback, and pricing relative to other senior living options in the area.

Types of services offered

Ivy Park at Escondido provides assisted living and memory care:

Assisted living

The assisted living program includes 24/7 care staff, medication management, help with bathing and dressing, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, three daily chef-prepared meals plus snacks, and regular wellness checks.

Memory care: Evergreen at Ivy

Evergreen at Ivy is a secured memory care neighborhood for residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It offers specially trained staff, structured daily routines, engaging activities through the EverYou program, and family support. Residents can transition between care levels without leaving the facility.

Amenities and living environment

Ivy Park at Escondido has several amenities designed for comfort and engagement:

Dining experience

• The community offers chef-prepared meals in multiple dining venues, including a café and private dining room. A bar area is available for socializing. The kitchen accommodates vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium, and sugar-free diets. Residents can eat anytime and order room service.

Common areas and recreational spaces

• The facility includes courtyards and gardens, common areas with a fireplace, a library with computers, arts and crafts studios, game room, movie room, fitness center, beauty salon and barber shop, and music room with piano and organ. There's also a TV lounge and outdoor patios.

Outdoor amenities

• Walking paths, raised garden beds for resident gardening, a swimming pool, and outdoor seating areas for socializing and relaxation are available.

Apartment features

Units range from studios to two-bedroom apartments. All have air conditioning, accessibility features, kitchenettes, cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi, emergency call systems, and wheelchair-accessible showers. Some units include garden views or private patios.

Daily activities and programs

The community schedules activities across fitness, social, and intellectual interests. Staff are available 24 hours for suggestions, and residents can lead activities themselves.

Physical wellness

• Fitness classes tailored to seniors, walking club, yoga, chair yoga, swimming lessons, and aquatic fitness classes are offered at various skill levels.

Social engagement

• The community hosts wine tastings, happy hours, holiday parties and birthdays, BBQs and picnics, and live dance and theater performances.

Intellectual stimulation

• Educational speakers, book clubs, art classes, Live Well programs, and Bible study groups are available.

Community outings

Residents take excursions to local wineries, breweries, gardens, parks, shopping, concerts, cultural events, and golf courses.

Resident experiences and testimonials

The community has an 8.4/10 rating based on 37 reviews: 63% five-star, 16% four-star, 5% three-star, 8% two-star, and 8% one-star.

Positive feedback often mentions the physical environment and staff care. One family member said: "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. I found Felicita Vida and could not be happier. Every step of the way, they have guided me and helped make my decision an easy one."

Another family reported: "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."

A visitor described the facility: "Really beautiful. It was super nice, like a five-star hotel. One of the nicest places I toured. The building is fairly new, modern, current, and clean. It's a two-story, low and spread out. Lots of outdoor areas. The staff were helpful and friendly. Budget was the only concern for us."

Some families have raised concerns about memory care protocols, though these appear isolated.

Pricing information

Ivy Park operates on a monthly rental model with rates starting at approximately $4,300 to $7,000, averaging about $6,903 per month. Memory care typically costs more than assisted living. Prices vary by apartment size and individual service needs. The community offers move-in assistance, room discounts, fee discounts, and rate lock options. Contact the facility directly for specific pricing.

Regional comparison

Among Escondido senior living communities, Ivy Park is considered a premium choice. Nearby options include Splendor Valley LLC, Life Care Center of Escondido, Life Saver Place of Escondido, Citrus Garden Residential Care, and Villa Bernardo. Ivy Park's higher pricing reflects its resort-style amenities, broad activity programs, and dedicated memory care services.

Management and staff quality

Ivy Park has 24/7 awake staff and provides specialized training in memory care and dementia support. Families consistently praise the staff as "caring, responsive and flexible." One family member noted: "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 said: "From my experience with our intake helper, care staff, and facilities staff, I would have given them a 10 out of 5. They are attentive and truly care about their residents."

Awards and recognition

Ivy Park has received "Best Meals and Dining" for nutritious meals, "Best of Senior Living" for top-rated care based on reviews, and "Best of Senior Living All Star" for receiving 25+ reviews. These awards reflect the community's commitment to quality dining and resident satisfaction.

Unique programs and differentiators

Several features distinguish Ivy Park:

1. EverYou memory care program

Evergreen at Ivy offers activities designed to help residents with cognitive impairment stay active and engaged.

2. Resort-like environment

The facility includes a swimming pool, multiple dining venues, and well-maintained grounds that visitors compare to a five-star hotel.

3. Resident-directed activities

Unlike facilities with rigid schedules, Ivy Park encourages residents to help plan and lead activities, making the experience more personalized.

4. Scenic location

Located in an area Money Magazine called "the Best Place in the West to Retire," the community is near lakes, parks, ranches, and nature preserves.

5. Flexible dining options

Multiple dining venues, special dietary accommodations, and anytime dining give residents many choices.

Conclusion and recommendations

Ivy Park at Escondido is a high-end senior living community offering upscale amenities, strong dining, and specialized memory care. Its resort-like setting, broad activities, and personalized approach appeal to seniors seeking premium accommodations.

Pricing is higher than some regional alternatives, but the distinctive features may justify the cost if you're looking for luxury and comprehensive services. Most reviews are positive about the environment and staff, though you should assess whether specific services match your needs and budget.

When considering Ivy Park, take these steps:

1. Schedule an in-person tour to see the physical space, observe staff-resident interactions, and try the dining.
2. Request a detailed fee schedule with base costs and additional charges.
3. Ask about staff training in general senior care and specialized dementia training. Staff-to-resident ratios matter for quality care, especially in memory care. Facilities should have programs that address behavioral changes, communication difficulties, and daily needs of residents with cognitive impairment.
5. Ask to speak with current residents and families about daily life at the community.

Ivy Park at Escondido is a strong choice for seniors needing assisted living or memory care in the area. It emphasizes upscale surroundings, engagement, and supportive care.