Executive Summary
The Kensington Sierra Madre, located at 245 West Sierra Madre Boulevard in Sierra Madre, California, is a senior living community that opened in February 2015. Operating under the promise “We promise to love and care for your family as we do our own,” this facility offers multiple levels of care within a single campus, allowing residents to transition between care levels as their needs evolve. This review provides a detailed analysis of the facility’s services, amenities, resident experiences, pricing, and reputation to help families make informed decisions about senior living options.
Types of Services Offered
The Kensington Sierra Madre provides a continuum of care options to meet varying needs:
Assisted Living
The assisted living neighborhood at The Kensington offers a higher level of care than many traditional communities. Services include:
- 24/7 licensed nursing staff
- Medication management and administration
- Personal care assistance
- Emergency response system
- Individualized care plans
- Diabetes management including injections
- Wellness and exercise programs
Memory Care
The Kensington Sierra Madre has established itself as a leader in memory care, becoming the first Positive Approach to Care (PAC)-designated organization in California. Their memory care program is structured into three distinct neighborhoods:
The Kensington Sierra Madre: A Comprehensive Review
Each neighborhood is staffed by a specialized team trained in dementia care, with a dedicated Director of Memory Care overseeing the program. The facility employs the Positive Approach to Care® methodology, which is frequently mentioned in reviews as a standout feature.
Specialized Services
Additional care options include:
- Couples Care: Accommodations for couples with varying care needs, allowing partners to remain together even if they require different levels of support.
- Rehabilitation Services: On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy for recovery and maintenance of abilities.
Amenities and Facility Features
The Kensington Sierra Madre offers resort-style amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life:
Living Accommodations
Residents have several room options to choose from:
| Room Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Studio | $5,730/month |
| Private Room | $6,000/month |
| One-Bedroom | $6,670/month |
Dining Experience
The Kensington has received recognition for its dining program, having earned a “Best Meals and Dining” award. Dining features include:
- Restaurant-style dining with professional chef
- All-day dining service
- Special dietary accommodations
- Elegant dining with table linens and crystal
- Complimentary meals for family members
Lifestyle Amenities
The facility provides numerous amenities to support an engaging lifestyle:
- Beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces
- Pet-friendly environment
- Fitness and recreational facilities
- Common areas for socializing
- Transportation services
Daily Activities and Programs
The Kensington Sierra Madre offers a variety of activities and programs designed to keep residents engaged and active:
- Social Events: Community gatherings, music performances, and celebration of special occasions
- Educational Programs: Lectures, discussion groups, and learning opportunities
- Physical Activities: Fitness classes, exercise programs, and wellness initiatives
- Creative Pursuits: Arts and crafts, music therapy, and other creative outlets
- Community Engagement: Recent initiatives include hosting “Dementia Friendly Training for the City of Sierra Madre Community”
The facility recently sponsored the Scotty Caregiver Award at HFC’s CareCon 2023, demonstrating their commitment to supporting caregivers in the broader community.
Resident and Family Experiences
The Kensington Sierra Madre has received generally positive reviews, with a Seniorly Community Score of 9.9 out of 10 based on 81 reviews across various platforms. This places the community in the top 4% for resident satisfaction among similar facilities.
Positive Testimonials
“We LOVE the Kensington!!! Moving a parent out of their home into assisted living is a stressful decision. The staff at the Kensington were absolutely wonderful!” – Richard S. (Son)
“The nurses and aides are warm, kind and are actively involved with the residents throughout the day.” – Monica T. (Daughter)
“They write ‘we love you’ notes and always pop in to make dad feel included. The place is like walking into a 5-star hotel.” – Sue R. (Daughter)
A newer resident family member shared in November 2022: “I am new to the community and have been very pleased with the level of care and attention for our father in memory care. The staff is accommodating in every way, for example serving my father the foods he especially enjoys. His caretakers are well-trained in dementia and value dignity and purpose for the residents.”
Areas of Concern
Some reviews express concerns about:
- High costs compared to other assisted living options
- Communication issues, particularly regarding medical care
- Staff responsiveness in some instances
- Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on resident experience
- Some residents being perceived as unfriendly to newcomers
Pricing and Value Comparison
The Kensington Sierra Madre’s pricing structure positions it as a premium option in the Sierra Madre area, though its starting costs are actually lower than the area average ($5,730 vs. $6,250). However, detailed pricing analysis shows higher costs than county and state averages for specific room types:
| Room Type | The Kensington Sierra Madre | Los Angeles County Average | California Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $3,802 | $3,349 | $3,333 |
| Studio | $4,530 | $4,172 | $4,145 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,150 | $6,164 | $5,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $7,350 | $4,603 | $4,340 |
Regional Comparison
For context, here are the average monthly costs of senior living in nearby communities:
- Sierra Madre: $4,245/month
- South Monrovia Island: $4,065/month
- Arcadia: $4,241/month
- California state average: $4,620/month
- U.S. national average: $4,126/month
The Kensington Sierra Madre offers several value propositions that may justify its premium pricing:
- Higher level of healthcare than traditional assisted living facilities
- Specialized memory care neighborhoods with dedicated programming
- Family-oriented approach with complimentary meals for family members
- Elegant dining experience with high-quality amenities
Management and Staff Quality
The Kensington Sierra Madre emphasizes staff training and quality, particularly in its memory care program. Staff members receive comprehensive training in dementia care, with specialized approaches for residents at different stages of cognitive decline.
Several reviews specifically mention staff members by name, including Martha Reyes, Marjorie Villarosa, and Jodie Kendall, for their exceptional service. The administration is described as approachable, with staff members who “clearly enjoy their jobs and support each other.”
Awards and Recognition
The Kensington Sierra Madre has received several notable recognitions:
- Silver-level award from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) at the International Builders’ Show 2016
- Best of 55+ Housing Awards recognition
- “Best Meals and Dining” award
- First PAC-designated organization in California for memory care excellence
The community also achieved a 77% approval rating during its development, indicating strong community support.
Unique Features and Differentiators
Several elements set The Kensington Sierra Madre apart from other senior living facilities in the region:
- Tiered Memory Care Approach: The three-neighborhood system allows for tailored care based on the stage of memory loss, providing appropriate support as needs change.
- Positive Approach to Care (PAC): As the first PAC-designated organization in California, the facility employs evidence-based methods for dementia care that focus on preserving dignity and maximizing abilities.
- Couples Care: Unlike many facilities that separate couples when one partner needs more care than the other, The Kensington allows couples with differing care needs to remain together.
- Family Integration: The facility’s promise to “love and care for your family as we do our own” is reflected in practices like complimentary family meals and extensive family involvement in care planning.
Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
Based on this comprehensive review, here are actionable recommendations for those considering The Kensington Sierra Madre:
1. Schedule an In-Person Tour
Implementation:
Use this tour checklist during your visit to ensure you gather all necessary information:
- Observe staff interactions with residents
- Sample a meal during dining hours
- Request to see multiple room types
- Ask to visit each memory care neighborhood if relevant
- Inquire about staff-to-resident ratios in each area
- Request to see activity calendars for the past and upcoming month
- Ask about specialized training for staff members
- Observe cleanliness and maintenance throughout the facility
- Inquire about security measures, especially in memory care
2. Conduct a Thorough Financial Assessment
Implementation:
Complete this financial worksheet to understand the full cost implications:
- Base Monthly Fee: $_______
- Care Level Assessment Fee: $_______
- Additional Services (check applicable):
- Medication Management: $_______
- Incontinence Care: $_______
- Diabetes Management: $_______
- Physical Therapy: $_______
- Transportation Services: $_______
- Other Specialized Care: $_______
- One-time Fees:
- Community/Administrative Fee: $_______
- Move-in Fee: $_______
- Potential Future Cost Increases:
- Annual rate increases (typically 3-5%)
- Care level changes
3. Assess Fit with Memory Care Philosophy
If memory care is needed, determine if The Kensington’s Positive Approach to Care aligns with your values and expectations:
Implementation:
Ask these specific questions during your tour:
- How does the staff approach challenging behaviors?
- What strategies are used to maintain dignity during personal care?
- How are residents with different cognitive abilities engaged throughout the day?
- How do you customize care plans for individual preferences and needs?
- What training do staff members receive in dementia care?
- How do you involve families in care planning and updates?
4. Compare Value Rather Than Just Price
When comparing The Kensington to other facilities, create a comprehensive value assessment that goes beyond monthly fees:
Implementation:
Use this comparison matrix for up to three facilities:
| Feature | The Kensington Sierra Madre | Facility 2 | Facility 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Fee | |||
| Room Size/Features | |||
| Level of Medical Care | |||
| Staff Qualifications | |||
| Dining Quality | |||
| Activity Variety | |||
| Memory Care Approach | |||
| Extra Services Included | |||
| Family Involvement | |||
| Resident Satisfaction |
Conclusion
The Kensington Sierra Madre represents a premium senior living option in the Sierra Madre area, with particular strengths in memory care, dining services, and comprehensive medical support. While pricing is higher than regional averages for certain room types, the facility offers value through specialized care programs, elegant amenities, and a strong focus on resident dignity and family involvement.
The high Seniorly Community Score (9.9 out of 10) and positive testimonials suggest strong resident and family satisfaction, though prospective residents should carefully assess whether the specific services and atmosphere align with their personal needs and preferences. By conducting thorough research, asking targeted questions during tours, and completing detailed financial planning, families can determine if The Kensington Sierra Madre is the right choice for their loved ones.
