I've had a mixed but overall positive experience: staff are warm, helpful and often go above and beyond, the location is convenient, rooms are spacious/apartment-style, and residents seem engaged with plenty of activities. New management appears to be improving responsiveness, but parts of the building feel dated and dreary, I've noticed occasional odors and inconsistent cleanliness, memory care can be short-staffed, and there are worrying reports of missing items/theft. I recommend with caution - visit multiple times and ask specifically about security, laundry, staffing and communication before deciding.
Downey Retirement Center sits in Downey, California, and offers several types of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home services, so folks with different needs can find help here, whether they need a little assistance with daily tasks like bathing or medication, specialized dementia care, or just a place to live with a bit of extra support, and you've got semi-private, studio, and one-bedroom room choices, some fitted with private bathrooms, balconies, or courtyard access, and the building's got elevators, safety features such as sprinkler systems and handicap accessibility, and there's always 24-hour staffing and licensed nurses to help with medication and daily routines, which is important when you want peace of mind. The place is licensed by the state of California under license number 198601838 and can support up to 252 people. Residents can use washers and dryers, keep busy with social activities, get involved in clubs, take fitness and wellness classes, or just enjoy the gardens, game rooms, library, TV lounges, and even a salon and barbershop, and there's something going on most days, from movie nights to world travel shows. The in-house chef plans meals each day, and the dining room is roomy and friendly. For those needing memory care, they've got a special dementia care unit that's staffed around the clock, with programs for people with mild cognitive issues and plenty of structured activities to help keep minds active and reduce confusion. There's transportation for outings and appointments, maintenance on-site, WiFi throughout the building, and laundry and housekeeping are handled for everyone, which makes life a bit easier. People describe the staff as helpful and kind, and the center's got recognition for strong reviews and good care, like the Best of Senior Living award. The environment's described as welcoming and modern, with lots of chances for residents to engage in activities, celebrate holidays and birthdays, enjoy entertainment, and even host special events like candlelight dinners or happy hour, plus there's always support on hand for folks who need personal care. The center stays current with licensing requirements and has clear posted prices for rooms. All in all, Downey Retirement Center offers a range of options and supports for seniors in a large, friendly setting, with safety and care a priority.
People often ask...
Downey Retirement Center offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $1,800 per month.
Downey Retirement Center offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
There are 29 photos of Downey Retirement Center on Mirador.
Yes, Downey Retirement Center allows residents to age in place and adjust their level of care as needed.
The full address for this community is 11500 Dolan Ave, Downey, CA, 90241.
Yes, Downey Retirement Center offers respite care.
Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.
State of California Inspection Reports
71
Inspections
10
Type A Citations
14
Type B Citations
6
Years of reports
12 Aug 2025
12 Aug 2025
Identified ongoing pest issues persisting despite regular pest-control services, tied to the allegation that staff did not ensure the home was free of pests.
Found training gaps related to the allegation that unqualified staff provide care to residents, and found no evidence that staff did not respond to call buttons in a timely manner or that food service was inadequate.
§ 87411(c)
§ 87303(a)
§ 87411(c)(2)
12 Aug 2025
12 Aug 2025
Identified that staff training records did not document the number of hours per subject. A deficiency was noted.
§ 9058
§
20 Jul 2025
20 Jul 2025
Identified ongoing pest problems despite regular pest-control services and staff efforts to address them. Found training records did not meet required annual hours and topics (including dementia care, postural supports, and hospice care); call buttons were generally responded to promptly, and there was no evidence of inadequate food service or related illnesses.
§ 87411(c)
§ 87411(c)(2)
§ 87555(b)(27)
§ 87303(a)
28 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
Identified a roach infestation across the residence, with live roaches found in a resident room and ongoing pest-control needs noted.
Identified training gaps for staff, with 2024 records showing incomplete required topics; call buttons tested responded promptly; no evidence of inadequate food service or illness related to meals.
§ 87411(c)
§ 87555(b)(27)
§ 87412(c)(2)
§ 87303(a)
28 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
Found there was not enough evidence to prove staff failed to assist a resident promptly. Found that the allegation that a resident fell due to staff neglect during a shower was true.
28 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
Investigated three allegations: smoking near the rear exit by the dining area; residents mistreating another resident; and staff not meeting residents' needs while in care. Found no evidence to support these concerns.
05 Jun 2025
05 Jun 2025
Investigated the allegation that water was not regulated to the required temperature. Kitchen water measured 120.7 degrees Fahrenheit with a warning sign posted, and water in five private resident restrooms tested within the acceptable range; interviews and testing did not provide enough evidence to prove the allegation.
05 Jun 2025
05 Jun 2025
Found no evidence that staff were unqualified to provide care; training records were current and staff and residents described adequate training. Found no evidence that staff did not respond to call pendants promptly; observed response times of 1-2 minutes and residents reported timely assistance.
07 Apr 2025
07 Apr 2025
Found no evidence that staff did not address smoking in non-designated areas; residents and staff reported ongoing enforcement of the smoking policy.
07 Apr 2025
07 Apr 2025
Found that the allegation that a resident sustained an unexplained fracture due to neglect was unsubstantiated; staff reported a witnessed fall on 01/21/2025 with timely assessment and transfer to hospital, supported by video evidence of appropriate care.
24 Jan 2025
24 Jan 2025
Found no evidence to support the allegations that medications were not dispensed on time, that medical attention was not provided promptly, that residents were not offered activities, that memory care areas were in disrepair or dirty, or that there was a persistent malodor; interviews and records showed medications administered as prescribed, medical needs addressed, activities offered, areas kept clean, and no odor concerns.
27 Jan 2025
27 Jan 2025
Identified a safety issue: room 109 contained an oxygen tank and No Smoking-Oxygen in Use signs were not posted outside the door or at other appropriate areas.
25 Jul 2024
25 Jul 2024
Found no deficiencies; infection control, resident care, staff training, records, activities, medications, and safety systems met state requirements.
25 Jul 2024
25 Jul 2024
Confirmed no deficiencies found during the annual inspection.
20 Jun 2024
20 Jun 2024
Investigated allegations that staff did not provide a comfortable and safe environment, that the premises were malodorous, that staff did not assist residents promptly, that staff did not treat residents with dignity, and that the premises were not kept clean. Based on interviews and observations, these allegations were found unsubstantiated.
20 Jun 2024
20 Jun 2024
Investigated allegations about an uncomfortable and unsafe environment for residents, malodorous conditions due to smoking, untimely assistance, lack of dignified treatment, and facility cleanliness, but found insufficient evidence to prove the claims.
31 May 2024
31 May 2024
Identified an incident where a resident was left unattended during shower assistance, resulting in an unwitnessed fall and a head injury requiring hospital treatment. Found the resident requires maximum assistance with one staff person during showering.
31 May 2024
31 May 2024
Confirmed an incident where a resident was left unattended, resulting in injuries requiring hospitalization.
09 Apr 2024
09 Apr 2024
Found insufficient evidence to prove the alleged violations concerning access to illegal drugs, indoor smoking, inappropriate comments toward others, inappropriate sexual behaviors, resident-to-resident fighting, and persistent odors. Interviews with staff and residents and review of records did not corroborate these claims.
09 Apr 2024
09 Apr 2024
Investigated allegations included unauthorized drug use, indoor smoking, inappropriate resident behavior, malodorous conditions, and a resident altercation, but lacked sufficient evidence to determine if violations occurred, rendering them unsubstantiated.
16 Jan 2024
16 Jan 2024
Found insufficient evidence to confirm or deny the allegation that staff did not provide medical attention to a resident's pressure sore, as interviews and records showed wound care was given and nurses were involved in monitoring and care.
16 Jan 2024
16 Jan 2024
Investigated allegation of staff not providing medical attention to pressure sore, but insufficient evidence to prove it.
05 Oct 2023
05 Oct 2023
Found that the allegations that staff did not seek timely medical attention for a resident, slept on duty, and yelled at a resident were unsubstantiated.
05 Oct 2023
05 Oct 2023
Investigated allegations of untimely medical attention, staff sleeping on duty, and staff yelling at a resident, all found not supported by sufficient evidence.
07 Sept 2023
07 Sept 2023
Found that staff neglected to provide adequate care and supervision, contributing to a resident’s bruising, skin injuries, and infections from prolonged immobility. Found that incontinence care was not performed, leaving the resident on the bathroom floor with feces on the body.
07 Sept 2023
07 Sept 2023
Confirmed neglect of care and supervision of a resident resulting in injuries and lack of incontinence care.
05 Sept 2023
05 Sept 2023
Found no deficiencies identified; observed infection control practices, staff training, resident records, and safety measures, with 129 residents aged 60 and older (including 10 on hospice) and ongoing COVID-19 testing.
05 Sept 2023
05 Sept 2023
Confirmed no deficiencies observed during the visit on various aspects of the facility including infection control, operational requirements, physical plant safety, staffing, resident records, planned activities, food service, incident medical and dental, disaster preparedness, residents with special health needs, and emergency training.
07 Jul 2023
07 Jul 2023
Identified deficiencies due to expired food items in the kitchen, including egg whites dated 4/11/22 and a gallon of vinegar with a best-by date of 2/19/22, during a case management visit.
§ 87555(a)
07 Jul 2023
07 Jul 2023
Found medication left unsecured by staff. Other allegations—resident fall during care, improper meal preparation and dietary needs, and phone system issues—were not proven.
07 Jul 2023
07 Jul 2023
Identified deficiencies in the kitchen included expired egg whites and vinegar with past best-by date.
06 Jul 2023
06 Jul 2023
Investigated allegations that staff spoke inappropriately to residents and did not promptly respond to call buttons; interviews and observations showed there was not a preponderance of evidence to prove or disprove the allegations.
06 Jul 2023
06 Jul 2023
Inappropriate staff behavior and slow response to call lights were investigated at a facility, but there was not enough evidence to prove the allegations.
29 Jun 2023
29 Jun 2023
Found that residents' needs were met, including bathing assistance, incontinence care, and meals, with residents indicating good food quality. Found no preponderance of evidence to prove or disprove the allegation that staff were rude to residents.
29 Jun 2023
29 Jun 2023
Interviews and observations revealed that the residents' needs were being met, incontinence care was sufficient, food service was adequate, and staff interactions with residents were not rude.
§ 87468.2(a)(4)
30 May 2023
30 May 2023
Investigated the allegation that staff handled a resident in a rough manner; found insufficient evidence to prove or disprove that it occurred.
30 May 2023
30 May 2023
Investigated allegation of staff handling residents roughly; interviews with staff and residents did not provide sufficient evidence to support the claim, making it inconclusive.
25 Apr 2023
25 Apr 2023
Found the allegation that staff handled residents in a rough manner to be supported by interviews with staff and residents.
25 Apr 2023
25 Apr 2023
Confirmed in interviews that staff did not handle residents in a rough manner, but some residents reported experiencing rough handling.
30 Mar 2023
30 Mar 2023
Investigated allegations of inadequate supervision causing multiple falls and of not cleaning up urine; findings indicated staff coverage appeared adequate, cleaning was performed, and residents reported feeling safe, with no conclusive evidence to confirm or deny the claims.
30 Mar 2023
30 Mar 2023
Investigated allegations of inadequate supervision and failure to clean resident urine; determined no substantial evidence found, leading to unsubstantiated claims.
§ 87466
§ 87101(c)(3)
07 Feb 2023
07 Feb 2023
Found the allegation that staff yelled at a resident during care UNSUBSTANTIATED and the allegation that staff did not assist with grooming UNSUBSTANTIATED.
07 Feb 2023
07 Feb 2023
Investigated allegations of staff yelling at a resident and not assisting with grooming needs; determined both were unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence.
§ 87465(h)(2)
19 Jan 2023
19 Jan 2023
Investigated the allegation that a resident sustained unexplained injuries while in care. Evidence from interviews and records showed a fall with a hematoma and emergency services contacted, but there was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove that the injury occurred as alleged.
19 Jan 2023
19 Jan 2023
Investigated the allegation of a resident sustaining unexplained injuries while in care and determined there was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the claim.
14 Dec 2022
14 Dec 2022
Found unsubstantiated for both allegations: that staff did not address residents' medical conditions and that call buttons were not answered at night; evidence showed medical care for a rash was provided per records and call buttons were operable with prompt staff response.
14 Dec 2022
14 Dec 2022
Investigated the allegations related to staff not addressing a resident's medical condition and not answering call buttons at night, with findings showing no preponderance of evidence to confirm either claim. Interviews and testing indicated medication was administered correctly, and call buttons were functional and promptly answered.
21 Oct 2022
21 Oct 2022
Found no conclusive evidence that Covid-positive residents were allowed in common areas without masks or that monitoring of isolation failed, with staff reporting redirection and masks observed during the visit.
Found no conclusive evidence that residents did not receive all meals, as most residents reported three meals and two snacks daily, though some phone-line issues were noted.
21 Oct 2022
21 Oct 2022
Confirmed that Covid-19 safety protocols were generally followed, but staff and residents had differing accounts of isolation practices. Identified an allegation regarding meals not being provided, but found that the phone system was functional during the visit.
08 Sept 2022
08 Sept 2022
Investigated the allegations that a resident was unkempt, that a resident was ridiculed by staff, and that a resident was hit by an unknown person. Found UNSUBSTANTIATED because there was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the claims.
08 Sept 2022
08 Sept 2022
Investigated allegations of unkempt residents, ridiculing staff, and a resident being hit by an unknown person; determined insufficient evidence to confirm or refute these claims.
31 Aug 2022
31 Aug 2022
Found no deficiencies; safety features, staffing, resident records, activities space, and food service at the site met requirements, with hot water temperatures within an acceptable range and all systems operable.
31 Aug 2022
31 Aug 2022
Identified that a resident did not receive prescribed medications from December 1 to December 6 because refill authorization could not be obtained. Recorded attempts to contact the doctor and conservator on November 3 and November 25 to obtain refills, but no response was received.
31 Aug 2022
31 Aug 2022
No deficiencies were observed during the inspection visit.
17 May 2022
17 May 2022
Found that the allegation of improper cleaning and dirty laundry room floors could not be proven. Observed clean resident rooms and laundry area; interviews indicated daily and weekly cleaning was performed.
17 May 2022
17 May 2022
Found allegations of inadequate cleaning at the facility, but insufficient evidence to prove if they occurred or not. Residents and staff reported satisfaction with cleanliness.
05 Apr 2022
05 Apr 2022
Identified that one staff member’s fingerprints were never linked to the location, with a fingerprint transfer request filed eight months after hire. Found the allegation that 8 pm medications were given at 5 pm and pain medications were administered without physician orders had insufficient evidence; residents reported meds were on time and records showed proper orders.
05 Apr 2022
05 Apr 2022
Confirmed staff did not have fingerprints associated with the facility and medication errors were unsubstantiated.
13 Dec 2021
13 Dec 2021
Investigated allegations that staff refused to administer prescribed medications and that the resident did not receive them for an extended period; record review and interviews showed the gap from December 1 to December 6, 2021 occurred because refill authorization could not be obtained from the doctor, not due to a refusal. Noted no clear change in the resident’s condition linked to the missed medications, with findings that included conflicting conclusions about whether the violations were proven.
§ 87465(e)
§ 87465(a)(5)
13 Dec 2021
13 Dec 2021
Confirmed that resident did not receive prescribed medications due to refill authorization issue, but found no evidence of staff refusing to give medications.
§ 87468.1(a)(2)
30 Aug 2021
30 Aug 2021
Found no deficiencies after an unannounced annual visit; safety measures, fire protection compliance, medication handling, food storage, and staffing met regulatory requirements.
30 Aug 2021
30 Aug 2021
Confirmed no deficiencies found during inspection.
18 Aug 2021
18 Aug 2021
Identified that the water pump broke on 08/04/21, a replacement was ordered on 08/11/21, arrived on 08/16/21 and the repair was completed the same day; residents on the second floor reported no hot water during the outage.
18 Aug 2021
18 Aug 2021
Confirmed lack of hot water on the 2nd floor due to broken water pump.
04 Mar 2020
04 Mar 2020
Investigated allegations of forced medication administration and stolen clothing, but found insufficient evidence to support either claim.
21 Feb 2020
21 Feb 2020
Investigated allegations of rodents, inadequate maintenance, and poor food service at a facility, determining insufficient evidence to support claims. Confirmed regular cleanliness and maintenance, while food service improvements addressed previous concerns.
12 Feb 2020
12 Feb 2020
Determined that the allegations of staff failing to make water available, treating residents without dignity and respect, and providing inadequate food were unsubstantiated due to a lack of evidence. Found that water dispensers were accessible, second servings were offered when available, and food portions were adequate.
15 Jan 2020
15 Jan 2020
Investigated an unrelated complaint, but found incidents of racial harassment between residents had occurred. Discussed these issues with the administrator, who planned to address them at an upcoming staff meeting.
13 Jan 2020
13 Jan 2020
Investigated allegations of mishandling a client's personal resources and restricting access to records. Both claims found to be unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence.
23 Oct 2019
23 Oct 2019
Found that staff at the facility locked a door on weekends for security reasons, but residents can still access the building through other entrances.
§ 87411(g)(2)
02 Oct 2019
02 Oct 2019
Investigated a complaint alleging a resident grabbed and threw another resident's eyeglasses during a verbal disagreement. Video footage and interviews did not provide enough evidence to confirm the allegation.
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