I had a mixed, mostly worrying experience at Seaside Terrace: a few staff (notably Nick Payan) were kind, professional and the place can feel clean and social, but care was inconsistent - rude or untrained caregivers, poor memory-care handling, medication and bathing lapses, safety/maintenance and odor problems, billing and response delays. I would not trust this for a loved one until staffing, training and facility issues are fixed.
Seaside Terrace Retirement sits in Fountain Valley, CA, and has a relaxed feel that makes things easier for folks who live there because the staff offer help with tasks like bathing, getting dressed, and remembering to take medications, and you'll find people around at any hour ready to lend a hand if there's an emergency-they have 24-hour awake staff and a call system in every room, and you never have to worry about getting up or moved from bed to a wheelchair since there's standby assistance for that as well. The place has different levels of care-assisted living, independent living, memory care for Alzheimer's and dementia called the Dementia/Alzheimer's Care Unit, hospice care, and even respite care if someone needs temporary support after surgery or when a caregiver needs a break, which means you're covered for different needs as time goes on. Seaside Terrace offers a restaurant-style dining experience, so meals get served in a roomy dining area, and they prepare food with plenty of focus on good nutrition-plenty of vegetables and minerals for better health-and if you're living with diabetes they'll help watch your blood sugar, though they can't give you insulin shots, so you'll need to manage that part separately.
You see a lot of gathering spaces like a spacious lobby, a comfortable TV lounge, an activity room, a library, and indoor and outdoor courtyards where you can spend time with other residents or visiting family, and the whole building's got recently remodeled interiors with features that make things safer- like grab bars in private bathrooms, emergency call systems, air conditioning, heating, and sprinklers. They also do weekly light and deep cleaning, plus laundry, and they help with incontinence care and daily grooming. Amenities make the place feel homelike-there's a beauty salon on site, vending machines, parking for residents, and complimentary transportation for errands or outings, with plenty of events, outings, movie nights, music programs, social activities, fitness classes, and devotional services, both on and off the grounds, for people who want to stay involved. Pets aren't mentioned, but there's a lot else to help people stay as independent as possible, since staff try to support dignity and self-esteem, and they aim to make life easy and social with easy-access amenities and multilingual staff who speak English, Vietnamese, and Spanish. The facility welcomes people aged 55 and up-so no one under 55; their memory care includes individual care plans and a secure area for folks who might get confused or wander, and programs are structured to help people keep their minds and bodies active, but also support privacy, rest, and quiet when that's needed. Utilities are included except for phones and TV. That's the gist of what living at Seaside Terrace Retirement involves-there's steady care, some comforts and safety added in, and a range of activities to fill your day if you wish.
People often ask...
Seaside Terrace Retirement offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $5,584 per month.
There are 6 photos of Seaside Terrace Retirement on Mirador.
Yes, Seaside Terrace Retirement allows residents to age in place and adjust their level of care as needed.
The full address for this community is 9925 La Alameda Ave, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708.
Yes, Seaside Terrace Retirement 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
96
Inspections
3
Type A Citations
4
Type B Citations
6
Years of reports
14 Jul 2025
14 Jul 2025
Identified that documentation did not show notifying the responsible party after the incident, though staff stated notification occurred. Noted that bruising appeared later and prompted doctor notification and medical evaluation, while a separate allegation about residents’ right to eat had insufficient evidence.
§ 87466
14 Jul 2025
14 Jul 2025
Found the allegation unfounded after interviews showed it did not involve this licensee, who maintained an ample supply of necessary supplies for residents.
01 Jul 2025
01 Jul 2025
Found that staff refused to accept a resident back after hospital discharge until a medication assessment was completed, leaving the resident in the emergency department for about a week until a new placement was found.
§ 97224(a)(4)
23 May 2025
23 May 2025
Identified that the resident sustained a stage three pressure injury treated by home health services while in care.
Found that the resident fell, was assisted promptly, hospital evaluation showed no serious injuries, and the responsible party was notified.
18 Apr 2025
18 Apr 2025
Found no evidence to support the allegation that staff did not dispense medications as prescribed. Found no evidence to support the allegation that residents were not provided with adequate food service.
01 Apr 2025
01 Apr 2025
Investigated an allegation that staff did not seek timely medical care for a resident. Found that staff checked the resident every two hours for repositioning, emergency services were contacted when health issues arose, the resident was taken to the hospital for evaluation and returned with no new orders, and the allegation was unsubstantiated.
01 Apr 2025
01 Apr 2025
Identified a deficiency after discovering a non-working call button in one resident room, preventing a resident from reaching it. Conducted interviews with residents and staff and held an exit interview with the licensee.
§ 87303(i)(1)
08 Jan 2025
08 Jan 2025
Confirmed relocation of 74 residents from one license to another due to evacuation orders, with each resident assigned to a room, adequate beds and supplies, and medications and records transferred securely. Found staffing sufficient for both licenses, ongoing use of shared vendors, on-site licensed staff for insulin care, a completed fire inspection and drill, and notification of families and other involved parties.
21 Oct 2024
21 Oct 2024
Determined that sanitation was maintained, regular housekeeping was provided, residents had access to transportation, and water was served without contamination. Found that some night-time requests for incontinence care went unattended for several hours, and a citation was issued.
§ 87625(b)(3)
15 Oct 2024
15 Oct 2024
Investigated the allegation that the facility failed to safeguard a resident’s personal property and identified that gym equipment belonging to the resident was discarded during a cleanup and not reflected in the property log.
§ 87217(b)
21 Aug 2024
21 Aug 2024
Found unresponsive in a closet with a wire hanger around the neck; staff started CPR and emergency responders pronounced the resident dead. Reviewed the resident’s file and related documents, noted minimal assistance needs with medication management, observed no deficiencies, and requested a death certificate or coroner’s report when available.
21 Aug 2024
21 Aug 2024
Found resident unresponsive in closet with wire hanger around neck, pronounced deceased by emergency personnel. No deficiencies observed during visit.
17 Jun 2024
17 Jun 2024
Investigated the allegation that staff did not adequately supervise residents, resulting in an assault between residents while in care. Interviews and records did not provide a preponderance of evidence to prove or refute the incident, so the Department could not determine that the allegation occurred as reported.
23 Jun 2024
23 Jun 2024
Found that the original entry was amended to reflect the actual date of the 10-day visit (10/6/2023) rather than 7/10/2023. Confirmed during an exit interview that the change was explained and that the amended entry was emailed, with an electronic read receipt confirming receipt.
23 Jun 2024
23 Jun 2024
Identified date discrepancy in original report; corrected date of visit from 7/10/2023 to 10/6/2023.
17 Jun 2024
17 Jun 2024
Observed renovations at the site, including a new floor, fresh paint, and a chandelier at the entrance; confirmed residents and their responsible parties were notified of the renovations; noted roof work completed on June 1, 2024, with second-floor flooring expected by July 1, 2024; exit interview conducted.
Investigated an allegation of inadequate supervision resulting in a resident being assaulted by another resident; found insufficient evidence to confirm the allegation, with interviews indicating staff routinely checked on both residents and no prior altercations were noted.
07 Mar 2024
07 Mar 2024
Found that a resident developed two unstageable pressure injuries around the sacrum while under care, with staff rotating every two hours per Home Health orders. Concluded that the allegation of staff neglect causing the injuries could not be proven.
07 Mar 2024
07 Mar 2024
Investigated alleged neglect leading to pressure injuries in a resident, ultimately deemed unsubstantiated based on evidence found.
18 Jan 2024
18 Jan 2024
Investigated the two specific allegations: visitation was restricted for a resident and phone calls were restricted for a resident. Found insufficient evidence to prove these claims.
18 Jan 2024
18 Jan 2024
Found that the allegations of restricting visitation and phone calls for a resident were unsubstantiated based on interviews and documentation, showing no evidence these restrictions occurred beyond health precautions related to COVID-19.
16 Jan 2024
16 Jan 2024
Investigated allegations: resident fell in care; staff did not seek medical attention promptly; and communication with the responsible party was lacking. Found most interviewees denied these claims, and records showed a medical evaluation occurred; other concerns about residents' needs, activities, scabies, and food service were addressed.
16 Jan 2024
16 Jan 2024
Investigated allegations such as resident falling, scabies, and inadequate food service were unfounded.
11 Jan 2024
11 Jan 2024
Found that the three allegations—staff not preventing falls, not meeting toileting needs, and not ensuring adequate feeding—were unfounded.
11 Jan 2024
11 Jan 2024
Found that the allegation that a resident did not receive adequate care and supervision was unfounded; seven of seven interviewees said residents received adequate care, and staff maintained routine checks despite pandemic-related staffing challenges.
11 Jan 2024
11 Jan 2024
Investigated claims about inadequate care, unmet toileting needs, and insufficient feeding were unfounded, according to findings from interviews, observations, and document reviews. Allegations dismissed based on evidence that showed proactive attention and support for the resident involved.
28 Nov 2023
28 Nov 2023
Found that the allegation that incontinence care was not provided to residents was unfounded, and the allegation of a personal rights violation was unfounded.
28 Nov 2023
28 Nov 2023
Found that allegations of failure to provide incontinence care and violation of personal rights at an assisted living facility were unfounded.
15 Nov 2023
15 Nov 2023
Found ready for licensure after a pre-licensing visit, with a valid fire clearance, adequate resident rooms and bathrooms, secured medications and toxins, proper safety systems, and sufficient food and supplies; plans to transfer liability insurance to the new operation after approval.
15 Nov 2023
15 Nov 2023
Confirmed the facility's readiness for licensure and pending final approval from the CAB supervisor in Sacramento.
05 Oct 2023
05 Oct 2023
Found four specific allegations unfounded: that the site did not maintain a comfortable temperature; a resident inappropriately touched another resident; a resident went through another resident’s belongings; and a resident’s medication went missing.
05 Oct 2023
05 Oct 2023
Confirmed that complaints regarding temperature control, inappropriate resident behavior, invasion of privacy, and missing medication were unfounded.
22 Sept 2023
22 Sept 2023
Verified the identities of the applicant and administrator during a telephone interview. Confirmed their understanding of licensing rules and related areas, including operation, admission policies, staffing and training, health condition restrictions, general provisions, emergency preparedness, complaints and reporting, and pre-licensing readiness.
22 Sept 2023
22 Sept 2023
Confirmed understanding of facility licensing laws and regulations during interview with applicant/administrator.
06 Sept 2023
06 Sept 2023
Investigated two allegations: staff inappropriately touched the resident and staff made an inappropriate comment toward the resident. Both were found unfounded.
06 Sept 2023
06 Sept 2023
Dismissed unfounded allegations of inappropriate staff behavior towards resident after interviews and document review.
22 Aug 2023
22 Aug 2023
Found the allegations that personal belongings were not safeguarded resulting in theft, and that staff did not treat residents with dignity and respect, to be unfounded.
22 Aug 2023
22 Aug 2023
Confirmed that allegations of stolen personal belongings and disrespectful treatment of residents were unfounded, with all interviewed parties indicating belongings were misplaced and residents treated with dignity and respect. No issues noted during the visit.
15 Aug 2023
15 Aug 2023
Investigated two self-reported incidents; observed a clean, well-organized residence with about 20 staff and 135 residents present, plus adequate two-day perishables and seven-day non-perishables, running utilities, properly stored medications, and available soap and towels. Health checks on five of the six residents involved showed they were doing well, with one resident in hospital, and rosters and files were reviewed.
15 Aug 2023
15 Aug 2023
Confirmed no health and safety issues found during the inspection.
14 Aug 2023
14 Aug 2023
Reviewed changes to an amended complaint document and discussed them with the administrator. Found no deficiencies during the visit, and an exit interview was conducted.
09 Aug 2023
09 Aug 2023
Found two allegations unsubstantiated: staff using profanity around residents and residents smoking in their rooms, with interviews split on profanity and observations showing smoking only in designated areas.
14 Aug 2023
14 Aug 2023
No deficiencies were noted during the visit.
09 Aug 2023
09 Aug 2023
Investigated allegation that neglect resulted in a wound with maggots and determined the allegation to be unfounded.
09 Aug 2023
09 Aug 2023
Found that the allegation of not having enough staff to meet residents' needs and the allegation that hygiene needs weren't met promptly were unsubstantiated.
09 Aug 2023
09 Aug 2023
Determined that the allegation of neglect resulting in a resident's wound having maggots was unfounded, as home health and wound care specialists were responsible for wound care, not facility staff.
14 Mar 2023
14 Mar 2023
Reviewed changes to an amended report during an unannounced visit and toured the premises with the administrator. Found no deficiencies and concluded with an exit interview.
31 Aug 2022
31 Aug 2022
Found the allegations that staff did not provide an appropriate variety of foods, that residents were served cold food, and that a rent increase letter was not provided to residents to be unfounded. Found no deficiencies during the visit.
14 Mar 2023
14 Mar 2023
Confirmed no deficiencies noted during the inspection visit.
22 Feb 2023
22 Feb 2023
Reviewed changes to the case regarding complaint control and determined the allegation to be unsubstantiated.
22 Feb 2023
22 Feb 2023
Determined the allegation that residents were left in soiled diapers due to insufficient staffing was unsubstantiated.
Reviewed records and interviewed staff and residents; some described staffing shortages during the pandemic, while others described adequate coverage.
22 Feb 2023
22 Feb 2023
Reviewed amended findings and determined unfounded findings would remain unchanged from the original. No deficiencies were observed during the visit, and an exit interview was conducted.
07 Nov 2022
07 Nov 2022
Found the allegation that staff refused entry to a resident’s medical personnel, resulting in the resident not receiving prescribed medical attention, unfounded.
22 Feb 2023
22 Feb 2023
Unsubstantiated allegation of residents being left in soiled diapers due to insufficient staffing. No deficiencies noted during the visit.
§ 87615(a)(1)
24 Jan 2023
24 Jan 2023
Found that the lack of staff allegation and the allegation that staff withheld residents' funds were unfounded.
24 Jan 2023
24 Jan 2023
Reviewed documentation related to a resident-related complaint. Found no deficiencies noted during the visit.
24 Jan 2023
24 Jan 2023
No deficiencies identified during the inspection visit for Resident 1.
18 Jan 2023
18 Jan 2023
Found the allegation that the resident was illegally evicted from the home unfounded, after interviews and document review showed the resident was transferred to a hospital at their own request and belongings were retrieved; no deficiencies were cited.
18 Jan 2023
18 Jan 2023
Determined that the allegation of a resident being illegally evicted was unfounded, with documentation and interviews showing the eviction followed legal processes due to unpaid rent and the resident's voluntary transfer to a hospital.
05 Jan 2023
05 Jan 2023
Found meals varied and acceptable and temperatures kept within a safe range. Found that the allegations of staff using punishment, falsifying resident documentation, failing to treat a resident with dignity, engaging in inappropriate interactions, and providing inadequate food service were not substantiated, with conflicting information preventing a definitive conclusion on phone calls being answered, staffing levels, and night-shift sleeping.
05 Jan 2023
05 Jan 2023
Confirmed allegations of inappropriate staff conduct were unsubstantiated, while findings of sufficient food supply and acceptable room temperatures were unfounded.
07 Nov 2022
07 Nov 2022
Reviewed an allegation involving refusal of entry to medical personnel, which resulted in a resident not receiving prescribed medical attention. The allegation was dismissed as unfounded after interviews and document review.
22 Sept 2022
22 Sept 2022
Reviewed amended report tied to a prior complaint from 8/2/2022 and conducted a tour of the premises with the administrator; no concerns or questions were raised.
02 Aug 2022
02 Aug 2022
Found that the allegation of lack of supervision resulting in a resident assaulting another resident while in care was unfounded and dismissed.
22 Sept 2022
22 Sept 2022
Confirmed the amended report from a previous inspection visit and addressed any concerns during a facility tour inspection with the staff.
07 Sept 2022
07 Sept 2022
Identified an allegation that a resident smoked in a room with oxygen in use, with an ignited cigarette found in the bathroom. Found this violated the rule prohibiting smoking where oxygen is in use.
07 Sept 2022
07 Sept 2022
Found that the allegation that temperatures were not kept comfortable for residents was unfounded.
07 Sept 2022
07 Sept 2022
Confirmed that the facility had purchased and installed portable air conditioners, addressing the allegation of not maintaining a comfortable room temperature for residents.
31 Aug 2022
31 Aug 2022
Found the allegations of inadequate food portions and of food being served cold unfounded.
31 Aug 2022
31 Aug 2022
Confirmed allegations of inadequate food portions and cold food service were found to be false after interviews and inspections.
02 Aug 2022
02 Aug 2022
Found that the eviction allegation had no reasonable basis after interviews and review of records; evidence showed attempts to address nonpayment and that resident safety was prioritized.
02 Aug 2022
02 Aug 2022
Investigated allegation of "lack of supervision resulting in a resident assaulting another resident" and determined it was unfounded based on interviews and documentation showing no evidence of such an incident occurring.
19 Apr 2022
19 Apr 2022
Found no deficiencies during the unannounced annual visit. Observed a clean, well-supplied site with visitor screening, temperature checks, covid precautions, and ample PPE and emergency supplies.
19 Apr 2022
19 Apr 2022
Confirmed no deficiencies found during the visit; facility met all requirements and provided satisfactory care to residents.
01 Apr 2021
01 Apr 2021
Found that the allegation that carpets in hallways and residents' rooms are stained and dirty did not have enough evidence to prove it. Interviews and document reviews informed this conclusion.
01 Apr 2021
01 Apr 2021
Found that the allegations of no hot water, trash piling up, and rats and cockroaches were unfounded and dismissed.
01 Apr 2021
01 Apr 2021
Investigated complaint about stained and dirty carpets in hallways and residents' rooms; determined lack of evidence to confirm or deny the allegation.
14 Oct 2020
14 Oct 2020
Investigated the allegation of not having consistent hot water; observed hot water in several bathrooms with temperatures around 111–117 degrees, and most interviews did not report ongoing issues, though a few noted occasional days without hot water. Found insufficient evidence to determine whether the issue occurred.
14 Oct 2020
14 Oct 2020
Found that the allegations about a power outage disabling oxygen tanks, residents not having showers for a week, and a malfunctioning fire alarm were unfounded; interviews and a tele-visit observation showed oxygen tanks and the fire alarm system functioning and residents receiving showers as scheduled.
14 Oct 2020
14 Oct 2020
Found unfounded complaints of power outage affecting oxygen tanks, residents not showering, and faulty fire alarm system following interviews and observations.
07 Jul 2020
07 Jul 2020
Confirmed that allegations regarding staff training and thermometer availability were unfounded.
23 Jun 2020
23 Jun 2020
Investigated allegations of untimely mail delivery and unlawful eviction, finding the mail delivery complaint to be false and without reasonable basis, while the eviction complaint lacked sufficient evidence to support the claim.
05 Jun 2020
05 Jun 2020
Investigated an allegation of sexual assault at a care facility; determined the claim could not be supported by available evidence.
22 Apr 2020
22 Apr 2020
Confirmed amendments to a previous visit report were discussed and reviewed during a tele visit case management session. The administrator had no concerns with the amended report.
12 Mar 2020
12 Mar 2020
Confirmed hot water temperatures and electrical outlets were within acceptable ranges during the inspection visit. No deficiencies were cited.
11 Mar 2020
11 Mar 2020
Identified deficiencies related to hot water temperatures, disassociated staff member, and safety hazards during a visit to the facility.
09 Mar 2020
09 Mar 2020
Confirmed deficiencies in maintenance and operation were observed during a visit to the facility, including issues with cleanliness and repairs.
24 Feb 2020
24 Feb 2020
Investigated an allegation of a resident being provided unprescribed drugs; determined to lack evidence, as the resident admitted to obtaining and using substances while outside on their own. No deficiencies cited.
29 Jan 2020
29 Jan 2020
Determined that the allegation of medications being changed without authorization was unfounded, with medications administered as ordered by the resident's primary care provider, and no health or safety hazards observed during a facility tour.
10 Jan 2020
10 Jan 2020
No deficiencies were cited during the visit, with residents observed engaged in various activities and staff interactions noted positively.
§ 87618(b)(3)
27 Dec 2019
27 Dec 2019
Interviews and observations conducted during the visit did not reveal any deficiencies. Residents were observed enjoying their lunch and interacting with staff members, with no issues identified during the tour.
26 Nov 2019
26 Nov 2019
Inspection did not identify any deficiencies during visit to address concerns in resident's room. Residents were observed socializing and engaging in activities during the inspection.
13 Nov 2019
13 Nov 2019
Found no deficiencies during visit regarding concerns with resident's bedroom.
28 Oct 2019
28 Oct 2019
Conducted a visit, provided consultation on fire safety, interviewed residents, and found no deficiencies.
04 Oct 2019
04 Oct 2019
Found evidence of financial abuse of a resident through unauthorized purchases and payments made using the resident's funds.