I am truly grateful - the staff here are attentive, compassionate, hardworking and professional, and they gave my mother excellent, respectful care that improved her health, mood and safety. The community feels warm and active with good meals, activities, involved management and clear communication, which gave me real peace of mind. Some rooms are small and parts of the building are being renovated, but cleanliness, kindness and overall care are outstanding - I highly recommend this place.
Paradise Assisted Care sits along the Santa Cruz coastline, right at 2177 17th Ave, and you'll find 29 single-occupancy rooms here, which makes for a private and quiet place to live, and although it's called Paradise Assisted Care, it also goes by Paradise Villa for its assisted living services, which keeps things pretty close-knit for Santa Cruz residents. This senior community has different living options so folks get to pick between assisted living and memory care, and there's also options that support more independent seniors as well as those who may need higher levels of care, with all-inclusive private rooms for extra ease. The facility offers continuing care retirement features, memory care with secure areas, nursing home services, and a focus on helping residents feel at home, with a clean, bright, and airy setting that's welcoming for people with both physical and memory challenges.
Staff at Paradise Assisted Care aim for a strong emphasis on good, thorough care, personal connections, and a homelike atmosphere, and they're fully trained and friendly, helping with daily needs, watching for changes in health, and making sure everyone's treated with respect and kindness. The culinary staff and in-house chef prepare three meals a day in the main kitchen, always working to serve nutritious and flavorful food, and meals are served in neighborhood dining rooms to keep meal times relaxing, with snacks and treats made fresh daily for a little extra comfort. Seniors here have access to indoor common spaces for social gatherings, and activities are planned to help keep minds and bodies active, with programs for social, educational, and entertaining experiences that support staying sharp and making friends.
Memory care is set up with extra attention, including secure areas, expert dementia handling, individual care plans, and a team that knows how to support changing needs. For everyone, Paradise Assisted Care puts privacy first, letting residents participate in daily routines as much as possible to encourage independence while still having help close by. There are devotional services available offsite for those who want spiritual support, and transportation services can take residents to appointments or excursions, making things a bit easier.
Located near medical facilities, groceries, shopping, and the Santa Cruz outdoors, this community offers seniors a good mix of independence and support, keeping everything straightforward and focused on the basics-privacy, safety, dignity, and a welcoming environment where staff encourage residents to help themselves when they can. There's a good amount of personal care, a friendly and passionate atmosphere, and a clean setting designed for graceful aging in place, all while being close to the heart of Santa Cruz. Guests have left 4.3 stars out of six reviews, suggesting people find the place agreeable and well-run.
People often ask...
Paradise Assisted Care offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $3,800 per month.
Paradise Assisted Care offers assisted living and memory care.
There are 28 photos of Paradise Assisted Care on Mirador.
The full address for this community is 2177 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062.
Yes, Paradise Assisted Care 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
67
Inspections
17
Type A Citations
18
Type B Citations
6
Years of reports
08 Aug 2025
08 Aug 2025
Amended findings for a specific complaint from unfounded to unsubstantiated during a case-management visit.
§ 9058
11 Jul 2025
11 Jul 2025
Determined insufficient evidence to prove that meals were not warmed when requested; most staff and all residents said meals were warmed upon request. Found no evidence of retaliation toward residents; residents reported satisfactory care, and baths were provided according to schedule.
27 Mar 2025
27 Mar 2025
Found no deficiencies cited; a technical assistance notice was issued.
Reviewed five resident records, five staff records, and five medication-related records; safety devices were functional, drills were up to date, and administrator certificates were provided.
§ 9058
21 Mar 2025
21 Mar 2025
Found no deficiencies cited after an unannounced annual visit. Noted safe food storage with fridge at 31°F and freezer at 0°F, locked medication and cleaning supply areas, and a recent emergency drill; however, a sliding glass door in bedroom 11 would not open and is not an emergency exit.
10 Dec 2024
10 Dec 2024
Determined that, after reviewing calls for assistance, activities, dignity, medication administration, lift use, staffing, and hydration, there was no preponderance of evidence to prove or disprove the allegations. No deficiencies were cited.
28 Oct 2024
28 Oct 2024
Reviewed amended findings related to complaint 26-AS-20220404154530 and conducted additional interviews with the administrator.
18 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
Found that the allegation that residents were left in soiled diapers, not showered per schedule, and had unchanged clothes could not be supported by the available information, based on staff and resident interviews. Found that a qualified administrator was identified at this site, with a certificate valid during the period reviewed.
18 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
Identified that three staff did not have documented medication training before assisting with medications. Found no conclusive evidence that narcotics were mishandled or improperly stored, and that allegations of inappropriate resident interactions and lack of emergency preparedness training were not supported.
§ 87411(c)(3)
18 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
Investigated and reviewed records and interviews; medications were kept secure and not left in residents' rooms, a qualified administrator was in place, and staff training met requirements. Found the allegations to be unfounded.
18 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
Found insufficient evidence to conclude that a resident was left in soiled clothing without timely incontinence care, that the resident’s diapers were stolen, or that no recreational activities were provided.
18 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
Found the allegation that resident care needs were not met and residents were left in bed unattended not supported by information collected. Found that a qualified administrator was on site per records, and staff described and demonstrated regular checks on residents every two hours with prompt response to calls.
18 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
Found that the allegations of neglect (residents left in soiled clothing and unattended), rough handling by staff, delays in administering medications, and inadequate food service were not established by the evidence. Interviews and records showed residents were generally cared for, staff responded to call bells, medications were documented as given, and meals were provided.
03 Oct 2024
03 Oct 2024
Investigated allegations that staff handled a resident roughly, failed to provide prescribed medications with unlawful eviction, and barricaded a door. Interviews showed no evidence of door barricading; the medication/eviction claim involved a non-resident with no signed admission, and the rough-handling claim lacked supporting evidence.
03 Oct 2024
03 Oct 2024
Determined the allegation that a staff member handled a resident roughly could not be proven due to insufficient information from the staff member and the licensees’ lack of awareness of the incident.
03 Oct 2024
03 Oct 2024
Determined there was not a preponderance of evidence to prove or disprove the specific allegations: that staff did not administer medications as required, staff were not competent to meet the resident's needs, the home made false statements about the resident's care, and a refund was not provided after the resident's death.
16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
Investigated the allegation that staff caused bruises to a resident. Based on interviews and records, the claim could not be proven or disproven, leaving it unsubstantiated.
16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
Determined that the allegation that a 60-day rate-increase notice and a copy of the resident’s Admissions Agreement were not provided to the responsible party could not be proven, with records showing the original agreement and a needs/services plan. Reviewed statements and records, noting conflicting views about hospice needs, and concluded the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
Determined there was insufficient evidence to prove the mail interference allegation.
16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
Investigated multiple bruises on a resident, but could not prove that staff caused the injuries.
16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
Investigated an allegation regarding a resident not receiving a 60-day notice for a rate increase and not being given a modified admissions agreement. Determined there was insufficient evidence to confirm or deny the violation.
16 May 2024
16 May 2024
Found all allegations unfounded after interviews and record reviews, including urinary tract infection concerns, call-bell response times, in-room exercise requests, and wiping practices. No deficiencies cited.
16 May 2024
16 May 2024
Investigated allegations concerning resident care, including assistance with UTIs, response times to call buttons, exercising, and use of wipes. Found no evidence to support claims, determining them unfounded according to regulations.
22 Feb 2024
22 Feb 2024
Identified an allegation that a resident previously opened exit doors; observed exit doors could not open because a bolt next to the handle was unscrewed and a screw near a latch on a secondary fence blocked access, with two sheds in the backyard locked and not used.
22 Feb 2024
22 Feb 2024
Observed deficiencies in safety and maintenance, including locked doors and screens in disrepair. Identified issues with documentation for resident medical reports.
§ 87203
§ 87303(c)
§ 87458(a)
06 Jul 2023
06 Jul 2023
Found insufficient evidence to prove the allegation that a resident assaulted staff and left the premises during admission, and that admission paperwork and the care plan were not completed.
06 Jul 2023
06 Jul 2023
Found that on Friday, June 30, 2023, alarms sounded and seven residents evacuated after reports of a gas smell from the furnace; firefighters determined no fire, shut off the gas, and unplugged the furnace, residents reported the evacuation was well organized and their care was not affected, and no deficiencies were cited.
06 Jul 2023
06 Jul 2023
Confirmed incident involving fire alarms and smell of smoke was due to furnace issue, residents evacuated successfully with no impact on care. No deficiencies found during inspection.
06 Jul 2023
06 Jul 2023
Confirmed allegations of improper handling of a resident's admission process, which resulted in the resident leaving the facility. No deficiencies were cited during the visit.
23 Mar 2023
23 Mar 2023
Identified clean, well-maintained spaces with safety equipment and booster vaccinations confirmed for all residents and staff; two back patio emergency exit gates were obstructed by broken furniture and wood. Found one resident file missing a signed admissions agreement and six staff files lacking complete training information.
23 Mar 2023
23 Mar 2023
Identified deficiencies in the facility included obstructed emergency exits, incomplete staff training documentation, and missing signatures on some resident files. Residents and staff were found to be compliant with vaccination requirements.
§ 87307(d)
§ 1569.625
24 Aug 2022
24 Aug 2022
Determined that bathroom water temperatures were excessively hot, with readings up to 114.6°F in several rooms, confirming the allegation.
24 Aug 2022
24 Aug 2022
Confirmed allegations regarding water temperature issues in the rooms after conducting interviews with residents and measuring temperatures in multiple locations within the facility.
§ 87303(e)(2)
24 May 2022
24 May 2022
Found that a resident who burned a thigh with hot coffee did not receive timely medical attention after hospital discharge, despite orders to transfer to the burn unit promptly. The delay was linked to bed shortages and transportation problems, with staff noting wounds worsened and care was not documented formally.
§ 87465(a)(1)
24 May 2022
24 May 2022
Substantiated allegation of delayed medical attention for a resident with burn wounds.
10 Mar 2022
10 Mar 2022
Investigated and found that one resident was not conserved as previously believed; no conservatorship documentation could be located, and the person identified as power of attorney said the resident did not need permission to communicate with outsiders. This misperception prevented the resident from receiving services from an outside agency to which they were entitled.
§ 87405(h)(1)
§ 87468.1(a)(11)
10 Mar 2022
10 Mar 2022
Identified a blocked in-room restroom and a toilet with no water, plus grey particulate matter coating the bowl. Two residents reported bathroom access issues, with one unable to use their in-room toilet for over a month and another using the public restroom for a month due to a broken toilet.
10 Mar 2022
10 Mar 2022
Found that the allegation that visitors were denied entry was unsubstantiated. Interviews with 5 family members, 3 staff, and 5 residents showed no denial of visits; the only denial involved a visitor who arrived without notice and could not provide vaccination or negative-test proof, with an unidentified accompanying person who would not declare themselves or present proof.
10 Mar 2022
10 Mar 2022
Investigated an allegation of visitor denial without notice, but interviews with residents, staff, and family members indicated no evidence supporting the claim.
08 Mar 2022
08 Mar 2022
Identified safety, medical, and documentation deficiencies at this residence, including four of ten resident files missing signed pre-appraisals or needs and services plans, one missing a signed admissions agreement, one missing a physician’s report, and four of ten staff files lacking clearance letters. Noted a bedridden resident in room 2 not listed in fire safety documentation, no evacuation chairs at stairwells, a non-operational clothes dryer, med-room tweezers provided by staff only, water temperatures mostly 110–115 F with one at 90 F, and license approval dependent on CAB review and resolution of these issues.
08 Mar 2022
08 Mar 2022
Identified deficiencies in resident records: four of ten lacked a signed pre-appraisal or needs-and-services plan, one of ten lacked a signed admissions agreement, and one of ten lacked a signed physician's report. Noted a bedridden resident in room 2 not listed as permitted for bedridden use on fire-safety records; no evacuation chairs at stairwells; med room lacked a dedicated pair of tweezers (personal tweezers used by staff); and a drying machine non-operational with clothes and towels air-drying.
§ 87465
§ 87303(g)(1)
§ 87506
§ 87606
08 Mar 2022
08 Mar 2022
Inspection identified various discrepancies and areas needing improvement within the facility, including missing documentation, staff background check issues, resident room suitability for bedridden residents, and lack of necessary equipment.
08 Mar 2022
08 Mar 2022
Identified deficiencies in resident records, emergency evacuation procedures, and maintenance equipment during inspection.
§ 87468.1(a)(3)
04 Feb 2022
04 Feb 2022
Confirmed the applicant and administrator understood license types, client populations, program operations, and key policies (abuse, admissions, medication management, incident reporting, grievances) and reviewed the required documentation. Advised them to email or fax the signed LIC 809 with a copy of photo ID.
04 Feb 2022
04 Feb 2022
Confirmed understanding of regulations and procedures during inspection.
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Found that the allegation that a power of attorney did not request a resident admissions agreement and had never been denied documentation was unfounded.
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Investigated allegation that medications went missing; interviews with staff and residents showed no awareness of missing medications, and destruction records for three residents were complete. Found insufficient evidence to prove that medications went missing.
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Found chairs with feces on the patio, a frayed sliding screen door, and staffing shortages affecting resident care. Noted that residents and family members reported no missing belongings, and rate-change notices sometimes lacked written reasons.
§ 87411(a)
§ 87505(f)
§ 87303(c)
§ 87303(a)
§ 87464(f)(4)
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Found evidence supporting the allegation that residents were left in soiled clothing or sheets and that staff did not respond promptly. Found no evidence to support the allegation that a bed obstructed the emergency exit.
§ 87303(i)(1)
§ 87464(f)(4)
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Identified the allegation that residents' needs were not consistently met due to understaffing, including days with only one caregiver on the evening and night shifts. Found the allegation that medications were passed without proper training, and training records did not show attendance or completion.
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Investigated allegations of resident mistreatment and unmet needs, including reports of staff disrespect and a resident with special showering needs receiving too few showers. Found lapses in medication administration, a missing PRN supply, and food not always matching the planned menu, with COVID-19 cases noted among staff and residents.
§ 87468.1(a)(3)
§ 87465(c)(2)
§ 87465(c)(3)
§ 87211(a)(2)
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Found mismanagement of residents' medications, including incomplete medication administration records and an empty supply of a prescribed medication without a resupply order; no discontinuation of orders was noted. Investigation identified these issues through record review and a cabinet audit.
§ 87465(c)(2)
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Identified concerns that staff were not promptly responding to residents' needs due to understaffing, with long wait times for assistance and limited personal care.
Record reviews showed evening and night shifts sometimes had only one caregiver, and notes documented a resident being repeatedly found in soiled sheets and clothing, with ongoing monitoring and outside agency involvement for care.
§ 87411(a)
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Determined that the eviction and reimbursement allegations were unsupported.
12 Nov 2021
12 Nov 2021
Investigated mismanagement of residents' medication, confirmed missing administration records and empty medication supplies without resupply orders.
29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021
Investigated allegations of lack of care and supervision leading to unwitnessed falls, falsified records, and failure to report serious incidents. Found a mismatched signature on the resident’s needs and services plan and a fall on 11/06/2019 that was not reported; medication administration and staff training were generally appropriate.
§ 87211(a)(1)
§ 87705(c)(5)
§ 87207
29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021
Confirmed lack of care for a resident who fell multiple times and sustained injuries. Unfounded allegations of falsifying records and not reporting incidents.
§ 87411(a)
§ 87411(d)(4)
27 May 2021
27 May 2021
Found that staff wore masks and visitors were screened at entry; PPE was adequate, restrooms were stocked, and bathrooms did not have foot-pedal trash cans.
14 Jun 2021
14 Jun 2021
Found no deficiencies after an unannounced case management visit. Observed residents in the dining room and bedrooms, staff assisting, and the shift supervisor noting no staff guests while everyone followed COVID-19 guidelines; all staff present were fingerprint cleared.
14 Jun 2021
14 Jun 2021
Confirmed no violations found during the inspection, resulting in facility being released from Legal/Non-compliance plan.
04 Jun 2021
04 Jun 2021
Found the allegation that a heavy object was thrown at a resident unfounded after interviews and medical records showed no injuries and no verifiable incident.
04 Jun 2021
04 Jun 2021
Investigated an allegation of a resident having a heavy object thrown at them; found the claim to be unfounded due to lack of evidence and corroborating testimonies.
27 May 2021
27 May 2021
Found that the allegation that refunds were not prorated when residents left temporarily and that holding-rate charges were applied was unfounded.
27 May 2021
27 May 2021
Determined that the allegation regarding improper refund practices was unfounded, as the refund policy was correctly applied according to the admission agreement, and a partial refund was appropriately issued upon a resident's passing.
09 Sept 2020
09 Sept 2020
Found insufficient evidence to prove the allegation of violence between two residents; interviews and records indicated the involved resident did not have a history of violent behavior.
09 Sept 2020
09 Sept 2020
Determined that the allegation of insufficient supervision during an altercation between two residents was unsubstantiated, as there was not enough evidence to prove it occurred or did not occur. Interviews and records indicated no prior aggressive behavior from either resident, and staff responded promptly to the incident.
27 May 2020
27 May 2020
Investigated a resident's unclear cause of death, with the administrator unable to provide further details as the colleague who prepared the report was on leave; no deficiencies identified but an advisory note issued.
20 Dec 2019
20 Dec 2019
Found no evidence of staff mistreatment towards residents based on interviews and medical records review.
