I live at Downey Retirement Center and appreciate the caring, professional staff, clean well-kept facility, spacious rooms and homey, safe atmosphere. There are plenty of activities, good meals, responsive caregivers and a convenient location-I'd definitely recommend it.
Current/former resident
Aug 2026
Pricing
Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.
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Amenities
Healthcare services
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Healthcare staffing
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Meals and dining
Diabetes diet
Meal preparation and service
Restaurant-style dining
Special dietary restrictions
Room
Air-conditioning
Cable
Fully furnished
Housekeeping and linen services
Kitchenettes
Private bathrooms
Telephone
Wifi
Memory care community services
Mild cognitive impairment
Specialized memory care programming
Transportation
Community operated transportation
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
Common areas
Beauty salon
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Gaming room
Garden
Outdoor space
Small library
Wellness center
Community services
Concierge services
Fitness programs
Move-in coordination
Activities
Community-sponsored activities
Planned day trips
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Reviews
3.50·(60)
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
Care
3.2
Staff
3.7
Meals
3.1
Amenities
3.4
Value
4.3
Pros
Friendly, compassionate staff
Personalized attention and proactive communication
24-hour secured dementia care (Oasis unit)
Engaging activities, outings, and holiday entertainment
Apartment-style rooms with private bathrooms
Convenient location near hospital and medical services
Clean and well-maintained areas in many units
Respite and short-stay availability
Welcoming, family-like atmosphere
Accessible features (easy-to-open doors, patios, lounges)
Reasonable pricing/affordable options
Cons
Inconsistent clinical care and wound-management practices
Variable staff responsiveness and family communication
Insufficient staffing levels in skilled and memory-care shifts
Sanitation and odor concerns in some common areas
Inconsistent food quality and dietary presentation
Dated interiors and uneven maintenance/renovation progress
Personal belongings management and laundry process gaps
Privacy and dignity gaps during personal care
Inconsistent admissions/tour transparency and customer service
Activity engagement and dining experience variability by unit
Allegations of theft and limited incident transparency
Summary of reviews
Downey Retirement Center elicits strongly mixed impressions. Many families and residents highlight a warm, family-like culture characterized by friendly, compassionate staff, personalized attention, and proactive communication. The facility's secured Oasis memory-care unit and availability of short/respite stays are clear programmatic strengths, and reviewers commonly note accessible apartment-style rooms, an active calendar of outings and holiday entertainment, and a convenient location near local medical services.
Clinical and care-quality experiences appear variable. Positive accounts describe attentive caregivers, clear care plans, and smooth transitions into the community; other accounts raise concerns about inconsistent clinical follow-through—particularly around wound care and skilled-nursing coverage—and about variation in how responsive staff are during afternoon and overnight shifts. The consensus view is that dementia expertise exists on-site, but staffing levels and skill mix may be insufficient at times to meet higher-acuity needs reliably.
Staff interactions are often cited as a major strength: many reviews praise staff who are personable, caring, and engaged in residents' lives. At the same time, there are recurring comments about gaps in communication, unanswered messages, and variability in customer-service during admissions and tours. A small number of serious claims (including alleged theft and questions about incident transparency) indicate that prospective families should review the facility's incident-reporting, security, and belongings-policing practices during a visit.
Dining and activities present a mixed picture. The community offers a lively schedule of activities, entertainment, and community meals that many residents enjoy; however, reviewers also describe inconsistent food quality, issues with dietary presentation, and sensory or odor concerns in some dining or common areas. Activity engagement appears strong in some parts of the campus but less robust in others, particularly where space is crowded or the dining area is not inviting.
Physical plant and housekeeping are similarly uneven. Several areas and rooms are described as clean, recently renovated, and well kept, while other spaces are characterized as dated, plain, or in need of refurbishment. Sanitation and odor concerns are mentioned for particular common areas and floors, and there are reports of laundry mix-ups and missing personal items that point to operational gaps in belongings management.
Management and operational patterns to note: admissions and tour experiences vary widely—some families report thorough, informative tours and honest desk staff, whereas others report poor customer service or withheld information. Communication and transparency around incidents, clinical concerns, and personal-property handling are areas where policy review and direct questioning are recommended. Prospective residents and families should observe staff-to-resident interactions during a visit, ask for staffing ratios by shift, review the facility's incident-reporting and belongings policies, tour the memory-care unit during activity time, and inquire about recent renovations and pest-control/cleanliness protocols. Overall, Downey Retirement Center offers clear strengths in social engagement and compassionate caregiving in many areas, but operational inconsistencies suggest careful, targeted due diligence before placement.
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Location
Downey Retirement Center is located at 11500 Dolan Ave, Downey, CA, 90241.
About Downey Retirement Center
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 32 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.
No, Downey Retirement Center does not offer 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.
Safety & Compliance
In California, the Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing Division licenses residential care facilities for the elderly, conducting inspections and investigating complaints.
Investigated a complaint alleging unlawful eviction and failure to safeguard a resident's belongings. There was insufficient evidence to prove the alleged violations.
06 Feb 2026Inspection
06 Feb 2026Inspection
Identified deficiencies related to medication labeling and medication recordkeeping. Specifically, missing discontinue orders and incomplete eMAR entries were noted.
Type A87465(h)(3)
Type A87465(a)(4)
Type B87465(h)(6)(A-E)
06 Jan 2026Complaint
06 Jan 2026Complaint
Investigated the allegation that staff did not safeguard a resident's personal belongings and found insufficent evidence to prove the alleged violation.
28 Aug 2025Inspection
28 Aug 2025Inspection
Identified deficiencies included missing medication orders/labels for several residents and missing yearly reappraisals for several residents.
Type A87465(e)
Type B87463(i)
12 Aug 2025Inspection
12 Aug 2025Inspection
Identified a deficiency where staff training hours per subject were not documented. This deficiency was categorized as a Type B deficiency.
Type B87412(c)(2)(D)
12 Aug 2025Complaint
12 Aug 2025Complaint
Investigated complaints found ongoing insect infestation despite pest control efforts. Staff training did not meet required initial and annual training requirements.
Type B87303(a)(a)
Type B87411(c)(c)
09 Aug 2025Complaint
09 Aug 2025Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff smoked marijuana near residents with oxygen tanks, spoke inappropriately in front of residents, denied milk, and denied food to residents. Interviews with staff and residents and a kitchen tour were conducted to gather information.
20 Jul 2025Complaint
20 Jul 2025Complaint
Investigated pest problems and staff training. Findings showed ongoing insect infestation in multiple rooms and missing annual caregiver training hours.
Type B87303(a)(a)
Type B87411(c)(c)
Type B87411(c)(2)(D)(c)
28 Jun 2025Complaint
28 Jun 2025Complaint
Investigated two allegations: staff did not assist a resident promptly and a resident fell due to staff neglect. Investigators interviewed staff and residents and reviewed facility records.
Type A87468.2(a)(4)
28 Jun 2025Complaint
28 Jun 2025Complaint
Identified a roach infestation and gaps in pest control, and found deficiencies in staff training documentation.
Type A87555(b)(27)(b)
Type A87303(a)(a)
Type B87411(c)(c)
Type B87412(c)(2)(D)(c)
28 Jun 2025Complaint
28 Jun 2025Complaint
Investigated claims that residents smoked near a rear exit and affected air quality, that residents mistreated another resident, and that staff failed to meet a resident's needs. Interviews and records did not provide enough evidence to confirm the allegations.
05 Jun 2025Complaint
05 Jun 2025Complaint
Investigated the allegation that unqualified staff provide care to residents. Investigated the allegation that staff do not respond to call pendants promptly; findings showed insufficient evidence to confirm the allegations.
05 Jun 2025Complaint
05 Jun 2025Complaint
Investigated the allegation that water temperature was not regulated at the required level; measured temperatures on multiple fixtures, finding the kitchen at 120.7 degrees F with a warning sign, and other tested restrooms within the required range.
07 Apr 2025Complaint
07 Apr 2025Complaint
Investigated the allegation that a resident sustained an unexplained fracture and found no evidence to corroborate neglect or lack of care and supervision.
07 Apr 2025Complaint
07 Apr 2025Complaint
Investigated the allegation that staff did not address smoking on the premises; found no evidence to support the claim, and staff and residents reported enforcement of designated smoking areas.
27 Jan 2025Inspection
27 Jan 2025Inspection
Identified a resident oxygen tank in a room without a 'No Smoking-Oxygen in Use' sign posted outside the door, creating a safety risk.
Type A87618(b)(3)(B)
24 Jan 2025Complaint
24 Jan 2025Complaint
Investigated concerns about medication timing, timely medical attention, resident activities, facility condition, cleanliness, and odors; findings did not establish violations.
25 Jul 2024Inspection
25 Jul 2024Inspection
Found no deficiencies and confirmed required safety and care measures were in place.
20 Jun 2024Complaint
20 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff did not provide a comfortable and safe environment, that there was a malodorous smell, that staff did not assist residents promptly, that residents were not treated with dignity and respect, and that the facility was not kept clean. The inquiry documented interviews with staff and residents and observed areas of the premises.
31 May 2024Inspection
31 May 2024Inspection
Identified that a resident was left unattended during a shower, causing an unwitnessed fall and a head laceration treated at the hospital.
Type A87468.2(a)(4)
09 Apr 2024Complaint
09 Apr 2024Complaint
Investigated allegations of smoking, drug use, inappropriate comments and sexual behaviors, resident-to-resident violence, and persistent odors.
16 Jan 2024Complaint
16 Jan 2024Complaint
Investigated the allegation that staff did not provide medical attention to a resident’s pressure sore. Evidence including interviews and documentation showed medical care was provided and the claim was not supported by the record.
05 Oct 2023Complaint
05 Oct 2023Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff did not seek timely medical attention, slept on duty, and yelled at a resident. Interviews and video review were conducted.
07 Sept 2023Complaint
07 Sept 2023Complaint
Identified that a resident sustained injuries and was found in feces due to inadequate care and supervision by staff during a period of staffing shortages.
Type A87466
Type A87101(c)(3)(A)
05 Sept 2023Inspection
05 Sept 2023Inspection
Observed no deficiencies and found infection control and operations compliant.
07 Jul 2023Inspection
07 Jul 2023Inspection
Identified expired food items and improper storage in the kitchen, posing potential health risks.
Type B87555(a)
07 Jul 2023Complaint
07 Jul 2023Complaint
Investigated a complaint alleging staff misplaced a resident’s medication and reviewed related concerns including falls, dietary needs, and phone systems.
Type A87465(h)(2)
06 Jul 2023Complaint
06 Jul 2023Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff spoke inappropriately to residents and failed to respond promptly to call buttons. Found insufficient evidence to prove the allegations.
29 Jun 2023Complaint
29 Jun 2023Complaint
Investigated complaints about staff not meeting residents' needs, incontinence care, food service, and staff demeanor; interviews indicated residents' needs were met, incontinence was managed, food was adequate, and staff were not rude.
30 May 2023Complaint
30 May 2023Complaint
Investigated an allegation that staff handled a resident in a rough manner. Interviews showed some residents reported rough handling and staff denied it.
25 Apr 2023Complaint
25 Apr 2023Complaint
Investigated an allegation that staff handled a resident in a rough manner; most staff denied it but some residents reported rough handling.
Type B87468.1(a)(2)
30 Mar 2023Complaint
30 Mar 2023Complaint
Investigated a claim that inadequate supervision caused multiple resident falls and that urine was not cleaned; found no conclusive evidence to support the allegations.
07 Feb 2023Complaint
07 Feb 2023Complaint
Investigated two allegations about staff behavior and grooming assistance; concluded the incidents were unsubstantiated.
19 Jan 2023Complaint
19 Jan 2023Complaint
Investigated the allegation that a resident sustained injuries while in care. Staff stated the resident fell and hit her eyebrow bone on a wheelchair in the dining room; first aid was applied and 911 was called.
14 Dec 2022Complaint
14 Dec 2022Complaint
Investigated two allegations: staff did not address resident's medical condition and staff did not answer call buttons at night. Found both allegations unsubstantiated.
21 Oct 2022Complaint
21 Oct 2022Complaint
Investigated an allegation that Covid-19 safety protocols were not followed and that residents did not receive all meals; observed masks in use and isolation practices during the visit.
08 Sept 2022Complaint
08 Sept 2022Complaint
Investigated allegations that a resident was unkempt, ridiculed by staff, and hit by an unknown person; found no preponderance of evidence to prove or disprove these claims.
31 Aug 2022Complaint
31 Aug 2022Complaint
Investigated an allegation that a resident did not receive prescribed medications for several days because refill authorization could not be obtained from the doctor and conservator. Staff attempted contact on multiple dates but did not receive a response.
31 Aug 2022Inspection
31 Aug 2022Inspection
Found adequate staffing and safe environmental conditions. No deficiencies were identified.
17 May 2022Complaint
17 May 2022Complaint
Investigated the allegation that cleaning was not done properly. Observations and interviews indicated that daily and weekly cleaning occurred and residents reported satisfaction.
05 Apr 2022Complaint
05 Apr 2022Complaint
Investigated the allegation that staff fingerprints were not associated with this site. Found that one staff member's fingerprints were never linked to the site and a transfer was requested after hire.
Type A87411(g)(2)
13 Dec 2021Complaint
13 Dec 2021Complaint
Investigated a resident not receiving prescribed medications for several days due to refill authorization delays and whether staff notified the resident's responsible party about a change in condition.
Type A87465(a)(5)
Type A87465(e)
30 Aug 2021Inspection
30 Aug 2021Inspection
Observed compliance with safety and care standards; no deficiencies were observed.
18 Aug 2021Complaint
18 Aug 2021Complaint
Investigated a complaint alleging a broken water pump and no hot water; found the pump broke on 08/04/21, replacement was ordered 08/11/21, arrived 08/16/21, and repair was completed the same day, leaving residents without hot water on the second floor until then.
Type B87303(a)
Type B87303(e)(2)
04 Mar 2020Complaint
04 Mar 2020Complaint
Investigated allegations of forced medication administration and stolen clothing, but found insufficient evidence to support either claim.
21 Feb 2020Complaint
21 Feb 2020Complaint
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 2020Complaint
12 Feb 2020Complaint
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 2020Inspection
15 Jan 2020Inspection
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 2020Complaint
13 Jan 2020Complaint
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 2019Complaint
23 Oct 2019Complaint
Found that staff at the facility locked a door on weekends for security reasons, but residents can still access the building through other entrances.
Type A87411(g)(2)
02 Oct 2019Complaint
02 Oct 2019Complaint
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.
Type B87303(a)
Type B87303(e)(2)
Disclaimer
Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Downey Retirement Center. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Downey Retirement Center directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.
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