The Del Monte Assisted Residential Care sits in Pacific Grove, CA, right near the bus line, so family visits are easier and residents can get around with transportation services or use their own parking spot if they've got a car, plus staff can drive residents to appointments or outings when needed, sometimes for a fee, sometimes for free. The place feels more like a cozy home, with houses that hold up to ten residents each, so it's nothing big or fancy, but it's got a bed and breakfast atmosphere and staff that try to treat people like family.
Meals come with different choices, even vegetarian and diabetic diets, and the kitchen staff show respect by learning what each person likes to eat. You'll see both indoor and outdoor common areas, walking paths, a garden, and even spots where folks can smoke outside if they want to. There's always a bit of activity going on-some staff run group activities or devotional services right there, and residents can join others heading to offsite events or worship.
People live at Del Monte for all kinds of reasons: some just need help showering, getting dressed, or managing their medicine, while others deal with more serious health problems like incontinence, trouble walking, diabetes, dementia, or Alzheimer's. The care covers a range of needs: assisted living, memory care, transitional Traverse memory care for those between stages, hospice to help with pain and dignity at the end of life, and respite stays when families need short-term help.
Some folks keep their independence with reminders for little things, while others need help transferring in and out of bed with lifts, and for people who wander, the secured memory care building keeps them safe. The site has things like wheelchair-accessible showers, tubs, emergency alert systems, and staffed oversight twenty-four hours a day. Rooms come furnished, and the housekeeping team takes care of cleaning and laundry, so residents don't have to worry about chores.
There's an onsite salon and regular beautician visits, plus an arts room and a dining room for gathering at meals or events. Both community-planned and resident-run activities are common, giving everyone something to do and someone to chat with most days. The staff, available 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, coordinate move-ins and work with families to make each person as comfortable as possible-always checking on the finer details like medication management or care plans for things like memory loss or chronic illness, adjusting as people's needs change with aging.
Management has changed over time, and people say that's brought better care, but it's always smart to check the California Department of Social Services and read recent reviews if you want to get a full picture. Some folks mention the good food and calm atmosphere, and while not everyone will have the same experience, the place aims for a positive, relaxed, and home-like feel, focusing on treating every resident with care, keeping them safe, and giving families peace of mind as their loved ones age in place, whether their needs are simple or complex.
