Portola Gardens

    350 University St, San Francisco, CA, 94134
    4.0 · 23 reviews
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care

    Pricing

    Schedule a Tour

    Amenities

    4.00 · 23 reviews

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      4.0
    • Staff

      4.0
    • Meals

      3.8
    • Building

      4.2
    • Value

      3.8

    Location

    Map showing location of Portola Gardens

    About Portola Gardens

    Portola Gardens sits in a Colonial Revival building, and you'll notice the old architecture still standing strong even though the place has gone through a lot of modern renovations to make it more comfortable for seniors today, and the historical look gives the place some real character when you walk up. The community holds space for up to 74 residents, offering both private and shared rooms that feel a bit like home with space for personal touches, and you'll find sunrooms where folks like to sit and read or talk, plus walking paths and gardens out back for a peaceful stroll. Local staff make sure to create holiday luncheons, bake homemade cakes, and plan different celebrations, and there's a private dining room for special get-togethers while the updated main dining room looks out at green gardens that brighten up meal times. Residents can join activities like exercise classes, talks about current events, expressive arts, mindful group sessions, and different community gatherings, all aimed at helping people stay active, eat well, and connect with others, and there's always something planned for engagement, like ice cream socials and shared meals. The Sunflower Social Support & Mental Health Program offers structured support and therapeutic activities, and programs also serve residents with mental health diagnoses, including help for those who want to maintain sobriety. The care team pays close attention to health, safety, and daily needs-licensed nurses oversee care plans, medication gets managed, and staff check in often to keep up with changes, making sure residents get nursing support for things like hygiene, exercise, and nutrition, or help with bathing and dressing if needed, and there's a focus on independence so people can have a say in their care. Portola Gardens cares for people who want assisted living or memory care, and the memory care program provides a safe space for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, while there's also hospice and palliative care services for health transitions, and a special hospice unit with staff present day and night. The building is always maintained and the grounds kept tidy, with private backyard areas for residents, and housekeeping each week, plus all utilities covered except phones. Many caregivers are culturally diverse and speak several languages, and they've gone through training for best practices in Alzheimer's and dementia care. The staff takes a patient, personal approach, working with each person's needs, and there's "a la carte" pricing for care, so services fit what's actually needed. Portola Gardens is a state-licensed senior community, part of CiminoCare, and aims to let older adults live in comfort, with a strong community feeling, a focus on health and safety, and support from a long-standing, friendly team.

    People often ask...

    State of California Inspection Reports

    48

    Inspections

    8

    Type A Citations

    20

    Type B Citations

    5

    Years of reports

    18 Jul 2025
    Investigated the allegation that residents were not allowed visits and found it unsubstantiated.
    18 Jul 2025
    Identified the allegation that a resident was not accorded dignity in interactions with staff and other residents, and found this was supported by the evidence. Found no evidence that a resident was prevented from filing a complaint.
    • § 87468.1(a)(1)
    28 May 2025
    Investigated the allegation that staff did not provide a comfortable environment for residents; found the noise was temporary due to essential sprinkler maintenance, earplugs were provided to residents, and no harm or medical needs were reported. Found the allegation not supported by evidence.
    24 Apr 2025
    Found video evidence of inappropriate behavior by staff in a resident's room. Found gaps in hygiene care documentation, noting that no shower assistance was logged on the relevant dates, and identified labeling and reimbursement procedures to safeguard belongings, while regular cleaning kept the residence clean.
    • § 87468.1(a)(1)
    • § 87468(a)(4)
    24 Apr 2025
    Found that the allegation of injury from lack of supervision and failure to adjust care in December 2024 to prevent harm to others, despite incidents toward staff, had sufficient evidence. Found that the allegation of not conducting a reappraisal after significant changes in the resident's condition had sufficient evidence.
    • § 87468(a)(4)
    • § 87463(b)(1)
    28 Mar 2025
    Investigated allegation that a care partner made a sexual comment to a resident; the care partner, who had only been employed for two weeks, is no longer employed. Interviewed resident and administrator about the incident.
    • § 9058
    25 Feb 2025
    Verified a site with 30 apartments, private and shared rooms each with a sink; medications stored in a locked room, hot water between 105–118F, at least 16 bathrooms with grab bars and non-slip flooring, and food supply and first-aid kit inspected, with staff records and training reviewed. Noted deficiencies in regulatory compliance.
    07 Jan 2025
    Found 91 residents on site, within current capacity, with plans to convert second-floor bedrooms for ambulatory use and add more double occupancy. Fire clearance is planned for 1/8/2025, and rooms previously used as offices or storage would be converted back to resident use if clearance is approved; discussions about change of ownership are ongoing with residents notified, a follow-up visit will occur after documentation is received, and no deficiencies were cited.
    15 Jul 2024
    Reviewed records and found violations of California regulations during annual inspections conducted on April 16, 2024, and upon subsequent review.
    • § 1569.311
    • § 87307(c)
    • § 87608(a)(3)
    15 Jul 2024
    Identified an allegation of noncompliance with state regulations after reviewing client and staff records on 4/16/24 and today.
    • § 1569.311
    • § 87307(c)
    • § 87608(a)(3)
    16 Apr 2024
    Found that the site had 30 living units across three stories with shared and private rooms, each with a sink and vanity, alarms, and secure medication storage; regulatory deficiencies were identified and a deadline for submitting requested documents was set.
    • § 87555(b)
    16 Apr 2024
    Confirmed that the community included shared and private apartments with safety features, accessible common areas, and proper storage of medications and chemicals; found that fire safety measures, temperature controls, bathroom safety features, and supply inventories met standards, while also noting missing proof of insurance, property control, and organizational documentation.
    • § 87555(b)
    18 Jan 2024
    Found no evidence to support the allegation that staff slept during the NOC shift; interviews with three staff and five residents indicated no such sleeping occurred during shifts.
    18 Jan 2024
    Found no evidence that staff slept during their NOC shifts despite reports that two staff members may have done so during unpaid breaks.
    18 Jan 2024
    Found residents reported delays in call button responses at night, with staff interviews noting late or no responses. Records showing call button responses were unavailable, and a deficiency was identified that may result in civil penalties.
    • § 1569.312(a)
    18 Jan 2024
    Investigated concerns that staff failed to respond promptly to residents' call buttons or pendants at night, with residents confirming delays; facility was unable to provide records demonstrating timely responses, resulting in a citation for non-compliance.
    • § 1569.312(a)
    11 Dec 2023
    Identified abuse allegations dated 12/1/23 involving one resident and dated 12/6/23 involving others, with files reviewed and residents and staff interviewed. Reported a gastrointestinal outbreak on 12/8/23, with public health recommendations provided and a line list available; no deficiencies were observed.
    11 Dec 2023
    Reviewed reports of suspected abuse involving three clients, with follow-up investigations and interviews conducted; also identified a gastrointestinal outbreak reported to public health, with no deficiencies observed at this time.
    29 Sept 2023
    Investigated, found conflicting information about the allegation after interviews, document review, and observations. Unable to determine if the allegation occurred due to the conflicting information.
    29 Sept 2023
    Found that conflicting information prevented determining whether the allegation of resident mistreatment occurred, leaving the matter unsubstantiated.
    30 Aug 2023
    Confirmed that the facility was in good condition, residents received appropriate care, and staff followed safety and medication protocols during an unannounced visit.
    30 Aug 2023
    Found no deficiencies after an unannounced annual visit; observed proper safety measures, including indoor temperature, hot water at 110F, working carbon monoxide detectors, grab bars, non-skid floors, and kitchen hairnets. Reviewed five resident and five staff records; noted complete paperwork with required training, an on-site certified administrator, hospice care under waiver, and medications properly stored and accounted for.
    03 Apr 2023
    Investigated allegations that staff did not repair a resident's medical bed and improperly positioned a resident; found the bed was functioning properly after repairs, but the failure to fix it was confirmed, while staff provided pillows as requested during a medical incident.
    • § 87303(a)
    03 Apr 2023
    Investigated the bed repair allegation; found the bed's electrical outlet was not functioning, but the bed was later observed in good working order. Investigated the positioning allegation; interviews showed pillows were provided and staff assisted to position the resident upright, with no conclusive evidence the incident occurred.
    • § 87303(a)
    20 Dec 2022
    Investigated allegation that a resident with dementia eloped, left the room around 2:40 pm, was missing for about an hour, and returned at 4:00 pm with a paramedic; no injuries were noted. Found that basic services were being met for the resident during the incident.
    20 Dec 2022
    Reviewed an incident where a resident with dementia eloped from the facility, was missing for about an hour, and returned safely with no injuries, leading to the implementation of additional supervision.
    11 Oct 2022
    Reviewed, the investigation determined that the allegation of neglect and lack of supervision related to resident leaving unassisted and sustaining injuries was unfounded, as documentation and interviews indicated the resident left per doctor’s orders and received appropriate care afterward.
    11 Oct 2022
    Found that a resident's physician's report was not updated to document a change in condition, resulting in a deficiency.
    • § 87458
    11 Oct 2022
    Found that the allegation of neglect/lack of supervision—resident injured after leaving unassisted—was unfounded. Review of records showed a doctor’s order allowing the resident to leave unassisted, with no evidence of neglect or lack of supervision.
    11 Oct 2022
    Found that the facility did not maintain an current physician's report for Resident #1, as the existing report was outdated.
    • § 87458
    25 Mar 2022
    Reviewed staff records and confirmed that a staff member without current facility association but with fingerprint clearance was present, resulting in a civil penalty.
    • § 1569.17(b)
    25 Mar 2022
    Identified the allegation that a staff member was not associated with the site. Found the staff member remains unassociated despite fingerprint clearance, resulting in a civil penalty of $1,000.
    • § 1569.17(b)
    25 Mar 2022
    Found that staff provided adequate supervision and that the resident’s fall was unintentional, with staff assessing the situation appropriately; also determined that the resident’s death following the fall was consistent with an accidental injury, with no evidence of neglect or maltreatment.
    25 Mar 2022
    Found the allegation that staff did not provide adequate supervision unfounded, with at least two staff present to supervise residents in the lobby. Found the allegation that CPR was not started promptly after a fall unsubstantiated.
    03 Mar 2022
    Identified gaps during a complaint visit: the COVID isolation room was not labeled as such, the isolation cart with PPE was not set up outside the room, and handwashing signs were missing at each public sink. Reminded the administrator to follow protocols in the COVID Mitigation Plan.
    03 Mar 2022
    Identified deficiencies in COVID signage, PPE storage outside the isolation room, and handwashing reminders at public bathroom sinks, prompting a reminder to follow COVID protocols.
    03 Mar 2022
    Identified concerns when a non-ambulatory resident was admitted for 30 days of respite and required help with daily tasks, with medical documentation reviewed. Observed two exit doors with alarms—one loud and one low-volume—that ceased when closed, and noted staff did not need to respond to deactivate them; also reviewed another resident's file showing a move-out on 3/1/22.
    • §
    03 Mar 2022
    Determined that the resident's injuries from a fall were consistent with an accidental fall and not caused by assault, and found no evidence to support claims of neglect or restricted visitor access, with the allegations ultimately being unfounded.
    03 Mar 2022
    Reviewed the care and safety conditions following an incident report, including client admissions and alarm system functionality, and examined a separate client's departure from the facility.
    • §
    03 Mar 2022
    Determined the assault allegation unfounded, with injuries aligning with a mechanical fall. Found no indication visitors were barred, no neglect of incontinence care, and no extended soiling of diapers.
    15 Dec 2021
    Identified a resident who left on December 8, 2021 and remained missing, with conflicting information about a December 1, 2021 order restricting unsupervised departures and staff denying receipt of the order.
    • §
    • §
    15 Dec 2021
    Identified that a resident who left the facility was reportedly able to do so independently, despite a written order indicating they should not leave unsupervised, with staff unaware of the order. Noted a regulatory violation due to this discrepancy.
    • §
    • §
    25 Aug 2021
    Found four allegations unsubstantiated: an unwitnessed fall with injuries; staff left the resident in soiled diapers causing a bladder infection; phones were not answered; and the resident's wheelchair was in disrepair.
    25 Aug 2021
    Reviewed, the investigation found that the resident’s unwitnessed fall, possible soiled diaper and bladder infection, phone communication issues, and wheelchair condition did not meet criteria for violations.
    20 May 2021
    Found that the allegation of staff over-medicating a resident was unfounded after reviewing medication records, the physician's report, and the plan of care, and interviewing the resident and administrator, with medications administered as prescribed.
    20 May 2021
    Investigated the allegation of staff over-medicating a resident and reviewed medication records, interviews, and reports, ultimately determining the complaint was unfounded.
    17 Nov 2020
    Investigated whether a resident lacked a pull cord, found the resident did have a pull cord and a call necklace, and determined that although there may have been issues with the call system, there was not enough evidence to confirm a violation.
    17 Nov 2020
    Found insufficient evidence to prove the allegation that the resident did not have a pull cord. Video observation showed a pull cord behind the bed and a call pendant on the resident, with earlier call-system issues in October and an additional pendant obtained on the same day.

    Nearby Communities

    • Exterior view of Buena Vista Manor House, a three-story yellow and red building with multiple windows. The entrance is decorated with colorful tiles and flanked by two tall, trimmed bushes. A paved walkway with black metal railings leads through a well-maintained garden with green hedges, white flowers, and various plants under a clear blue sky.
      $5,100 – $7,600+4.3 (29)
      Semi-private
      assisted living, memory care

      Buena Vista Manor House

      399 Buena Vista Ave E, San Francisco, CA, 94117
    • Exterior view of a modern multi-story residential building with large windows, balconies, and a landscaped entrance featuring trees and shrubs. A silver car is parked near the entrance on a paved street.
      $7,900 – $17,000+4.9 (138)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom • 2 Bedroom
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Coterie Cathedral Hill

      1001 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94109
    • Exterior view of a multi-story residential building with large windows and a green awning entrance, surrounded by small trees and parked cars under a clear blue sky.
      $6,780 – $10,500+4.2 (47)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom • Semi-private
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill

      1550 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94109
    • Exterior view of a multi-story building with beige walls and multiple windows. The building has a large sign that reads 'SAGEBROOK SENIOR LIVING AT SAN FRANCISCO'. There are a few tall, narrow trees planted in front of the building under a clear blue sky.
      $4,500 – $7,000+4.5 (97)
      Semi-private • Studio
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Sagebrook Senior Living

      2750 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94118
    • Front exterior view of a two-story brick building with arched windows and decorative stone accents. The entrance has a set of brick stairs with white railings leading to double glass doors under an ornate stone archway. There are two tall lampposts on either side of the walkway and well-maintained landscaping with bushes and flowers in front of the building.
      $8,500 – $9,500+4.4 (65)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      The Ivy at Golden Gate

      1601 19th Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94122
    • Exterior view of a multi-story senior living facility named Peninsula Del Rey, featuring beige and gray walls, balconies, palm trees, parked cars, and a clear blue sky.
      $5,320 – $9,890+4.5 (27)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom • 2 Bedroom
      independent living, assisted living

      Peninsula Del Rey

      165 Pierce Street, Daly City, CA, 94015

    Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

    232 facilities$6,173/mo
    242 facilities$6,120/mo
    228 facilities$6,360/mo
    225 facilities$6,180/mo
    236 facilities$6,304/mo
    209 facilities$6,107/mo
    232 facilities$6,104/mo
    179 facilities$6,060/mo
    235 facilities$6,385/mo
    153 facilities$6,090/mo
    63 facilities$6,953/mo
    31 facilities$7,385/mo
    © 2025 Mirador Living