My Grandmother stayed at Montebello Independent Li...

My Grandmother stayed at Montebello Independent Living for 2 1/2 yrs from 2013 - 2015. During this time, she also used the nursing and Assisted Living facilities. I am her primary caregiver, and handled most of her day-to-day affairs, including all of her business and special needs arrangements, and became closely involved with the people at Montebello.

I'd give it 4 1/2 stars, (but didn't see a 1/2 option.)

Pros:
- Good people who routinely make an extra effort for our needs.
- Price. The Independent Living apartments were priced below average for similar facilities.
- Apartment. Our Independent Living Apartment had a small enclosed patio with a small rock/dirt area. Maintenance installed a pet door so my grandmother was able to keep her small dog, who could come and go at will. I found no other facilities with this type of pet set-up. The rooms are well insulated for sound/heat/cold.
- Facilities. The dining room is very nice. The food was average but abundant and wine is served. There is a nice bar area adjacent to a library/reading room with free daily happy hour. There are several nice community areas. The Hair Salon was one of her favorites.
- Shuttle. Very good at taking her to various appointments on time. We usually met her at the appointments and brought her home. Personable friendly drivers.
- Physical Therapy. Terrific folks, Terrific facilities and equipment. In hindsight, I wished we had used them more.

Cons:
- Parking is sometimes an issue for visitors. They have too many reserved for residents, and not enough for visitors.
- Size. The place is so big, that my Grandmother usually didn't have the energy to take advantage of many of the facilities.
- Shuttle. Won't go to the west-side. (where we live)

Nursing - We had 3 stays in nursing, averaging 3 weeks each. Like every other nursing unit that I've seen, this Nursing unit seemed understaffed. If anyone finds one that's not, I'd like to hear about it.

Assisted Living - We spent a week here. Although the facilities seemed in need of a remodel, the staff was personable, responsive and very good in every way that I could gauge. Assisted living was priced slightly above average.

In a nutshell, my Grandmother and I have been very satisfied here. I recommend Montebello for Independent or Assisted Living.