Somerford Place of Encinitas

It’s been on my mind to wright a review on Unilocal about Somerford. I really want to express how pleased I am with this retirement home. While on a family trip, my husband and I were visiting my aunt at Somerford about three weeks ago for the first time. The whole staff was very friendly and attentive. But, we like to say a special thanks to Kim the morning nurse that really went beyond and above to make sure all of my aunts needs were tended too. Not only was she amazingly efficient and helpful; she has such a warm and pleasant beside manner that makes my aunty very happy, which makes me very happy. Knowing that Kim is taking care of my aunt, I can rest assure with confidence that she is in good hands at Somerford.

I cannot believe the greatness going on at Somerford! I attended a lovely lunch on Mother’s Day with my mom on Sunday. Food was great, staff was all smiling and happy. Even though I know many gave up their day to be with their own families. I am so thankful I found a great place for my mom that truly cares and makes us feel like home when we visit. Thanks for the piece of mind!

Okay, so it doesn’t surprise me that I get to be the first review for this place since the demographic breakdown here leans young. But, I also can’t be the only person looking for reviews for this type of business, so here goes…
Ultimately, I needed somewhere for mom to go while I went to Puerto Rico this past summer. They were one of the only places that had a space for her with such short notice. Lynda (gone now) the contact person was really nice. She gave mom and I a tour of the facility and explained the respite process assuaging most of my anxiety.
Since then, mom now goes to day care a couple times a week and has an overnight stay every once in a while. Mom loves going here which is one of the primary reasons I still take her. I, on the other hand have been a bit disappointed with a few items that I have brought to the attention of the staff there. The breakdown follows.
Benefits:
1. They do both respite care and day care at this facility; which in my research is not the norm. This is a positive thing because the environment is more established — the clients, the employees, etc.
2. They offer extended hours before/​after the usual 9 – 4 that most day care facilities operate. This is useful for me when I go into the office and I don’t have to worry about leaving work at a specific time if I am caught up in something. Previously mom was at a day care that was open from 8 – 5 and it was a b*$% trying to get there by 5, and if it was raining, forget it.
3. Low turnover in staff. This is what I have been told and what I have seen since June.
4. Clean, safe and pleasant environment.
5. Actual art classes with watercolors, pastels, etc, not like art projects with coffee filters and pipe cleaners (is that what they are called, the fuzzy wire things?).
6. A permanent schedule is not required here. Other places require a commitment of specific days, a month at a time. I like being able to take mom to day care more or less depending on my schedule.
Disadvantages:
1. I don’t really feel like they cared about some of my requests. For months I had asked that they put an apron on mom while she was eating and it is something that is still not done consistently. Consequently, many of mom’s shirts are ruined and unwearable due to stains.
2. I had a significant concern about a medication error that occurred while she was having an overnight stay and it took weeks for the Director to contact me. I am not pointing a finger at anyone specifically, but there is an obvious breakdown in communication somewhere within if that was the turn around time for such a critical issue. Additionally, I was extremely disappointed with the level of attention given to the situation as well as the follow up.
3. The location blows for me. North county traffic is never fun.
4. I feel like they give them too much food. Mom has actually gained weight since going here. I was surprised with the pure volume of food provided and desserts like ice cream and/​or pie served on a daily basis. Side note: I know I sound really mean with this point but when you are older and in not such great shape, you really need to watch what you eat. I don’t even eat desserts on a daily basis. Maybe they figure people in a nursing home are on the way out so give them any pleasure possible. But, my mom is still fairly young and getting better so we still focus on a healthy lifestyle.
Mom is one of the younger people there — mentally, she runs circles around the other residents but physically she is probably one of the worst ones. Ideally, I would like to find another place to take mom that is geographically more convenient, with extended hours, and has a positive environment. But if you area reading this, then you might know how time consuming it is getting a loved one placed in a day care or facility. I am glad mom likes it here because it would kill me to drop her off in the morning knowing she was unhappy about it. All in all, what I have learned with elder care is even the best of the best, is not really the best. Paying for someone to provide care will always be a distant second to the care I provide for my mom.