11500 Dolan Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
252 beds • Est. 2016 (9 years) • Accepts Medi-Cal (ALW) • Get directions
Downey Retirement Center has accumulated 25 state citations and 9 verified complaints since 2021 across 51 inspections. Among the most serious substantiated findings, a 2023 investigation determined that caregivers neglected a resident with dementia who had sustained abrasions, bruises, and wounds: investigators found staff were unaware of the severity of the injuries, could not produce care logs or a plan of care, and noted staffing shortages as a contributing factor at the time. In 2022, a staff member left a controlled pain medication (Norco) unsecured on a filing cabinet overnight rather than storing it per policy, resulting in a cited violation and an employee warning. A 2021 complaint confirmed the second floor lacked running hot water after a water pump failure until repairs were completed. The most recent verified finding, from mid-2025, confirmed a pest infestation: all 10 residents interviewed corroborated the complaint, and Orkin service records documented massive German roaches in kitchen areas.
Downey Retirement Center is a 252-bed assisted living community conveniently located near PIH Health Hospital-Downey and the Stonewood Shopping Center. The facility offers independent living, assisted living, and a dedicated secured dementia care unit called the Oasis.
Programming is more robust than the straightforward website suggests — the activity calendar includes music and rhythm classes, adult education, arts and crafts, live entertainment, happy hours, theater nights, pet therapy, and therapy gardens. The community has been operating for 9 years and accepts Medi-Cal through the ALW program.
Accepts Medi-Cal through the ALW program
Participates in the Assisted Living Waiver, which can meaningfully offset costs for eligible residents. For a 252-bed community offering multiple care levels including dementia care, ALW participation makes this more financially accessible than many alternatives.
Dedicated dementia unit with its own identity
The Oasis is a fully staffed, secured 24-hour dementia care unit — not just a locked hallway. Having a named, separate unit suggests dedicated staffing and programming for memory care residents. Ask to tour the Oasis specifically and observe its daily routines.
Diverse activity programming
Music and rhythm classes, adult education, arts and crafts, live entertainment including singing and dancing, happy hours, theater nights, pet therapy, therapy gardens, and cognitive therapy. The breadth suggests genuine investment in resident engagement. Verify the actual weekly schedule when you visit.
Hospital proximity and respite care option
Located near PIH Health Hospital-Downey for medical emergencies. Also offers respite care for families who need short-term placement while traveling or during recovery periods. Both are practical features that add flexibility.
Below-average safety record
The FYI Safety Score™ is 3.1 out of 10 (Poor), based on state inspection data. With 11 serious citations, 9 substantiated complaints, and 81 total allegations, this is a record that requires serious scrutiny. Ask management directly about their inspection history and what concrete steps they've taken to address systemic issues.
252 beds is a very large facility
At this scale, the community operates more like a large institutional setting than a home-like environment. Common areas will be busy, dining rooms crowded, and personal attention naturally more diluted. Visit at meal times and evenings to observe the reality.
Website is minimal and dated
The online presence gives you very little to evaluate. Floor plans, staff bios, daily schedules, and pricing are all absent from the website. You'll need to visit in person and ask specific questions to form a meaningful impression.
Pricing is estimated, please contact the facility to confirm.
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11500 Dolan Avenue, Downey, CA 90241
Get directionsLicense data from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View full state record
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$3,750/mo
starting