12055 S. Lakewood Blvd.
Downey, CA 90242
150 beds • Est. 2006 (19 years) • Accepts Medi-Cal (ALW) • Get directions
Lakewood Gardens has 7 state citations (4 serious, 3 minor) and 5 verified complaints since 2021 across 21 inspections. Scabies management has been a recurring subject of complaints, with allegations filed in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2026. Investigators confirmed no facility-wide outbreak in 2023 or 2024 following precautionary treatment of all residents and staff, and the February 2026 complaint was found unsubstantiated, though a resident was diagnosed with scabies following a hospital visit in late 2025. A 2025 investigation involved a resident who was hospitalized after a tricyclic compound was detected in a urine test following medication administration; the resident's family reported the resident did not take tricyclic medications. Other complaints investigated in the record, including allegations of physical assault of a resident, presence of bed bugs, unexplained fractures, and staff denying a resident re-entry after hospitalization, were investigated and found unsubstantiated.
Lakewood Gardens is a 150-bed memory care community in Downey specializing exclusively in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Unlike most assisted living facilities that offer memory care as an add-on, Lakewood Gardens is purpose-built for it — the entire operation is structured around dementia residents.
The community features a secured environment with a Wander Alert System and delayed egress protection, themed hallways designed for cognitive engagement, and a structured activity program specifically for residents with memory impairment. It accepts Medi-Cal through the ALW program and serves families across Downey, Lakewood, Norwalk, Whittier, and surrounding cities.
Memory care is the entire focus, not a wing
This isn't an assisted living facility with a memory care unit tacked on. The entire 150-bed community is designed for Alzheimer's and dementia care. Staff, programming, and physical design are all oriented around cognitive impairment. That specialization matters.
Purpose-built security for wandering prevention
The Wander Alert System with delayed egress protection is designed specifically for dementia residents who may try to leave. Private bathrooms have walk-in showers with safety bars. These aren't retrofits — they're the baseline design.
Accepts Medi-Cal through the ALW program
Participates in the Assisted Living Waiver, which can significantly offset costs for eligible residents. For families navigating dementia care on a budget, this opens doors that many memory care communities keep shut.
19 years of continuous operation
Licensed since 2006, Lakewood Gardens has nearly two decades of experience with dementia residents. Ask about long-tenured staff and established care routines — consistency matters enormously for people with memory impairment.
Website is dated and light on detail
The facility's online presence doesn't give you much to go on. You'll need to call or visit to understand their current programming, staffing ratios, and daily routines. Don't let the sparse website be the deciding factor — call and ask direct questions.
150 beds focused solely on memory care is a large operation
At this scale with an all-dementia population, the environment can feel intense. Visit at different times of day to see how the common areas function and whether the staff-to-resident ratio feels adequate during busy periods.
Pricing is estimated, please contact the facility to confirm.
12055 S. Lakewood Blvd., Downey, CA 90242
Get directionsLicense data from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View full state record
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