7046 Kester Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91405
120 beds • Est. 1999 (26 years) • Get directions
Gardens at Park Balboa has 17 state citations (10 serious, 7 minor) and 7 verified complaints across 32 inspections since 2021, with the most recent inspection in February 2026. The most serious verified finding involved a staff member grabbing and shoving a resident to the ground, causing the resident to strike their head and sustain a cut above the eye; emergency services and police responded to the facility. Inspectors also confirmed that call buttons were non-functional or absent in multiple rooms, a deficiency discovered after a resident fell and was unable to summon help using the wall-mounted device. A complaint about hot water availability documented a period without hot water following a water heater failure; the unit was replaced and temperatures were confirmed within the required range at follow-up. Complaints alleging staff theft of resident belongings and staff disrespect toward a resident were investigated and found unsubstantiated.
The Gardens at Park Balboa is a 120-bed assisted living and memory care community on a quiet residential street in Van Nuys, in the San Fernando Valley. Operating for over 26 years, the community takes a notably person-centered approach — it emphasizes adaptive, ongoing care that evolves with each resident's changing needs, and a Safe Haven HAPPINESS Program designed specifically for Alzheimer's and dementia residents.
The Gardens also offers respite care and a senior adult day program, making it one of the more comprehensive care options in the Valley.
26 years of putting residents first
Licensed since 1999 with a consistent philosophy of person-centered care. This isn't a community that reinvents itself every few years — they've had over two decades to refine their approach. Ask about long-tenured staff who embody that philosophy.
Adult day program for seniors not ready for placement
Few assisted living communities offer a day program. For families where a loved one isn't ready for full-time placement but would benefit from structured socialization and programming in a secure environment, this is a genuinely useful option.
Care plans that adapt to you, not the other way around
Their assessment process is designed to dig into the root of health concerns and create a personalized plan. They explicitly invite families with complex needs to explore options, rather than turning people away. Ask about specific examples of how they've adapted to unusual resident situations.
Dedicated dementia program with a real methodology
The Safe Haven HAPPINESS Program balances medical science with human interaction for Alzheimer's and dementia residents, delivered in a secure setting. This is a named, structured program — not generic memory care. Ask to observe a session during your tour.
Below-average safety record
The FYI Safety Score™ is 6.7 out of 10 (Below Average), based on state inspection data. With 10 serious citations and 7 substantiated complaints, this is a record that warrants direct conversation. Ask management which specific issues were flagged and what corrective steps they've taken.
Website feels more polished than informative
The online presence talks a lot about philosophy but provides limited specifics on staffing ratios, amenities, or programming details. You'll need to visit and ask direct questions to get a real sense of daily life.
Van Nuys location may be a tradeoff
The quiet residential street setting is a plus for ambiance, but Van Nuys in the central Valley means significant drive times from many parts of LA. Factor in visit logistics for regular family trips.
Pricing is estimated, please contact the facility to confirm.
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7046 Kester Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91405
Get directionsLicense data from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View full state record
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$3,400/mo
starting