The Magnolia of Millbrae - Millbrae, California

Chuck W.

My mom lived at the Magnolia for about 13 years and it was a great experience. My mom really enjoyed it for her entire time, and didn't have any real complaints about any aspect of it. The quality of the facility was very high -- they keep it in great shape and it's a very pleasant place to be. The food is good -- and that's really important in a retirement facility. And most important by far, is the care of the residents from the staff and the executive team. From the top to the bottom of the organization, everyone at the Magnolia really cares about the residents. The care my mom received was consistently very good -- and at any time I could reach out to the Executive Director and other senior level folks and they were very responsive. I highly recommend the Magnolia to people ready to make a move to a retirement community, and their families who care about them.

Terry S.

My sister just moved into The Magnolia of Millbrae and I am totally impressed with every aspect of the facility. What really stands out is the quality, kindness, and professionalism of the staff. It is such a relief for me to see that a member of my family is getting the care they need at such a high level, and in such a beautiful facility. Everything at The Magnolia is so well thought out and perfectly executed. I know that it takes quite a lot of planning, organization, and dedication to provide an independent and assisted living community that is first class in every way. The apartments are well designed and well appointed, and the common areas are akin to what you would find in a luxury hotel. The food is absolutely incredible in the quality, variety, and healthy nature of the each entree, and the dining room staff is second to none. The Magnolia always feels like home, and there is always a friendly face, a helping hand and a caring heart from every staff member, who has the needs of the residents as their top priority. Thanks to everyone at The Magnolia for taking such great care of my sister and giving her such a wonderful new home.

Linda G.

I am not one to write reviews but feel that The Magnolia deserves one.

As our parents age, we as children want the best for our parents and that is what The Magnolia of Millbrae is. Whether your parent(s) are completely independent in daily life or if they require a little help with activities of daily living to a lot of assistance… The Magnolia of Millbrae is a perfect place for them. Each resident has their own apartment and can be as independent as they would like to be. They a can participate in multiple activities during the day such as games, TED talks, outings for lunch or shopping, wine tastings, music, movie, etc. The residents are served their meals in a lovely dining room with a wide variety of meal choices. The Magnolia also provides transportation to medical and dental appointments which is important when your parent no longer drives.

Both my mother and father-in-law never wanted to or planned to leave their own homes. But within the last year, each unfortunately had a fall in their home and fractured a hip. Although you can have part time to full time help at home… we found that the home care staff changes frequently, is expensive, and intermittent at times. Your parent also becomes isolated in the home. It became apparent to my husband and m that both parents needed to have a safe place to live where they had their own things, furniture, and pictures and could be as independent as possible where there was staff available to help 24 hours a day … just in case something was needed. Now, both parents have their own apartments at The Magnolia. My mother especially has become far more involved in activities at the Magnolia then when she was in her own home which is really wonderful to see.

The staff at The Magnolia is amazing! Many of staff members have been there since the Magnolia opened over 25 years ago. No matter if they have worked at The Magnolia many years or just a few months, the staff really seems to care about the residents. The staff is friendly and treat the residents like part of their family.

It has been over 6 months now since my mom has moved into The Magnolia and I recently asked my mom what she likes best about The Magnolia. She said the food and the fact that the staff is available to help each person with whatever their particular needs are. She has described The Magnolia as being on a cruise ship that never leaves port with good food, housekeeping, entertainment and so much more.

Andy Y.

The Magnolia is a very warm, inviting community with caring, attentive staff. We were touched by how each staff member genuinely cared for the residents and how they did so with a light heart and humor. The staff was also highly skilled and took great care of my mother-in-law while she was a resident there. The residents themselves were also very kind and friendly and there was always a warm exchange to everyone we talked to. Super friendly and they always had a good story to tell!

Kelley J.

My Mother-in-Law resided at the Magnolia of Millbrae for five years. The Magnolia of Millbrae was always the assisted living center she wanted to reside in.

We can't say enough about how incredible the staff is at the Magnolia. My Mother-in-Law required a very high level of care, and she was always treated with the utmost kindness, dignity and respect. The staff leaders were always accessible if we had questions and contacted us if there were any changes in her status.

My Mother-in-Law loved the food and the amazing selection of meals to choose from. She saved the menus to show us the gourmet meals she had to select from daily!

We will be forever grateful that my Mother-in-Law resided at the Magnolia of Millbrae and the amazing care she received!

Janis C.

Our father recently passed away after living at The Magnolia for many years. Our father was extremely happy in this warm environment, with kind and loving staff. Lola, the Executive Director was always accessible and responsive to any inquiries or concerns that arose. Charito, the Director of Nursing, and Maya, the Health and Wellness Director continued to keep us informed regarding any changes with the status of our father’s health. We really appreciated (as did our father) Charito and Maya's calm demeanors. Katie, the Director of Dining Services was always willing to work with us when there were changes with our father's diet. After our father passed away, my sister and I were left with the task of cleaning out his apartment. Sherry, the Director of Sales, helped us through this stressful process and provided lots of good information and resources.

Barbara S.

My mother has now lived in The Magnolia of Millbrae for 1 year and as she tells everyone, “I love it here.” The building and all of the rooms are bright and cheerful. The center courtyard is an inviting and cozy place to sit at one of the tables and chat, read, play a game or just relax. You will find residents sitting at one of the numerous lovely sitting areas throughout the building. The apartments are beautiful and spacious and have everything accessible - full kitchen, washer-dryer, and pretty views.

The meals are absolutely delicious. They have a full menu with numerous choices at each sitting - meat, fish, and vegetarian. If you want a change, there is a darling little restaurant for lunch which also serves as a mini store that sells necessities. The chef is incredible and the wait staff are great and very accommodating.

Another excellent feature at the Magnolia is the focus on physical health. They offer daily exercise classes, and there is a beautiful pool and a gym with a great variety of exercise equipment.

My mother loves the many activities available every day: a game room (bingo, canasta, mahjong, poker, billiards, blackjack, puzzles, just to name a few); Happy Hour several times per week with live music; Giants and 49ers game events with hot dogs and treats; weekly Catholic mass; trips to restaurants, symphony, opera; news presentations; guest speakers. My mom says, “Everyday I’m so busy with so many events!”

It’s very convenient that The Magnolia has an accessible van that takes residents to medical appointments and shopping at several local stores.

It speaks highly that The Magnolia of Millbrae celebrated its 25th Anniversary and several of the employees have been there since the beginning. Everyone there is very friendly and truly care for the residents. The residents are happy and so sweet to one another. The other day the son of a resident brought his mom some plums and she shared them with her friends there. It’s like a big happy family.

We are so thankful that we found The Magnolia for our mom!

Jane B.

We looked at many retirement communities for my parents and finally decided on the Magnolia of Millbrae. It was important to find a place that had large apartment homes and a true community feel. My parents aren't ones to sit still so I knew they could continue to have a good quality of life and continue to stay involved in the Millbrae community.

When we visit them, we never miss the chance to have dinner with them in the dining room - the food is delicious and the chef is very accommodating of everyone's dietary restrictions (did I mention the food is amazing?) We also had our son's 1st birthday party there for about 50 guests, in the arts and crafts room, and my parents were so happy to spend such a memorable milestone with their first grandchild.

I highly recommend the Magnolia of Millbrae and I'm so grateful that my parents are there. The staff is so seasoned and truly caring, and you truly feel the sense of community the moment you walk through the door.