Northstar Senior Living

I think the decision to move to assisted living can be a traumatic one; it was for me when I made it six years ago at the age of 47 due to declining health. We all spend our adult lives trying to gain independence — personal, professional, financial — and even the name “assisted living” seems to contradict that. It can feel like going backward, or worse, failure. Adding insult to injury, the overwhelmingly heterosexual culture of most facilities can feel like a betrayal of a lifetime spent developing a sense of pride and self-esteem as an LGBTQ person. Then four years ago I found Stonewall Gardens and have lived here ever since. Having lived in two facilities now, the “Stonewall difference” boils down to this: once someone has come to the conclusion that they need “help” because of age, illness, or injury, it is not necessary to “hide” one’s true nature — whatever that means (campy, butch, reserved, outrageous, cultured and sophisticated, raunchy and full of stories of your “wild” days) — here. The LGBTQ community is more visible today than ever before, and its need for healthcare and related services must not be a closely guarded secret forcing people to choose between their needs and their hard-won sense of pride in who they are. Stonewall Gardens provides both — pride, and help. When you can no longer live alone, live with your own!

We are so happy to have found Stonewall Gardens. Our family member is starting his 2nd year there and he loves it! The gated facility is beautiful, has great views of Mt San Jacinto, a well-lit wandering path, outdoor seating areas with misters, a water feature and tasteful desert landscaping. The property and facilities are clean and well maintained. Rooms are of appropriate size with large bathrooms that can easily accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. The staff and residents are friendly and very supporting of residents lifestyle preferences. Management encourages and acts upon suggestions from residents. We like the fact that the facility is smaller than most assistant living facilities as it provides more personal attention and our family member's immediate needs are taken care of. Having a smaller resident population also allows for easier social interactions between residents and for friendships to develop. There are many on and off-site activities to keep residents busy and engaged at every mobility level, including movies, picnics, shopping, restaurants, wine and cheese night, piano entertainment, etc. We very much appreciate the scheduling of doctor's appointments so residents can be transported to/from their appointments in the Stonewall van. The facility is just blocks away from Desert Regional Hospital and doctor's offices. We feel comfortable having the staff manage his care while keeping us informed and involved from a distance. We feel welcomed by all when we visit. SM/SB

Stonewall Gardens, an assisted living community, has been my home for one year now. I am very happy here. I continue to appreciate the entire staff, from Management to Caregivers. They are spirited and foster a harmonious environment in which they provide support, responsive care and kindness. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are well prepared. The dining room for meals brings the community together three times a day. If I am stuck in my room at mealtime because of disability or sickness, the caregivers bring me my meal, without additional charge. There are major reasons for an LGBTQ person to consider our community. We are LGBTQ focused. That creates and promotes a special sense of belonging and community. There is not any reason to “come out” again, which I feared was going to happen at mainstream communities. We march/ride in the Palm Springs Pride Parade. Together we go to concerts of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus. We have outings weekly. For example, in addition to going to the Movies often, recently we picnicked in Joshua Tree National Park, rode the Palm Springs Tram up 8,000 feet in our mountains, and invited candidates seeking election to come speak with us. Palms Springs is a Gay mecca. Name the activity you enjoy from hiking, sports, live theater and cultural events. There are LGBTQ groups involved in all of these things, and more. In short, Stonewall Gardens is a gem, providing assistance with needs and encouraging your participation in the populous Gay community and bringing that large community into our space for parties, presentations and networking. If you are an LGBTQ individual thinking about assisted living, please visit us. I have not been solicited to post this review. My happiness here promotes my review.

[Name removed] the Community Relations Director, worked with my brother in becoming part of the Pacific community. Mark was informative and helpful. He went above and beyond in helping complete the various parts of the intake process. We are so appreciative of his patient and above all the respect he has for everyone involved in the process.

Very friendly staff, informative, wonderful and kind. 5 stars for sure.

The staff member were all so friendly. My favorite was their beautiful garden. I could have sat there all day. We saw the respite room - it was lovely! We will be back for respite.

Staff is very caring and does their best to care effectively with the population. Facility is very clean and residents well cared for.

Great facility. Well planned and layout. Loved the rooms and food. I am very much interested in having my mom here. A+ [name removed] was very nice and informative and helpful

great and friendly facility

Staff is very caring and does their best to care effectively with this population. Facility is very clean and residents are well cared for.

Great and comfortable place

This place is new and welcoming. They have all the facets and more that you could want or need. The staff is friendly and so exceptional. The residents were involved in activities. The rooms were clean and tidy and they serve food at anytime. They have a full calendar of activities. Definite place to consider. They also offer downsizing and moving help.

I have to say that [name removed] and [name removed] bent over backwards to make this all happen in the tiny time frame we are working with. Although our friend doesn't move in until Wednesday and something could come up, they worked tirelessly to accommodate assessments and visits.

Very pleased! Beautiful facilities, spacious studio, friendly and attentive staff who are very caring. Lots of activities. Delicious meals! It;s the perfect place for our mother and affordable.

Unique assisted living center where 90% of the residents are Japanese or of Japanese descent. Kokoro provides both a Western and Japanese menu for each meal, as well as many Japanese cultural activities. The staff are caring and hard working, and many can speak Japanese. The location right near Japantown SF is also ideal for the residents. This is an assisted living center rather than a nursing home so would not be a good fit for people with severe mobility problems or advanced dementia. Otherwise, it provides a wonderful setting and community, with an emphasis on Japanese culture.

Good tour- good host. Impressed that [name removed] returned my call on a Sunday afternoon the same day I turned in the online RF info. Facility looks very good - hopefully my mother will feel the same way.

everything is great.

Loved this facility. Enjoyed our interaction with staff and residents. Small and intimate facility my mother in laws needs. Moving in Feb 2019! 9.1 mi. About 18 mins from new home.

He will be moving to this location. We have an appointment later this month to see his Dr. and will submit all info to his Dr. and return completed forms for Vineyard Ranch. He is not ready to move this month but is getting close to being ready..should be within the next few months. [Name removed] will keep us updated on homes that open up.

The staff at Somerford Place are fantastic! They are very knowledgeable in caring for people with dementia and behavioral issues. They care about the person and taking care of their needs with patience and dignity. They work along side you to take care of your loved ones needs and keep you informed of things as they occur.