La Vida Real is a senior living community located in El Cajon, California. The facility offers multiple levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Designed to support a wide spectrum of residents, La Vida Real provides accommodations and services for those seeking independence as well as individuals requiring more comprehensive assistance and medical support. Amenities such as dining venues, wellness programs, a heated pool and spa, exercise and yoga classes, and an activity center with games and billiards are available to promote resident engagement and well-being.
As part of its care offerings, La Vida Real provides support for activities of daily living, including full assistance with bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting. Residents have access to a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy, overseen by qualified therapists. Medication management and incontinence care are available, and staff are trained to provide ambulatory care and diabetes management. For those living with cognitive impairments, the community offers a secured memory care environment, with staff who have received specialized memory care training and support services such as behavioral health assistance and acceptance of psychiatric issues. Additional health services include podiatry care and respite care for short-term stays. The community features on-site amenities such as a barber and beauty salon, and clubs and social communities are established to encourage social interaction.
Transportation services at La Vida Real include complimentary transportation for residents. These services are available for both medical appointments and non-medical activities, offering residents the ability to attend off-site appointments, run errands, or participate in local events without arranging separate transportation.
Recent reviews from residents and families highlight the attractive environment, facility amenities, and the variety of creative and engaging activities led by the “Zest” team. Staff members like Andre and Gigi are frequently acknowledged for providing personal attention and support, and there are consistent reports of a friendly, community-focused atmosphere and a long-tenured staff. However, experiences in assisted living and memory care have been more variable, with repeated concerns about staffing shortages, communication lapses from management, unmet care needs, and inconsistency in the delivery of services. Some families have reported significant dissatisfaction, describing incidents of missed care and insufficient staff responsiveness. These concerns suggest that while independent living residents tend to experience higher satisfaction, those requiring more intensive support may need to closely monitor care quality and responsiveness. No major operational changes or expansions have been recently announced, but the facility reports ongoing compliance with health and safety protocols.
In summary, La Vida Real presents a broad range of care options and amenities, with particular strengths in independent living and community engagement. Families considering higher levels of care are encouraged to maintain open communication with facility leadership and to monitor service delivery to ensure it meets the needs of residents requiring greater assistance.
Costs at this community start at $5,475 and range up to $9,950. The average price in the community is $7,712, which is more than the average price in the area of $5,598. The cost of memory care in this area is essentially the same as the cost throughout the state. If the resident needs other services, additional services may increase the monthly cost.
