The Ridge at Westlake Village

My mom moved in April 2025 and it’s been a wonderful experience. The staff is very helpful and Ian helped us with all our questions and concerns. Her studio apartment is beautiful, light and bright. It has everything she needs. My family is happy my mom has 24 hour care just in case she needs something in the middle of the night. Mom says, “The “J’s” Jenna, Jess, Jaclyn and Jessica greet me with bright smiles and morning coffee. Ditto Liz with a big “Good Morning.” Linda, Sway, Nan and Isa are all warm and efficient providing all the care I could ask for. Shout out to Robert who has come to my rescue twice!” Thanks to all at The Ridge who look after our mom Marilyn. We are so grateful for your care.

The Ridge makes a nice first impression with its new hotel-like design, gourmet looking restaurants, polished tours, and big promises of exceptional care. Unfortunately, once you move in, those promises quickly fall apart and you realize this is not what you signed up for. The day-to-day reality does not match what’s advertised, especially for residents who need genuine support and assistance. Even the reality of cleanliness is realized (example, an ant problem that they do not address) along with the realization that the "farm to table food" is just defrosted junk (example, being served a half-frozen pancake for breakfast.) Behind the elegant facade, the level of care provided falls far short of what’s promised. The community is seriously understaffed, making it impossible for caregivers to meet residents’ needs in a safe or timely manner. That lack of staffing leads to very long response times for calls or medical alerts, which is both unsafe and unsettling. Some calls for help have even gone unanswered. Most of the staff are kind and try their best, but there simply aren’t enough of them to provide consistent care. The difference between day and night coverage is also noticeable, with the night staff being subpar and even have been caught sleeping on the job, and overall, the resident-to-caregiver ratio feels too unbalanced. There is no way there are enough caregivers to respond and take care of that many residents. If you’re looking for dependable care, reliable support, and peace of mind, The Ridge is not the right choice. What’s most disappointing is how much is promised versus what’s actually delivered. Families and residents deserve better than unkept promises, poor oversight, uncommunicative and unhelpful management when addressing these concerns and an environment that doesn’t live up to what you are paying for.

Everything is not what it seems. At first glance, this facility makes an exceptional impression: stylish interiors, a welcoming tour, and the promise of “luxury senior living.” But unfortunately, that first impression does not hold up under daily living, especially for anyone needing actual care or assistance. I was initially excited and hopeful about this new development. The decor is undeniably beautiful, and the dining room has its strengths: particularly the soups and tacos. The waitstaff in the dining area is one of the few bright spots in terms of attentiveness. However, this is where the “luxury” ends. The care provided is anything but luxurious, and in my experience, this community is critically understaffed. Throughout my stay, the response times to medical alerts and care requests were extremely slow, so much so that I was afraid to fall or have an emergency at night, knowing help might not arrive in time. The staffing ratio is deeply concerning. With 50 to 65 residents and only 2 to 4 caregivers on shift at any given time, it’s impossible for them to meet the needs of everyone adequately. If you’re someone who requires more than light assistance, I strongly urge you to reconsider. This is not the place for individuals who need consistent, dependable care. Yes, the outings they offer are enjoyable, and ironically, part of the appeal is simply getting away from the facility itself. During these smaller-group excursions, care staff are more attentive, which only underscores how strained they are during regular hours. Another issue is the lack of kitchens in most rooms, forcing residents to rely solely on the dining hall. If you’re someone who enjoys or needs the independence of preparing your own meals, this is a real drawback. And while the meals “get the job done,” the coffee and wine is consistently terrible (just one of many small daily disappointments that add up). To be fair, there are some good people here. The nurse (HSD) is a rare gem who clearly cares deeply for residents. Unfortunately, that same compassion is not something I felt reflected in the rest of the management team. The leadership lacks transparency and seems more concerned with checks, status, and selfish gain. If you’re considering moving in, I strongly suggest asking specific questions: How many caregivers are on duty per shift? How many residents currently live here? Do the math yourself; don’t just take the sales pitch at face value. It is a blessing that my loved ones and I no longer have to endure what I can only describe as a negligent and unlivable environment. This review is written as a sincere warning: if you are an older adult who is fully independent and looking for a pretty place to live, this might be suitable. But if you require any level of assisted care or prioritize safety, consistency, and dignity in your daily life, then please look elsewhere. Your well-being is far too important to risk on appearances alone. And as for their memory care department… don’t even get me started. (P.S. I strongly believe some of their online reviews are fake. I couldn’t help but notice some accounts had the same exact/yet not common last names and “similar “ first names to people in management. )

The Ridge is a beautiful and welcoming place. Their memory care program really stands out—with new technology, brain-stimulating activities, and games that keep residents engaged and active.The staff is kind and supportive, and they treat everyone like family. They truly take time to understand each resident’s needs. It’s great to see a place so dedicated to thoughtful, quality care.