Fairwinds – Ivey Ranch

Well i am working for a contractor doing a updated remodel here, and from my «fly on the wall «perspective this resort-​style home is as good as it gets. The staff here treats the residents with respect and dignity, and there is always fun things going on.
The facilities are well maintained and top notch, and friendships and group activities are always on display. The staff gets their sense of urgency and compassion right from the team leader Jessica, super upbeat and always smiling!
I would say for sure that this is the best place to have your Parents and loved ones enjoy their golden years in style and luxury. A really nice place to visit and be at, and some amazing residents that are super cool!

I helped Dad pick this place out almost five years ago. Dad was newly widowed and going through a really rough time and the staff there was beyond wonderful during this transition. I could fill 5 pages with specific praise for this establishment but let me just cover the best of the best.
Management: Jessica has that rare blend of business savvy, compassion and emotional intelligence. She runs a very tight ship but does so with grace and poise and it’s apparent she genuinely cares for all of her people, residents and staff. My Dad thinks the world of her and for good reason. I think she may really be an angel.
Facility: when I first walked in I thought this place could easily pass for a 3 or 4 star hotel. And they keep it looking sharp every day. Dad and I toured other places and Fairwinds Ivey Ranch really stood and stands apart in so many ways.
Value: we shopped around and Fairwinds offers the best bang for the buck. You can find slightly less expensive places but they are, I’m going to say it, shabby and even smelly and the staff have attitudes. You can pay much, much more and not do any better. There are more ritzy places in North San Diego County but none finer in terms of vibe and quality of life.
Residents: having gotten to know a good many residents I am amazed by the diversity and character of my Dad’s neighbors. Many of them are just amazing and have life stories that are book worthy. There’s the fellow that survived a concentration camp. B-​17 pilots, former spies, concert pianists and on and on. What touches me most is how they look out for each other.
Assisted Living v. Retirement Facility. Dad requires assisted living and Fairwinds provides that incredibly well but for all intents and purposes this place feels like a cool retirement home. And it is also a retirement home. It’s a very cool hybrid and offers the best of both worlds. Facilities that are exclusively «assisted living» are radically different places and not nearly so happy and vibrant.
Nursing Staff: kind and competent and always nearby ready to help. These professionals have saved my Dad’s butt on several occasions and I am humbled by how hard they work to keep their elderly residents feeling safe and cared for. I sleep better knowing they are on duty and keeping an eye on Dad.
Finally, here’s a pro-​tip from the savvy residents: don’t wait until life throws a serious curve ball and you’re not at your best to make important choices and you simply must move somewhere where you can get some help. Do it early and while you can enjoy the people, the activities, the trips and a rich life.
But if you are ready to make a move by all means tour several places, talk to the people that live there and make your last tour Fairwinds. I think you find it’s a great place to call home or your parent’s or grandparent home. If I could give 6 stars I would!

My grandmother has been here for a couple years now and loves it. Her apartment is nicely-​sized, has all the amenities she ever needs, is cleaned each week and very comfortable. They’ve got great activities all the time, and incredibly nice staff that knows all of their residents and treats them well. I’ve never had a bad meal, the food is always good, and I always get treated as a friend by staff on visits, made to feel welcome any time, can even bring the dogs.
The residents really seem to be enjoying their time and the constant interaction, activities, and friendships. It’s got all the basics, is decorated in a way the old folks appreciate, the activities keep the old lady busy. The grounds are well-​kept, with big homey-​feeling activity rooms, computer access, gym, hair, laundry, café, large dining room, etc. If they’re still driving there is parking, and bottom floors have their own little patios. Rooms are built quiet and feel private.
Granny does more things than I do, goes out often on trips, plays bingo, makes crafts like jewelry and paintings I never thought she had in her, and pottery pieces I use daily that will remain keepsakes. she goes shopping often with the ride service and activity trips. She eats better food than ever, and enjoys so many friendships with staff and residents, and I’m always amazed by the old folks I meet here too. It’s not a sad place, the residents are vibrant, even with various health conditions.
The best part is that this place costs less than most, making it a great overall value, and is tax deductible. We should’ve considered the idea of assisted living sooner, but I’m amazed by the numerous 100-​year olds kicking strong here every time I visit and I think the environment has something to do with it.
The only downside is that they often come and go as can be expected with the circumstances of age, but there’s no other place I’d want my grandma to be living out these years, surrounded by and immersed in the luxurious, social, educational, and busy, but intimate environment and experience they provide.

What a fantastic facility! The staff is very involved and their new nurse on staff is Awesome! Very responsive to the needs of the residents and it is very apparent that she cares about not only the residents, but the staff members who work their as well! This is absolutely the place you should send your aging (but still independent) parents, or if you are looking for an independent living facility, this is a great one!