MyLivingChoice

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho

920 Riverview Dr SE

4.2(91 ratings)· Rio Rancho average: 4.1

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho, photo 11 / 6

Quick Facts

Continuum of care
Residents can move from independent to assisted living in same building
Transportation
Community operates its own resident shuttle bus

What Families Think

Families describe Fairwinds - Rio Rancho as a warm, socially active community where many residents and staff form close, family-like bonds over years, and several reviewers specifically praised end-of-life and hospice support. At the same time, a notable number of reviews describe serious lapses — missed care checks, a fall that went unnoticed for 36 hours, pest and maintenance problems, and unresponsive management — alongside repeated complaints about inconsistent food quality and chef turnover.

The Good

  • Many residents and staff form long, family-like relationships
  • Multiple reviewers highlight compassionate end-of-life and hospice support
  • Residents can move from independent to assisted living without relocating
  • Active social calendar with many activities and outings
  • Several reviewers praise clean, well-maintained common areas
  • Long-tenured staff, some with 20+ years at the community

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of unresponsive or dismissive management handling complaints
  • Several reviewers describe inconsistent food quality and frequent chef turnover
  • Reports of maintenance failures, including elevators and A/C out for extended periods
  • One serious report of a missed fall check leaving a resident on the floor 36 hours

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho is a senior living community in Rio Rancho, New Mexico offering Assisted Living and Independent Living. Amenities include Guest Meals, Professional Chef and Restaurant style Dining Room. Families rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 91 reviews.

About Fairwinds - Rio Rancho

Fairwinds – Rio Rancho is an independent and assisted living community located just northeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the high desert region of the Southwest. The community offers spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment homes licensed for assisted living, each with fully equipped kitchens, walk-in closets, individually controlled heating, and built-in emergency communication systems.

The community emphasizes hospitality-based senior living with a beyond-the-body wellness approach that addresses physical, emotional, and social well-being. Signature programming and daily activities are designed to help residents rediscover and reinvigorate themselves, with an emphasis on building connections and fostering a sense of community and purpose.

Dining is a notable feature, with an in-house chef serving seasonal menus using fresh ingredients. The menu accommodates regional preferences, green chile, red chile, or Christmas options, and the bistro offers cocktails, specialty coffee, and snacks for between-meal gatherings and happy hours.

The community is conveniently located off Highway 528, just minutes from both I-40 and I-25, and approximately 4 miles from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park. It is situated near world-class medical facilities and offers residents peace of mind through its proximity to major transportation corridors and healthcare resources.

Fairwinds – Rio Rancho is pet-friendly, welcoming pets as part of its senior living services. The community provides personal concierge services to support residents' independence and daily needs.

Types of Care at Fairwinds - Rio Rancho

Assisted LivingIndependent Living

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Kitchen
  • Multiple Floor Plans
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Guest Meals
  • Professional Chef
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Medication Management
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Pet Friendly

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Help Me Choose

Reviews of Fairwinds - Rio Rancho

4.2overall · 91 ratings combined

4.2★ on Google (91)

Susan Schaller

Aug 2026

via Google

Our father and his wife lived at the Fairwinds for almost four years in assisted living. The staff were awesome. They treated all of us with dignity and respect. Our father wasn't the easiest person to please, but the staff did a wonderful job in his care. We are so grateful for everything. Thank you so much.

Jackie Windham

May 2026

via Google

An independent living here for 6000 a month you get two meals a day you’re supposed to get 230 minute cleanings per week, but they only do one. They also spy on the families and report back to different family members. I arrived in my mother‘s apartment bringing her home for hospice in this place bugs dead roaches, dead ants everywhere in her apartment on every floor of every closet beside the couch beside the chair around her fireplace in every cabinet mold under the sink a Rusty water Spicket in the kitchen sink. Well if you can call it a kitchen it’s the smallest stove a small refrigerator and a small metal sink. There is no filtered water and if they eat anything beyond two meals a day they are charged.<br>The laundry room had cracks in the floor by the drain, which is very dangerous for seniors people who struggle with stability maybe who can’t see well.<br>The staff well let’s just say that everything in every smile is fake<br>The lady who runs the facility, Doralee well she asks her staff to report back to her things that families say about the facility.<br>And be careful if you have a family situation we’re not all family members are speaking to each other because that does occur and most families because the one with the money will get her attention and she will send out her little spies to report back on the other family member members, how do I know that because it happened to me when I was visiting my mother who’s in hospice there?<br>She also doesn’t let the families bring in who they want to have work with their loved one but if you are sending someone there, it’s not a place for anybody you love<br>They don’t respect when you ask them not to do things for the person that’s living there. If you say, please don’t knock and open the door. They will still knock and unlock the door and come in to help themselves. They say it’s because they want to make sure that the person‘s OK that’s not it. That’s not how I felt when they knocked and walked in when I was sleeping in the living room on a blowup bed.<br>I’m writing this because I think it’s important because people sell you things that you think you’re sending someone you love to they make the person think that it’s a great place but as I walk to the property and met different elderly people, all of them told me that I met on my walk. They didn’t like it there. Their families brought them there to be taken care of, but that’s not what happens.<br>I would not put my worst enemy in this place ever because I have humanity in my heart<br>Are you see his sadness around people waiting for their one little hour of family visit a week and they smile in your face and make you think that everything is gonna be fine but they don’t care they allow certain behaviors that are not acceptable and in my opinion, it needs to be corrected immediately that they’re literally are people that they’re suffering and unhappy they don’t provide safety. They just want the money. My mother went from a 3500 square-foot home to a dump in a room we’re probably more than 50 people had transitioned. They don’t clean and they don’t care so beware.

Dayna Vocasek

Apr 2026

via Google

Doralei Perea is easily one of the most gracious people I’ve ever met. As the manager of Fairwinds Rio Rancho Assisted Living, she has been nothing short of exceptional. For nearly two years, she has led with compassion, professionalism, and genuine care, creating a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for my parents. Her attention to detail—along with the consistent communication and caring dedication demonstrated by her staff—truly sets this community apart. I am deeply grateful for the peace of mind she has given me during a very difficult time.

David Wright

Mar 2026

via Google

4 years ago, my Father needed to go to Memory Care. This left my Mother alone in their house. My Mother had never lived alone in her entire life. She lasted about 2 weeks and then announced to me, "I am not staying here by herself!" Fortunately we had met Wesley Morrow at Stellar Senior Housing Experts. He took my Mom, Brother, and I around to several Assisted Living Facilities in the Albuquerque area. I have to say, this was the easiest decision we've had to make in our lives!<br>Fairwinds was head and shoulders above the rest. Mom moved in the next month and lived there very happily for the next 4 years until she passed last month. There are too many good things about Fairwinds for me to name them all, but let me tell you a couple. First of all, the staff is amazing. From Management to the lady who took care of Mom's kitty, everyone was top notch. I think the greatest thing that the staff imparted to my Mom was that she mattered. They went above and beyond on a daily basis to give her the individual attention that kept her going. I will never forget them and all that they did for our family.<br>Another aspect that I have to mention is the facility itself. It's beautiful! and clean! and just what you want for your loved one. Mom's apartment was always clean, and repairs were made in a timely manner and well. Their dining hall set up (which is really a restaurant) works very nicely. This is where my Mom met and made so many new friends. Just go on a tour, you will see!<br>And finally I would like to thank the nursing staff in particular. The longer Mom lived at Fairwinds, the more care she needed, and I know my family could not have begun to give Mom the quality of care that she received from those angels. They were always knowledgeable, professional, caring, thorough and above all, kind. (And really did do everything with a smile)<br>Thank you Fairwinds for taking such good care of my Mom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br>David Grant Wright

suzanne star

Dec 2025

via Google

12/4/25<br>LOCK UP YOUR VALUABLES. Locking your unit doesn't prevent theft. My mom lost a sweater jacket, silver bracelet, two antique wine glasses, a door decoration and, $200 cash taken from her wallet in her file cabinet before we put a lock on the file cabinet.<br><br>A week before our designated move out date, when the unit was locked during our absence while we were moving, a box that was still remaining to be moved was rifled through and multiple bottles of expensive liquor were stolen.<br><br>Doralei, the general manager was alerted to the liquor theft and she stated that if someone wants access to your unit the front desk will accommodate without your permission or knowledge.<br><br>The best protection is to install a security camera which we did after a number of personal items were stolen. However, after the security camera was disassembled during move out, in our absence, someone with keys entered the unit, rifled through our already boxed personal property and stole from us.<br><br>Too many people with keys, no apparent oversight or accountability, and no respect for personal property.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Fairwinds - Rio Rancho offer?

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho offers Assisted Living and Independent Living.

Is Fairwinds - Rio Rancho pet friendly?

Yes. Fairwinds - Rio Rancho lists pet-friendly accommodations among its amenities. Ask about any size or breed policies when you visit.

Where is Fairwinds - Rio Rancho located?

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho is located at 920 Riverview Dr SE in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

What do families say about Fairwinds - Rio Rancho?

Families describe Fairwinds - Rio Rancho as a warm, socially active community where many residents and staff form close, family-like bonds over years, and several reviewers specifically praised end-of-life and hospice support. At the same time, a notable number of reviews describe serious lapses — missed care checks, a fall that went unnoticed for 36 hours, pest and maintenance problems, and unresponsive management — alongside repeated complaints about inconsistent food quality and chef turnover.

How can families visit Fairwinds - Rio Rancho?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Fairwinds - Rio Rancho and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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