Jack Gang
Jul 2026
The staff is mean and disrespectful to caregivers and patients. A few are very nice and patient. Others couldn’t be bothered.
La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community
10501 Lagrima De Oro Rd NE4.6(26 ratings)· Albuquerque average: 4.1
1 / 6Quick Facts
- Medicare rating
- 4 of 5
- Ownership
- Non profit, Other
- Certified beds
- 50
- Inspections
- View history (25 citations)
- Care model
- Life Care contract guarantees care even if funds run out
- Rarity
- One of only three Life Care communities in New Mexico
- Continuum of care
- On-site independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Families generally describe La Vida Llena as a warm, active Life Care community with caring staff, engaged residents, and a full continuum of care on one campus. Most reviews are highly positive, though a few reviewers point to weaker weekend staffing, medication-tracking issues, and at least one report of unkind staff behavior.
The Good
- Caring, friendly staff and welcoming residents
- Full continuum from independent living to skilled nursing
- Active social calendar: book clubs, ceramics, model trains
- Fine dining and amenities like pool and gym
- Smooth, well-supported move-in transitions
- Financial security through Life Care contract model
The Bad
- One report of staff being mean or disrespectful to caregivers/patients
- Weekend care coverage described as less robust than weekdays
- Family caution needed to keep medication lists accurate
- Some buildings described as dated though functional
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community is a senior living community in Albuquerque, New Mexico offering Independent Living. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Outdoor Patio and Gathering / Activity Spaces. Families rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 26 reviews.
About La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community
La Vida Llena is a Life Care retirement community in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offering independent living with access to on-site care services. As one of only three Life Care communities in the state, it provides residents with priority access to future care needs and financial predictability through its comprehensive life care model.
The community emphasizes an active lifestyle with numerous on-campus activities designed to engage residents' minds and interests. These include a model train room, multiple book club groups, a ceramics studio, and resident events such as open mic nights. Residents are encouraged to pursue creative and social activities while building connections with fellow community members.
Beyond the campus, La Vida Llena's location in Albuquerque's vibrant Northeast Heights puts residents close to the city's unique cultural offerings. Nearby attractions include the retro shops of Nob Hill and access to hiking in the Sandia Mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
The community attracts a diverse group of residents who share a commitment to living actively and meaningfully. The environment fosters friendships among residents, with the community designed to bring together like-minded people who support one another in pursuing personal interests and enjoying daily life.
Types of Care at La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community
Independent Living
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Cable or Satellite TV
- Emergency Call System
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Wi-Fi / High-Speed Internet
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Restaurant style Dining Room
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Chapel / Religious Services
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Outdoor Patio
- Pet Friendly
- Swimming Pool
- Transportation Services
Activities
- Arts and Crafts
- Birthday / Holiday Parties
- Day Trips and Outings
- Games
- Grocery Shopping and Errands
- Religious Services
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
Need help deciding?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with communities that fit. Free, and you choose who contacts you.
Help Me ChooseReviews of La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community
4.6overall · 26 ratings combined
4.6★ on Google (26)
Robert Spiegel
Jul 2025
LVL has wonderful, caring people providing services. Being such a large facility, it's easier to find like-minded people to make friends with and find suitable activities. Some facilities are dated but suitable, functional, and comfortable. Having a full range of services from independent living to assisted living to memory care to skilled nursing simplifies changing care needs. They manage transitions well and provide for the disposal of leftover belongings, simplifying moves for families.<br><br>Lessons learned: Assisted Living and Memory Care manage medications. Your doctor's list of drugs is the source of truth. Make sure your doctor's list matches LVL's list so they are getting the right meds. Monitor med ordering. LVL is quick to order replenishment meds, sometimes not considering extras in their supply room. LVL has an on-site contracted doctor capability. Make sure you understand the process for when this doctor is utilized. Each use gets billed to medical insurance with non-covered expenses requiring payment. Avoid sending your senior to the hospital on a Friday afternoon. I've had several calls late Friday that my senior had an issue that required a hospital visit. They were sent alone via ambulance. Since we have no local family, our senior was alone there. Check on your senior earlier in the week if dealing with a possible issue and force action before late Friday. Lastly, keep in mind that coverage on weekends is not as capable nor robust. The focus is keep the boat afloat and wait until weekdays to address issues, changes, problem solving, etc.
Felipe Valenzuela
Jul 2025
La mejor estancias para los mayores de 55 y mas lugar 5 estreyas
Douglas McLean
Jul 2025
Great residents and staff
John tCloud
Mar 2025
Staff is focused on continually improving even though they have a 5-star rating. It's a great business model. When you buy into the independent living community, you are guaranteed a place for advanced healthcare needs. Even if you run out of funds. I strongly recommend this community.
Government Inspection History
6 inspection visits in the last three years, 25 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Dec 22, 2025Health ComplaintHealth Standard11 citations
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 25, 2026
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 25, 2026
May 28, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 29, 2025
Sep 12, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard3 citations
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 25, 2024
Meet other general requirements that are deficient.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 25, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 25, 2024
Aug 29, 2023Infection ControlNo citations
Jun 29, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard9 citations
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 21, 2023
Apr 14, 2022Fire Safety Standard1 citation
Ensure that personnel concerned with handling of medical gases and cylinders are trained on the risk.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 1, 2022
Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community offer?
La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community offers Independent Living.
Is La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community pet friendly?
Yes. La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community lists pet-friendly accommodations among its amenities. Ask about any size or breed policies when you visit.
Where is La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community located?
La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community is located at 10501 Lagrima De Oro Rd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What do families say about La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community?
Families generally describe La Vida Llena as a warm, active Life Care community with caring staff, engaged residents, and a full continuum of care on one campus. Most reviews are highly positive, though a few reviewers point to weaker weekend staffing, medication-tracking issues, and at least one report of unkind staff behavior.
How did La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community do on recent health and safety inspections?
La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community had 6 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 25 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.
How can families visit La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at La Vida Llena Life Plan Retirement Community? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
Nearby Communities
Other senior living options within 25 miles of Albuquerque.
Bear Canyon Estates | Sky Active Living
Albuquerque, New Mexico0.1 mi
4.2(77)
Assisted LivingIndependent Living
Bear Canyon Rehabilitation Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico0.1 mi
3.7(213)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Canyon Transitional Rehabilitation Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico0.1 mi
3.6(228)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Avista Senior Living Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico0.6 mi
4.7(56)
Assisted LivingIndependent LivingMemory Care
Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico0.7 mi
4.9(107)
Home care · no referral needed
Brookdale Tramway Ridge
Albuquerque, New Mexico1.3 mi
3.8(32)
Assisted LivingIndependent LivingMemory Care+1 more
Prefer to stay home?
Home care agencies serving Albuquerque bring help to the house: daily living, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.
