Norm Whitehurst
Jan 2026
I recently had the opportunity to tour The Pavilion at El Dorado Hills, and I came away genuinely impressed. From the moment you arrive, the community feels welcoming, calm, and very well cared for. The exterior and grounds are immaculate, and the building itself appears fairly new or, at the very least, exceptionally well maintained. Inside, the community is just as impressive—clean, thoughtfully designed, and warmly decorated. As soon as you walk in, it feels inviting rather than institutional, which I think is incredibly important in a memory care setting. The layout is spacious and well organized, with two main wings (east and west) and a variety of common areas. Residents have access to a kitchen, study and activity rooms, exercise space, TV rooms, and multiple gathering areas designed for both small and larger groups. Everything feels intentional, comfortable, and easy to navigate. What truly stood out to me was the level of engagement offered to residents. This is a very active, well-run community. There are constant activities—birthday celebrations for residents each month, live entertainment, classes, and even chef nights where residents participate in preparing meals together. Family involvement is encouraged, and it’s clear that residents are treated as individuals, not just occupants. The living arrangements are well thought out. Some rooms are set up in a Jack-and-Jill style, allowing residents to share a bathroom while still maintaining their own private, personal space. Security is clearly a top priority, with controlled access throughout the community, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones are safe. The outdoor spaces are another highlight. Residents can enjoy secure courtyards, sit outside, and even participate in small garden areas where they can help grow vegetables and plants. These details show a real commitment to quality of life, not just basic care. The staff was consistently friendly, professional, and attentive. You can tell they genuinely take the time to get to know each resident. I also had the pleasure of speaking with Jerry Crooks, the Community Relations Manager. He was outstanding—knowledgeable, approachable, and very transparent. He clearly understands his role, takes it seriously, and represents the organization extremely well. Our conversation felt open and honest, never rushed, and never like information was being withheld. If you’re considering memory care for a family member, I highly recommend scheduling a tour of The Pavilion at El Dorado Hills. I believe you’ll see what I saw: a warm, secure, thoughtfully run community where residents are treated with dignity, care, and respect. One question I didn’t think to ask during my visit was whether the community offers a secure online portal or website where family members who live far away can log in to see photos or updates of their loved one participating in activities.
