I had a mixed, emotional experience at WindChime of Marin. On the plus side many caregivers were kind and went out of their way, activities were excellent, the food and outdoor, woodsy setting (Mt. Tam views) felt homey and engaging. On the downside management was often unresponsive, staff turnover and gossip were rampant, and I witnessed neglectful care (missed baths, soiled clothing, med mix-ups), safety/building issues (no/broken AC in rooms, barred/non-openable windows, odd fire egress) and alleged ethical problems - all at a very high price (~$12k/mo). If you value warm, person-centered staff and great programming, visit - but be cautious about transparency, leadership, and memory-care safety before committing.
WindChime of Marin Memory Care sits in Kentfield, California, among trees that create a homey and peaceful feeling, and you see right from the start that the place feels warm, comfortable, and family-like, with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe that isn't too fancy or overwhelming. The building offers two floors with studio apartments, all set up for people with mild to advanced memory loss, and the facility has 55 beds total, so things don't get too big or busy-they keep it easy to find help when you need it, whether you're in a private or semi-private room, and they try to make the environment safe by using bracelets that set off alarms if someone's wandering or lost.
Memory care here gets special attention, with the Generations Memory Care program, and all the staff-called care partners-have dementia and Alzheimer's training, and the aim's to keep things personal, letting residents' routines, backgrounds, and preferences shape their days, so folks with different kinds of memory challenges still feel at home, secure, and respected. There are three levels of care-light, medium, and heavy-so people who grow to need more help can stay put, instead of moving out, and care covers everything from help with grooming and daily tasks to medicine, eating, dressing, and special care for those who act out or get lost. The community's secure and wheelchair accessible, and the bathrooms and showers are set up to prevent falls, plus the staff can do assisted transfers and even use lifts when needed, so residents who can't walk aren't left out or sent away.
The daily routine includes brain-healthy meals, some of which are vegetarian, and the Elevate Dining® program means chefs make meals with local California style alongside old favorites-people can eat in a dedicated dining room that feels open and not too tight, and they offer supportive dining for anyone that needs more help. Regular laundry's taken care of, and the rooms come with tasteful, free furnishings, so there's no fuss bringing a bunch of furniture unless somebody wants to. The activity director organizes a busy schedule every day, that's everything from stretch and Tai Chi, yoga, gardening clubs, art, music and cooking classes, to larger events in the Community Room, or outings for fun or to see the doctor-residents can join intergenerational programs or educational talks, and there are devotional services too, so folks can socialize, exercise, or just relax in indoor or outdoor common areas or on patio spaces as they prefer.
Medical support's set up to fit people with growing needs-there's a doctor on call always, and visiting nurses, podiatrists, dentists, and therapists (physical, occupational, speech) visit regularly, plus staff handle medicine, check on residents through the night, and handle major behavioral issues with skilled care instead of getting frustrated or giving up. They accept any gender, and will also take people with tough behaviors like wandering, acting out, or doing things that might seem odd elsewhere, because they believe in personalized care and a sense of dignity for everyone. Folks can stay for a little while too, as part of the respite club for up to a month, which helps families who need a break.
WindChime offers signature activities like Daily Journey, Tune Into Me, Culinary Creations, From Our Generation to Yours, Never Stop Exploring, and It's All Right, and the whole approach is simple but caring, focused on safety and comfort, with a bit of extra attention paid to keeping life engaging and strengths-based, fostering good days for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other memory changes. The place's kept small and personal on purpose, with staff who know each resident, and the care partners keep routines steady and calm, offering just as much help as needed, even as things change. Over twenty years of experience in this smaller-scale set up shows in the way the staff listen and respond, and in their efforts to create something closer to a family than to a business.
Integral Senior Living (ISL), founded in 2002 and headquartered in Carlsbad, California, has emerged as a leading third-party management company specializing in senior independent living, assisted living, memory care, and new development properties. Managing 58 communities across 15 states including California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, and Florida, ISL ranks as the 20th largest senior living provider in the United States with annual revenues reaching $750 million.
In 2023, ISL entered a transformative partnership with Discovery Senior Living through an investment by Lee Equity Partners and Coastwood Senior Housing Partners, creating the nation's fifth-largest senior housing operator. This strategic alliance positioned ISL as Discovery's largest vertically integrated senior living operator, managing over 113 communities within the Discovery family of companies. Together, Discovery Senior Living has become the largest privately held operator in the U.S., with a portfolio of nearly 35,000 units across 350 communities in almost 40 states, supported by more than 17,000 employees.
ISL's care philosophy centers on fostering dignity and respect for residents while promoting their independence and individuality. Their person-centric approach is exemplified in programs like Generations Memory Care, where individuals are viewed as whole persons first rather than being defined by their conditions. The company delivers meaningful and vibrant life experiences through exceptional amenities, award-winning programs, chef-prepared meals, and expert care. This commitment extends to creating fulfilling work environments for associates, recognizing that employee satisfaction directly impacts resident care quality.
The company's excellence has earned significant recognition, including 19 communities being named among the Best Senior Living Communities for 2024. Under the leadership of President and CEO Collette Gray, who received the 2025 McKnight's Senior Living Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the McKnight's Women of Distinction Hall of Honor in 2023, ISL has maintained its position as an industry leader. The partnership with Discovery has proven transformative for operations, enhancing support services, improving employee retention through enhanced benefits, and allowing both companies to leverage best practices while maintaining their unique cultures and programs.
People often ask...
WindChime of Marin Memory Care offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $5,995 per month.
WindChime of Marin Memory Care offers assisted living and memory care.
There are 36 photos of WindChime of Marin Memory Care on Mirador.
The full address for this community is 1111 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, CA, 94904.
Yes, WindChime of Marin Memory Care offers respite care.
Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.
State of California Inspection Reports
44
Inspections
25
Type A Citations
17
Type B Citations
5
Years of reports
29 May 2024
29 May 2024
Found safety features, temperatures, and food handling in good order, with accessible dining and activity areas. However, several resident and staff files, including medication records, could not be reviewed at this time, and no citations were issued.
30 May 2024
30 May 2024
Identified a Fire Safety violation due to blocked third-floor exits, with an immediate civil penalty of $500. Observed hazards and gaps such as unwrapped foods, a water leak area, missing door, unlocked cabinet with razors and scissors, and incomplete dementia and medication training among staff, while first aid/CPR and background checks were current and safety systems and drills were up to date; documents were requested.
§ 87705(f)(1)
§ 87203
§ 1569.625(b)(2)
§ 87555(b)(23)
§ 87705(d)
§ 1569.69(b)
§ 80087(a)
15 May 2023
15 May 2023
Identified deficiencies included missing first-aid certification for several staff and staff not associated with the site, along with an elopement allegation involving a resident who was not to leave unassisted.
§ 87411(c)(1)
§ 87355(e)(2)
§ 87705(b)(2)
14 Dec 2023
14 Dec 2023
Identified failures included not notifying licensing within seven days after a resident incident, not providing required incident reporting documentation, employing a caregiver without DOJ background clearance, and not submitting incident reports to licensing; civil penalties were cited and appeal rights were provided.
§ 87211(a)
§ 87355(e)(1)
24 Jul 2023
24 Jul 2023
Found that the allegation that staff did not ensure the resident had medications for two weeks could not be proven due to insufficient evidence. The review showed the primary physician was not identified on the resident’s forms, and attempts to obtain new prescriptions were unsuccessful.
05 Jun 2024
05 Jun 2024
Found no preponderance of evidence to prove the three allegations: staff did not keep resident rooms clean and sanitary, residents did not receive adequate incontinence care, and safe food service practices were not followed.
06 Oct 2022
06 Oct 2022
Investigated two self-reported incidents in which a resident punched another resident, resulting in facial injuries and hospitalization, and later attempted to punch a staff member, leading to 911 activation and hospital transport. A meeting with the resident’s PCP was held, the resident remained hospitalized, and no deficiencies were cited.
09 Aug 2023
09 Aug 2023
Identified that an outside staff member without fingerprint clearance, on call since April 2023, struck a resident on 8/5/2023 and was removed by law enforcement; civil penalties were assessed for allowing an uncleared person to work.
§ 87355(e)
11 Jan 2024
11 Jan 2024
Found unsubstantiated that residents were unable to leave their rooms, that staff could not communicate with residents due to language barriers, and that residents' care needs were not being met.
25 Jun 2021
25 Jun 2021
Found the site clean and at a comfortable temperature with exits unobstructed and a sufficient food supply during an unannounced 1-year visit. Noted improper mask use and no gloves by kitchen staff; the fire extinguisher was last charged in October 2020, disaster drills were conducted in June 2021, PPE was in place, and no deficiencies were cited.
11 Oct 2022
11 Oct 2022
Investigated found a large bruise on the resident’s left torso that they could not explain. Records showed no falls or pain, bruising could be related to medication or prior susceptibility, with a possible source from the arms of a dining chair; there was not a preponderance of evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
29 Jun 2023
29 Jun 2023
Identified an alleged attempted sexual encounter on 6/20/2023 involving two residents and another individual; staff separated the residents, contacted authorities, relocated one resident, and increased supervision. Reviewed a follow-up meeting with the affected resident’s POA on 6/28/2023 to discuss additional issues and resident/family support, and no deficiencies were cited.
28 Jul 2022
28 Jul 2022
Found insufficient evidence to prove the allegation that resident records were not provided when requested by an authorized representative; records were supplied after obtaining a signed authorization, with delays due to communication issues rather than intentional withholding.
06 Aug 2024
06 Aug 2024
Identified that a staff member dispensed medications without completing the required initial medication training hours. Identified that strong odors and dirty conditions were linked to limited weekend housekeeping, with new staff hired in July, and that the allegation that residents’ rooms were not kept safe, clean, or sanitary was not supported by evidence.
§ 1569.69(a)(1)
§ 87625(b)(3)
12 May 2023
12 May 2023
Found temperatures were comfortable (75–78 F), exits were accessible, hot water was in the 105–120 F range, and bathrooms had grab bars with non-slip mats, while food supplies and handling were adequate. A review of five resident and five staff files began but could not be completed, and medication review plus remaining interviews were deferred to a later date.
30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022
Found that the allegation of an unexplained injury was not supported; records indicated the resident fell and sustained a right hip fracture during hospitalization.
13 Sept 2022
13 Sept 2022
Identified three incidents on 8/30/2022 involving a dementia resident who showed aggression toward others and staff: touching another resident over clothing at about 3:45 pm, striking two residents during dinner, and striking a staff member during a redirect, after which the resident was hospitalized.
24 Jul 2025
24 Jul 2025
Found multiple safety and care concerns at the site, including hot water temperatures outside regulatory range in several rooms, unlocked toxic cleaning supplies and an unlocked razor cabinet, and morning-shift staffing that did not meet requirements; also noted a missing medical assessment for one resident and carbon monoxide detectors not located or linked to the smoke detector system.
§ 9058
§ 87309(a)
§ 87468.2(a)(4)
§ 1569.311
§ 87303(e)(2)
§ 87458(a)
26 May 2022
26 May 2022
Identified infection-control deficiencies, including hazardous items accessible to residents (unlocked cleaners and sharp objects) and bathroom water temperatures above the allowed range; noted PPE availability and staff infection-control training on file.
§ 87705
§ 87705(f)(1)
§ 87303(e)(2)
17 Sept 2021
17 Sept 2021
Investigated the allegation that a resident was pushed by a staff member during a painting activity; no deficiencies were issued.
03 Jun 2025
03 Jun 2025
Investigated and found that the allegation staff did not safeguard a resident’s personal belongings was unsubstantiated, the allegation staff did not bathe a resident in care was unsubstantiated, and the allegation staff obtained care without consent was unsubstantiated; the allegation that the resident’s responsible party could not use their chosen medical pharmacy was unfounded.
03 Jun 2025
03 Jun 2025
Investigated the allegation that staff did not meet the resident's incontinence care needs. Found no evidence to support this claim; interviews indicated the resident could use the bathroom independently, no urine-soiled bed or clothing were observed, and the room was clean with no odors.
07 Jan 2025
07 Jan 2025
Found that a medication change occurred for a resident: the old medication was given on 12/6, 12/7, and the morning of 12/8 before the new medication arrived on 12/8 evening; once it arrived, the old was discontinued and the new administered with no overlap. No deficiencies cited.
06 Aug 2024
06 Aug 2024
Confirmed undocumented staff dispensing medications and unsanitary conditions within the facility.
§ 1569.69(a)(1)
§ 87625(b)(3)
05 Jun 2024
05 Jun 2024
Found allegations of staff not ensuring residents' rooms are kept clean and staff not ensuring residents receive adequate incontinence care to be unsubstantiated. Also found allegations of staff not following safe food service practices to be unsubstantiated.
30 May 2024
30 May 2024
Identified violations related to fire safety and staff training during inspection.
§ 87555(b)(23)
§ 87203
§ 87705(f)(1)
§ 87705(d)
§ 80087(a)
§ 1569.69(b)
§ 1569.625(b)(2)
29 May 2024
29 May 2024
Inspection found the facility in compliance with regulations regarding resident accommodations, food storage, temperature control, and safety measures.
11 Jan 2024
11 Jan 2024
Found insufficient evidence to support allegations of locking residents in their rooms, staff communication issues, and inadequate care for residents.
14 Dec 2023
14 Dec 2023
Identified failure to report incidents and lack of DOJ clearance for caregiver resulting in civil penalties.
§ 87355(e)(1)
§ 87211(a)
09 Aug 2023
09 Aug 2023
Confirmed allegations of improper conduct by a staff member resulting in civil penalties being assessed.
§ 87355(e)
24 Jul 2023
24 Jul 2023
Identified failure to ensure resident took medications as prescribed by Physician due to missing primary physician information and unsuccessful attempts to obtain new prescriptions.
29 Jun 2023
29 Jun 2023
Confirmed witnessed attempted sexual encounter between residents and another individual, reported by staff. Residents separated and re-directed, with follow-up actions taken by facility.
15 May 2023
15 May 2023
Identified deficiencies in personnel certification and documentation during an annual inspection, as well as an elopement incident involving a resident with dementia.
§ 87705(b)(2)
§ 87355(e)(2)
§ 87411(c)(1)
12 May 2023
12 May 2023
Inspection found that facility met regulations for resident safety, cleanliness, food storage, and fire safety. Review of files and interviews were incomplete and will be revisited.
11 Oct 2022
11 Oct 2022
Investigated an allegation of a resident sustaining unexplained bruising; findings revealed the resident was taking a medication that could cause bruising and had a history of being susceptible to bruising, but there was insufficient evidence to definitively determine the cause.
06 Oct 2022
06 Oct 2022
Confirmed two incidents reported involving physical altercations between residents resulting in injuries, leading to one resident being transported to the hospital for evaluation.
13 Sept 2022
13 Sept 2022
Reviewed three separate incidents involving a resident causing physical harm to other residents on the same day, resulting in one resident being sent to the hospital and not returning to the facility.
28 Jul 2022
28 Jul 2022
Found no intentional withholding of records; delay caused by communication issues. Records provided once clear instructions received. Allegation of not providing records unsubstantiated.
30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022
Investigated an allegation of an unexplained injury to a resident, possibly from a fall, but lacked sufficient evidence to confirm or deny the claim.
26 May 2022
26 May 2022
Identified deficiencies in the facility during an inspection, including issues with water temperature, storage of hazardous items, and lack of proper documentation.
§ 87705(f)(1)
§ 87705
§ 87303(e)(2)
17 Sept 2021
17 Sept 2021
Confirmed allegations of a resident pushing a staff member during a painting activity were found to be the result of the resident becoming agitated when the staff member attempted to clean paint off the resident's face. No deficiencies were issued during the inspection.
25 Jun 2021
25 Jun 2021
Inspection found no deficiencies in cleanliness, food supply, emergency preparedness, or PPE at the facility. Staff were reminded to wear masks and gloves properly.
