MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque

June 2025

Google

Gl Lu

Beautiful and very clean. Staff is friendly and hard working

March 2025

Google

Catherine Leon

I suspected the care here was unreasonably low, but it wasn't until my family moved my mother to a different facility that it was confirmed. This review is mainly for the memory care area. If your loved one only needs assisted living, your experience could be ok, but if like my mom, you no longer remember how to take care of yourself, different story. I'll start with a positive. The building is really nice. Hygiene is substandard. I took my mom to the dentist after being in their facility for a number of months, and her dental hygienist was enraged at the state of her mouth. I sent a foot nurse to see to her foot pain, and they reported her toes were black with grime and nobody noticed or informed us that her toenails had not been cut once. The food in memory care was increasingly bad. She was given juice to drink - not water despite our requests - and while sometimes the food seemed just ok, other times, it looked terrible, nothing fresh or fresh made or healthy looking. She never had her own eyeglasses on. Nobody noticed or kept track despite my numerous requests. She went in with a very nice wardrobe, which gradually mostly disappeared as her closet was filled with old, worn, wrong sized items, even large men's clothes. She had multiple pairs of nice shoes, and by the time we moved her out, she had 2 shoes (not pairs) of her own that matched. Both her coats gone. Her walker gone. They couldn't find any of her things. When I would drop in, she was most often in mismatched, inappropriate pajamas, no bra, hair not brushed, one slipper, etc. Without exception, every time I dropped in, most (not all) of the staff were sitting together and on their phones, INCLUDING the male supervisor. There were a couple of staff who seemed to care and be half way professional, but they tended to be replaced at high rates. One staff member told me the situation bothered her and she tried to bring things up, but it was useless. Possibly worst of all, when we tried to bring up our concerns in a respectful way, we were blown off by the male supervisor, and the higher ups were copied. We have copies of these emails. And all for 10k plus a month. NOW: We moved my mother to a Good Life facility a few months ago. Everything changed overnight. All above problems gone. Best thing we ever did. Wish we moved her sooner. I'll end with some positives. The mission is good, and some staff are caring, and the facilities are very nice. They kept my mom more or less safe and fed. The occasional activities and entertainment are very nice.

January 2025

Google

Ann Adams

My mother was a resident of Morningstar's Reflection unit for 3 years and received excellent care from the staff as she transitioned from more independence to needing hospice care. The staff were very kind with my mother who faced many challenges beyond dementia including severe hearing loss and becoming more physically incapacitated. The staff work as a team to provide quality care in a beautiful environment and they encourage participation in activities to keep residents active at whatever level they are capable of. They were very responsive to our requests for the additional needs my mother had over time. We are very grateful for their professionalism and compassion.

November 2024

Google

Dave

I can’t say enough about the exceptional care and service my dad has received at Morningstar Assisted Living. From the moment we arrived, I knew we had made the right decision. The facility itself is absolutely beautiful, immaculately maintained, and full of amenities that make it feel more like a four-star resort than an assisted living facility. It has everything from a serene garden and a movie theater to a gym, a library with a cozy fireplace, and even a salon. But it’s the staff that really makes this place stand out, and I truly feel like I’ve found a place that sincerely cares for my dad’s well-being. A huge thank you to Analise Pham in the front office, who has been incredibly helpful and welcoming. Her warmth and efficiency made the transition smooth, and she really made us feel at home right away. I also want to recognize the medical director, Elijah, who has been instrumental in coordinating my dad’s care. His professionalism and thoughtful approach have given me so much confidence in trusting Morningstar with my dad’s needs, especially after months of dealing with acute medical conditions. He has ensured my dad's move from sub-acute rehab to assisted living was seamless and safe, and I couldn’t be more grateful. That is most certainly among the reasons he has been selected as best of the best in New Mexico. The nursing staff is absolutely top-notch. Their compassionate care and attention to detail have made all the difference. I’ve also been so impressed by the dedication of the housekeeping team, Daniel and the maintenance department, and the amazingly kind staff in the dining facility. They’ve all gone above and beyond in ways I didn’t expect. Speaking of the dining staff, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling the food during my visits, and I’ve been so impressed by the quality and variety of offerings. The food is delicious, and the service is equally outstanding. It’s clear that they truly care about providing an enjoyable dining experience for the residents. Another huge plus is how the staff encourages patient participation in activities, which my dad really needs. From games in the community room to peaceful strolls through the garden, there’s always something to engage and uplift the residents. When my dad arrived, the team even greeted him with a chocolate milkshake”a small gesture that spoke volumes about the level of care and thoughtfulness at Morningstar. They also helped me haul countless boxes as I was unpacking his things, making a potentially overwhelming experience much more manageable. In short, I cannot recommend Morningstar enough. It’s a place where the staff doesn’t just meet expectations”they exceed them, every day. I feel so incredibly lucky to have found a place that not only cares for my dad’s physical needs but also fosters an environment of warmth, comfort, and community. If you’re looking for a place that truly values its residents and their families, Morningstar is the best of the best.

October 2024

Google

Karla Ness

Beautiful and welcoming community. Great caring staff. Jackie greets you with a big smile at the front desk. Analise, Efren, and Isidro have really raised the bar for excellence throughout the community. By far the best community in the area!

May 2024

Google

Doug Sleeman

May 2024

Google

Jacqi Haines

The staff are so friendly, knowledgeable and the facility is great.

March 2024

Google

Nicole Kenslow

They’ve been amazing with my mother! And open to working with me, hospice, and home health on her care to do what’s best for her. I know staff by name, and they know me and my mom. I’m so grateful for MorningStar. I don’t know what we would do without them! I can’t recommend them enough.

July 2022

Google

Pam Melgaard

My siblings and I checked out many assisted living and memory care facilities before choosing a place for our parents. We looked into other's basic philosophies, cleanliness, attention to residents etc. We unanimously decided on MorningStar, on the east side of Albuquerque. We moved them in with full confidence that we had chosen the best we could for our loved ones. This is a very clean, caring and active facility. The lovely woman that was our first contact is incredible, to say the least...I can't say enough good about her and her follow up! In all honesty, we did encounter some issues with the local organization and particular people and how their responsibilities were carried out. With that said, we are TOTALLY impressed with how, eventually, most everyone has responded to us and the issues we had. We are very happy with the outcome of our, and their, efforts. Things are running smoothly and quite as expected now. We love Morning Star, its caregivers, the administration, absolutely the salesperson and all involved. This Christian, moral based facility is highly recommended by our family!!

July 2022

Google

Heather Crites

My grandma has lived here for the past 4 years and is taken care of very well the staff is always nice, and welcoming, and attends to my grandma's need.

July 2022

Google

Loretta Candelaria

This is one of the nicest assisted living facilities in the Albuqueruque area. It is centrally located and is walking distance to a nice strip mall. The staff is friendly and the facility is clean. The rooms are spacious, and the care they provide is top-notch. I haven’t seen any other facility in town with the amount of amenities that I’ve seen here. This facility truly puts its residents’ needs first. I would highly recommend to my family and friends.

June 2022

Google

Sargent's Art Academy

The men and women at Morningstar really care about their residents. There are several fun and engaging activities such as arts and crafts and meditations, music participation, beauty and self-care, and much more. Everyone is very friendly and thoughtful towards each other.

January 2022

Google

Paul Barlow

October 2021

Google

Valerie Mied

Morningstar Assisted Senior Living has been a life saver for our mom and her daughters. Mom was living independently when a fall required her to need permanent assistance. The team at Morningstar have been so very helpful to her and to us as we transition to this new reality. The every-day tasks are very personalized and focus on basic need of meals, medications, personal hygiene, and social stimulation. Names to mention are Jadon, David, Claire, Michael, Carol and the friendly dining staff.

April 2021

Google

Rachael McClair

My mom received excellent care with at MorningStar! Robin was caring and encouraging to my sisters and I as we made the decision to move her there. Emily (Wellness Coordinator) is responsive and took great care of her. My mom loved the entire staff and felt very loved and cared for!

August 2020

Google

Judy K. Katz

I am so impressed with the care staff and mgmt. at Morningstar in Albuquerque. It is a very difficult time in this Covid-19 pandemic, yet, the people at Morningstar are going out of their way to take such great care of their residents. My dad looks so much better after living there for the past few months and my mom says "she is better than good after being there for just a few weeks!" It is quite an adjustment when people who have been used to living on their own to suddenly have a new community and home. Huge applause to Maxine S. for making their moves as seamless as possible, not only for our parents, but for the family too. Special thanks to Amber, the activity director, who has gone out of her way to make my mom and dad feel welcome, comfortable and at home. They are doing so much to keep their residents active and happy during this lock-down period. Also, Jordon, the wellness director has stepped up to facilitate video-calls with Dr. visits and so much more. Huge applause to Morningstar in Albuquerque and everyone who works there for keeping the facility Covid-free. Every person is making a huge sacrifice to live safely during this time. I recommend Morningstar completely!!!! And, I understand the food is terrific also! They are excellent to their residents and to their families. Their communication with us has been over the top, and that is a huge relief for me and my siblings. They truly feel like family! The incredible beauty found in this facility, which truly looks like a vacation resort, carries through within the hearts of everyone who works there, right to the director, Shelley, who is awesome. My special thanks to everyone at Morningstar for going the extra mile for my parents and all of the residents and their families!

August 2020

Google

Nick Carrera

Highly professional staff motivated to the extreme care and safety of there residents.

July 2020

Google

Paul Martinez

MorningStar of Albuquerque is an awesome place for those who want a safe, secure, and family-oriented home that cares for their residents. I’ve interacted many times with Maxine and Shellie, and their whole team, and they care for my mom like I would. Their care and love for the residents really shows!

May 2020

Google

Randall Perkins

Couldn’t ask for better care and communication from the team at Morningstar. Thank you for loving my father.

May 2020

Google

Maxine Sloan

MorningStar of Albuquerque is always celebrating our seniors, the home of the brave!

May 2020

Google

Joshua McMahon

May 2020

Google

Nicole McMahon

May 2020

Google

Bonnie Holland

My parents have been residents of Morningstar for three and a half years. It has been a happy, secure home for them since leaving their residence of 46 years. Because of the caring staff, my parents have adjusted to their new home at Morningstar very well. The facilities are beautiful and spacious. My mother and dad are very happy about their decision to live at Morningstar.

May 2020

Google

Neil McCasland

The best I could find in Albuquerque. My mother lived the last two years of her life here; we found quality of care significantly better than her comparably priced facility in her Texas home city. I was struck by how consistently good the staff is - their competence, commitment and remarkable compassion and sensitivity is all I could have hoped for. My mother told me and others in her family that she was happy and content here. Their physical plant in great shape, clean, roomy, w nice light, very well maintained, w a great and flexible kitchen and dining room.

May 2020

Google

Barbara McMahon

Beautiful, very pleasant, efficient staff, wonderful food. Top notch care and great entertainment. Best care for loved ones. Assisted living and memory care

May 2020

Google

Ben Gonzalez

Morning Star is a phenomenal place. I am so thankful for how helpful they were when my mother and uncle were exploring senior living options for my grandmother. Maxine was especially helpful and very knowledgeable!

May 2020

Google

Nicole Forrester

May 2020

Google

Don Fisher

My mother has been at MorningStar now for 5 months through an exceptionally difficult time. The pandemic has targeted communal living facilities work-wide. The staff and management have been extremely proactive and reacted early with infection control practices and have had no COVID-19 cases. Our family has been discussing whether to move Mom back to our home since the first case occurred in NM. Management has been completely open and transparent when we discuss our concerns. They have been very accommodating with my mother’s very restrictive diet and as flexible as possible with her needs for socialization. We have the sense that Mom is in very good hands with the dedicated, professional and caring staff, even at a time when their own lives are so disrupted and restricted. We feel they are doing everything possible for the safety and comfort of the residents. I can’t imagine a better place for Mom. Oh, and she likes it there too. Thank you MorningStar!

May 2020

Google

Elizabeth Sikorski

Morning Star of Albuquerque is a beautiful facility with a caring, friendly and professional staff. We helped our family friend relocate from another state and the staff was most accommodating in making the transition as smooth as possible. The staff is very helpful whenever we have questions and very dedicated to the residents needs and will go out of their way to facilitate the requests of both residents and family. We are very happy and satisfied with our selection of Morning Star!

May 2019

Google

Jessica Lager

MorningStar in Albuquerque is excellent! They do a wonderful job providing loving, personalized service to seniors. Beautiful facility with devoted, caring, professional staff. I highly recommend!

May 2019

Google

Jeff Katt

MorningStar really cares about people. The welcoming, friendly and professional staff are the best. Great culture and people.

May 2019

Google

Sandy Valencia

We have gone through three Facilities. So when our dear friend Leslie Castaneda got my Carlos into Morningstar of Albuquerque. I could not believe there were ever any places like this. So warm & inviting. Shellie & Entire Staff, are so AWESOME. You all mades us feel like family. You listened to our concerns. Thank You, MorningStar for the love & Care you all have shown our Carlos & us. (Sandy Valencia)

May 2019

Google

Barbara Hilford

I have been holding a weekly class - "The Artworks of God" - at MorningStar for over 4 years and subsequently have observed and even been a part of many other activities there during that time. I have nothing but praise for the efficient, knowledgeable, caring staff, the variety of programs and assistance offered, and the encouragement, understanding, and loving care provided to all the residents. Kudos for a job well done, MorningStar!

May 2019

Google

Gwenda Leyendecker

I love Morningstar and the folks who work there. I have spent time there volunteering and love the way the staff interact with the residents in both assisted living and memory care. They all truely care about their residents. They also have professional chefs who prepare really delicious food and desserts. They have sing-alongs with residents and also provide entertainment.

May 2019

Google

Carol Rapisardi

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care is filled with happy residents, who have good relationships with each other, as well as the staff. The staff meets their needs with love and kindness. The community itself is clean and bright and a great place to be.

May 2019

Google

Janelle Lovin Mancha

I have to share how AMAZING Morningstar is. They have an incredible team of kind, professional, and hard working individuals. I am the co-owner of a portable dental hygiene company and am fortunate enough to care for many of their residents. I am continually impressed by the care they provide. It starts at the top with their Executive Director, Shellie Sims; she truly leads by example.

May 2019

Google

Denise Penners

The facility is very clean, pet-friendly, and all people who work there are kind, caring and friendly. My father has been a resident for 2.5 years and has received excellent care - great everyday checking, kind check ins for snacks, and excellent response when a fall occurs. I feel very safe with my father at Morningstar.

May 2019

Google

Marta_trevizo @yahoo.com Marti

Beautiful, inviting and amazing staff.

May 2019

Google

Jamel Ellison

***Highly Recommend*** As a healthcare professional I’ve had the pleasure of doing business with Shellie Sims, Maxine, Jordyn, and Amber. The level of quality they deliver to each resident/family, community members has been exceptional to date. I am most impressed with the quality of care each client receives on a daily basis, and how every single employee puts the needs of the resident(s) first. We have followed up with our families that we’ve referred to Morningstar Assisted Living and each of them sings high praises surrounding their level of satisfaction with the overall customer experience as a client of Morningstar. It is an honor and a privilege to continue fostering the developed relationship with the incredible Morningstar team.

May 2019

Google

Trevor Burns

I have noted that the staff and leadership have a real passion, and concern, for the residents and their quality of life at this center.

May 2019

Google

Gayle Rierson

Maxine Sloan is awesome! Very helpful and knowledgeable.

May 2019

Google

Dan Sloan

May 2019

Google

Anna Sloan

This place is amazing! I come regularly on Sundays to visit with the residents and they are always well cared for and the staff is very pleasant!

May 2019

Google

Connie Kelly

August 2018

Google

Kristina H. Pulliam, SRES

Dear Concerned Citizen, as a family with a resident at MorningStar, I would like to respond to your comment. The management staff and employees work hard to make this a clean and safe environment for residents, families and employees. We have had some concerns or questions as well but chose to sit down with Shellie (Executive Director) and have a discussion in person instead of writing a review on a computer. Her door is always open to hear from residents, employees and families to help resolve any concerns. I am not particularly fond of the star rating for any business because it is not an accurate rating for each day. Today, August 4, 2018 I would give MorningStar a four star rating. And will continue to be an advocate for my own family member as well as other residents at MorningStar. Thank you Shellie for your open door policy!

July 2018

Google

Melanie Seamans