If you're looking for senior care for an elder loved one in Oakland, CA, you may come across the terms "skilled nursing" and "nursing homes." These terms are...
Nursing Home in Oakland, California
If you're looking for senior care for an elder loved one in Oakland, CA, you may come across the terms "skilled nursing" and "nursing homes." These terms are somewhat interchangeable, as nursing homes often include skilled nursing care. In Oakland, there are a variety of senior care options available, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. The costs of nursing homes in Oakland are higher than the California average. However, the average income in Oakland is also higher than the average in California. Oakland is ranked as the eighth largest city in California. Some of the top nursing homes facilities in the city include Piedmont Gardens, Lake Park Retirement Residence, and Grand Lake Gardens.
Arosa East Bay isn’t your typical home care agency. They’ve been around for over 20 years, originally starting as LivHome, and now serve families all over the East Bay. What stands out is how they combine hands-on caregiving with professional care management—so you get both a helper for daily tasks and an expert to coordinate the bigger picture.
Lafayette Gardens isn’t a sprawling facility—it’s more of a small, home-like setting where staff know each resident by name. They focus on hands-on help with daily activities: bathing, dressing, eating, and getting around. If your loved one needs support with memory issues, like Alzheimer’s or dementia, they tailor care plans and keep routines predictable.
Byron Park stands out for its genuinely welcoming vibe and the way staff connect with both residents and families. When you walk in, you’re likely to be greeted by people who know the residents by name, and it’s not uncommon to see staff chatting with families or helping new arrivals settle in. Maria Petrescu is often mentioned as a standout—she’s not just knowledgeable about the community, but she’s also known for making tours feel personal and for answering questions with real care.
Coterie Cathedral Hill stands out for families who want more than just a place for their loved ones to live—they want a place where life still feels full. Residents talk about the food first: not just edible, but genuinely delicious, with a chef who seems to know how to make every meal feel special. Meals are a social event, and the dining room buzzes with conversation. The apartments themselves get rave reviews for their smart-home features, natural light, and open floor plans.
San Francisco Post Acute stands out for its hands-on rehab and approachable staff. The facility is smaller than many in the city, with just 53 beds, so families often mention the staff knows residents by name. They offer 24/7 nursing, and their rehab gym gets frequent praise—especially from folks working with Jan Mark (physical therapist) and John, the rehab director.
Waters Edge Lodge stands out because it feels less like a facility and more like a lively community where residents genuinely have choices in how they spend their days. The first thing families often notice is the bright, open layout and the view of the lagoon—residents can sit on the patio and watch the water, which is rare in Alameda. The staff, from caregivers to the activities manager, are described as warm, responsive, and truly invested in the residents’ well-being.
Central Gardens Post Acute isn’t your typical big-box nursing home. Families in San Francisco know it as a place where rehab isn’t just a buzzword—people actually get back on their feet here. The physical therapy team gets a lot of praise, with stories of folks coming in unable to walk and leaving on their own two feet. The building itself is kept clean, and the staff’s friendliness stands out. You’ll hear about nurses who keep families in the loop, even setting up daily FaceTime calls.
Oakland Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation is a skilled nursing facility tucked into East Oakland, serving a diverse local community. They handle a mix of short-term rehab and long-term care, with a focus on seniors who need extra medical support—think wound care, diabetes management, pain control, and dementia care. There’s also a hospice program and respite stays for families who need a break.
Pleasant Hill Post Acute isn’t one of those huge, impersonal facilities. Families mention that the staff seem to know residents by name, and there’s a genuinely friendly vibe when you walk in. One reviewer even called out the front desk for being patient and helpful, especially for out-of-town family trying to check in on loved ones. Folks have praised the food (not always the case in nursing homes!), and bingo is apparently a big hit.
Tiffany Court of Walnut Creek feels more like a small, tight-knit apartment community than a typical senior facility. Residents often mention the staff by name—Patti and Jan come up repeatedly in reviews, known for their warmth and hands-on approach. Staff are attentive to practical needs, whether that's helping coordinate long-term care insurance paperwork or making sure a resident has a comfortable recliner and a raised commode in their room.
Elegance Berkeley stands out for its strikingly modern design—think mid-century touches, lots of natural light, and a courtyard that’s actually used by residents, not just for show. The building is fairly new, so everything feels fresh and well-kept. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care, and there’s a visible effort to create a lively atmosphere with regular music events and intergenerational arts programs.
We Care Center, officially known as We Care Skilled Nursing Facility, is a small, 28-bed nursing home tucked away on Vallejo Street in Hayward. This isn't a sprawling institution—it's more of a close-knit spot where residents get round-the-clock nursing care, mostly from certified nursing assistants and licensed nurses. The staff handles everything from medication management and wound care to helping folks with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and mobility.
Cardinal Point offers a vibrant community for seniors, providing a range of services including assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents enjoy a variety of activities like exercise classes, reading groups, and board games. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, with team members like Concierge Maricel and Administrator Avon making residents feel welcome and supported.
Memory Care of Contra Costa isn’t your typical senior care place. It’s focused entirely on memory care, so you won’t find independent living or general assisted living here—just a team that’s all in on dementia and Alzheimer’s support. They use Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care®, which is a hands-on, relationship-based method that’s pretty respected in the field.
