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.
San Marco Nursing & Rehab at 130 Tampico in Walnut Creek is a mid-sized facility offering both short-term rehab and long-term nursing care. Most folks know it as a place where local seniors go after hospital stays to recover from surgeries or illness, though some residents stay longer when they need more daily help.
Senior Care Services at 1280 Boulevard Way in Walnut Creek is known for supporting older adults who need help with memory loss or require skilled nursing care. The team there focuses on residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s, providing daily routines, medication support, and personal care. While I couldn’t find the names of specific staff or administrators, people who have worked at similar Walnut Creek agencies mention a mix of experienced caregivers and licensed nurses on site.
Tampico Terrace Care Center is one of those places locals know by reputation—some good, some not-so-great, and plenty in between. They offer skilled nursing and rehab, with a mix of long-term and short-term residents. The staff includes LVNs, RNs, and certified nursing assistants, many of whom are new grads getting their start in healthcare.
The Kensington at Walnut Creek stands out for its warm, friendly atmosphere and the way they truly get to know each resident. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they tailor support to each person’s needs—whether that’s help with daily routines, memory support, or just making sure someone’s favorite breakfast is ready. The staff is on-site 24/7, and families mention how responsive and attentive they are, especially when it comes to the little things that make a difference day-to-day.
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.
Westborough Royale is one of those places that feels more down-to-earth than flashy. It’s not the newest building in town, but it’s clean, well-kept, and the rooms are a bit larger than what you’ll find at a lot of other places. Every unit has either a patio or a balcony, which residents and their families really appreciate—having a little fresh air and a view makes a difference. The staff here get a lot of praise for being friendly and attentive.
Best Coast Staffing at 355 Gellert Blvd isn’t your typical senior care agency. They focus on matching seniors with in-home caregivers who handle everything from personal care to companionship and help with daily routines. Their team includes caregivers who are familiar with the local community and have experience supporting clients with mobility challenges, memory loss, or post-hospital recovery.
Best Care Provider is one of those agencies you might not hear much about unless you know someone who’s used them. They focus on non-medical home care for older adults—think help with bathing, meal prep, light cleaning, and companionship. Their caregivers aren’t nurses, but they’re there to help with the daily stuff that keeps someone safe and comfortable at home.
Excell Health Care Center is a 99-bed skilled nursing facility that focuses on short-term rehab and long-term care for older adults who need more than what can be managed at home. The team includes nurses, rehab therapists, dietitians, social workers, and case managers—so care plans are built with input from different disciplines, not just one doctor.
Grand Lake Gardens used to be a well-regarded retirement community in Oakland, offering independent and assisted living for older adults. They were known for a friendly, laid-back vibe and a central location near hospitals and shops. Residents could choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments, and the place offered things like meals, housekeeping, activities, and transportation.
Lake Merritt Healthcare Center is a smaller skilled nursing facility with 53 licensed beds, located right on MacArthur Blvd in Oakland. They focus on long-term care for seniors who need daily nursing support—think help with medications, mobility, meals, and ongoing health monitoring. It's not a home care agency; residents live on site and receive round-the-clock attention from nursing staff.
Lakeside Park stands out for its hands-on, truly memory-focused care. This isn’t a place where you’ll see generic activity calendars or a revolving door of unfamiliar staff. The caregivers here—called Nayas—are specially trained in dementia care, and many have earned certifications from The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. What I notice most is how they build real relationships with residents, not just providing support but engaging in daily life together.
Marina Garden Nursing Center is a small, skilled nursing facility with just 32 beds, which means your parent won't get lost in the shuffle. The staff includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and a good number of nurse aides—residents get about 3.8 hours of care per day, which is above average. They offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy right on site, so if your parent needs rehab after a hospital stay or surgery, they won't have to go elsewhere.
Mercy Retirement & Care Center has been part of Oakland’s senior care landscape for over a century, and you’ll find a wide range of services under one roof. They offer independent living, assisted living, memory care for folks with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and skilled nursing, including short-term rehab after illness or surgery. The staff includes licensed nurses and in-house therapists—occupational, physical, and speech—so residents don’t have to travel for most medical needs.
