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.
AEC Living stands out in Alameda because it's still run by the Zimmerman family, who have been caring for local seniors for over 50 years. Their roots in the community show—many staff have been there for years and know residents by name, not just by room number. The company operates several locations, including Waters Edge Lodge and Elders Inn, plus a Medicare-approved therapy service and even a senior co-housing option called Phoenix Commons.
All Saints Subacute & Transitional Care is a skilled nursing and subacute facility that handles a lot more than just basic care. They have 24/7 nursing staff, including both registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses, and they focus on helping people recover after serious illness or surgery—especially those who need more attention than what a typical rehab center provides.
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.
Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill - Martinez feels like a lively, welcoming place where residents are truly known by the staff. People mention how open and bright the building is, which makes it easy for folks to get around, even if they use walkers or wheelchairs. The staff gets a lot of praise for being friendly and genuinely caring—families often say they feel comfortable reaching out and always get a quick response.
Home Sweet Home Senior Care has been part of Daly City’s elder care landscape for over 30 years, and you’ll hear a real mix of opinions from families who’ve visited or had loved ones there. Some folks say the staff are attentive, friendly, and genuinely care about the residents—one family even mentioned that their mother found it a big step up from her previous nursing home. Others have noticed the place feels cozy and clean, with good food and a homey atmosphere.
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.
Marina Garden Nursing Center is a small, locally owned skilled nursing facility with just 32 beds, so it feels more personal than some of the larger places in Alameda. They handle a mix of short-term rehab, long-term care, and respite stays. Families often mention that the staff is attentive and that there's a consistent group of caregivers, which can make transitions easier for new residents.
Merrill Gardens at Rockridge stands out in Oakland for its blend of flexibility and practical support. The community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, with a focus on adapting to each resident’s changing needs. Families say the staff is attentive and responsive, and there’s always someone on site—nurses are available 24/7, and a resident call system means help is never far away.
Pacific Senior Care Services is run by Kelly Gonzales, who’s been in the field long enough to know that every family’s situation is different. Instead of just offering a menu of services, they actually help you figure out what your parent needs—whether that’s finding the right memory care facility, arranging in-home help, or just talking through options when things get confusing. They don’t charge families for placement help, which is a relief when you’re already juggling costs.
Peninsula Del Rey stands out in Daly City for a few practical reasons. First, the staff includes both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), so medical support is always nearby—not just for emergencies, but for things like wound care, oxygen therapy, and managing special diets, including diabetic needs. They can also help residents under 60 and those with mild dementia, which isn’t always the case at other places.
St. Francis Healthcare Center is one of those places people in Hayward actually talk about—sometimes for good reasons, sometimes with a few gripes. The facility itself is small, which many families appreciate because it feels more personal and less overwhelming than some of the bigger places in the area. Folks consistently mention the therapy team here—especially for physical and occupational therapy.
Bellaken Garden isn’t flashy, but it’s a spot many Oakland families turn to when they need both assisted living and skilled nursing under one roof. They’re known for serving a lot of Asian elders, which shows up in everything from the food (think rice and steamed veggies, not just meatloaf) to the languages spoken by staff.
Carnelian Assisted Living on Warren Rd is a small, hands-on care home that stands out for its stability and personal touch. Unlike larger facilities, Carnelian feels more like a family home—residents and staff know each other by name, and turnover is low. Families who've placed loved ones here, especially those with dementia or high care needs, consistently mention how the staff treat residents like their own relatives.
East Bay Post-Acute Healthcare Center is a mid-sized facility that offers both short-term rehab and long-term care, including memory care for folks with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. One thing that stands out is their in-house therapy team—residents can get physical, occupational, and speech therapy right on site, which is helpful if your parent needs regular rehab or help regaining strength after a hospital stay.
