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.
A Windsor House feels more like a classic Berkeley home than a facility, tucked on a leafy residential street with just a handful of residents. This place is small—think six to eight residents, not dozens—so you get a lot more personal attention than you’ll find at bigger places. Staff help with the basics: bathing, dressing, medication, and making sure folks get to appointments. Meals are home-cooked and they’ll work with special diets, including diabetes.
Hayward Gardens Post Acute is a skilled nursing facility that focuses on both short-term rehab and longer stays for seniors who need extra support. People usually come here after a hospital visit—maybe surgery, an illness, or an injury—when they’re not quite ready to go home but don’t need to be in the hospital anymore. The staff includes nurses and rehab therapists who help with things like physical therapy, wound care, and daily needs.
Elders Inn feels more like a small neighborhood than a big facility, with just 52 suites and several peaceful courtyards where residents can relax outside. Families mention that the place is clean and doesn't have that 'nursing home smell'—a detail that often matters more than you think. The staff gets a lot of praise for being genuinely friendly and attentive, and names like Tristan come up in reviews for being especially helpful.
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.
Deer Hill Care Home isn’t one of those big, impersonal facilities—it’s a small, six-resident home where everyone gets to know each other, staff included. The team there is known for being hands-on and genuinely attentive. One family member shared that their father received 'amazing' care, especially in his final months, and felt the staff went above and beyond to make him comfortable[1].
Hayward Convalescent at 1832 B St isn’t flashy, but it’s a place many local families know by name. If you ask around, you’ll hear stories of staff who remember residents’ birthdays and call families with updates, not just when there’s a problem. The team includes long-timers like Hector and Salitha—mentioned by name in reviews—who’ve built real relationships with families. Val, the nursing director, is also hands-on and responsive.
Berkeley Pines Care Center is a smaller, locally run nursing facility that’s been around for years in South Berkeley. They focus on long-term care and rehab for seniors who need daily nursing support, whether that’s help with medications, bathing, or getting around. The staff includes certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, and a few social workers, and there’s always someone on duty 24/7.
Confidence Home Care, tucked into the Marina Bay area of Richmond, has built a reputation for hands-on, practical support for older adults who want to remain at home. Their caregivers help with everyday needs like bathing, dressing, meal prep, and medication reminders. What stands out is their willingness to tailor care plans—families mention that staff regularly check in and adjust routines as needs change.
Lafayette Care Home II is a small, residential care home that feels more like a family house than a facility. They’re known for working with seniors who need help with daily routines—things like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. The staff focuses on keeping routines predictable and calm, which is especially important for residents with memory loss or dementia. There’s always someone on site, and families say the caregivers are patient and genuinely attentive.
Independence Plaza at 703 Atlantic Ave isn't a typical senior care facility—it's more like a secure apartment community specifically for older adults. The place has 186 units spread across five buildings, all behind gated entryways, so it feels pretty safe and private once you're inside. Residents mention that, even though it's surrounded by busy streets, it's surprisingly peaceful.
Bay Point Health Care Center is a skilled nursing facility in Hayward that mostly serves seniors who need ongoing medical care and help with daily activities. The staff includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, but reviews and official ratings point to frequent short staffing.
Lafayette Care Home feels more like a family home than an institution. It’s a smaller, board-and-care setting, so residents get a lot of personal attention—staff know everyone by name and often by favorite breakfast or hobby. The team is well-trained and genuinely attentive, stepping in to help with things like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but also making sure residents can keep their routines and independence where possible.
Alegria Community Living isn’t your typical senior care home. They focus on supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially folks who’ve moved out of institutions and need a lot of hands-on help. Most residents use wheelchairs and many are non-verbal, so the staff is used to working with people who need a lot of medical and behavioral support. It’s a 24-hour setup, so there’s always someone around, and they also help with transportation and day programs.
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.
