Salem Lutheran Home

I am a friend or relative of a resident

I chose Salem Lutheran Home for my mom because it seemed like the best one for her. It had a suburban feel, which I thought she would like. It wasn't a high-rise, just basically one or two stories, they had a private room available for her, and it was very close to my house. The rooms were very homey and didn't feel like a hospital. The staff was generally good, everyone was really warm and friendly, but there just wasn't enough of them. My mom has passed and she stayed there for only a month and a half. She was sort of a special case and it was her first and last assisted living experience.

I visited this facility

it is one of the best facilities I've ever seen. Despite its location, the facility had more charm than other facilities we visited.The food is excellent and they have a choice of two courses dinner every night. There are three meals a day. They have a salad bar and lots of variety.The staff is very friendly and patient.the staff seems dedicated and caring and they cooperate well with our medical providers.They also have a lot of activities inside the facility like bingo, movie, art, yoga and a meditation type of drumming.infact,the infrastructure is also very good.The facility itself is clean and modern, and it's gated, so it's pretty safe.

I visited this facility

it is one of the best facilities i ever saw.the staff is caring and well instructed.They did a lot of research before choosing to move there.Despite its location, the facility had more charm than other facilities.The facility itself is clean and modern, and it's gated, so it's pretty safe. I haven't gotten any complaints from either patients or family members.They also have a lot of activities inside the facility like bingo, movie, art, yoga and a meditation type of drumming.so it's a very good facility.

I am a friend or relative of a resident

One reason I placed my brother in this facility is because it's Lutheran. They are people who not only run this place for commercial purposes and also they believe in what they are doing. It's a combination of religious mission together with running the place as a whole. It does not have a feel of a purely commercial place where they make money. Another reason is that they have different levels of assisted living. They have Assisted Living 1 and it goes up. The food is excellent and they have a choice of two courses dinner every night. There are three meals a day. The last time I was there we have a choice of steak and chicken. My brother is very happy with the food.The staff is very friendly and patient. They live up to what they believe in as a Lutheran facility which is good. Also they take their residents to Kaiser twice a week and also take them out to lunch or shopping. They sign up when they want to go out. They also have a lot of activities inside the facility like bingo, movie, art, yoga and a meditation type of drumming. Now my brother has much opportunity to communicate and mingle with other people compared to where he was prior.

I am/was a resident of this facility

Cost. Ambiance of buildings and grounds. Attitude of staff. Non profit?

I am a friend or relative of a resident

I have visited friends there. They did a lot of research before choosing to move there. They like it. I thought it was a pleasant place.

I am a friend or relative of a resident

The Terrace (assisted living - 2nd floor) was an excellent facility a few years ago. Now, staffing is reduced and the residents are not as well monitored and cared for. Most of the existing staff are caring but are stretched too thin.

I visited this facility

Despite its location, the facility had more charm than other facilities we visited. The moldings in the building and the "campus" of buildings made it feel like a home and community. Other assisted living places tended to be large, dorm-like high rises that really made it seem like a big step down for seniors leaving homes they liked and treasured.

Salem Lutheran is a good choice for most families looking for assisted living, especially those looking for something relatively affordable (it's in the mid-range). And it's part of a continuing care community, so residents can stay there for the long term.

The facility itself is clean and modern, and it's gated, so it's pretty safe, even though it's in East Oakland. The immediate neighborhood is residential and easily accessible. The rooms are warm and homey if a bit on the small side.

I haven't had meals there, but the food always looks appetizing. They have a salad bar and lots of variety.

Most important, the staff seems dedicated and caring—and they cooperate well with our medical providers. I haven't gotten any complaints from either patients or family members.

--Angela O'Brien, MSW, is a clinical social worker and geriatric case manager in Berkeley, CA. She has worked with seniors for almost 10 years providing case management, support groups, and counseling.