The Sequoias San Francisco

Hilda Rosenfeld

The line staff are wonderful-dining room ,housekeepers,and maintainance. The administration leaves something to be desired.Imagine , if you wake up feeling blah you can take the elevator down to the clinic. The health center, actually a nursing facility is staffed by wonderful RNs and LVNs. I Know because I have been there following hospitalization. Best of all you hold on to your Medicare card which gives you freedom of choice. The food is of good quality and varied. If you don't like one thing there's something else.you can't go hungry. One of the best decisions I have ever made.

DrJames'Corner

The Sequoias is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), with memory care. It's well known in San Francisco; it's been around for 50 years. It's pricey, but the services and other offerings are amazing. I've referred residents there, so I know it well. It's located in Nob Hill, one of the nicest parts of the city--near Union Square shopping. Parking is horrible (expensive garage parking only), but it's close to public transportation. The facility itself is extremely nice and offers a choice of studio apartments, 1 BR, and 2 BR units. All the apartments are huge and all except the studios come with a kitchenette. There are also beautiful garden areas and breathtaking views of the Bay. The staff is there 24 hours, 7 days a week, and they're all licensed in their areas. There are also lots of activities and amenities: - nail care - beauty and barber shops - a full fitness center - gift shop - sewing center - a non-denominational chapel It's also pet friendly, and the food is very good. They have a licensed chef and offer three meals a day, plus something they call their Dining Light program for those who are watching their weight. One other nice plus: They keep about 5 guest suites for residents' family and friends.

ProfessionalGCM21years

I've had both clients and friends at The Sequoias (a continuing care retirement community), and I've found that they deal with all levels of care well. The staff is very good. There always seems to be someone around; all needs are well covered by knowledgeable people. One couple I know, in particular, told me that they were independent when they moved in but the husband's health has declined a lot, and the staff has been very helpful to them through that transition. It's centrally located on Geary Blvd. on Cathedral Hill, with about 15 churches of all faiths around it. Walking is easy, and bus lines are good. Parking can be difficult, but I've always found space on the street without having to put money in a meter. The apartments range from small studios to large suites. There's good lighting, and they're nicely laid out. The building itself is a tower, and most of the apartments have good views. The food is very, very good. There are a lot of buffet choices, as well as the ability to order from a menu. There's also an active residents council, which is good. It's a very active, involved community. In addition to all the scheduled activities--a large choice that appeals to different interests--the residents do a lot on their own. Small groups get together to walk to the library or to go to theater performances, for example. There's a nice sense of community.

Sequoias Resident

I moved here with my wife four years ago. We were ready to downsize from our house, but were a little worried about the move. But we really found it was easy to adjust to living here. It was just like moving into a small house. And it's a very open, welcoming community. If you come in alone, it's easy to join in with other individuals"”or organize a group of people to join. As far as I know, there are no cliques. My wife was not in as good health as I am, and she died recently. That was an adjustment, but I can't think of any place I'd rather age than here. A lot of people move here from somewhere else and don't have local ties. For them, the in-house activities are especially important"”exercise, Spanish and French classes, music appreciation, Saturday night movies, performing arts presentations, even a rotating art gallery and studio. There are 51 different committees you can join if you want to participate in that kind of thing. There are about 250 apartments and 320 people living here. The youngest people are in their 60s, but there are several in their 100s who are still bright and sparkling. About 10% are couples; 30% men and the rest are widows and single women who have never been married. The women especially seem to be good support for one another. As for housing, there are many different kinds of accommodations"”from studios units with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. You pay the same no matter what your level of care. If you move in completely independent, you pay the same as those who need assisted living or more extensive nursing care. That's a big plus. It's kind of like prepaid long-term care. Also, the food is quite good. I usually eat in the dining room, which has two sides"”one is buffet, which is more casual; the other side is served side"”a little more formal. We always have eight flavors of ice cream every day, so my grandchildren actually ask to come visit. Party facilities are also available"”two social rooms on the roof level, good for parties or family gatherings. I use those rooms for my bridge group. The staff is wonderful. I don't know how they've been able to find such friendly, patient and accommodating people. And finally, the location is superb. Public transportation is excellent. You can get a cab within 15 minutes, except on Friday nights. Buses are prevalent"”easy to get to anywhere from here. For people who can't get around on their own, there's an organized bus trip every day. The biggest challenge is that it's a big place. Some people have not lived in a group living situation. SO for them, living with over 300 people and eating in a group dining room is a big adjustment. Another drawback for some people might be that there' s no Alzheimer's care here now, but I understand that they're looking toward putting in a memory unit.