Alameda is a city next to San Francisco Bay that spans several islands. An estimated 77,624 people live on the islands, with the 65+ age group making up 15.7%. Most of Alameda’s streets are residential, speed limits are restricted to 25mph, and violent crime is significantly less likely than in other parts of the state, all of which make the city an ideal location for many seniors. Downtown Alameda is popular with all generations. It’s home to the Alameda Theatre Cineplex, which showcases the best in screen and live entertainment. The USS Hornet Museum is also popular, as is the Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium.
Seniors who find everyday tasks challenging may want to consider the benefits of an assisted living community. Assisted living is a compromise, providing seniors with secure homes, meals prepared by chefs, and rooms cleaned by staff, all while not intruding on the independence of their residents. Costs tend to be around $6,100 per month, about 19.9% above the state average.
This guide covers senior living costs in Alameda and the surrounding areas in more detail. It also reviews the city’s pros and cons and lists some resources for its seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Alameda, CA
801 Island Drive, Alameda, CA, 94502
Waters Edge Lodge, in Alameda, California, is located near Harbor Bay Parkway, Interstate 880 and Hemway Medical Center The facility’s location beside a lagoon is praised for its serene environment. T
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Waters Edge Lodge, in Alameda, California, is located near Harbor Bay Parkway, Interstate 880 and Hemway Medical Center The facility’s location beside a lagoon is praised for its serene environment. The staff receives compliments for being caring and compassionate. Visitors say their relatives like the food, which is adapted to comply with personal nutrition plans. Residents can enjoy participating in off-site activities, such as the Lunch Bunch and shopping trips as well as on-site music concerts, men’s chorus, religious services and watching movies. Small pets are welcome.
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Waters Edge Lodge, in Alameda, California, is located near Harbor Bay Parkway, Interstate 880 and Hemway Medical Center The facility’s location beside a lagoon is praised for its serene environment. T
… (read more)
Waters Edge Lodge, in Alameda, California, is located near Harbor Bay Parkway, Interstate 880 and Hemway Medical Center The facility’s location beside a lagoon is praised for its serene environment. The staff receives compliments for being caring and compassionate. Visitors say their relatives like the food, which is adapted to comply with personal nutrition plans. Residents can enjoy participating in off-site activities, such as the Lunch Bunch and shopping trips as well as on-site music concerts, men’s chorus, religious services and watching movies. Small pets are welcome.
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2400 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, CA, 94501
Oakmont of Mariner Point is an assisted living facility located in Berkeley, California, very close to local dining, shopping and entertainment. Residents can choose from studios, one and two-bedroom
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Oakmont of Mariner Point is an assisted living facility located in Berkeley, California, very close to local dining, shopping and entertainment. Residents can choose from studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and companion suites. Some of the activities offered include yoga, gardening, music and arts and crafts. There is a beauty/barber shop on-site, as well as a spa and beautiful grounds that look out over the water. Family and residents give this facility high marks for the professional and attentive staff who encourage residents to be active and get involved in social activities.
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Oakmont of Mariner Point is an assisted living facility located in Berkeley, California, very close to local dining, shopping and entertainment. Residents can choose from studios, one and two-bedroom
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Oakmont of Mariner Point is an assisted living facility located in Berkeley, California, very close to local dining, shopping and entertainment. Residents can choose from studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and companion suites. Some of the activities offered include yoga, gardening, music and arts and crafts. There is a beauty/barber shop on-site, as well as a spa and beautiful grounds that look out over the water. Family and residents give this facility high marks for the professional and attentive staff who encourage residents to be active and get involved in social activities.
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1721 Webster Street, Alameda, CA, 94501
Elders Inn, located on Webster Street in Alameda, appears small from the outside, but sprawls across a large property with five courtyards. There is an indoor garden and numerous outdoor spaces where
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Elders Inn, located on Webster Street in Alameda, appears small from the outside, but sprawls across a large property with five courtyards. There is an indoor garden and numerous outdoor spaces where residents can relax. The facility encourages an active lifestyle and there are different activities offered every half hour such as practicing music, bingo and yoga classes. For residents who need more assistance, there is a top-notch rehabilitation facility with therapy programs run by experienced, highly-trained staff. Families appreciate the delayed egress doors that help prevent wandering.
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Elders Inn, located on Webster Street in Alameda, appears small from the outside, but sprawls across a large property with five courtyards. There is an indoor garden and numerous outdoor spaces where
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Elders Inn, located on Webster Street in Alameda, appears small from the outside, but sprawls across a large property with five courtyards. There is an indoor garden and numerous outdoor spaces where residents can relax. The facility encourages an active lifestyle and there are different activities offered every half hour such as practicing music, bingo and yoga classes. For residents who need more assistance, there is a top-notch rehabilitation facility with therapy programs run by experienced, highly-trained staff. Families appreciate the delayed egress doors that help prevent wandering.
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2431 Mariner Square Dr., Alameda, CA, 94501
It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. It was immaculate. The staff was pleasant and kind. I was there around Halloween time, so they were getting ready for a Halloween par
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It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. It was immaculate. The staff was pleasant and kind. I was there around Halloween time, so they were getting ready for a Halloween party. It was rich-looking. It was off the water, you could see the boats, and it had a nice view. Everything was just unbelievably breathtaking. The landscaping was very well-manicured. Everything was just in place, everything was beautiful. They had a garden area. The front of the building almost looked like a 5-star hotel. In the middle of the facility was the garden with beautiful flowers, plants, and trees where you could sit, with sun visors. The staff who assisted me with the tour was pleasant. She was in a rush to get the party started, but she was very professional. She had a beautiful smile and she was dressed properly.
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It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. It was immaculate. The staff was pleasant and kind. I was there around Halloween time, so they were getting ready for a Halloween par
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It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. It was immaculate. The staff was pleasant and kind. I was there around Halloween time, so they were getting ready for a Halloween party. It was rich-looking. It was off the water, you could see the boats, and it had a nice view. Everything was just unbelievably breathtaking. The landscaping was very well-manicured. Everything was just in place, everything was beautiful. They had a garden area. The front of the building almost looked like a 5-star hotel. In the middle of the facility was the garden with beautiful flowers, plants, and trees where you could sit, with sun visors. The staff who assisted me with the tour was pleasant. She was in a rush to get the party started, but she was very professional. She had a beautiful smile and she was dressed properly.
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510 Central Ave, Alameda, CA, 94501
Everyone was in their room when I went to Bay Harbour Residential Care Home. I didn’t see anyone except one man who always sits in the kitchen. The place seemed a little small and I didn’t see the res
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Everyone was in their room when I went to Bay Harbour Residential Care Home. I didn’t see anyone except one man who always sits in the kitchen. The place seemed a little small and I didn’t see the residents connecting. They didn’t have their activities listed. The dining room was OK. It was fine, but it was different. It was not a facility, it was a home, so it had a whole different feeling. Nevertheless, it was clean, and the people that run it were very nice. The staff was nice as well.
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Everyone was in their room when I went to Bay Harbour Residential Care Home. I didn’t see anyone except one man who always sits in the kitchen. The place seemed a little small and I didn’t see the res
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Everyone was in their room when I went to Bay Harbour Residential Care Home. I didn’t see anyone except one man who always sits in the kitchen. The place seemed a little small and I didn’t see the residents connecting. They didn’t have their activities listed. The dining room was OK. It was fine, but it was different. It was not a facility, it was a home, so it had a whole different feeling. Nevertheless, it was clean, and the people that run it were very nice. The staff was nice as well.
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218 Channing Way, Alameda, CA, 94502
117 Nottingham Drive, Alameda, CA, 94502
201 Sweet Road, Alameda, CA, 94502
122 Sheffield Road, Alameda, CA, 94502
My mother stayed at Harbor Bay Assisted Living, Inc. It was a home setting and it was very clean. The staff that my brother and I met when we first went for a visit was very helpful. We saw some other
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My mother stayed at Harbor Bay Assisted Living, Inc. It was a home setting and it was very clean. The staff that my brother and I met when we first went for a visit was very helpful. We saw some other residents and they seemed to be doing fine. The room that my mother was given was for double occupancy but because she was a hospice patient, they removed one of the beds, so she would have a private room. To me, that was a very important thing. It showed a lot of care. They were very helpful. They explained everything, how everything worked. My brother and I were very satisfied with it.
It had a lot of light, so it was not a dark place. The staff was very friendly and I would recommend it for someone to check them out. If my mother had been there long, I think I would’ve been very satisfied. They have an outdoor courtyard and I saw a couple that was taken out in wheelchairs to get some air. They have an organ and one of the residents plays the piano. They have a couple of large areas, so you could sit and visit. They were very COVID conscious. You had to wear a mask, and they had the hand sanitizers right by the door. It felt very safe. They were very conscientious about that and I felt very comfortable. Everything is on one level, so it’s very easy to move people around.
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My mother stayed at Harbor Bay Assisted Living, Inc. It was a home setting and it was very clean. The staff that my brother and I met when we first went for a visit was very helpful. We saw some other
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My mother stayed at Harbor Bay Assisted Living, Inc. It was a home setting and it was very clean. The staff that my brother and I met when we first went for a visit was very helpful. We saw some other residents and they seemed to be doing fine. The room that my mother was given was for double occupancy but because she was a hospice patient, they removed one of the beds, so she would have a private room. To me, that was a very important thing. It showed a lot of care. They were very helpful. They explained everything, how everything worked. My brother and I were very satisfied with it.
It had a lot of light, so it was not a dark place. The staff was very friendly and I would recommend it for someone to check them out. If my mother had been there long, I think I would’ve been very satisfied. They have an outdoor courtyard and I saw a couple that was taken out in wheelchairs to get some air. They have an organ and one of the residents plays the piano. They have a couple of large areas, so you could sit and visit. They were very COVID conscious. You had to wear a mask, and they had the hand sanitizers right by the door. It felt very safe. They were very conscientious about that and I felt very comfortable. Everything is on one level, so it’s very easy to move people around.
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2361 E 29th St, Oakland, CA, 94606
Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care faci
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Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in a residential community of Oakland, California. Residents and visitors praise the facility’s helpful, caring and informative staff, its lovely grounds, and the spacious, clean and appealing interior. This community is in close proximity of restaurants and museums, and resident transportation is provided for medical appointments, dining, movie nights and shopping expeditions. Studio and one-bedroom apartments and companion suites are offered with in-room cable and room service for meals.
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Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care faci
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Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in a residential community of Oakland, California. Residents and visitors praise the facility’s helpful, caring and informative staff, its lovely grounds, and the spacious, clean and appealing interior. This community is in close proximity of restaurants and museums, and resident transportation is provided for medical appointments, dining, movie nights and shopping expeditions. Studio and one-bedroom apartments and companion suites are offered with in-room cable and room service for meals.
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348 West Juana Ave, San Leandro, CA, 94577
Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro is located in San Leandro, California, conveniently close to shopping, a library and other services. Residents and their families appreciate the homelike atmosphere
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Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro is located in San Leandro, California, conveniently close to shopping, a library and other services. Residents and their families appreciate the homelike atmosphere of the facility, noting that staff go out of their way to ensure residents are well cared-for. Visitors and residents’ families say the rooms are cozy, many of which have decks so residents can get some fresh air. Residents enjoy delicious food at mealtimes and the many amenities, including a computer room, garden and round-trip transportation.
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Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro is located in San Leandro, California, conveniently close to shopping, a library and other services. Residents and their families appreciate the homelike atmosphere
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Pacifica Senior Living San Leandro is located in San Leandro, California, conveniently close to shopping, a library and other services. Residents and their families appreciate the homelike atmosphere of the facility, noting that staff go out of their way to ensure residents are well cared-for. Visitors and residents’ families say the rooms are cozy, many of which have decks so residents can get some fresh air. Residents enjoy delicious food at mealtimes and the many amenities, including a computer room, garden and round-trip transportation.
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4500 Gilbert Street, Oakland, CA, 94611
The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food serve
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The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food served in the dining room receives much praise for both its quality and selection. Both visitors and residents find the staff to be warm and caring. Plenty of activities, both on and off-site, keep residents active and engaged in life, and they can enjoy a beautiful library and trips to concerts and music performances.
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The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food serve
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The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food served in the dining room receives much praise for both its quality and selection. Both visitors and residents find the staff to be warm and caring. Plenty of activities, both on and off-site, keep residents active and engaged in life, and they can enjoy a beautiful library and trips to concerts and music performances.
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345 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA, 94577
Ernie from Marymount Villa was very accommodating and very friendly. He took us around the building and showed us the room type that they have, whether it was shared or private. The rooms were great a
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Ernie from Marymount Villa was very accommodating and very friendly. He took us around the building and showed us the room type that they have, whether it was shared or private. The rooms were great and big enough for either a shared or private tenancy. The drawback for us is the physical location. It is a five-story building. They have a balcony or a terrace on the second floor and that was nice, but it was just limited to that. I like their dining area. It’s nice and wide and it’s an open space. They have a salon and a small courtyard within the compound. The one plus thing that I do like about Marymount Villa is that it’s a gated building. It gives us security and confidence of safety.
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Ernie from Marymount Villa was very accommodating and very friendly. He took us around the building and showed us the room type that they have, whether it was shared or private. The rooms were great a
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Ernie from Marymount Villa was very accommodating and very friendly. He took us around the building and showed us the room type that they have, whether it was shared or private. The rooms were great and big enough for either a shared or private tenancy. The drawback for us is the physical location. It is a five-story building. They have a balcony or a terrace on the second floor and that was nice, but it was just limited to that. I like their dining area. It’s nice and wide and it’s an open space. They have a salon and a small courtyard within the compound. The one plus thing that I do like about Marymount Villa is that it’s a gated building. It gives us security and confidence of safety.
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11889 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA, 94619
Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close
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Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close to beautiful parks and trails. Visitors and residents both admire the gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay, and family members take comfort in the patient and kind staff members who know the residents by name. They appreciate the personalized attention and respect given to their loved ones. Residents enjoy participating in book clubs, group exercise, sing-alongs and outings. They also love that small pets are welcome.
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Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close
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Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close to beautiful parks and trails. Visitors and residents both admire the gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay, and family members take comfort in the patient and kind staff members who know the residents by name. They appreciate the personalized attention and respect given to their loved ones. Residents enjoy participating in book clubs, group exercise, sing-alongs and outings. They also love that small pets are welcome.
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1001 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94109
Coterie Cathedral Hill was a beautiful facility. The people were very nice. The food was excellent. Everything was nice there, but it was just too expensive. The lady who gave me the tour was very nic
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Coterie Cathedral Hill was a beautiful facility. The people were very nice. The food was excellent. Everything was nice there, but it was just too expensive. The lady who gave me the tour was very nice. The whole place was immaculate. It was a brand-new facility. They had tons of activities going on. They had a theater and a heated pool. They had all kinds of amenities. There was valet parking.
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Coterie Cathedral Hill was a beautiful facility. The people were very nice. The food was excellent. Everything was nice there, but it was just too expensive. The lady who gave me the tour was very nic
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Coterie Cathedral Hill was a beautiful facility. The people were very nice. The food was excellent. Everything was nice there, but it was just too expensive. The lady who gave me the tour was very nice. The whole place was immaculate. It was a brand-new facility. They had tons of activities going on. They had a theater and a heated pool. They had all kinds of amenities. There was valet parking.
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1850 ALICE, Oakland, CA, 95612
My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could af
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My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could afford it, but we can’t. The lady that gave me the tour was wonderful. She showed me all around. She was very informative. I appreciate it. I saw the menu, and it’s a wonderful menu. They have a library, a painting room, and an exercise room. It was a wonderful place.
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My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could af
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My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could afford it, but we can’t. The lady that gave me the tour was wonderful. She showed me all around. She was very informative. I appreciate it. I saw the menu, and it’s a wonderful menu. They have a library, a painting room, and an exercise room. It was a wonderful place.
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9450 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA, 94605
My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact wi
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My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact with the staff, but they seem very nice. I’m very pleased with them. There’s a lot of light, and there’s a backyard area with trees. They encourage people to walk and the first time I walked in before my mom moved in just to see the place, somebody was tossing a big ball around these people for physical activity. My mom crochets, but they also have her work on a matching game or a jigsaw puzzle. I’ve been very pleased with them. There are always people around. There are lots of people to socialize with and there are activities. We’re paying almost the same as the other place she was at and yet I feel like I get a lot more at this place. The residents do manicures, some of them like to cut hair and pedicures and things like that.
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My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact wi
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My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact with the staff, but they seem very nice. I’m very pleased with them. There’s a lot of light, and there’s a backyard area with trees. They encourage people to walk and the first time I walked in before my mom moved in just to see the place, somebody was tossing a big ball around these people for physical activity. My mom crochets, but they also have her work on a matching game or a jigsaw puzzle. I’ve been very pleased with them. There are always people around. There are lots of people to socialize with and there are activities. We’re paying almost the same as the other place she was at and yet I feel like I get a lot more at this place. The residents do manicures, some of them like to cut hair and pedicures and things like that.
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2780 26th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding th
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We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding the health care service part. The other residential fee and stuff we would be paying out of pocket. It was a very good fit for her.
When we called, the staff was very responsive to asking initially what we were looking for, and then the application process was done with them. Plus, they worked with my mother’s Medicare health plan and that was very useful.
My mother was also looking for a place where the staff could speak the Cantonese language. She speaks Cantonese and a large number of the staff there are Cantonese-speaking. My mother also needed a certain level of care, she’s wheelchair-bound, she needed a place that was willing to accept and have staff that was qualified to help her at her level of care. There were a few places that we spoke to that basically could not accept her.
She’s in a shared room. It’s okay, it’s not great but it’s good for the price we’re paying. I know there are some nice ones, but they were so expensive.
We spoke to the administrative staff about the meals and actually, the place has a lot of residents who are Chinese and a lot of staff that is Chinese. They cater to Cantonese and Chinese food and my mother likes it. So, it was a good fit.
Right now, during the pandemic, there are no group amenities. The residents are pretty much still confined to their own rooms and stuff. I believe they have an exercise program and there is a community area, like a communal area.
The building itself, the facility itself is in the center of the inner city but when you go there, it’s actually very secluded and it’s kind of in a cul-de-sac and it’s very quiet. So, we were very surprised. It almost feels like it’s not in the city so that’s why we liked it.
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We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding th
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We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding the health care service part. The other residential fee and stuff we would be paying out of pocket. It was a very good fit for her.
When we called, the staff was very responsive to asking initially what we were looking for, and then the application process was done with them. Plus, they worked with my mother’s Medicare health plan and that was very useful.
My mother was also looking for a place where the staff could speak the Cantonese language. She speaks Cantonese and a large number of the staff there are Cantonese-speaking. My mother also needed a certain level of care, she’s wheelchair-bound, she needed a place that was willing to accept and have staff that was qualified to help her at her level of care. There were a few places that we spoke to that basically could not accept her.
She’s in a shared room. It’s okay, it’s not great but it’s good for the price we’re paying. I know there are some nice ones, but they were so expensive.
We spoke to the administrative staff about the meals and actually, the place has a lot of residents who are Chinese and a lot of staff that is Chinese. They cater to Cantonese and Chinese food and my mother likes it. So, it was a good fit.
Right now, during the pandemic, there are no group amenities. The residents are pretty much still confined to their own rooms and stuff. I believe they have an exercise program and there is a community area, like a communal area.
The building itself, the facility itself is in the center of the inner city but when you go there, it’s actually very secluded and it’s kind of in a cul-de-sac and it’s very quiet. So, we were very surprised. It almost feels like it’s not in the city so that’s why we liked it.
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1100 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA, 94706
Belmont Village Albany is a modern and upscale facility located on the edge of University Village in Albany, California. This is a new building purposely designed for seniors, with great attention to
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Belmont Village Albany is a modern and upscale facility located on the edge of University Village in Albany, California. This is a new building purposely designed for seniors, with great attention to detail on everything from the spacious rooms and wide hallways to the beautiful indoor dining areas and outdoor relaxation spots. There is also a technology center for seniors who want to learn new things or keep up with family and friends. Belmont Village Albany is partnered with University of California, Berkeley to bring together and engage diverse elements of the community.
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Belmont Village Albany is a modern and upscale facility located on the edge of University Village in Albany, California. This is a new building purposely designed for seniors, with great attention to
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Belmont Village Albany is a modern and upscale facility located on the edge of University Village in Albany, California. This is a new building purposely designed for seniors, with great attention to detail on everything from the spacious rooms and wide hallways to the beautiful indoor dining areas and outdoor relaxation spots. There is also a technology center for seniors who want to learn new things or keep up with family and friends. Belmont Village Albany is partnered with University of California, Berkeley to bring together and engage diverse elements of the community.
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2100 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94702
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Alameda
The Community Care Licensing Division, part of the California Department of Social Services, is responsible for ensuring licensed assisted living facilities comply with the terms of their licenses. Its work includes investigating complaints about facilities, conducting unannounced inspections and training staff in facilities to ensure they are fully aware of licensing conditions. The division also revokes licenses from noncompliant owners.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Alameda
- The average cost of living in Alameda is very high in comparison to the state and national averages, although California’s position as the second most expensive state in the union has to be taken into account when comparing Alameda to the U.S. average.
- Violent crime in Alameda is almost half that of the state average and significantly below the national average. However, property crime is more common. Fortunately, seniors residing in many assisted living communities in the city benefit from 24/7 security and the comfort of knowing that staff is always nearby should help be needed.
- According to Sperling’s Best Places, Alameda has one of the best climates in the area. Sunny Days average 259 in the year (greatly surpassing the national average of 205), while zero snowfall ensures seniors don’t have to tread carefully on sidewalks. The 22 inches of rain is almost half the national average. Winter lows of around 44 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs of 71 degrees mean that seniors don’t experience extreme temperature changes.
- Alameda Hospital is the primary general medical facility in the city, although the surrounding area is home to many more, such as the UCSF Medical Center-UCSF Health, ranked #9 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are also 50 assisted living facilities in or near Alameda, so seniors should be able to find the ideal community for their long-term needs.
- There are several free and subsidized transportation services in the city. The Alameda Loop Shuttle is a fixed route service that includes stops in various locations, including Alameda Hospital and Mastick Senior Center. LIFE Eldercare operates a door-to-door service for people aged 80+ and younger adults with disabilities, and Easy Does It responds to emergencies involving wheelchair owners while they’re out of their homes. If minor on-site repairs aren’t possible, the service will take the wheelchair owner home. Easy Does It doesn’t charge for its services.
Paying for Assisted Living in Alameda
Figures published in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show that seniors in Alameda typically pay $6,100 per month to reside in their assisted living communities, a figure that’s $1,100 more than the California average and $1,800 above typical costs throughout the country.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Although Alameda’s average monthly costs are high, they’re not the most expensive in the area. Seniors pay an additional $150 per month for similar services in Napa and $700 in Santa Cruz. Approximately 45 minutes from Alameda, in San Jose, costs are $225 lower, and in Stockton, seniors can save an additional $2,600 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
The most affordable type of senior care is in adult day care centers, where fees average at $1,950 per month. Home care, home health care and assisted living have almost identical fees, despite offering different services. Home care costs average $6,101, as does home health care which includes medical support, while $6,100 pays for accommodation and care in an assisted living community. Nursing home care is the most costly, averaging $12,471 for a semiprivate room and $15,208 for a private room per month.
Nursing home (semiprivate room)
Nursing home (private room)
Note: Data for Alameda was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Franciso, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Alameda
Eligible seniors can find financial assistance services in Alameda through both the Medicaid 1915(c) Assisted Living Waiver Program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the optional state supplement (OSS).
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Alameda
Alameda offers its seniors a wide range of free and subsidized resources, enabling them to live more fruitful lives in the city. Below are a few resources that can help with medical care, low-cost transportation, dealing with care quality issues and helping out in the community.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (510) 577-1900 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for seniors residing in assisted living communities and other types of senior care. It’s a free service managed by the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging. Ombudsmen regularly visit assisted living facilities to conduct basic inspections and ensure seniors are aware of their rights. If a resident, their family or a third party makes a complaint, the ombudsman will investigate and pursue a resolution with the facility’s manager. Seniors comparing assisted living facilities as potential new homes can request information about them from the ombudsman, such as their inspection reports. |
Alameda County Social Services Agency | (510) 271-9100 | Alameda County Social Services Agency is a multi-resource organization that focuses on enhancing the social and economic well-being of all age groups in the county. Seniors can call to get information about several resources, such as cooling centers set up during periods of extreme heat, the office of the Public Administrator to discuss wills and estates and multiple transportation options across the county. |
San Francisco VA Medical Center | (415) 221-4810 | The VA Medical Center provides many services for veterans. These include dental care, geriatric teaching programs, rehab following cardiac arrest and mental health support. There are also numerous clinics near Alameda, such as the Oakland Outpatient Clinic and the Fremont VA Clinic. It’s strongly recommended that vets call before visiting clinics as walk-in appointments aren’t available. |
ReCares Medical Equipment Reuse | (510) 251-2273 | ReCares is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations of usable medical equipment to pass on to low-income residents of Alameda, including seniors. Some items, such as commodes and front-wheel walkers, are always available. However, other items, such as wheelchairs and walkers with seats, can be more difficult to acquire, although they are provided when available. The organization operates from three sites based in Oakland, San Francisco and Marin County. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Alameda
Alameda-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in California are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.