Sequoias San Francisco Convalescent Hospital

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.