Eskaton Hazel Shirley Manor

Pros

• Residents feel very comfortable and confident in choosing Eskaton, thanks to the knowledgeable and friendly manager.
• The staff at Eskaton is described as cordial, professional, and exceptionally helpful throughout the application process.
• Many residents appreciate the constant planned events and social activities that foster a supportive community atmosphere.
• Compassionate care from staff members, especially Rose, has been greatly appreciated by residents.
• The location is praised for its convenience, being close to stores, pharmacies, and transportation options.
• The facility is noted for its peaceful and safe environment, contributing to residents' overall satisfaction.
• Residents express happiness about their living conditions, citing nice people and a good manager as key factors.
• The community offers necessary amenities like clean common areas, fitness equipment, and a well-maintained courtyard for gardening.
• Regular maintenance ensures that facilities are kept clean and functional, reflecting the staff’s commitment to resident needs.
• Overall service at Eskaton is characterized as exemplary, with attentive administrative staff who treat residents with dignity and respect.

Cons

• Some residents have experienced frustration with the lengthy multi-year waiting list for HUD-assisted housing, indicating that it's a barrier to entry for many.
• The apartments are described as not large, which may be a drawback for those seeking more spacious living arrangements.
• While generally positive, there is an implied concern about needing to qualify based on income and assets, which could limit access for some seniors.
• Some might find the communal facilities and furnishings to be basic rather than luxurious, suggesting a lack of high-end amenities.
• Although most interactions are positive, there's a mention of elderly individuals occasionally exhibiting grumpy or unfulfilled attitudes towards staff.

Review

Eskaton, an independent senior living facility in El Cerrito, has garnered a wealth of positive feedback from its residents. Many individuals express their satisfaction and comfort with the community, reflecting a strong sense of belonging and appreciation for the supportive environment. The management team, particularly the manager who is often highlighted for her kindness and knowledge, plays a crucial role in creating this atmosphere. Residents feel at ease when discussing their needs and concerns, noting that the staff is not only professional but also genuinely caring.

The array of activities offered at Eskaton enhances the residents’ lives significantly. Social events are regularly organized, fostering connections among residents and providing opportunities for engagement. This commitment to building a vibrant community makes Eskaton stand out as a place where seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle while receiving assistance when necessary. Residents frequently commend Rose and other staff members for their compassionate approach; such attentiveness ensures that seniors feel valued and supported in their daily lives.

Location appears to be another significant advantage of Eskaton. Many residents appreciate the proximity to essential services such as stores, pharmacies, post offices, and public transport options. This convenient access allows seniors to maintain independence while being close to family members—an aspect particularly important for those whose loved ones reside nearby. For instance, one resident mentioned having her mother just one floor below her apartment—a comforting arrangement that promotes family bonding within a supportive community.

Safety and tranquility are recurring themes among reviews of Eskaton. Residents often describe it as peaceful and secure—a critical consideration for seniors when choosing where to live. The clean surroundings further contribute to the overall sense of well-being; cleanliness is maintained throughout common areas and individual apartments alike. Regular inspections by the staff ensure that any issues are addressed promptly, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their life without worrying about maintenance concerns.

Service quality stands out prominently in these testimonials. Reviewers consistently mention how responsive the staff is to inquiries or requests for repairs; they feel assured knowing that help is readily available whenever needed. The involvement of social services coordinators indicates a comprehensive support system designed specifically for elderly residents who may require additional assistance navigating various challenges of day-to-day life.

While some may find waiting lists daunting—as noted by one resident who waited three years due to income caps associated with being HUD-assisted—the long-term benefits appear well worth it. These barriers highlight both the demand for such affordable housing options in California’s competitive market and the satisfaction felt by those fortunate enough to have secured a place within this welcoming community.

In conclusion, Eskaton has emerged as more than just an independent senior living facility; it embodies a thriving community where compassion meets professionalism amidst safe surroundings full of enriching activities. With dedicated staff ensuring high standards of service quality coupled with essential amenities nearby, residents articulate deep gratitude for finding solace in what many describe as “the best community in East Bay.” As these heartfelt reflections underscore—Eskaton isn’t merely about providing shelter; it’s about creating homes filled with care, connection, joy—and above all—a steadfast commitment towards enhancing quality of life during one’s golden years.

This area of El Cerrito, California, offers a variety of amenities and resources that may be attractive to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community to call home. Within close proximity, you will find several cafes, pharmacies, restaurants, parks for outdoor recreation, transportation options including BART stations and Amtrak access, nearby physicians and medical facilities for healthcare needs, places of worship for spiritual fulfillment, hospitals in case of emergencies, and theaters for entertainment. The presence of multiple pharmacies allows for easy access to medications and medical supplies, while the range of dining options caters to various culinary preferences. The abundance of parks provides opportunities for leisurely walks or picnics in beautiful natural surroundings. Additionally, the proximity to healthcare facilities ensures that medical attention is easily accessible when needed. Overall, this part of El Cerrito offers a well-rounded environment with essential services that could enhance the quality of life for seniors seeking a comfortable and convenient place to reside.

Cafes

• Cafe N!ne (0.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Hal's Office (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Caffe Strada (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Jack In The Box (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Fat Apple's Restaurant & Bakery (1.5 miles)
• The Habit Burger Grill (2.4 miles)
• Andy's Donut Stop (2.8 miles)
• Saul's Restaurant and Deli (3.5 miles)
• Homemade Cafe (4.2 miles)

Parks

• Cerrito Vista Park (0.8 miles)
• Centennial Park (1.1 miles)
• Central Park (1.1 miles)
• Arlington Park (1.2 miles)
• Point Isabel Dog Park (1.4 miles)
• Memorial Park (1.9 miles)
• Wildcat Canyon Regional Park (2.4 miles)

Transportation

• El Cerrito Plaza BART Station (1.3 miles)
• Emeryville Amtrak (5.5 miles)
• MacArthur BART Station (6.6 miles)
• West Oakland BART Station (7.8 miles)

Physicians

• Sutter East Bay Medical Center (1.5 miles)
• Kiwi Pediatrics Medical Group (2.5 miles)
• Berkeley Pediatrics (3.7 miles)
• Sutter Urgent Care: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (4.4 miles)
• Stephens M.D & McNamara M.D - Family Practice (5.4 miles)
• On-Site Health Care Services (5.5 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Mosswood Building (7.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley (1.7 miles)
• Bridge Ministry (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center (2.9 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center (7.1 miles)
• Kaiser OB-GYN (7.2 miles)
• Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center: Summit Camps (7.2 miles)

Theaters

• Century Theatres (4.5 miles)
• AMC Bay Street 16 (5.9 miles)