Leslie's Care Home in San Leandro, CA

Pros

• The caretakers and nurses at SLHC are amazing and clearly care about their patients.
• The owner, Vinnie, is wonderful and always available to discuss any issue.
• Geraldine provides helpful, prompt, and clear communication; she is highly appreciated.
• The staff's compassion and care have impressed families and shown in how they treat patients.
• The facility is warm, welcoming, and feels like a home.
• Reviewers describe the place as a "special little hidden gem."
• Families feel confident recommending the center for rehab or nursing care.

Cons

• The facility deserves zero stars and should not be rated at all.
• A family member died there, suggesting the care provided was insufficient or unsafe.
• The staff are described as lacking professional competence and responsiveness.
• An ambulance was not called in a medical emergency.
• There are ongoing hot water, cleanliness, and odor problems.
• Patient neglect is reported to happen frequently on a daily basis.
• Belongings were reportedly stolen after a loved one's death, with staff allegedly pocketing items.
• Front desk service is unhelpful, with long holds and irrelevant questions, and the administration is nonchalant.

Review

Leslie's Care Home is best suited for families seeking a small, home?like environment where caregivers can form real relationships with residents and where owner involvement can translate into dependable advocacy when the staffing aligns. It appeals to those who prize warmth, personal attention, and a setting that feels less institutional than a large facility. The most favorable outcomes tend to occur when residents have straightforward daily needs, clear care plans, and family members who can serve as active partners in coordinating meals, activities, and medical oversight.

This community is not for everyone. Families prioritizing ironclad safety, rapid medical response, and consistently high staffing levels should consider alternatives. If caregiving needs are complex, if there is concern about neglect, delays in care, or lapses in cleanliness and hygiene, the drawbacks become decisive. Prospective residents who require rigorous, transparent communication with administration will want environments with stronger accountability. For those who demand a proven track record of steady, 24/7 responsiveness, this may not be the best fit.

On the plus side, the smallest footprint can translate into a surprisingly homey feel, with some residents enjoying rooms that offer privacy and a comfortable living area. Several accounts highlight compassionate staff and a culture of care when the team is fully staffed and engaged, with the owner and management often stepping in to address problems. For short-term rehab or palliative scenarios, where family oversight can supplement routine care, this setting can deliver meaningful comfort and stability in the moments when attention is available.

Yet the main concerns are substantial and consistently echoed. Allegations of patient neglect and delayed intervention underscore a dangerous risk when staff are overstretched or mismanaged. Recurrent reports describe cleanliness issues, odors, and occasional loss or misplacement of belongings, which erode trust and peace of mind for families. Front-desk interactions can feel unhelpful or burdensome, and administrative communication sometimes proves difficult to navigate, leaving families in a limbo while waiting for clarity. In many reviews, caregiver assignments are stretched thin - sometimes described as one caregiver for a dozen residents - compromising timely assistance and basic safety.

The key question is whether the positives can reliably offset the negatives. For families drawn to a warm, intimate environment and who can actively participate in oversight, there is potential for a good fit when staffing is sufficient and supervision is consistent. The presence of empathetic caregivers and a hands-on administrator can be a meaningful difference-maker in the right circumstances, particularly for transitional rehab or hospice where ongoing advocacy matters. However, the variability in care quality, communication gaps, and documented safety concerns means the risk of dissatisfaction is real and not easily dismissed.

Practical next steps are essential. Initiate a thorough, repeated onsite assessment at different times of day to observe staffing patterns and responsiveness. Ask the administration for hard data on caregiver ratios, staff turnover, and any incident history. Speak with current residents and family members to gauge consistency of care and transparency. Review care plans, medication management protocols, housekeeping routines, and the facility's process for safeguarding personal belongings. If choosing Leslie's Care Home, demand clear, written expectations: a reliably available care team, a defined daily routine, transparent progress notes, and accountable leadership. For families prioritizing safety, consistent communication, and dependable response, this community should be explored only after due diligence confirms improvements and ongoing, measurable oversight.

This area of San Leandro, California offers a convenient and bustling environment with a variety of amenities nearby. In terms of dining options, there are several fast-food chains like In-N-Out Burger, McDonald's, and Chipotle Mexican Grill within a few miles. For those looking for pharmacies, there are multiple Walgreens locations as well as other options like Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy. Residents also have access to places of worship such as Bethel Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church for spiritual support. In terms of healthcare, there are hospitals like Kaiser Permanente Post-Acute Care Center and Eden Medical Center in close proximity. Additionally, the area boasts several parks for outdoor recreation including Lake Chabot Regional Park and Castro Valley Park. Transportation is easily accessible with the Castro Valley BART Station nearby, making it convenient for seniors to get around. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities that cater to a senior living lifestyle.

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Top Hatters Kitchen & Bar (2.9 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.6 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (7.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bethel Presbyterian Church Of San Leandro (1.2 miles)
• First Baptist Church Of Castro Valley (3.6 miles)
• Bay Area Chinese Bible Church (6 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Post-Acute Care Center (1.7 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Labor & Delivery (1.7 miles)
• Eden Medical Center (2.6 miles)
• Highland Hospital (8.8 miles)

Parks

• Lake Chabot Regional Park (2.3 miles)
• Chabot Park (2.5 miles)
• Castro Valley Park and Community Center (2.7 miles)
• Parsons Park (3.3 miles)
• Bay Trees Park (4.5 miles)
• Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (5 miles)
• Lincoln Park (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)
• Si Si Caffe (9.5 miles)
• Bicycle Coffee (10.2 miles)
• Philz Coffee (10.7 miles)
• Joe & The Juice (10.7 miles)

Transportation

• Castro Valley BART Station (3.4 miles)
• Terminal 2 (4.2 miles)
• Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter (4.3 miles)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) (4.3 miles)
• JSX (4.3 miles)
• Escape Lounge (4.4 miles)
• South Hayward BART Station (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Mark Mandel M.D. - Optima Medical Assoc (3.5 miles)
• Kaiser Medical Offices (5 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Pediatrics (5 miles)
• Reproductive Science Center (9.6 miles)
• Luxor Dental Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery (10.3 miles)
• One Medical (10.3 miles)