Drake Terrace

Pros

• The staff at Drake Terrace are very communicative, genuine, and have the best interests of the residents and families in mind.
• Families appreciate the overall friendliness of the staff members, who are well sophisticated, traveled, and educated.
• The caring and empathetic nature of the staff stands out, making residents and their families very happy at the facility.
• Residents enjoy a warm and family-like atmosphere at Drake Terrace, with cheerful interactions among both staff and residents.
• The facility is clean and well-maintained, with enjoyable social activities that foster community engagement.
• Residents find their apartments to be lovely and comfortable, contributing to a sense of home within the community.
• The variety of activities offered keeps residents engaged, including exercise classes, movie nights, and cultural events like Shakespeare readings.
• Families find the food to be good with multiple meal choices available.
• The landscaping and grounds are beautifully maintained, providing welcoming outdoor spaces for relaxation and walks.
• Many reviews commend Drake Terrace's convenient location close to shopping centers as a benefit for residents.

Cons

• The care was inadequate for someone with severe dementia, as the facility lacked a doctor on-site and was not equipped to handle dementia-related outbursts.
• The family was informed that their loved one must move due to deteriorating health, despite expecting she could stay until end of life, highlighting a corporate policy issue regarding lift devices.
• One reviewer noted a musty urine smell in the facility and described it as dark, lacking appeal for someone seeking a younger demographic of residents.
• Another resident mentioned that although the food was decent, it could be bland and poorly seasoned.
• Parking at the facility was reported as scattered and inconvenient, requiring effort to find available spaces.

Review

Drake Terrace, a senior living community, has received a mix of reviews that highlight both its strengths and weaknesses. Many families expressed satisfaction with the overall friendliness and approachability of the staff. Residents and their families frequently noted how genuine and caring the employees are, often emphasizing their commitment to the well-being of both residents and their families. The positive interactions between staff and residents contribute to a warm, family-like atmosphere that many find comforting. One reviewer was particularly pleased with how communicative the staff were regarding concerns about resident status, showcasing their dedication to transparency.

The facility’s size appears to be another appealing aspect for many families. Several reviews mentioned that Drake Terrace is neither too large nor too small—a medium-sized community that fosters connections among residents while still providing privacy when needed. Visitors often appreciated the layout of the facility itself, which is described as clean, well-kept, and aesthetically pleasant with bright rooms filled with natural light. Residents highlighted various amenities within Drake Terrace, such as a library equipped with a fireplace, movie theater facilities, workout areas, and organized activities like tai chi classes and live entertainment. Families felt comforted knowing that their loved ones were in an environment designed to promote social engagement through fun activities.

Food quality also received praise in several reviews. Many residents enjoyed the meals provided at Drake Terrace, appreciating not only the taste but also the variety offered at each meal service. One resident noted that they had three choices per meal—a detail that made dining more enjoyable for them. However, there was some critique regarding seasoning; one reviewer found it somewhat bland despite recognizing its nutritious value. Overall sentiments indicate that while food might not be gourmet-level cuisine, it meets basic expectations for quality.

Despite these favorable aspects surrounding care and amenities at Drake Terrace, some reviews highlighted significant concerns related to medical assistance availability—particularly for residents needing specialized care due to severe conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A notable review pointed out inadequate care for patients experiencing severe dementia episodes due to limited medical staffing: only one nurse on-site who isn’t likely an RN contributes to feelings of insecurity among certain families seeking higher levels of support for their loved ones’ complex health needs.

Policies in place by Kisco Senior Living—the corporate entity managing Drake Terrace—were met with criticism from reviewers whose loved ones faced restrictions around necessary mobility aids like Hoyer lifts for bedridden individuals requiring assistance getting around safely. Such limitations created distress regarding continuity of care as resident conditions deteriorate over time—a point some families wished had been discussed more clearly prior to admissions.

It’s clear from reviewing feedback on Drake Terrace that satisfaction largely hinges on what potential residents are looking for in terms of services provided versus individual needs concerning healthcare management capabilities within assisted living environments. While many speak highly about camaraderie fostered among peers or supportive staff members dedicated to kindness during challenging times—indicating an enriching experience overall—others caution against assuming this facility can cater effectively under more demanding caregiving circumstances without clearer provisions laid out beforehand.

In summary, while Drake Terrace offers numerous advantages including friendly staff interaction coupled with delightful communal spaces alongside good food options most visitors find pleasant enough—the realities faced by poorer suited candidates seeking intensive medical help cannot be ignored either when considering placement here long term given insights shared throughout various testimonials received from current/past occupants’ representatives alike expressing frustration stemming from unmet expectations initially believed possible based solely upon surface evaluations alone made before entering into contractual agreements later down the line once residency begins at this location!

This part of San Rafael, California offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering the area for living. With several theaters, restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and physicians within close proximity, residents have easy access to entertainment, dining options, healthcare services, and medication needs. In addition, there are nearby parks for outdoor recreational activities and places of worship for spiritual fulfillment. The area is also well-connected with transportation options such as the Smart Train Station Hamilton for those who may require easy access to public transit. Furthermore, hospitals like Marin General Hospital and Novato Community Hospital are located within a reasonable distance for any medical emergencies or ongoing healthcare needs. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment that can cater to the various needs and interests of seniors looking to settle in the area.

Theaters

• Century Theaters (0.2 miles)
• Century Larkspur (4 miles)

Physicians

• Dr. Helen Paek, provider of Eyexam Of CA (0.3 miles)
• Eye Institute of Marin (0.4 miles)
• Rita A. Vileisis, MD (0.4 miles)
• San Francisco Audiology (0.5 miles)
• Edwin Munich, MD (0.6 miles)
• One Medical (0.6 miles)
• Gayre, Gregg Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Park Medical Offices (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (0.4 miles)
• Miracle Mile Cafe (1.6 miles)
• Pond Farm Brewing Company (1.8 miles)
• Insalata's Restaurant (2.1 miles)
• Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine (2.2 miles)
• Mas Masa (2.7 miles)
• Gestalt Haus (2.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Valley Baptist Church (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Lagoon Park (0.7 miles)
• Sun Valley Park (1.2 miles)
• China Camp State Park (2.7 miles)
• Peri Park (2.8 miles)
• Doc Edgar Park (3 miles)
• Victor Jones Park (3.3 miles)
• Lucas Valley Park (3.9 miles)

Cafes

• Red Whale Coffee (1.4 miles)
• M.H.Bread and Butter (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Fairfax Coffee Roastery (2.7 miles)
• Split Rock Tap & Wheel (2.7 miles)
• Rustic Bakery (4.1 miles)
• Equator Coffees & Teas (4.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Tamalpais Shambhala Meditation Group (2.1 miles)
• Caremeridian (2.9 miles)
• Marin General Hospital (3.6 miles)
• Novato Community Hospital (6.9 miles)
• Chaplain's Office: Novato Community Hospital: Sutter Health Affiliate (7 miles)

Transportation

• Smart Train Station Hamilton (4.1 miles)