Kyakameena Care Center
Save2131 Carleton Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Kyakameena Skilled Nursing facility seems to provoke a wide spectrum of experiences. A number of accounts describe a setting where social time among staff is frequent and visible, sometimes at the expense of resident monitoring. One review laments the impression that "skilled" nursing staff are more interested in chatting with each other than checking on residents, and it even recounts being told at 12:30 a.m. that residents have an "absolute right" to watch and listen to television without earphones around the clock, effectively denying quiet time for sleep. That sentiment points to a broader concern about rest and privacy in a facility that otherwise hosts a mix of care needs. The same writer notes the building and grounds are aging, with clear signs that the place could use modernization, but adds that the staff themselves are kind, friendly, capable, and evidently caring.
Other reviews acknowledge the facility's age but highlight the positives of the people who work there. The nursing staff, rehab team, social workers, and administrators are repeatedly praised for professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine care. Specific names pop up in glowing terms: Simi, a nurse practitioner; Rogger, the administrator; and the rehab team, as well as a music therapist who visited a patient in hospice. In several stories, families recount how staff collaborated with relatives, provided respectful treatment, and created moments of improvement and dignity during transitions to hospice or other levels of care. There is also an acknowledgement that, for some residents with limited income, Kyakameena can still be a strong option for both rehabilitation and custodial care, especially when compared with other facilities.
Yet the picture is not uniformly favorable. A recurring theme is the facility's physical condition and its impact on care. Reviewers describe it as dirty or old, with insufficient space in some areas for turning a wheelchair, suggesting that the layout and environmental design do not always meet modern accessibility standards. The comment about the facility not being up to the latest disability protocols reinforces the sense that some aspects of care could be improved through modernization and better adherence to current guidelines. The contrast between compassionate staff and an aging infrastructure creates a complex portrait: kindness and competence on one hand, and facility shortcomings on the other.
Communication and information flow emerge as another persistent concern, sometimes overshadowing other aspects of resident care. Multiple reviews describe automated phone systems, voicemail boxes that fill up, and staff who do not return calls or emails. In several cases, families are left anxious and uninformed, especially when a loved one is hospitalized or transferred to another facility. One review emphasizes the difficulty of getting timely updates while being physically distant - "600 miles away" - and expresses distress over not knowing how a patient is progressing. The problem is framed as a systemic issue rather than the fault of any single individual, with suggestions that better communication protocols could greatly reduce worry for families.
There are also mixed experiences that highlight both strong care and imperfect processes. For example, one family member notes excellent care during a friend's two admissions, including respect, kindness, and clean facilities, along with improvements in the building during a critical period. The same narrative mentions the comfort and value of services like a music therapist and a dedicated team working with the family to meet needs, culminating in a hospice placement that felt right for the patient. In contrast, other reviewers recount episodes where critical updates were delayed or entirely absent, and where important information - such as ambulance transfers or progress reports - was not promptly communicated, creating significant anxiety for loved ones.
Overall, Kyakameena Care Center appears to be a facility with strong, caring staff who often go above and beyond for residents and their families. The care and compassion shown by nurses, social workers, therapists, and administrators is frequently cited as a bright spot, and for some residents the environment, routines, and even some social opportunities provide meaningful support during recovery or long-term care. At the same time, the facility faces notable challenges: an aging building that can hinder mobility and modern accessibility, concerns about rest and quiet for residents, and ongoing difficulties with communication and responsiveness to calls and messages from families. These tensions create a nuanced impression: a place where dedicated staff strive to deliver quality care within a structure that may not always meet contemporary standards or expectations for communication and resident comfort.
For anyone considering Kyakameena, the takeaway is clear but complex. If valued traits are a warm, welcoming staff, compassionate care, and accessible rehabilitation efforts, this facility can be a strong match, especially for those who benefit from a dedicated team and who appreciate the potential for improvement and personal attention. However, if rest, quiet, consistent updates, and streamlined communication are top priorities, it would be prudent to weigh the facility's age, environmental constraints, and reported gaps in responsiveness. The stories collectively suggest that Kyakameena is a place of real humanity and effort, shaded by the realities of an older institution that still has meaningful work to do to align with modern expectations for disability care, facility maintenance, and open, reliable communication with families.
The Kyakameena Care Center in Berkeley, CA is an assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to meet the needs of its residents. The center provides a comfortable and well-appointed environment, with fully furnished accommodations and private bathrooms. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities such as a beauty salon, gaming room, small library, fitness room, and outdoor space. The dining experience is restaurant-style, with special dietary restrictions taken into consideration.
In terms of care services, Kyakameena Care Center has 24-hour call system and supervision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its residents. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers is provided by compassionate staff members. The center also offers assistance with medication management, meal preparation according to diabetes diets or specific dietary restrictions, as well as transportation arrangements for non-medical needs and doctor's appointments.
Residents can take advantage of the computer center and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access to stay connected or pursue their interests online. Additionally, move-in coordination services are available to help facilitate a smooth transition for new residents. A wellness center and mental wellness program are also offered to promote overall health and wellbeing.
Located in Berkeley, CA, the Kyakameena Care Center benefits from being nearby many amenities in the area. There are several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship nearby. Additionally, concierge services are available for any additional assistance or information that residents may need.
Overall, the Kyakameena Care Center provides a comprehensive assisted living community that combines comfortable living spaces with personalized care services in a vibrant location.
Kyakameena Care Center is located at 2131 Carleton Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 in Alameda County, California
Kyakameena Care Center on seniors.fyi includes 5 photos including images showing trees, landscaping, parking, outdoor, nursing home, interior, urban, daylight, and more.
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