Alpine Terrace Board & Care sits in a quiet, mostly well-off area of Alpine, California, and holds a small group of only six residents, which means folks tend to get more personal attention from the staff who are on hand day and night to help with daily things like dressing, bathing, meals, medication, chores, and even help getting in and out of the shower, so people who live here often feel secure and supported, especially with staff awake through the night for serious needs like two-person transfers or insulin help when that's possible, though they don't offer full-time skilled nursing, as they'd call in outside nurses when needed for special care or hospice situations. People get three homemade meals each day, and the staff change the meal plan for medical needs, so nobody has to worry about not getting food they can safely enjoy, along with help for those who have trouble eating or need a certain diet, and meals are shared in a cozy, home-style dining room, which feels less lonely than eating alone. There are private and semi-private suites here, each room featuring its own shower and, sometimes, spa tubs for folks who fancy a good soak, and the buildings are all wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and easy navigation. You find most areas secured with cameras and personnel, which gives peace of mind, and visitors can drop in at any hour thanks to the open-door policy, which helps people stay connected with their loved ones.
Life at Alpine Terrace Board & Care includes helping folks with memory care and supporting those with early or mid-stage dementia, all with a focus on preserving dignity and providing routines, but it's not a lockdown facility. The chaplain helps with spiritual needs, and there are regular programs such as music therapy, pet visits, board games, garden walks, movie nights, and exercise classes, so life doesn't get too dull, plus the bistro/grille and community center give people space to sit and chat over tea or a sandwich. Folks can spend their time in the greenhouse, woodshop, ceramics studio, or relaxing in garden spaces and patios, and when the weather's nice, outdoor pools and walking trails provide fresh air and a bit of exercise, while indoor spaces like the billiard room, book room, and shuffleboard area keep things lively in cooler months. There are regular social events, visits from young people, art classes, and horticultural sessions for residents who like their hands in the dirt, plus trips out in the scheduled van for errands, church services, doctor's appointments, and nearby restaurants or cafes since there are a couple of doctors, pharmacies, and eateries close at hand, which makes getting out a bit easier.
Alpine Terrace also offers respite and hospice care, and supports adults from 18 to 59 with certain disabilities, so it covers a bit more ground than some places, and has been open since 1988, owned by Deborah Johnston, with a long track record, only one citation in recent years, which is rare for small places. There's support from traveling stylists or the in-house salon when needed, handy laundry and housekeeping, two nearby senior living communities in the area, and extra recreational perks like bocce, horseshoes, pickleball, and hot tubs or saunas when they're available. The monthly cost is about $4,134, which matches the area, and most folks pay privately, though some government help can be used if eligible. The location, at 1544 Alpine Terrace Rd, puts it close to Grossmont Hospital-just under 14 miles away-plus shops, churches, and other local services, so if someone's used to staying active and social, Alpine Terrace Board & Care offers just enough community feel paired with close care for daily living.
