Baywood Court

    21966 Dolores St, Castro Valley, CA, 94546
    4.2 · 61 reviews
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Skilled nursing
    AnonymousLoved one of resident
    4.0

    Beautiful well-run community but pricey

    I toured the community and was impressed - beautiful, very clean grounds and apartments (spacious units, balconies, granite kitchens), great pool and amenities, and lots of activities. Staff were consistently warm, caring, organized and responsive; residents seemed happy and social. Dining was generally good with multiple options and supportive services, and the attached skilled nursing/rehab is reassuring. It's well-run and safe, but pricey with a long waitlist and not ideal if you need 24/7 assisted care.

    Pricing

    Schedule a Tour

    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Medication management
    • Mental wellness program

    Healthcare staffing

    • 12-16 hour nursing
    • 24-hour call system
    • 24-hour supervision

    Meals and dining

    • Diabetes diet
    • Meal preparation and service
    • Restaurant-style dining
    • Special dietary restrictions

    Room

    • Air-conditioning
    • Cable
    • Fully furnished
    • Housekeeping and linen services
    • Kitchenettes
    • Private bathrooms
    • Telephone
    • Wifi

    Transportation

    • Community operated transportation
    • Transportation arrangement
    • Transportation arrangement (non-medical)

    Common areas

    • Beauty salon
    • Computer center
    • Dining room
    • Fitness room
    • Gaming room
    • Garden
    • Outdoor space
    • Small library
    • Wellness center

    Community services

    • Concierge services
    • Fitness programs
    • Move-in coordination

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities
    • Planned day trips
    • Resident-run activities
    • Scheduled daily activities

    4.20 · 61 reviews

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      4.2
    • Staff

      4.5
    • Meals

      4.0
    • Amenities

      4.3
    • Value

      3.9

    Pros

    • Consistently praised, caring and attentive staff
    • Organized, responsive administration and excellent communication
    • 24/7 staff availability and daily check-ins
    • Clean, well-maintained and well-kept facility
    • Hotel-like, thoughtfully designed and bright common spaces
    • Spacious apartments with options for balconies/patios
    • Personal storage and well-appointed units (granite countertops noted)
    • Good value for money (many reviewers cite value/affordability)
    • Multiple levels of care available (independent living with attached skilled nursing/rehab)
    • Wide range of amenities (swimming pool, gardens, exercise facilities)
    • On-site services (beauty shop, gift shop, library, cafe)
    • Transportation to appointments and shopping trips
    • Meals included with diverse menu and ability to honor dietary needs
    • Kitchen staff appreciated and ability to customize or request special preparations
    • Healthy, substantial portions and some specific praise (fresh Catch of the Day)
    • Multiple dining areas and communal dining/social atmosphere
    • Robust activities program (exercise, yoga, arts, cultural days, bingo, book talks)
    • Therapy dog visits and pet-friendly/animal activities
    • Weekly housekeeping and free laundry facilities
    • Strong sense of community and opportunities to make friends
    • Safe and secure environment noted by many reviewers
    • Nonprofit ownership and attached rehabilitation hospital/skilled nursing
    • Long-tenured, knowledgeable staff and bilingual support (Chinese-speaking staff reported)
    • Good rehabilitation/therapy options and onsite coordinators
    • Friendly, family-like atmosphere among residents
    • Proactive pandemic response and resident safety measures
    • Scenic outdoor spaces, courtyard and central court views
    • Active resident involvement and community meetings
    • Many reviewers highly recommend the facility

    Cons

    • Understaffing reported in some cases, especially affecting higher-level care
    • Inconsistent care quality for residents needing significant assistance
    • Mixed reports on food quality and menu variety (some find it repetitive)
    • Long waiting list and limited openings in assisted living
    • Some reviewers find the community overpriced for their budget
    • Incident reports (theft/jewelry missing) and at least one poor management response
    • Aging or less-modern rooms in some units; some apartments are dark
    • Not all rooms are wheelchair accessible
    • Some reviewers noted facility felt crowded, dingy, or had cleanliness lapses
    • Limited guest parking at lunchtime
    • Not ideal for 24-hour skilled care needs without upgrading to higher level
    • One reported virus outbreak with a difficult experience during that period
    • Perception differences — small size/limited activities reported by some
    • Coordinators or administrative processes described as outdated by a few
    • Higher costs compared with nearby communities cited by some reviewers

    Summary review

    Overall sentiment across the reviews for Baywood Court is strongly positive, with consistent emphasis on the quality of staff, the breadth of amenities, and a well-kept, community-focused environment. The dominant theme is that staff are caring, attentive, and communicative: multiple reviewers call staff extraordinary, compassionate, thorough, and available around the clock. Many reviewers specifically praise the kitchen and dining staff for accommodating dietary needs and special requests, and point to strong communication from administration during touring and move-in processes. Cleanliness, organization, and safety are frequently cited; several reviewers explicitly note that the facility is well-maintained, kept everyone safe during the pandemic, and feels secure.

    Facilities and amenities receive wide acclaim. Baywood Court is repeatedly described as a beautiful, thoughtfully designed community with bright common areas, spacious apartments, and attractive outdoor spaces (courtyard, gardens, pool). Amenities that stand out include an on-site pool, exercise facilities, beauty salon, gift shop, library, and multiple dining areas. Apartments are often described as roomy and well-appointed (granite countertops, full stoves in some units, patios/balconies), and the community is noted for offering transportation to appointments and shopping. Reviewers who compared Baywood Court to nearby communities often considered it to offer more facilities or better value, and nonprofit ownership plus an attached skilled nursing/rehab center is mentioned as a practical benefit.

    Dining and nutrition are recurring focal points. Many reviewers praise the meals — describing them as good, healthy, substantial, and customizable — and specifically mention friendly kitchen staff and special preparations (tooth-friendly meals, ability to honor requests). However, food quality is not uniformly lauded: a number of reviewers report mixed opinions, saying menus can become repetitive or are not to their taste. Still, the overall pattern leans positive, with several commenters noting a social dining atmosphere that supports resident interaction.

    Activities and social life are another strength. The community offers a broad activities program (exercise classes, yoga, arts and crafts, flower arranging, book talks, cultural days, bingo, community meetings), therapy dog visits, and frequent organized outings. Many reviewers emphasize that the activity programming helped residents make friends, feel engaged, and overcome prior isolation. For independent living residents especially, the social environment and scheduled programming are major selling points.

    Care quality and higher-level needs produce mixed signals. For independent living residents, reviews are overwhelmingly positive and report one-on-one attention, daily check-ins, and a family-like atmosphere. However, there are recurring concerns when residents require more intensive or 24-hour care. Several reviewers reported understaffing or that care declined for higher-need residents; a few said the community was not a good fit once their loved one needed assisted living or memory care. Some noted rooms and common spaces were not fully wheelchair accessible and that certain units are older or darker than others. While the attached skilled nursing/rehab services are a benefit in principle, a couple of reviews referenced coordination problems or outdated processes with those services.

    Management, operations and safety have generally positive mentions but a few notable exceptions. Many reviewers compliment management for good tours, thorough explanations, responsiveness, and listening to residents (nonprofit governance cited). A small number of reviewers raised serious concerns: one reported jewelry missing during COVID with an unsatisfactory response from facility management, and there were comments about a virus outbreak that made the experience difficult for some families. These outlier incidents contrast with the many accounts of excellent pandemic precautions and resident safety, indicating variability in individual experiences.

    Cost, availability, and accessibility are practical considerations reflected across reviews. Multiple commenters praise Baywood Court as a good value, noting reasonable community fees and comprehensive amenities. Conversely, several reviewers said it was too expensive for their budgets or that the community charged more than nearby alternatives. A frequent logistical issue is limited availability — long waiting lists and no current openings in assisted living were mentioned by multiple reviewers, which may affect families seeking immediate placement. Additionally, practical concerns such as limited guest parking at lunchtime and mixed wheelchair accessibility in some units were noted.

    In summary, most reviewers present Baywood Court as a high-quality, well-managed senior living community with standout staff, strong amenities, active programming, and an overall safe and clean environment. The greatest strengths are the caring, communicative staff; the breadth of activities and services; and the attractive, well-maintained facilities. Areas to watch are consistency in higher-level care and staffing, occasional mixed experiences with food variety, potential issues with cost/availability, and a few isolated but serious operational incidents reported by families. Prospective residents and families should weigh the excellent community life and amenities against the practical considerations of care level needs, budget, and current waitlist status; for independent living and those who value a robust activities and amenity package, Baywood Court receives many strong recommendations.

    Location

    Map showing location of Baywood Court

    About Baywood Court

    Baywood Court offers several options for seniors, including cottages, independent living, assisted living, memory care for people with dementia, and skilled nursing care. The staff helps with bathing, dressing, and medication, and they're always available day and night. Residents get two meals a day, and the kitchen uses fresh, healthy ingredients. There's a Rehab Therapy Center for anyone who needs extra physical support. For those who want to stay active, the Wellness Elevated programs make it easy to join classes or take part in workshops on health and safety. The Baywood Social activities give people a chance to meet others, play bingo, or join community meetings.

    The grounds have flower and vegetable gardens, shady spots for lunch outside, and a gazebo for quiet time. The aquatic program includes a community pool and a hot tub, plus a lap pool for exercise. There's a woodworking shop, a convenience store for small purchases, and a computer lab with games. There's also an art gallery, a flower arranging class, and a library with large-print books for those who have trouble seeing. An in-house salon is open, and transportation is available for trips to local stores and special outings, which helps keep folks connected to the area.

    Apartments at Baywood Court are roomy, bright, and come in different floor plans, and the common areas are comfortable and well-lit. The gardens and pathways are tidy and easy for walking, and there's space for people to walk their dogs. Safety is a focus, with the front desk staffed all the time and parking included. Residents help shape social and educational events, so the community feels lively and friendly. Home care is available, so aides can visit seniors who live at home nearby and help with non-medical needs. The staff has a good reputation for being cheerful, helpful, and kind to everyone.

    People often ask...

    State of California Inspection Reports

    9

    Inspections

    0

    Type A Citations

    0

    Type B Citations

    3

    Years of reports

    06 Feb 2025
    Found safety measures in place, all residents' and staff records complete, and no deficiencies identified.
    11 Jun 2024
    Investigated and found the complaint alleging improper handling of a resident resulting in a fracture unfounded. The administrator stated the resident is in skilled nursing and has never been in assisted living.
    11 Jun 2024
    Determined that the allegation of a resident being handled inappropriately resulting in a fracture was unfounded, as the resident was never in assisted living but in skilled nursing.
    04 Mar 2024
    Found no deficiencies after an unannounced 1-year visit. Safety systems and equipment were in good order, bathrooms had grab bars and appropriate hot water temperatures, there were adequate food supplies, and staff and resident records were complete.
    04 Mar 2024
    Confirmed no deficiencies during inspection of the facility.
    05 Apr 2023
    Found no deficiencies; safety measures were in place, staff and resident records were reviewed, emergency plans and fire safety equipment were in order, the food supply was adequate, and required documents were requested by 04/12/2023.
    05 Apr 2023
    Conducted an unannounced inspection, reviewed staff and resident records, and found no deficiencies during the visit.
    29 Mar 2022
    Found no deficiencies; central entry point provided universal screening for staff, residents, and visitors with sign-in, thermometer, and hand sanitizer observed. Staff wore PPE and a 30-day PPE supply was maintained, with adequate food stocks.
    29 Mar 2022
    Confirmed no deficiencies found during inspection for infection control measures at the facility.

    Nearby Communities

    • Aerial view of a white multi-story residential building surrounded by trees, palm trees, and a brick-paved courtyard.
      $3,700 – $5,800+3.9 (61)
      Semi-private
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Marymount Villa

      345 Davis St #2795, San Leandro, CA, 94577
    • Aegis Gardens Fremont retirement community sign surrounded by green bushes and trees with a large residential building and parked cars in the background under a clear blue sky.
      $4,500 – $6,270+4.4 (25)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom • Semi-private
      assisted living, memory care

      Aegis Gardens Fremont

      36281 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA, 94536
    • Exterior view of Waters Edge Lodge, a senior living residence, showing a white and green sign with the address 801 surrounded by plants and flowers, with the building and trees in the background.
      $4,100 – $5,900+4.7 (20)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom
      independent living, assisted living

      Waters Edge Lodge

      801 Island Drive, Alameda, CA, 94502
    • Front exterior view of Aegis Living Fremont facility with a covered entrance supported by white columns, an American flag flying on the roof, and landscaped bushes and trees around the building.
      $5,430 – $6,750+4.5 (39)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom
      assisted living, memory care

      Aegis Living Fremont

      3850 Walnut Ave, Fremont, CA, 94538
    • Exterior view of Cardinal Point senior living facility showing the entrance with white columns and a covered driveway. The building has multiple balconies and large windows. There are landscaped plants and flowers in the foreground, along with a sign that reads 'Cardinal Point Oakmont Senior Living 2851 Mariner Square Drive'. A clear blue sky is visible above.
      $3,200 – $5,995+4.8 (60)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom • 2 Bedroom
      continuing care retirement community

      Cardinal Point

      2431 Mariner Square Dr, Alameda, CA, 94501
    • Exterior view of a modern multi-story senior living facility building with large windows and a parking area in front. The building has a beige brick facade with red and gray accents under a clear blue sky.
      $2,995 – $8,250+4.5 (38)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom • 2 Bedroom
      continuing care retirement community

      Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

      5238 Coronado Ave, Oakland, CA, 94618

    Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

    1. 204 facilities$5,569/mo
    2. 201 facilities$5,728/mo
    3. 201 facilities$5,532/mo
    4. 198 facilities$5,534/mo
    5. 232 facilities$5,604/mo
    6. 209 facilities$5,655/mo
    7. 111 facilities$6,464/mo
    8. 195 facilities$5,198/mo
    9. 90 facilities$6,516/mo
    10. 85 facilities$6,753/mo
    11. 195 facilities$5,932/mo
    12. 89 facilities$6,591/mo
    © 2025 Mirador Living