Mercy Retirement & Care Center

    3431 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
    • Independent Living
    • Assisted Living
    • Memory Care
    • Skilled Nursing

    Compassionate staff, beautiful clean community

    I chose this community and I'm very pleased - the staff (Tamra, Meagen and the nursing/maintenance teams) are consistently kind, compassionate and responsive. The building is clean, bright and beautifully remodeled with spacious rooms, patios and lovely views; meals are high-quality with generous portions and there's a wide range of activities and faith-based programs. Move-in was smooth, families are welcomed, rehab and nursing are attentive - I feel my loved one is happy and well cared for and would recommend it.

    Loved one of resident
    Jul 2026

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    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Coordination with health care providers
    • Medication management
    • Mental wellness program
    • Physical therapy
    • Rehabilitation program
    • Respite 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

    Memory care community services

    • Specialized memory care programming

    Transportation

    • Community operated transportation
    • Located close to restaurants
    • Located close to shopping centers
    • Transportation arrangement
    • Transportation arrangement (medical)
    • Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
    • Transportation to doctors appointments

    Common areas

    • Beauty salon
    • Computer center
    • Dining room
    • Fitness room
    • Gaming room
    • Garden
    • On-site market
    • Outdoor space
    • Pet friendly
    • Religious/meditation center
    • Small library
    • Wellness center

    Community services

    • Concierge services
    • Fitness programs
    • Move-in coordination

    Activities

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

    Reviews

    4.20·(66)

    Overall rating

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

      3.5
    • Staff

      4.0
    • Meals

      4.4
    • Amenities

      3.7
    • Value

      2.0

    Pros

    • Central Oakland location with transit and retail access
    • Private rooms with multiple floor-plan options
    • Refreshed historic facility with bright, sunny common areas
    • Well-maintained outdoor patios, courtyard, and grass areas
    • Multiple levels of care including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing
    • Compassionate and knowledgeable caregiving staff
    • Welcoming and capable administrative and intake team
    • Extensive recreational and social programming
    • Regular religious and spiritual services (daily mass)
    • On-site therapy and rehabilitation services
    • Licensed chef providing balanced, restaurant-style meals
    • Library, computer room, and dedicated activity spaces
    • Safety features including visitor screening and RFID wander-prevention
    • Pet-friendly with available parking
    • Personalized move-in support and community orientation

    Cons

    • Inconsistent responsiveness to personal-care requests
    • Variable staffing consistency and reliance on agency staff
    • Gaps in clinical incident response and family communication
    • Medication-management practices
    • Affordability and high monthly cost relative to services
    • Billing and administrative transparency issues
    • Variability in room size and en-suite bathroom availability
    • Aging infrastructure and uneven renovation across units
    • Intermittent HVAC reliability and maintenance shortfalls
    • Sanitation and odor concerns in specific areas
    • Limited night-shift language coverage for Spanish speakers
    • Perceived neighborhood safety and desirability concerns

    Summary of reviews

    Mercy Retirement & Care Center is presented across reviews as a centrally located, historically rooted community that has undergone visible refurbishments and offers a broad continuum of care (assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing). The physical environment is frequently described as bright and inviting, with large dining areas, library and computer rooms, multiple activity spaces, and several outdoor patios and courtyards. Private-room options and multiple floor plans are available, and the community includes safety features such as visitor screening and an RFID wander-prevention system.

    Staff and caregiving receive mixed but substantive feedback. Many families describe staff as compassionate, knowledgeable, and welcoming, and highlight attentive directors and intake personnel who facilitate move-in and orientation. Memory-care and rehabilitation services are often noted as attentive, and on-site therapy teams receive positive comments. However, an important pattern across reviews concerns inconsistent responsiveness to personal-care needs (for example, delayed assistance with bathing and extended call-response times). Reviewers also mention staffing instability at times, reliance on agency personnel, and limited night-shift Spanish-language coverage, which can affect continuity of care.

    Dining and programming are clear strengths for the community. A licensed chef and restaurant-style dining area are frequently praised for balanced meals and sizeable portions; there are requests for broader menu variety from some cultural groups. The activity calendar is extensive and includes music and art therapy, exercise classes, group trivia, sing-alongs, therapy-dog visits, field trips, and regular community and school engagement. Spiritual programming, including daily Catholic mass and other faith-based activities, is a prominent feature and valued by many residents and families.

    Facility condition and amenities are described as a mixture of renovated and older areas. While many spaces appear refreshed with new flooring and bright windows, other sections still show the facility’s age and may require further updates. Room sizes and bathroom access vary; some units are described as small or lacking en-suite baths. Reviewers call attention to intermittent HVAC and maintenance issues and note sanitation or odor concerns in particular areas rather than a universal housekeeping failure.

    Management and administrative matters present a split picture: families often commend admissions staff and individual caregivers, yet there are recurring operational concerns. These include high monthly fees relative to expectations, billing disputes or charges for services contested by families, and instances of perceived gaps in clinical communication or timeliness of diagnostic follow-up. A small number of reviews raise serious clinical and medication-management questions during specific incidents; those concerns suggest prospective families should review the facility’s clinical escalation, medication oversight, and family-notification protocols closely.

    Overall, Mercy may be a good fit for prospective residents who prioritize central location, robust activities, spiritual programming, chef-driven dining, and a community-oriented atmosphere. Prospective families should conduct in-person visits focused on current staffing patterns, typical response times to call systems, the specific layout and bathroom access of available units, HVAC and maintenance reliability, and administrative billing practices. Asking for recent staffing rosters, clinical incident response policies, and references from current families may help clarify whether the community’s strengths align with an individual resident’s care needs and expectations.

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    Medicare Ratings

    4·/ 5
    • Overall

    • Health Inspection

    • Staffing

    • Quality Measures

    Ratings from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Care Compare). View on Medicare.gov

    Location

    Map showing location of Mercy Retirement & Care Center

    Mercy Retirement & Care Center is located at 3431 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA, 94601.

    About Mercy Retirement & Care Center

    Mercy Retirement & Care Center stands as a distinguished senior living community with a legacy rooted in more than a century of caring service. Established in 1872, it offers a lush and welcoming campus in Alameda County where residents can experience an enriching lifestyle designed to support holistic well-being. The Center is dedicated to creating an environment where older adults can flourish physically, emotionally, and spiritually, guided by principles of faith, dignity, and compassion that have shaped its mission for generations.

    Residents at Mercy Retirement & Care Center benefit from an array of living options, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. These care services are thoughtfully designed to suit a wide variety of health requirements, emphasizing a person-centered approach to elderly care and pain management. Residents are regarded as unique individuals, and their independence and dignity are safeguarded in every aspect of daily life. As needs change, the community enables seamless transitions between levels of care, providing both long-term security and the comforts of home.

    The community’s accommodations feature private, deluxe, and dual studio apartments that are modern, light-filled, and tailored for recovery and relaxation. The atmosphere throughout the residence is both inviting and home-like, helping individuals feel secure and empowered. Mercy Retirement & Care Center recognizes the importance of cultivating joy and purposeful living. Residents are encouraged to make daily choices about their meals, activities, and engagement with the array of amenities on campus. Dining is a particular highlight; seasoned culinary teams craft menus focused on quality, taste, and nutrition with options featuring lean proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Meals are further enhanced by oversight from a registered dietitian to ensure each resident’s dietary needs and preferences are met.

    Life enrichment is at the core of the experience at Mercy Retirement & Care Center. A variety of programs and scheduled events populate the community calendar, celebrating traditions, wellness, and social connection. Spiritual support is accessible to all, with regular religious services and dedicated spaces for reflection and gathering. The maintenance-free lifestyle is notable, as housekeeping, laundry, and transportation are available alongside programming that fosters not only physical vitality but emotional and social well-being.

    Mercy Retirement & Care Center’s reputation for excellence is nationally recognized, most recently through awards for Best Memory Care, Best Continuing Care Retirement Community, and High Performing Memory Care from US News & World Report for 2025. These honors reflect the community’s unwavering commitment to exceptional care and an outstanding resident experience. Throughout, the aim is to provide a comfortable, secure, and vibrant home where each resident is empowered to live fully, supported by an experienced and attentive staff that values every individual’s story and journey.

    About Transforming Age

    Mercy Retirement & Care Center is managed by Transforming Age.

    Transforming Age is a nonprofit senior living network founded in 1956 (originally Presbyterian Ministries), headquartered in Bellevue, WA with a second HQ in Omaha, NE. Operating 75+ communities across 23 states, they provide independent living, assisted living, memory care, and affordable housing plus home-based services.

    People often ask...

    Mercy Retirement & Care Center offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

    There are 51 photos of Mercy Retirement & Care Center on Mirador.

    Yes, Mercy Retirement & Care Center allows residents to age in place and adjust their level of care as needed.

    The full address for this community is 3431 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601.

    No, Mercy Retirement & Care Center does not offer respite care. Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.

    Safety & Compliance

    In California, the Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing Division licenses residential care facilities for the elderly, conducting inspections and investigating complaints.

    License number015600255
    StatusLicensed
    Facility typeRcfe-continuing Care Retirement Community
    Capacity160 residents
    LicenseeMERCY RET & CARE CTR AND ELDER CARE ALLIANCE
    EffectiveMarch 11th, 1999
    View the official license record

    Inspection Reports

    27

    Reports

    1

    Type A Citations

    4

    Type B Citations

    13

    Complaints

    5

    Years

    11 Mar 2026Inspection
    Observed general compliance with safety and care standards; no deficiencies cited.
    03 Mar 2026Inspection
    Confirmed an amendment to a prior complaint investigation and obtained the administrator's signature. No citations were issued.
    05 Jan 2026Complaint
    Investigated the allegation that a resident sustained unexplained injuries while in care and found insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
    05 Jan 2026Inspection
    Investigated a complaint about missing incident reports for a resident and related care notes; no deficiencies were identified.
    17 Sept 2025Complaint
    Investigated allegation that staff yelled at residents; concluded there was no evidence to support the claim.
    22 May 2025Complaint
    Found that staff supervision was inadequate, resulting in a resident sustaining multiple falls.
    • Type B87463(a)
    • Type B87463(b)
    22 May 2025Complaint
    Investigated the allegation that staff did not administer medications as prescribed and failed to inform the resident's responsible party promptly. MARs showed PRN medications were administered as prescribed, and interviews did not corroborate timely reporting problems.
    22 May 2025Complaint
    Investigated the allegation of a questionable death; records showed the cause of death was metastatic prostate cancer and the complaint was unfounded.
    16 Apr 2025Inspection
    Investigated medication errors reported on 4/1/25 during a pharmacy switch; no residents experienced side effects and no deficiencies were cited.
    16 Apr 2025Inspection
    Found no deficiencies; all safety measures, medication storage practices, and resident records were in compliance during the visit.
    30 Jan 2025Complaint
    Investigated the allegation that staff gave a resident an improper notice or eviction threat. Found the resident named did not live at this licensed setting and was listed on the SNF roster.
    15 Jan 2025Complaint
    Investigated a complaint that meals were not provided in a timely manner and that the resident did not receive an adequate amount of food; interviews indicated the resident is on hospice and often refuses food, while staff encourage eating.
    03 Oct 2024Inspection
    Observed an unannounced visit during which an amended evaluation was delivered and no deficiencies were cited.
    03 Oct 2024Complaint
    Investigated the allegation that staff confiscated a resident's personal belongings and did not allow the resident to finish mealtime; found the allegation unfounded.
    12 Sept 2024Complaint
    Investigated the allegation that staff did not allow a resident access to personal property. Found insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
    15 Aug 2024Complaint
    Investigated two allegations about dietary care and feeding plans. Found no evidence to support that staff failed to meet dietary needs or followed the feeding plan.
    19 Jun 2024Complaint
    Investigated a complaint alleging unlawful eviction, failure to meet a resident's oxygen needs, and mishandling a resident's belongings. Found the allegations unfounded.
    12 Apr 2024Inspection
    Found no deficiencies cited; food supplies were sufficient, medications were secured, and safety devices were in order.
    19 Mar 2024Inspection
    Observed no deficiencies identified during a required annual visit; safety systems and care records were complete and properly maintained.
    04 Jan 2024Inspection
    Identified that a public meeting about a change of governance occurred on 12/15/23 with residents, family members, staff, and leadership in attendance. No changes to contracts or operations were reported and no issues were identified.
    25 Jul 2023Inspection
    Observed no deficiencies cited during a case management continuation visit, with staff interviews and medication checks completed.
    25 Apr 2023Complaint
    Investigated a complaint alleging staff did not dispense medication assistance, did not report medication errors, and did not reappraise residents' care needs.
    16 Mar 2023Inspection
    Identified safety and medical record deficiencies: a water fountain accessible to residents and a TB-positive resident lacking a chest X-ray on file.
    • Type A87307(e)
    • Type B87458(b)(1)
    28 Dec 2022Complaint
    Found that the allegation that staff denied a resident visitor was unfounded.
    16 Mar 2022Inspection
    Observed infection-control measures and readiness; no deficiencies cited during the visit.
    15 Sept 2021Inspection
    Identified an incident where a resident received an incorrect dosage of a prescribed medication.
    • Type B87465(c)(2)
    17 Feb 2021Inspection
    Identified that a resident was a victim of financial abuse by a home health agency staff member. The resident can manage their own cash resources, police and incident reports were filed, and no deficiencies were cited.

    Disclaimer

    Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Mercy Retirement & Care Center. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Mercy Retirement & Care Center directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.

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