AlmaVia of San Francisco sits in the Lakeshore neighborhood near Lake Merced, and the building stands three stories tall, with peaceful rose gardens and walking paths outside for residents who like nature or a stroll in the fresh air. The facility offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, and rooms are set up with seniors in mind-everything's wheelchair accessible, with safety features in showers and wide hallways, so folks with walkers or wheelchairs can get around without that feeling of being boxed in. Assisted living apartments start at around $4,995 a month for a studio, $6,250 for a one-bedroom, and $7,600 for a two-bedroom, with extra monthly fees if another person lives with you in the apartment, which is $1,250 more each month. The community asks for a one-time fee of $5,750 with move-in, and there are different levels of care, so folks with higher care needs pay more, from $500 a month for lighter care all the way up to $3,200 if someone needs heavy assistance. For short-term stays, respite care is $285 daily, and support services are available for both those planning to return home and those deciding if the community is a good fit.
There's a secure memory care section in a separate building, which is set up carefully for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's, using wander alert systems and technology like bracelets to keep everyone safe. Staff know how to handle people who tend to wander, act out, or have complex behavior issues, and they support folks through big mood swings or episodes. Nurses and caregivers are around during the day and awake all night, and visiting specialists like physical or occupational therapists, nurses, and podiatrists come regularly. Residents dealing with diabetes can get insulin injections and blood sugar checks, including sliding scale therapy, and there's help for people with incontinence, though folks need to be able to manage some of their care with reminders.
Meals are provided by a professional chef, and residents can expect restaurant-style dining with lots of choices-vegetarian, gluten-free, low-salt, low-sugar, and vegan meals are available, and a registered dietitian supports the nutrition program. People don't have to spend their time cooking or cleaning, as the staff handles housekeeping, laundry, and takes care of mail too. The community welcomes pets, so residents are allowed to bring cats or dogs, and pet care services are there if anyone needs help.
AlmaVia has several indoor areas for socializing, and there's a library, a computer lab, a beauty salon, a chapel, and plenty of common rooms for activities or just sitting with neighbors. Activities include art shows, group walks in the garden, music and karaoke, stretching and fitness classes, political letter-writing groups, cooking and gardening, memory care programs for those with Alzheimer's, and there's a full calendar every month. Volunteers from nearby schools and universities visit, and there are ways for residents to help out through advisory groups or by volunteering. Devotional services support a variety of faiths onsite and offsite, with a chaplain and a spiritual care director for all beliefs.
AlmaVia is a non-profit community, and the focus stays on safety and comfort for people aged 55 and older, with 24-hour support, emergency call systems in every apartment, and transportation for appointments or outings around San Francisco. Folks who don't get around easily can receive two-person transfers and mechanical lift support. The community's received several awards for assisted living and memory care, including recognition from US News and World Report. People enjoy having their own space and the chance to come and go independently, while still having help available for things like bathing, dressing, and medication management, and the grounds are wide open so everyone can find a quiet bench or a bit of sun any time they want.
