When we were searching for a facility, there were a few things that were absolute essentials; one was the manner with which the residents were treated. Other important factors were cleanliness, space, privacy, outdoor space (did they have gardens and space for the tenants to walk?), noise, location (how far to shops, doctors, etc.) and, of course, whether or not she would feel comfortable living there. We also wanted it to be fairly intimate; we did not wish to have her in a place with more than 8 or so residents. The food offerings were also a concern, as she has tendencies toward digestive maladies. We wanted her to be comfortable, cared for, well fed, able to get to the places she needs/wants to go, and still feel a sense of security with the others in the household. When we saw Bell's we knew it was the right choice. They met all our needs and our aunt was delighted with the caregivers as well as the other residents. Also, it is quite small (only 5 others live there) so each person gets a great deal of attention if they so desire/need.

Bell's Rest Home is a beautiful house on beautiful grounds. The rooms are large, mostly doubles. And the whole place has a warm, homey feel to it. They always celebrate holidays with residents, for example. It's also always clean. It has a fantastic location, close to Lake Merritt and to shops and entertainment, so those who can get around easily have a lot to see and do. It's family owned, and the family lives right there. They're very cooperative and caring and communicate well with care providers. The staff, too "“ from everything I've seen and heard -- is caring and dedicated. The price is quite reasonable compared to most assisted living facilities in the area, and they accept SSI (which is both unusual and a real plus). About the only downside is that residents have to be ambulatory, because they don't have an elevator (only stairs). Also, the food gets mixed reviews from residents. Overall, it's best for residents who don't need a lot of intensive care. Residents with mild or moderate dementia do fairly well, there, for example, but it's not the best choice for someone with severe dementia. --Angela O'Brien, MSW, is a clinical social worker and geriatric case manager in Berkeley, CA. She has worked with seniors for almost 10 years providing case management, support groups, and counseling.