Diablo Lodge

My mother has been at Diablo Lodge for 6 years now, and I can't say enough about the wonderful staff at Diablo Lodge. The care staff are all wonderful! They always say hi to my mom when we are walking around the community and continually pop in her apartment (after respectfully knocking to gain permission to enter) just to make sure she is ok and having a good day. If she forgets about an activity, they will come up to remind her just to make sure she doesn't miss out. They love her just like they are family, and I am so grateful for the wonderful care they provide. The activities director is amazing! She plans several different programs designed to engage and delight the residents. She often can be seen in the community checking in with the residents to make sure they are well cared for and are enjoying the programs/events that are scheduled. The wait staff in the dining room all know my mom and what she likes and often offer little treats when she seems to be having a down day. There is a hairdresser on site (no more trips to the beauty parlor and waiting for the bus!) that does a beautiful job in an amazingly short amount of time. The medical director really cares for all the residents- she knows all of the residents and often makes caring suggestions that help improve their quality of life. The Resident Director is the best! She also knows all the residents and seems to never go home. She takes care of any issues promptly, and often before we even know there was a problem. My mom is in a wheelchair, but can always count on one of the caring drivers to take her to doctor's appointments or wherever else she needs to go. We looked at several places before we chose Brookdale Lodge. It was hard for my mom to move out of her house into assisted living, but she has told me several times how happy she is with her choice. I am very grateful that everything they told us when we were choosing a place for my mom is true! Brookdale Diablo Lodge is really the best!

My parents have lived at Diablo Lodge for about 3 years. We have seen three different owners during this time. The service and support has gotten consistently better. The level of care that they needed was quite different. My mother probably should be in a nursing home, but they really want to stay together. The Lodge has done all they can do to allow them to stay together. There have been some issues with staffing under the old owners but currently the staff levels and response times are great.

We feel that our parents are getting the support they need and are very happy at Diablo Lodge.

This is a sad, sad place. Yes, it's very clean in the lobby and all common areas. It's the rush care residents are given and the lack of medical education/certification the employees have. I came here to volunteer, excited to give back and make some connections with seniors who may not have a lot of interaction otherwise. I spent four hours going with an aid to 12 different residents rooms. She told me she was allowed less than 15 minutes per person, which included sponge bathing, dressing and getting them down to the breakfast room. Everything was so impersonal. Seniors were dressed and undressed right in front of me without their permission or acknowledgment. I felt embarrassed to be treating seniors in this manner. It's not cheap either. Monthly rates for a senior needing minimal care is more than $8,000 per month. YES, $8,000. A male resident was severely immobilized due to a stroke, had a catheter and was dealt with less sensitivity than you would a dog picking up feces. I'm sure these families with loved ones here do not realize to what extend the quality of personalized care here stinks if they did this place would be empty.
I went home and cried. It really saddened me to see these people, who have worked so hard, seen so much, to be treated like a number... "you're on the clock Mr. Jones, we've got 15 minutes so where are the clothes you want to wear today, let's get them on"

This is in response to Linda. Diablo Lodge always tries to follow the wishes of the residents who live there. This community does not offer memory care. If a resident informs the staff thay he or she does not wish to receive a visit from someone, it is the resident's right to deny the visit. The community would not deny a visit, if not asked to do so by the resident/

Parents move in 4 years ago. Mother passed away in April, Father is still there. Excellent, we'll run and as pointed out in other reviews has improved with the ownership changes. Strong Director.

After reading the Trish T and Noel D reviews and knowing my friend of 75 years joined the Diablo Lodge (Emeritus) last month, I decided to drive over from S.F. to see for myself how my 85 yr old friend was doing. He was still 'settling' in going from a 35000 sq ft home to his 'independent' apt there in Danville. He finds the facility exactly what he expected, clean, good food, helpful and courteous staff. I chatted with him for almost 2 hours and found the staff friendly and helpful. I do not know what the situation is with those who need more assistance.

My MIL (almost 90) has been living at Diablo Lodge for about a year. She has received excellent care despite having serious medical issues. She is on oxygen 24/7 and diabetic, with multiple organ system failure. The medical staff has been wonderful. At times she has flare-ups of COPD that require her to get breathing treatments and she sometimes needs insulin, and the staff is able to manage her medications extremely well. The dining experience leaves something to be desired, but we have been nothing but thrilled with the other services at the facility. She formerly lived across the street at Sunrise and also had a private caregiver for a time, and her health has actually improved since moving to Diablo Lodge (no hospitalizations since moving in compared to six the prior year). And they always keep us apprised of issues, both medical and social. The transportation to doctors works well for us and she enjoys the entertainment provided. Highly recommended for seniors with significant medical needs.