AlmaVia of San Rafael - San Rafael, California

Annette H.

My mother entered Alma Via's assisted living in July '19 and moved to memory care in May '20 where she lived until her passing this year. I spent a lot of time researching and visiting potential homes for her and settled on Alma Via because it seemed to show the greatest focus on the well being of the whole person. Our experience has borne that out. My mother was at Alma Via during the most difficult time ever for facilities such as this, but the staff and management worked endlessly to provide a safe, comfortable, meaningful life for those in its care. It wasn't easy, it wasn't perfect, but I never doubted that their number one concern was the well being of their residents, followed closely by the well being of their staff.
I was initially resistant to moving my mom to Bridgehaven, the memory care unit, but I soon realized that the staff was absolutely right in making that recommendation at that time. The small community feel there allowed my mom to develop routines and friendships, supported by the caring staff. Caregivers got to know her as a person and tended her needs with kindness, respect, and humor. She was always clean and well-groomed and enjoyed meals that sometimes made me envious.
I can't say enough about the caregivers and med-techs, several of whom who cared for her for years, who always greeted me with smiles, stories and updates when I stopped by for my weekly visits. The life enrichment team worked hard to come up with activities and events to engage residents in a variety of ways, and the nursing staff was outstanding. When issues occasionally came up, as is to be expected, management was responsive and worked with me to find solutions.
I am so grateful to have found Alma Via which allowed my mother to live her last years with comfort, security and dignity.

David N.

In the past week, I took my 86 year old mom to visit three assisted living communities. At Alma Via we spoke with Amber, who sat with us and gave us a tour.

Of the three facilities & tours we did, Amber was by far the most warm, caring, prepared, and respectful of my mom. Other places simply made us feel like potential clients. Amber made my mom feel seen and cared for. She looked at my mom, she asked her questions about her needs and goals. She listened to her. She didn't assume my mom couldn't speak for herself. At other communities I had directors almost never look at or speak with her directly. Whatever their experiences with the elderly, the assumption that a senior can't speak for themselves is a bad sign. Amber treated my mom with dignity, and she set the tone for the whole visit. At Alma, we had two residents stop us on our tour to ask my mom questions and tell her how great it was there and that they wanted her to move there. At some moment we passed by the director's office. She came out and greeted us as well. She was super friendly. It's the only place where we felt a sense of community. It's where I would want my mom to be if she were ready.

In the end, we decided that my mom might be too active and independent for a facility like the three we visited. But it was a great learning experience, and we'll revisit Alma Via again when/if the time comes.

Tenesa V.

Every time I visit Alma Via with a client I am struck by what a warm and inviting atmosphere they've created. Staff are friendly and attentive to guests and residents alike and residents are engaging and happy to be there.

Christine

I am writing this review of Alma Via of San Rafael because my mother will have been living there for six years as of September 2023 and I feel that it’s important to give credit to the staff and institution when due, and comment on unsavory changes should they arise, to accurately inform potential consumers.

Choosing an assisted living community is one of the most important decisions a family can make for an elderly family member who can no longer fully care for themselves. It’s an enormous financial and emotional decision which is often rife with stress and confusion. I performed extensive research into various Bay Area facilities—specifically Marin—which resulted in our choosing Alma Via of San Rafael.

To date, I have been comfortable with our decision. Since our relationship with Alma Via has been lengthy, and hopefully that this will be our mother’s final home, I will try to update my commentary annually.

Having just emerged from the unprecedented Covid years, I was primarily impressed with Alma Via’s response, and felt comfortable throughout that my mother was safe in their care. Because of rigorous mask-wearing mandates and strict adherence to both the Department of Social Services Health and Safety regulations and County of Marin mandates, Alma Via experienced remarkably few Covid cases.

Staffing quality of care has been outstanding. All employees—from dining room chef, food servers, van driver, medical technicians, nurses, front desk personnel, event coordinator, bookkeeper, to the executive director—appear to be working in unison to create a warm, homelike environment for residents. The environment exudes a palpable sense of comradery, good humor, kindness, tolerance, and hope.

The facility is spotlessly clean and furnished in a manner that encourages community gatherings. Soft music circulating throughout the lobby is pleasant and calming. Cozy fireplaces in winter and tasteful decorations at each holiday add to the homelike quality.

Food choices and dining room procedures have improved significantly since Ignacio’s arrival. He is a Paris-trained chef who and is friendly, approachable, highly skilled in his craft, and specializes in creating Belgian desserts. He communicates weekly with residents about their dietary restrictions and ensures that each has access to enjoyable and highly nutritious food.

Lastly, the arrival of Executive Director Angela Boucher Turin has had a very positive impact on the community. She is an effective leader and clearly cares a great deal for residents and staff. She promptly responds to email and telephone communications and can be relied upon to make sound and compassionate decisions about the myriad daily issues.

I live nearby and am quite involved with the Alma Via community. Even if this was not so, in my absence I would be comfortable continuing my mother’s residency. Of course, businesses, staffing, market conditions, and individual needs change, which results in rethinking choices about choosing a residential care facility for the elderly community. For the foreseeable future, we are pleased to choose Alma Via of San Rafael as our mother’s home.

Delia D.

They were very kind and attentive to my mom.
Only suggestion is you should give your residents more dignity by allowing them far more meal choices and for God’s sake, let them sleep in, in the morning. They have earned that dignity.
Thank you for taking good care of my mom. She lived a very long and wonderful life.

Ross T.

Angie the Director is just purely a phenomenal spectacle, and Really knows her staff, her residents, and everything else there is to

Dave R.

As far as senior living goes this place seems well on par with the latest standards of cleanliness and friendly staff. The food in the restaurant is yummy as well.

Deliscia T.