Silverado Memory Care in Berkeley is a remarkable place doing innovative intervention and caregiving for what many similar facilities would find a difficult population. From the physical layout which is both beautiful and homey to the excellent staff, well versed in the needs of clients with dementia and how best to help them, this place is different in the best possible way. The advocacy for your family member begins before they ever arrive there. It is my profound regret that my husband passed away before he could move in. But I can say it was remarkable the outreach and advocacy that was made on his behalf with his hospital physician team and the hospital discharge planners to be sure my husband was getting the care he needed . I can't say enough how the support I received from Morgan,, the RN Administrator working with me, eased my anxiety and gave me comfort during the hardest time of my life. Please check Silverado out if you have a family member with dementia. The clients I saw on my visits there seemed to be enjoying their lives. There are dogs, cats birds, a bunny and beautiful gardens. Families are welcome to enjoy meals there with their family member. There are so many features of comfort and normalcy to help the clients navigate their challenges. read more

The business is poorly run, without care for individuals, only concerned with the bottom line. The facility is understaffed and not concerned with true improvement. Employee turnover is incredibly high, ask why if you visit. read more

Silverado Memory Care in Berkeley provides exceptional care with a caring and compassionate staff who treat their residents like family. The environment is welcoming, clean, and thoughtfully designed for those with memory needs. I highly recommend Silverado for anyone seeking a quality memory care community for their loved one. I can't say enough great things about the team here! read more

My father was at Silverado in 2024. They honestly cared about him. He smiled. He was comfortable. They were patient and respectful. I recommend it highly. read more

My father has dementia and was a resident of the Silverado. He received excellent care and attention there and I recommend the facility wholeheartedly. The employees at the Silverado really care about all the residents and truly get to know each person and their specific needs. The grounds are very nice and clean, the hallways allow for a good amount of walking (my father liked to wander around), and during the holidays the place is very festively decorated. The food is healthy and tasty. There are daily activities like exercise and meditation, and even my father participated happily in them. I am particularly grateful that the team went above and beyond for my dad one evening by taking him to Kaiser when he needed it. Let's be honest: dementia facilities can be depressing places. But the Silverado is not depressing at all, just the opposite. It's a caring and dignified environment for your loved one with memory needs. read more

My mother-in-law was in a very difficult situation before her arrival at Silverado. Her cognitive deterioration had advanced dramatically and she increasingly needed specialized care and supervision. With the assistance of medication Silverado was able to control the more dramatic and unsettling aspects of her dementia, so that she was able to achieve some peace of mind in the time she lived there. Silverado worked closely with us to ensure that her medication was administered correctly, and at times creatively, and in a way that addressed her specific cognitive difficulties. She developed warm relations with many of the staff persons at Silverado, providing her with some of the socialization she needed. Although she was reluctant to participate in many of the activities at Silverado, the staff never ignored her but visited her, spoke with her (frequently in Spanish, per our request) and drew her out of her room when possible, especially at meals. She once again began to eat well, which was so important to her well-being. She enjoyed the meals, and enjoyed the contact with the residents at the table. We also appreciated the facility itself, which provided her with a safe environment. We often took Ana in walks through the buildiing and on occasion sat in the garden in the sunlight. Finally, we knew that Ana could be challenging and we do so much appreciate how patient and caring Silverado was with her. She needed very special care and we were pleased that Silverado had all the specialized skills needed to care for someone struggling with dementia. read more

The Brief Review (detailed review below): I had hoped this move would be OK, but I had never dreamed it would be the improvement it has been. Much of what I'd viewed as the decline of the disease over the last 2 years could in part be attributed to the isolation of dementia made worse because of Covid times. Once she was at Silverado, with all the social stimulation, it was as if a dimmer switch had been turned to bright. Additionally she is so much safer having her physical needs met by a team of trained people instead of a family member often flying solo. Detailed review: My mom moved into Silverado 3 months ago. Like everyone making this decision for their loved one, I was filled with worry. But I was also sure I could not keep doing it at home, even with lots of help. Too many maneuvers required 2 people to feel safe to mom, as well as literally to be safe for her. Additionally, too many times each day I had questions where I quite simply wished there was a nurse right there to address a concern and check on her.  Note: M-F There is a RN onsite at Silverado, who is supported 24/7 by LVNs. All the other places I visited only had LVNs. Additionally, there is an MD on call 24/7. This means no more trying to connect with mom's doctor's office's phone system in the middle of the night!!  So I began the search. Many places I visited I knew immediately I would not leave my mom in their care. I visited place after place. Then I visited Silverado. I was sure this was the place. But if Silverado could be so, so much better than all the others, might there also be another place so, so much better than Silverado? I felt compelled to keep looking. But, I found nothing that compared. I really like that the entire place is devoted to Memory Care only (with groupings, that co-mingle, for early stage, mid-stage and advanced stage dementia). In many places with Assisted Living units, Memory Care was housed in the basement or other less appealing parts of the building. Not only does the elimination of co-housing with Assisted Living positively affect the quality of the overall physical environment for patients with more advanced dementia, but it means every staff person in the building is trained for residents in Memory Care. It is very common to see staff from the kitchen, facilities, gardening, etc. chatting with the residents. I appreciate that the staff, all staff, are trained to not merely walk past. I appreciate that the behaviors of the residents are considered ok even if they are not what one would call normal (Ex: There's one resident who loves to clean. You might see her sitting on the floor, cloth in hand, polishing the floor. There is absolutely no reason anyone should stop her from doing this if it is what she wants. But I very much doubt there is another place which would allow it). Silverado had me fill out a questionnaire about my mom. Right away I could tell that everyone who worked with her had actually read it. I'd come in and the caregiver sitting with her would have her iPad playing the Beatles or Sinatra. After dinner they'd show up with a dish of vanilla ice cream, her favorite. I'd overhear a caregiver talking to her about oil painting.  On a few occasions the RN has approached me about a subtle observation they have made about my mom, which has led to a modification to her medication (she is unable to communicate her needs or her discomfort). I am deeply grateful they are so hands-on/eyes-on. Additionally, extreme constipation has defined the last few years of her life. With in a very short time of having a trained staff monitoring her bowels, diet, and meds, the constipation is a thing of the past. This is a huge relief as she had suffered so badly! Visiting mom is now a treat. Previously when I was with her for 12 hours a day, it just felt like work-it was work. Now that I am no longer tasked with monitoring bowels, hydration, diapering, showers, dressing, meds, etc., we can just chat. It is such a joy. read more

We placed my sister at Silverado last month. She suffers with dementia & assisted living just wasn't the right place for her anymore. We visited many memory care facilities in the Danville/Walnut Creek area & nothing felt right. When we visited Silverado it was just humming! Staff all had smiles, spoke openly with us and as a real plus, they not only allow pets but they have a house dog that everyone loves. We didn't want her to b sitting in her room all day and she definitely is not. She seems to be very happy with the change. She is on the second floor but there is always someone there to take her to meals & activities. She hasn't been there very long but so far, so good. Stay tuned. read more

Quality of Life and Dignity The Short: Silverado offers truly amazing care, service, and engagement with their residents - they are always treated with respect and dignity. Staff are also communicative, understanding and proactive when it comes to engaging you the family member(s). The level of care is worth every penny spent. The Long: My Mother was diagnosed with Dementia last year which progressed quickly to a moderate level. She had lived independently up to this point. She is a retired corporate exe who is extremely stubborn, self reliant, and fiercely independent. Leading up to the move to Silverado, family and friends made several attempts to transition her into a memory care/assisted living community with no success. Before the move, her paranoia and fear had become 90% of her daily focus, she was not able to care for herself. Quick action was required and Silverado responded in kind with diligence and sensitivity. Being an only child, living out of state and not prepared for the gauntlet I faced was more than overwhelming, it was terrifying. The executive staff showed compassion while delivering strategic support every step of way in navigating the malaise of bureaucratic red tape with health care providers and legal documents - I could not have done any of this without their support and intelligence in dealing with the who, what, when, how of getting everything necessary to move her. There is no play book for moving a fiercely independent woman. With all of that add two cats - without them she never moves. Silverado not only agreed, but embraced the cats - they are her children and her safety net - Silverado gets that. My mother has been there now for just over four months. Her paranoia level is 10%-15% of her mindset, her fear is gone, she feels safe, she sleeps through the night (before she rarely did) and regularly states how happy she is. She is a highly social person who had become isolated, depressed and fearful to leave her house or cats. Now she actively engages and has a multitude of friends - residents and staff members. So here are few insights that are worth sharing - please note that the week after she moved and the ensuing trips I have taken, I have spent 6-10 hours at a time with her in the community so I have had an opportunity to observe and engage on several levels. Engagement: This is perhaps one of the most notable aspects about Silverado - their programing provides for constant, daily engagement on various levels - exercise, socialization, mental stimulation and one on one interaction. My mother who was never one for much of organized activities loves participating - they have social events to get folks to chat and engage with each other. I have watched several of these events and find it remarkable how they get a bunch of folks to sit down and interact - truly special. Staff: The resident to staff ratio is high and varied - caregivers, nurses, management and support staff all regularly engage the residents. There is a sense of cohesive support and mindset (everyone is on the same page). If there is an issue staff actively work to address it, I have not witnessed "not my problem or someone will be there to help" situations. Keeping in mind that there three levels of care and different needs depending on where residents are at. Execution seems seamless. The staff know everyone's names and appear to understand the needed level of care of each individual. Philosophy: It is worth noting that they just don't provide lip service to their philosophy they execute. Their onboarding process was extremely thoughtful and strategic for getting her adjusted - they know what they are doing and how do it based on the individual. At no time was there a call from my mother I want to go home or I'm not staying here - visiting the first full week and half also helped. The background info about likes dislikes and idiosyncrasies is shared with the staff to ensure success. The Staff don't act like they are treating memory care patients, rather regular everyday human beings. The level of dignity giving to residents is truly noteworthy, especially when you realize the range of care needs they serve. I visited many other assisted living and nursing care facilities in my life and have never seen the consistent level of care displayed here. Environment: This is not your average memory care community (assisted living /retirement/etc). There are no smells one associates with assisted living communities. The place is immaculate, the food good - different menu every day for each meal, there are standard everyday options, and open seating. The rooms are well appointed and the overall facility has undergone a complete remodel. Heating and cooling works, dining and common areas are well maintained. Final Thought: My mother feels safe, happy and enjoys being there. As I'm sure most people expect Staff to come and tell you how great your family member is, as part of the M read more

My experience with Silverado was based on respite care for my mom in 2018. Since moms time there in 2018 (6-weeks) Silverado has transitioned from assisted-living to memory care. My mom was recovering from a bad illness and I needed a top quality place near me where she could have peace, quiet, loving care, all of her meals cooked, and light medical support so she could recover. The Silverado has a staffing model that is very loving and engaged. Mom's care was top notch. When she arrived, she was unable to walk independently, was confused and couldn't manage her self care. The staff was supportive, flexible, and interested in her recovery and well being. After 6 weeks of loving support, she had recovered enough to live independently once again. Thanks to their care, I have my mom back. She's 90 and once again full of her old pep and sharpness. I am grateful. Secondarily, my observation of the memory care residents is that they are truly loved and supported.They work actively to stimulate the residents, provide interesting and fun activities and have excellent nursing and staff. I NEVER saw anyone left alone in their wheelchairs like I have seen in other memory care facilities. Silverado is fairly pricey, but given the level of care it seems reasonable, BUT IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONE read more

I can not recommend Silverado (formerly The Berkshire). Not at all. Kept hoping things would improve when the sale occurred. Minimal staff that did not seem to be respected or treated well. Minimal care for residence with difficulty ever locating a staff member for assistance and this was NOT a family member who needed constant care or attention. I could write pages about what seemed to be lacking but suffice it to say I am in the health care field and I would encourage you to look elsewhere for any member of your family crucial time of life. read more

Transitioned my mother from living independently to memory care at Silverado Berkeley. It was a tough move - even though Mom is definitely not able to take care of herself and was deteriorating rapidly while on her own, she really fought being placed in an "old folks home". After the first week, however, it was clear that the environment at Silverado Berkeley - especially the staff and residents - were just what she needed. The difference in her responses and levels of agitation are marked - dementia, of course, can't be cured but the symptoms were greatly eased for her. The facility is quite expensive, but the physical, mental and emotional care given are worth it. I appreciate that they are not just supportive of my mom, but also of me as mom's primary caregiver/responsible party. I'm relieved to have mom in a place that's helping her to maintain the level of independence she still has for as long as she can, while keeping her in a safe, active and pleasant environment. BTW - mom loves the food here - she comments on it every time I visit, and is always trying to get me to eat there. read more

I helped my dear friend's son move her to Silverado December of 2017. Prior to that I had looked into several facilities for assisted living as she seemed to need company and assistance with her meds. It became clear that that was not going to be enough. Since moving to Silverado, she no longer has bouts of paranoia, she gets her meds regularly and has wonderful meals. The facility is bright and welcoming with several secure inside patios. Everyone is allowed full access to both floors, not just their room or a special wing. The staff knows everyone and treats them with great care. They are addressed by name and with a smile. They ensure that there are meaningful activities throughout the day, every day. Family and friends are encouraged to visit, join in the activities and meals. It's the kind of care everyone should receive. Dementia shouldn't mean you get locked in a wing of a care home and just basically watched day in and day out. You still have a lot of life inside that should be nurtured and enhanced as long as possible. I have another friend in St. Louis, who has dementia and is well cared for. But she has no life, no meaningful activities, little interaction with others. I wish she could be in Solverado. Her facility costs only a little less than Silverado, but she doesn't get near as much. I'm glad Silversdo exists and I hope it changes the way we provide care to those who need it. read more