A Serene Setting for Senior Care 

In Castro Valley, CA

Oak Creek is nestled in a hillside setting bordered by beautiful trees and lush greenery.

Admiring the aviary, smelling the herbal garden, and appreciating the colors of the raised flowerbeds all enhance our residents’ experience wandering around the secured grounds. The large flat patio has multiple umbrella tables and chairs to relax in and absorb the serenity of nature.

The first “Creek,” Oak Creek opened in 1991. It is also the smallest of our three locations, accommodating 38 residents.

Dear Staff :

Saying goodbye is always such a difficult time but finding a way to say goodbye to all of you has been particularly difficult. Dad came to you 2 years ago reluctant, broken proud and angry. You gave him your special kind of wholeness, a way to hold onto his pride, unconstitutional affection and love, and finally peace. We, his family, came to you desperate, fearful, and uncertain. You gave us hope, support, and a new way to cope and still be a family. 

We found you at the end of our ten-year struggle with the phenomenon known as Alzheimer’s Disease. You were the anchor at the end of the long, often lonely, and always frustrating journey. Few people truly understand this disease, and you have managed to find a group of people who not only understand it, but can somehow find joy in it. People who know that with a disease that ravages memory, they can still remember their place at the dinner table, whose turn it is to sit in the front chairs and who really loves them.

If he could say his own goodbye to all of you, it would be with his familiar “thumbs up”, a smile on his face, a tear in his eye, and a final kiss for all of you. 

Family member of Oak Creek resident, Castro Valley

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Dear Oak Creek Staff, 

Please accept our thanks for the exceptional care of our mother at Oak Creek. We are so grateful that she was able to spend her last years with your family of Caregivers. They are truly a wonderful group. We are also thankful for the love and support given to us over the years and especially in her last days. Each Staff member has, in their own way, given us a priceless gift, which will always be remembered. 

Family member of Oak Creek resident, Castro Valley

Dear Oak Creek Staff, 

There aren’t words enough to tell you how much I and my family appreciated the care, compassion and kindness you bestowed on my father, during his years at Oak Creek. We could not have lived with Dad’s Alzheimer’s disease, and the changes it caused in his health and mental state, without you and your extraordinary care giving. The day we brought Dad to OakCreek was the hardest day of our lives. We were heartbroken, worried and full of emotions. Each one of you, in your won way, helped to alleviate our concerns and support us during those early months. Whether it was talking with us on the phone, helping us say goodbye after a visit, when we could hardly bear leaving dad, answering questions; preparing his meals or just being there, in the most human sense of the world, you made an unbearable situation bearable. When dad’s condition worsened, and he needed different kinds of care, you conveyed understanding and compassion. You were caring for us, as well as Dad, and you did it professionally, with grace and compassion. 

I cannot convey that your kindness and expertise has meant to me. As a former RN, I understand the demands of caring for people like my dad. It isn’t easy. When Dad was in the ER a few weeks before he died, we changed him before sending him home in the ambulance. I told the staff that his skin was absolutely perfect, not a red spot in sight. Clear skin on a thin man, eating poorly and incontinent for years – what excellent care you gave him! And, more importantly, you all treated him with such love and kindness. You would give him hugs and he would smile back. – the smile of my dad, before Alzheimer’s took away his memory and the person, we all knew and loved. 

It has been a long, painful time for us and we are relieved that Dad’s burden is lifted. We are so grateful that you could care for him in his final days. You were the people that he recognized and trusted. Oak Creek was his home and we are glad that he died in a familiar place, with people he knew. We appreciated your hugs, tears and words of support during his last weeks. I will always remember the afternoon we talked about Dad, as we knew him, and several of you listened so attentively and cried along with us. 

I know that my sisters and my mother agree: each of you has wings on your back. We will never forget you and your kindness towards our father and our family. “Thank you” does not seem sufficient for all that you’ve done for Dad, but we hope you know that our gratitude comes straight from the heart. 

With a great deal of love and respect, 

Family of a resident of Oak Creek, Castro Valley