Bello Gardens

After «shopping» high and low throughout the Bay Area for a higher level of care for our mother, I knew Bello was the place we would choose when I first walked up the bricks steps to the front door. My intuition was confirmed over the next three weeks as we went through layers of decision making supported by the Bello staff resulting in our realization our mother needed an even higher level of care. Failure? Absolutely not! Our mother’s condition declined rapidly concurrent to her move date​— creating surprises for all​.​Bello did everything possible to make it work and continued to problem solve and provide workarounds until the family decided a​locked facility was required. During that three weeks my mother experienced true camaraderie with other residents, was consistently treated with respect (even though she was a handful) and was able to experience Bello’s truly homelike atmosphere without oppressive clinical or patronizing «help.» Residents are supported to be as mentally, socially, emotionally and physically independent as they can possibly be, there is a focus on community issues outside of declining health (Juanita-the-duck’s leadership permeates the facility), and each individual staff person takes ownership and responsibility for the Bello mission. What can I say? The place has a good feel. We were very reluctant to let go of Bello because we trusted them. Was it perfect? No – I can attest perfection doesn’t exist anywhere at any cost when it comes to elder care.​I’ve learned that t​rust is far more valuable than perfection when it comes to leaving your relative full time in the care of others. We were told on the first tour that what you see is what you get and that seemingly simple, but precious truth bore out during our three weeks​at​B​ello.​I​would highly recommend Bello​Gardens​to anyone wishing to place their relative in a comfortable community with experienced caregivers.