Pinole Senior Village is nestled in a hilly residential area. The sleepy town offers the conveniences of nearby restaurants and retail establishments. The light brown stucco frame is accented by a roof shingled in dark brown and tan. The Gardens, Pinole Senior Village’s Alzheimer’s unit, is secured with a double door entry to deter wandering. Simple décor adds to the facility’s homeyness. The furnished lobby area, which has a TV, is a perfect rest stop for residents while they wait for visitors and friends; a popcorn machine is only a few steps away.
Residents’ rooms are spacious enough to accommodate personal furnishings. From the small studios to the larger single and double occupancy rooms, all are comfortable quarters. Residents in The Gardens keep memory boxes outside their rooms, showcasing family portraits and trinkets. The common areas are intimate settings. Each resident has their own antique nameplate in the main dining room. In the secured unit, grand windows overlooking the garden bathe the dining room in natural light. The kitchen staff prepares appetizing entrées such as fried chicken, salisbury steak and chicken marsala. The second floor activity room features a record player and old albums for everyone’s listening pleasure. Residents operate a community gift shop that sells personal care items and snacks.
The outdoor area features a lush garden with abundant plant life. Raised planters allow residents to contribute to the gardening efforts in comfort. A gazebo provides shade and comfortable seating, while walkways and garden paths allow leisurely strolls. During the summer the staff often hosts barbeque socials on the patio. The Gardens has a separate outdoor area, which is secured.
Deborah, the facility’s administrator (and our tour guide), has been with Pinole Senior Village since its opening. She is well-versed in residents’ varying needs. As we toured several of the rooms, each resident greeted us with pleasantries. I accompanied Deborah as she fed the fish of one resident, who was away receiving hospital treatment. The individual staff members appear happy to be involved in this community. During the tour, residents took every opportunity to pause and engage in small talk with our guide, who is clearly beloved.
