Upscale Assisted Living Comes to Mariner Point

Upscale Assisted Living Comes to Mariner Point

PHOTO BY MEGAN SMALL

Crystal Robinson of Oakmont Management Group makes a compelling case for moving into Oakmont properties.


Retirement community giant Oakmont Senior Living believes in a five-star approach to service and residency. Crystal Robinson of Oakmont Management Group talks about the latest addition in Alameda.

Alameda’s newest assisted-living community, Oakmont of Mariner Point, caters to its residents’ every need. The resort-style waterfront campus is making a big splash and a big difference in the lives of many, according to Crystal Robinson, the regional vice president of sales and marketing for Oakmont Management Group. The management group operates 34 retirement communities on the West Coast and strives to bring a five-star service approach to retirement residential living.

How is Oakmont of Mariner Point different from Cardinal Point?

Both communities are lovely, and they both have absolutely stunning views of the bay. They are similar in some ways, but they do offer different fee options and different levels of care. Cardinal Point is an entrance-fee community, while Mariner Point is month to month. Oakmont of Cardinal Point is a continuing-care retirement community that offers independent living with a continuum of care. It’s an exclusive Oakmont Signature Living Community with world-class amenities. Mariner Point is a luxury assisted-living community and can provide a higher level of care, such as help with activities of daily living, which can include dressing, bathing, and medication management. Mariner Point also offers a full diabetic program and memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

What amenities are offered?

Oakmont takes a lot of pride in offering resort-like services and amenities at all of our communities. We have gyms, day spas, movie theaters, art studios, bistros, private dining rooms, and wellness centers. There are several beautiful outdoor spaces including courtyards, walking paths, dog parks, and gardening areas. We’ve been told that it feels like a year-round vacation experience. It’s really quite pleasant.

Tell me about dining at Oakmont properties.

The dining experience at our communities is unsurpassed, starting with the talented and experienced chefs we have. Their backgrounds include working with Wolfgang Puck, Nancy Oakes, and being featured on The Food Network. One of them even beat Bobby Flay. Meals are all sit down, and menus switch out every six weeks. Entrée choices include everything from a simple garden burger to salmon, lobster, crab, prime rib, and rack of lamb. Heart-healthy, gluten-free, and diabetic choices are readily available. The food is plated exquisitely, and the ingredients selected are the finest. Often the produce comes straight from our chefs’ personal organic gardens. The dining rooms are set up with an exhibition kitchen, so our chefs are visible and can chat with our residents while they cook. We have themed meals, like Mexican and Italian cuisine, and serve huge meals for every holiday, including all traditional foods for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Easter. Trust me, our food would tempt any palate.

The off-site excursions appear to be popular.

Excursions are definitely a big hit on both of our campuses. Our residents love to have fun, and we enjoy accommodating them. We are out and about at least once a week going to museums, like the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, shows, and musicals, shopping, wineries, golfing, state parks for walks and hikes, cruises on the bay, festivals and tours of interesting places like olive oil factories and honey farms. In addition, every month, we offer over 150 different on-campus activities at each community that include physical fitness classes, art classes, lectures on a variety of topics varying from current events to health matters, music lessons, card games, and anything else that gets requested by residents. Our excursions and activities are meaningful to our residents, and they enjoy themselves immensely. Extended family members often join residents for excursions or lectures, as they are always welcomed to our facilities.

What would people be surprised to know about Oakmont of Mariner Point?

First of all, senior living is definitely not what it used to be, nor does it match any of the preconceived notions some may still have about it. People are living longer and healthier than ever, so the demand for exceptional retirement communities has strengthened and will only continue to grow. Oakmont communities all over offer living environments that are upscale and that are physically, intellectually, and emotionally nurturing and stimulating. Oakmont of Mariner Point is our newest community that provides a range of phenomenal amenities, as well as programs and services in a very supportive environment. It’s exciting to see our residents continue to engage in activities and further their well being. Besides being impressed with all of our upscale amenities, residents and families have been most amazed with the view from our third-floor restaurant. This view is absolutely gorgeous. It gives new meaning to the phrase “a room with a view.” I strongly encourage you to come see it yourself. Tours are gladly given.