The Lodge

My father lived in The Lodge for 8 years. This is a wonderful residence for seniors who are still mobile and still want some independence. Their meals, housekeeping, laundry and meds administration are taken care of by a great staff. There are many activities available that seniors can join. As my father aged, there were also options that were available to serve his needs. The monthly fees are reasonable. The location is near a small shopping center where the residents can go to the grocery store, library or out for a meal. This is Harbor Bay’s little gem for seniors!

Over the eight-​plus years since our parents moved to Waters Edge Lodge (WEL) from their stair-​filled home in the Oakland hills, we have seen WEL ownership and staff in action and can say without any hesitation whatsoever this is a first class operation.

We felt fortunate to find «The Lodge». The owners are local, they have a vision, they have a strong presence and dedication to providing the best care for the residents in a comfortable, clean, independent yet safe and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Aging is not easy and nothing is prefect. At some point in time we realize, to maintain a safe independent living environment requires more services. As one starts to looks around, we all have various criteria but, we want an environment that is safe and that can provide a good feeling. This good feeling is found at The Lodge and it is not provided in isolation. My mother was a resident at The Lodge for nearly two years. Everyone, from the Administration, Community Relations Director, Fabulous Nurses, Dedicated Housekeepers, Patient Care Technicians, Dietary Team and Maintenance Crew all come with tenure and care about each resident as an individual with respect. How can you ask for more?

Elsa Bogosian, who resided for over 10 wonderful years at water’s Edge Lodge, felt genuinely «at home» in her one room apartment on the bottom floor looking out onto a tastefully decorated and beautifully planted courtyard. We would routinely go out onto this very patio and to discuss current affairs. The beauty and tastefulness of the Lodge (as she affectionately called it) made Elsa always feel like she had moved into a resort instead of a «home for old people.» During the cold months or bad weather days we would meet up in the Lodge’s café and she would show me what was new and different about the facility. The owners were constantly trying new ways to engage the residents and guests. I was introduced to art classes, meditation sessions, music events, cultural exhibits, elder activism events, work-​out equipment, and comfort animals. There was a persistent sense of movement and cutting edge activism. As soon as we would sit in the café surrounded by other residents and guests’ animated talking, we would pick up where we had left off when we would meet in different cafes around the Bay Area. The atmosphere was so light and fresh that it was conducive to meaningful meetings of the mind and spirit.
I was also impressed with the professionalism and kindness of the staff. They always conveyed my messages or checked on my friend when I wasn’t able to reach her, especially when her advanced age diminished her hearing and eyesight.
When Elsa passed away at the proud age of 102, she never been in pain thanks to the consistent care of the staff and she also never felt cut off from the pulse of life. She still went to get her hair done or went shopping in the nearby shopping center. Hence, her independent spirit which had originally prompted her to play an important part in founding the northern Californian Ombudsman division stayed alive until her death. The Lodge was the perfect place for her because the owners are very much in support of elder independence.

My mother spent nearly four years at Waters Edge Lodge before moving to Elders Inn, a sister institution, owned by the Zimmermans. The Lodge was well suited to Mom’s needs. She could choose from a variety of planned activities, share coffee with family and friends in the Café, or have her hair shampooed and set. The staff was welcoming and caring. Meetings with the administration and nurses were informative and helpful in monitoring her progress. My father-​in-​law had been a resident of the Lodge in the early 1990’s. The Zimmerman family and staff have consistently provided quality care for Lodge residents. We were fortunate to have Waters Edge Lodge in our neighborhood to care for both of our parents.