(Provided by Gilbert Guide's on-site reviewer)

Claremont House is at home on Oakland's Gilbert Street. The neighborhood borders Piedmont Avenue, an area renowned for its shopping. The tall concrete building is conveniently located across the street from Safeway and Longs Drugs. Large carp swim peacefully in a pond, the focal point of the somewhat unkempt garden fronting the entry. A seating area overlooks the front patio.

Residents who require more assistance stay on a floor that is staffed with caregivers twenty-four hours a day. Another floor houses a common area. Residents' rooms vary in size. The one-bedroom units are comprised of two adjoining studios; for this reason, the units have two bathrooms, and residents frequently use the second bathroom for additional storage. Most of the rooms feature balconies.

The vast main dining room hosts independent living residents as well as the assisted living residents who choose to eat there; assisted living residents may also take their meals in a separate dining room where they enjoy a variety of options, including freshly squeezed orange juice and the beloved "build-your-own" sandwiches. A dietician assists the resident-run food committee in determining the menu, which lists appetizing entrées such as chicken marsala, sautéed veal and salisbury steak. Vegetarians rejoice in the non-meat option that is thoughtfully offered at each meal. With the exception of the dining areas, the home is dimly lit. The building's concrete construction is excellent for fire prevention but the home tends to be somewhat cool. The wide hallways feature handrails and fluorescent lighting. The facility uses a PA system to make announcements—the first one was very loud and caught us off guard.

Claremont House is a true friend to the environment; staff and residents recycle and make compost from waste paper and uneaten food. The staff is friendly and helpful to the residents, who were quiet as we observed them waiting patiently for lunch. The diverse list of activities includes meditation, poetry, dancing, and art appreciation. Residents enjoy a walking path and ample seating, comfortably worn from years of use, on the outdoor patio at the rear of the building.