Palo Alto Commons - Palo Alto, California

Marrero

I have visited that place three times, a lot of noise because they are in the middle of construction, dust everywhere, the older adults who live breathe all that pollution, the noise caused by the builders who do a good job is unbearable, my point is that it is not That place is currently inhabitable for no one. Another reason why I would not recommend that you put your loved ones there is because I was able to observe how some managers, one of whom is Spanish-speaking, mistreat the employees, that way I could justify how said employees ran over the elderly. They are not able to understand that they need more time to move from one place to another, that they require more attention to their needs.

Norm J.

My Mom lived at the Palo Alto Commons for more than 6 years until she passed away after her 91st birthday. Even though there has been staff turnover (mainly retirements), the staff is still very loving and supportive. It's great that the staff always addressed my Mom by name and many of them knew me as well. They have a wide range of activities for residents of different abilities, ranging from Spanish classes, 1:1 fitness coaching (which I highly recommend), outings to plays, picnics, and restaurants, to sit-and-be-fit classes, a library, and lots of classic movies. They made sure my Mom had compatible and interesting table mates for her meals. Unlike corporate assisted living places, they are still family owned and it shows. I'm grateful for the care of the staff while my Mom lived there.

Liz G.

Over the dozen years that my mother spent at Palo Alto Commons, I came to realize how lucky we were to have my mother living there. Executive Director Sue Jordan has created a culture of kindness among staff, and they are cheerful and able to bring a smile to residents' faces.

They always called my mother by name, and frequently told her she looked beautiful. This delighted her!

The day-to-day activities kept her in a social atmosphere, not isolated in her room. She enjoyed the movies, exercise activities, group singing, live music, special barbeques, art contests, and reading the paper outside the dining room. PAC has created a homelike environment with Fluffy, the cute little care dog.

Activities are only as much fun as the staff who leads them. This is where Palo Alto Commons excels. It hires people with enthusiasm, often a sense of humor and a caring attitude.

Palo Alto Commons doesn't just take care of the resident; It welcomes your family, too.

Liz Griffin

paul Z.

My mom has been residing in PA commons for 3 months, previously was at The Avant (next door) for a year, and previous to that, another facility that Li Li, the executive director managed. We follow Li Li because of the extraordinary care and skill she brings and fosters in the communities. The entire staff at Palo Alto Commons exhibit compassion and care in their daily interactions with residents and family members. The activities are varied and engaging, the dining staff are very accommodating, the front desk people, med techs, nurses, and marketing execs all jump in to be helpful to residents and welcoming to family.

Lea C.

My uncle was at the PA Commons for four months before he passed. The compassionate care of the staff and administration was exceptional. My uncle was unsteady on his feet at times and fell several times. If he would have been at home with home health care it would have meant a trip to the hospital but since they had nurses on site they we're able to evaluate him on site with no unnecessary trips to the hospital. The Commons also worked very well with the residents and family to accommodate the residents needs and provide wonderful feedback. Thank you for a job well done!

Dan L.

My wife has resided in the Palo Alto Commons Memory Care unit for the past two years. Daily visits have allowed me to observe the patients, their activities and the care they receive. The facility is clean and well maintained.

I am most appreciative for the high quality staff, the well planned and executed daily routine and the comfortable living conditions they provide for her.

Kathy S.

For the past 10 years my parents have been residents at the Palo Alto Commons. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to the staff for their incredible care for my parents. When my parents first came to the Commons, my father was fairly healthy and my mom was starting her decline with dementia. They made accommodations so that they could still live together with my mom using the memory care facility as a day care. As their health declined they stepped up the type of care, always considering the emotional strain any parents' declining health has on the family.
As for the facility itself, the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, the activities are interesting and they take great care in preparing the menus to accommodate everyone, from the pickiest of eaters to well-travelled gourmets.
My father passed away 2 years ago and my mom is in her final care phase with hospice. I am grateful for the loving care and respect the staff has had for my parents and my family.

Roger S.

My Mom Joan has been residing at The Avant for almost one year. We chose the Avant after researching local options including the Vi and Moldaw. I was assisted by an excellent geriatric social worker very familiar with the local options. I have nothing but positives to report. First off, the Staff and management. It is very important to have quality Staff, with low turnover. The Avant scores highly on both counts. For example, Felipe, who installed track lighting for my Mom this week, has been working at The Avant/Palo Alto Commons since 2003. (Palo Alto Commons is a sister community next door). My Mom gets personal training 3 times a week from Jorge Montenegro, who is kind enough to email me personalized updates. The price for the PT is very reasonable. Leland, the highly professional and caring Director of Activities, makes sure that there are fun and interesting field trips each month. These have included Hakone Gardens, Miramar Beach Restaurant, the Rosicrucian Museum, the Winchester Mystery House, the Cantor Arts Center, Filoli Gardens, Golden Gate Park and Bridge and many more. Robert is the capable and caring driver for many of these field trips. Vanessa at the Front Desk is an absolute gem and very caring for the residents, as are Shakuntla and Jamie.

As one specific example of the level of care, Karina drove my Mom and another guest for the Winchester Mystery House on a very hot day. Afterwards, Karina (who is really great) took my Mom and her friend out for ice cream. These are the little touches that are so important and demonstrate that for the Staff and management, their work at The Avant is not just a job, it is a calling.

Also important is the Executive Director. In this case Li Li, who has navigated The Avant through COVID and extraordinary times with aplomb and care.

Physically, The Avant is a beautiful complex (I think the architect also designed The Moldaw) only about 7 years old. Think lots of natural light, a beautiful courtyard with a majestic oak, beautiful, cheery artwork, movie night every night where the friends/community naturally gravitate after dinner, high ceilings, excellent air conditioning and new appliances. Beautiful orchids and gardening. All top notch.

The limited size of The Avant community (approximately 60 residents) make it a very welcoming and friendly community. Also safe with 24/7 nursing onsite.

You will get value and care at The Avant!