Palo Alto Commons — Local services in Palo Alto

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...

Palo Alto Commons is a fantastic senior living community that provides excellent care. We have several clients who live here, and we continue to be impressed by their high caregiver-to-resident ratio, ensuring that every resident receives the attention and support they deserve.

Their Focused Care program offers high-acuity memory care, making it an excellent option for those with advanced cognitive needs who require specialized support.

The community’s assisted living building was recently remodeled, a clear reflection of the family-owned commitment to continuously investing in and improving the environment for residents. It’s wonderful to see a community that genuinely prioritizes the comfort, safety, and well-being of its seniors.

Beyond the beautiful setting (with outdoor, secure walking attached to the assisted living and memory care) what truly sets Palo Alto Commons apart is its dedicated staff—many of whom have been there for years. Like Eleanor and Li Li! Their hearts of service and deep commitment to their residents create an atmosphere of warmth, trust, and genuine care. For families looking for a top-tier assisted living and memory care community, Palo Alto Commons is a truly...

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...