Hi,
I live in the Campbell/San Jose area and my great-grandparents (who are in their late 70's but fairly healthy, fully mobile, and completely independent) have recently expressed the desire to be closer to us, and their great- grandchild. They own a large home in a desireable suburb of San Francisco, and will be selling it in order to move here (they will fetch quite a sum for the house). They would like to find a retirement community in the area - and I have no idea where to start! They are not wanting something over the top or Las Vegas resort type, but a nice community with a range of ages. They ARE on a fixed income, and not much of the proceeds from the sale of their home will not be dedicated to their livelihood.
Have any suggestions/referrals of some good retirement communities in the area?
Thanks so much.
Hi, Kirstin, there are several excellent retirement communities in the South Bay. Closer to you is the Forum, in Cupertino (it's off Hwy. 280). My parents, 88 & 86, live at The Classic Residence by Hyatt, on Sand Hill Road in Palo Alto. This is a wonderful place with all levels of care, from independent living to skilled nursing. If your great-grandparents own a large home in this area,and they own it outright, they probably have a large amount of money and can buy into one of these places. Your great-grandparents are too young to go into some retirement places...they need a place where they'll be able to be active, and both of the aforementioned communities have ever conceivable amenity (pool, fitness center, dining rooms and restaurants, library, etc.). Good luck w/ your choice. Oh, btw, both of these places are for-profit corporations...as opposed to church-run places like the Sequoias in Portola Valley, which is another well-known retirement home. In the for-profit model like The Classic, the people own their own units, and when they die, their estate will retain 90% of the cost basis of the unit. In places like The Sequoias, you pay to move there, and when you pass away your estate gets nothing. Hope this helps, and feel free to ask me more if you wish.
Sincerely, Stephanie
Hi Kristin-
I just joined Mamasource upon the referral of the mother of one of my 7 y.o son's classmates of several yrs (thank you, Leslie!)
If you are still seeking advice and/or referrals on the process of aiding your great grandparents in moving to a retirement community, I would love to help you. I have worked in the eldercare industry in the San Jose and surrounding areas for the past 3 yrs following a 10 year career in pharmac sales discussing daily most common geriatric medical conditions with healthcare professionals. I have a vast network of eldercare resources--my roles have included Community Relations/Marketing for assisted living, independent living and home care companies as well as an "eldercare advisor" for the top nationally known eldercare referral/placement organization.
My favorite parts of what I do are equally divided between researching and building relationships with professionals in the related industries AND helping guide families to those resources and through the process of that portion of the journey of their lives or that of their loved ones!
My favorite days are when I know I've made a difference in the life of a senior or their families!