The Avant

It's been several months since my parents have moved into The Avant. Their apartment is lovely and my mom likes the modern features and elegant atmosphere. Most of all--she doesn't have to cook! There are plenty of outings to attend, free shuttle service and my parents love Friday Happy Hour. It's month-to-month versus paying an astronomical premium just to live here so there are people moving in and out. This is never an easy transition and I'm so glad my parents are safe. Because this is a smaller community, it can be difficult to find a good friend, but they are not isolated and love to can enjoy chatting with the other residents.

A few years ago, we moved our father into The Avant. He was reluctant to move out of his home for many reasons. He was there for over 50 years and it was a daily reminder of our mom who passed away a couple years earlier. But it was necessary as he was having trouble with stairs and was at an increasingly high risk of falling.

The first few months were predictably difficult. But he quickly made connections with other residents and eventually started thinking of the Avant as home.

He was treated so well by the staff. They were unfailingly attentive and thoughtful. They looked after him and cared for him better than we could've possible hoped. When his health took a bad turn or he fell, they were on top of it immediately. They contacted us right away and gave us thoughtful guidance at every step based on their considerable experience. Li Li, Trish, and the entire staff are very professional, knowledgeable and kind.

The facilities are clean, modern, and well cared for. From what we heard from dad, the food was consistently great. My family and I highly recommend the Avant without any reservations.

My Mom hs been residing at The Avant for almost one year. We chose The Avant with help from a geriatric social worker after also considering The Moldaw and The Vi. We have nothing but positives to report.

It is critical to have quality staff and low turnover. The Avant scores highly in both categories. For example, Felipe, who installed track lighting for my Mom this week, has been working at The Avant and its sister community next door, Palo Alto Commons, since 2003.

My Mom receives personal training from Jorge Montenegro 3 times a week, at very reasonable rates. Jorge regularly sends me email updates.

Leland, the Director of Activities, does an excellent job planning interesting field trips (including Filoli, Hakone Gardens, Cantor Art Museum, Pace Art Museum, Golden Gate Park/Bridge, Miramar Beach Restaurant, The Rosicrucian Museum and many many more, in addition to walking groups, picnics, guest lecturers and excellent musicians. Robert is the caring, affable and capable driver for many of the field trips and outings,

Vanessa at the front desk is an absolute gem, very caring for the residents, as are Jamie and Shakuntla!

As one specific example of the level of care, after a field trip to the Winchester Mystery House on a hot summer day, Karina (also really great) took my Mom and another guest out for ice cream. These are the little touches that demonstrate that for The Avant staff and management, theirs is not just a job, but a calling. Perhaps the most important measure of a person is what they do when no one is looking. The Avant Staff and management care for their residents. LiLi is an excellent executive director, navigating through the rough waters of COVID with a skilled touch.

The Avant is a beautiful, newish (7 years old) building designed by I believe the same architect who designed The Moldaw. Lots of high ceilings, natural light, open floor plans, beautiful courtyard with a majestic oak centerpiece, beautiful flowers and plants, excellent new appliances and air conditioning in each unit - a cheery place! Great gym and pool.

We are very lucky to have found The Avant.

My parents moved out of the Avant acouple of years ago. Dad liked it but his Alzheimers was starting to kick in. Mom was worried they would have to go to "The Other Side," also know as the memory care unit. Other residents say things to scare them about this arrangement. Dad loved the swimming pool in the apartment living, but once he 'crashed' into another swimmer who yelled at him, he no longer swam. Thus, my mom was ready to move out and live in their own home. Dad passed away a year ago and Mom, who is 93, is happy to live in her home. For me, I live 3 hrs away and always worry. I wish she continued to live at the Avant. She is isolated in her home, doesn't have transportation, but is happy to walk to her downtown. She is of sound mind, so I don't have any say, but that doesn't mean I don't worry.

The Avant is a place I would live in the future and now that Mom is on her own, I think she would be more receptive to making friends with the other residents.

My mother moved to The Avant largely because of our extremely positive prior experience with Li Li, the executive director. What we soon learned was that staff members at The Avant in every function, ranging from front desk, to dining, to med techs, to facilities, to housekeeping, to activities, and everywhere else are caring, professional, respectful, and conscientious in their support of residents. The building has an open positive energy, similar to a Four Seasons hotel but the main attraction is that mom feels safe and welcome. Additionally, and most importantly, the residents are lovely people who care about one another and are very friendly.

Our client moved into The Avant and LOVES it. As professionals, Senior Seasons refers clients to most of the senior communities in the area. We carefully try to match our seniors needs, wants, budgets and other preferences and then recommend communities that fit their criteria. We had a client choose The Avant and she was one of the first to move into this brand-new apartment complex with full amenities. She can't stop raving about how wonderful it is and how she wishes she had moved sooner.