Senior housing in Palo Alto

About one Palo Alto resident in five is 65 or older, according to the Census Bureau. Many of them want to stay in town as their needs change. The city has an unusual mix of options for that. Four communities offer a path from independent living to nursing care on one campus. One rental retirement community adds assisted living and memory care. Nonprofit buildings rent apartments to low-income seniors. Each comes with different costs, contracts and waits.

This guide is neutral and does not rank anyone. Communities are listed alphabetically within each group. Each was confirmed on its own website in late 2026. It is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice. Prices and contract terms change, so ask each community for current documents. For services that help older adults stay in their own homes, see our resources for older adults.

The main types of senior housing

California licenses assisted living as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly through the Department of Social Services. Skilled nursing facilities are licensed separately by the Department of Public Health.

Life plan communities

These four communities offer independent living with higher levels of care available. Their descriptions below come from their own websites.

Channing House

Channing House is a not-for-profit life plan community at 850 Webster Street in downtown Palo Alto. It opened on January 27, 1964. Its website lists independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. It has also added Arris, a small sister property of 13 residences a couple of blocks away whose residents use Channing House amenities. Phone: (650) 327-0950.

Moldaw Residences

Moldaw Residences is at 899 East Charleston Road on an 8.5-acre site beside the Oshman Family JCC. Its website lists independent living and continuing care that includes assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation. It describes itself as rooted in Jewish values and open to everyone, with resident access to JCC facilities and programs. The site mentions 85 percent refundable entrance fees. Phone: (650) 433-3600.

Vi at Palo Alto

Vi at Palo Alto is at 620 Sand Hill Road, near Stanford Shopping Center and the Stanford campus. It describes itself as a Type A continuing care retirement community, with an on-site care center for assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing. Sales line: (888) 973-1550.

Webster House

Webster House is run by the nonprofit Front Porch. Residential living is at 401 Webster Street and its health center is next door at 437 Webster Street. The website lists independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. Sales line: (650) 327-4333.

Rental retirement living

Palo Alto Commons at 4075 El Camino Way in south Palo Alto lists independent living, assisted living and memory care. Phone: (650) 494-0760. Rental communities like this usually charge a monthly fee without a large entrance fee. Care costs are often added as needs grow, so ask how fees change when a resident moves to a higher level of care.

Other assisted living homes, including small licensed homes, operate in and near Palo Alto. Before choosing one, look up its license and any inspection reports through the state's Community Care Licensing Division.

Affordable senior apartments

For older adults with limited incomes, a handful of buildings rent apartments at restricted rents. The city's Office of Human Services keeps a senior services list that includes these:

Expect waiting lists. Apply to several buildings at once and keep your contact details current with each one. Income limits are tied to the county's area median income and change every year. Our below market rate guide explains the city's BMR rental program. Alta Housing lists a Senior Living Entry Program too.

Understanding entrance fees and contracts

Life plan contracts are long and they differ a lot. These are the terms that come up most.

• Type A (life care). A higher entrance fee in exchange for monthly fees that stay largely predictable if you later need assisted living or nursing care.
• Type B (modified). A set amount of care is included. Beyond that, residents pay more or receive a discount.
• Type C (fee for service). A lower entrance fee, with care billed at market rates when needed.
• Refundable entrance fees. Some contracts refund part of the entrance fee to the resident or estate. A higher refund usually means a higher fee up front.
• Health requirements. Most communities require new residents to be able to live independently at move-in.

In California, continuing care contracts are regulated by the Department of Social Services through its Continuing Care Contracts Branch. Providers must give prospective residents disclosure documents, including financial statements. Several Palo Alto communities post their disclosures and reserve reports online. Have an attorney or financial adviser read the contract and those reports before you sign.

Questions to ask on a tour

1. Which levels of care are on site? Which are offered by contract elsewhere?
2. What is the waitlist for the unit size you want?
3. How have monthly fees changed over the last five years?
4. What happens to fees if one spouse needs more care than the other?
5. How much of the entrance fee is refundable? When is it paid out?
6. Is there an extra charge for meals, parking, transportation or housekeeping?
7. How far is the nearest hospital? Our healthcare guide lists Palo Alto's hospitals.

Staying at home instead

Many older Palo Altans stay in their own houses with help. Accessory dwelling units let a family build a small cottage for a parent or for a caregiver. Our ADU guide covers the rules. Home safety changes such as grab bars or a ground-floor bedroom may need a permit. Our home remodeling guide explains how to hire a licensed contractor. Getting around without a car is covered on our accessible travel page.

Frequently asked questions