10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Gilroy, CA

Merrill Gardens at Gilroy offers studio, one- and two-bedroom units that residents are welcome to share with their well-behaved small pets. The facility features an open design with plenty of large windows to let in natural light. The outdoor living space features individual garden spots, a courtyard with a fountain surrounded by comfortable seating and a large patio area for barbecues and al fresco dining. Services include regular safety checks, medication management, housekeeping, assistance with nonclinical personal care tasks such as grooming, bathing and dressing, laundry and linen service.

This pet-friendly facility has studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as companion suites. Each unit is equipped with an emergency response system, cable and internet. On-site amenities include a beauty salon/barbershop, a fireside dining room, a fitness room and a private party space where residents can entertain visitors or host private festivities among themselves. On-site physical and occupational therapy is available as well as 24-hour concierge service.

What we liked best about Loma Clara Senior Living was the cozy fireplace living room that greeted us when we first walked in the door. We also liked the deck overlooking the scenic courtyard, the on-site movie theater and the library/tech lounge. Plenty of parking is available for residents and their visiting guests, and visitors are welcome to spend the night and join residents for meals. This facility is pet-friendly.

We included Aegis Living Aptos on our top 10 list primarily because of the range of on-site medical services available to residents. In-house primary care, geriatric psychiatrists, occupational and physical therapy, and an on-site provide residents with easy access to these essential services. An on-site lab is available for blood work and other types of testing. Although all seniors are welcome here, Aegis is an Asian-inspired community which serves authentic Asian cuisine and features traditional activities and decor.

Residents of Brookdale San Jose have access to a wide range of on-site activities. For instance, they can take a painting class, participate in resident-led special interest groups, play their favorite board game by the fire, or join a group outing to a local restaurant, shopping center or other point of interest in the community. Fitness classes are available for all ability levels and include chair yoga, water aerobics and walking.

Even though Carton Senior Living is one of the larger facilities on our top 10 list with a resident capacity of 183, the staff at its restaurant-style dining room is able to happily accommodate a range of dietary needs and preferences, including diabetic and renal diets. The culinary staff uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients as much as possible and prepares nearly everything from scratch, and residents have the option of dining in their apartments instead of joining others in the dining room. The facility also has a 24-hour cafe.

The quality of the accommodations play a big part in how we make selections for our top 10 list, and Atria Almaden definitely impressed us that way. Amenities of the spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom units include full kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances and European cabinets equipped with soft-close hinges. Each unit also has a walk-in shower and its own washer and dryer. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there are walking trails where residents can enjoy with their small pets, a bocce court and picnic/barbecue areas with plenty of comfortable seating.

This facility's resort-style ambiance reminded us of a comfortable vacation destination rather than an assisted living facility. The restaurant-style dining room features over 24 chef-prepared menu items each day, and a bistro is available for beverages and snacks. There is a full-service salon where residents can get their hair and nails done, and the full calendar of activities includes group excursions to community events and attractions, tai chi, arts and crafts, gardening and yoga.

Residents of Paradise Villa are served three home-cooked meals per day from a menu designed by a dietician. Daily activities include arts and crafts, games, current events discussions, low-impact exercise sessions and movies. Family nights are scheduled on a regular basis. Pets are not allowed at this facility, making it a good possibility for seniors who have allergies or who simply prefer to live in a pet-free environment.

We liked the culinary philosophy we encountered at Palm Villas Campbell that allows residents to request their favorite dishes even if they aren't on the menu. The kitchen staff creates special menus for those with dietary restrictions or needs, and the regular menu changes every month. A full range of personal services is provided, and residents are assessed on a regular basis to accommodate changing needs and preferences.