Today I met with Saratoga resident Vickie Epstein, who has been Program Director for Avenidas Village in Palo Alto since it was launched in October 2007.  Her focus is to help people stay at home as they age by providing concierge and other services.

Avenidas Village covers a broad geographic area of 10 towns in 650 area code.  It is the first membership program of its type on the west coast and the first affiliated with a local nonprofit group that already was providing more traditional services to older adults.  Village membership dues are $800/year for an individual and $1,000/year for a couple. They have “vetted vendors” and have a number of social and cultural events, lectures, lunches, etc. Vickie can be reached at 650-289-5404.

Earlier this morning, I attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto – A CCRC which also provides concierge service in a quite different “luxury hotel” setting.  The facilities, staff and services are impressive and, as a result, they have been sold out for some time and currently have a waiting list.  As a SRES Realtor, I periodically attend Senior Round Table events to make connections with care providers to refer to some of my older clients.

This afternoon I met a carpet cleaner at a home I have listed which will go on the market this next week and tomorrow I am meeting a handyman there who will take care of repairs to the home.

It seems to me that the best businesses are providing concierge services and a “special experience” where clients’ needs are being met with care and consideration regardless of their age, niche or scope of operations.  Call Rick Bonetti at 408-857-8800 if I may be of service to you.