Our Articles

Poetic Places & Spaces
November 14, 2023

Poetic Places & Spaces

Our ideas and practices are anchored in The Poetry of Aging, our platform for living at Sonnet Hill. We have lovingly named some of our amenities after famous poets. BISTRO “Kerouac’s Corner” is Sonnet Hill’s bistro where you can pick up a snack or a beverage in between meals.  We focus on hydration, protein and a sweet tooth for a grab n’ go for our Resident’s and their guests. Jack Kerouac was an American novelist[…]
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Dignity & Freedom in Our Community
October 16, 2023

Dignity & Freedom in Our Community

Sonnet Hill Senior Living in San Jose is a boutique senior community in the heart of Silicon Valley.  Our personalized programming is designed to be fulfilling and inclusive.  Our Residents enjoy a range of activities that are stimulating, encouraging and challenging. To reduce the stigma of “Memory Care” or “Dementia” our programming allows for co-mingling of our Memory Care and Assisted Living Residents.  Often our more independent Assisted Living Residents will eventually require moving to[…]
by staff
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FAQ: What are Benefits to Shared Suites in Memory Care?
September 11, 2023

FAQ: What are Benefits to Shared Suites in Memory Care?

Here at Sonnet Hill in San Jose, our shared suites in memory care are semi-private. We received many inquiries on this topic, and wanted to share some benefits here. Affordability Without Compromise: Long Term Care for your loved one can be expensive with the rise in the cost of living. Our Shared Suite opportunities allow for a Semi-Private living experience that may fit your financial needs.  Shared Suites feature individual bedrooms with shared common area[…]
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Our Neighborhood & Community
July 3, 2023

Our Neighborhood & Community

Our community is located in MidTown San Jose, adjacent to Willow Glen, the Rose Garden and not far from Downtown SJ and the City of Campbell. ‘The area is designated one of San Jose’s Urban Village and is part of the Envision San Jose 2040 plan the city rolled out in 2012. The focus is on building high-density housing along the West San Carlos Street corridor, replacing the older mixed-use buildings.’* This General Plan centers[…]
by staff
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2 Year Anniversary Party
June 30, 2023

2 Year Anniversary Party

Our Island Paradise themed anniversary party was a hit! Everyone enjoyed delicious island cuisine from the chef, live luau-style hula dance performances, prizes and more. We’re proud on our community and even more blessed to have such stellar residents and staff.
by staff
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The Fountain of Youth Comes From a Sense of Purpose
June 12, 2023

The Fountain of Youth Comes From a Sense of Purpose

In the chain islands of Okinawa, Japan, people live the longest and healthiest than most of people of the world.  They are less likely to have heart disease, dementia or some cancers.  Why are they so healthy? The Japanese word ‘ikigai’, means “the reason for which you wake up in the morning.” A sense of purpose keeps people motivated, happy and healthy.  Sonnet Hill Senior Living in San Jose provides customized lifestyles.  Since a “sense[…]
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FAQ: When is it time to consider Sonnet Hill Senior Living?
May 12, 2023

FAQ: When is it time to consider Sonnet Hill Senior Living?

There are some frequently asked questions that aren’t so simple to answer and require more qualifying details and insights to address properly. The answer to ‘WHEN is it time to consider Sonnet Hill Senior Living?’ is almost always discovered within the first conversation and in-person tour. You’ll also find a quick survey that will help you better identify factors that contribute to knowing WHEN. It’s very important to know that Senior Living is comprised of Independent Living,[…]
by staff
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Recent Community Parties
May 9, 2023

Recent Community Parties

In April and May we celebrated spring and welcomed in fun times with some seasonal parties. In April we got Groovy with a 70’s theme party, and in May we had a Fun Fiesta! As normal our Chef made a wonderful meals to share with our family and community members.  
by staff
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Community Benefit: Personal Care Plans
April 4, 2023

Community Benefit: Personal Care Plans

Located in San Jose, our Memory Care rental rates include basic Personal Care Plans, with the exception of incontinence management and its support products. We understand that at a person’s most vulnerable time can be when they require a Memory Care Community, and that they’ll likely require medication management, mobility/transfer assistance, shower, grooming and dressing help. Here at Sonnet Hill there are no “levels of care” for basic personal care plans. When our residents need[…]
by staff
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St. Patrick’s Day Party 2023
March 17, 2023

St. Patrick’s Day Party 2023

March 17th was a lucky day and very fun for our community. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends. Our Chef made some wonderful dishes and of course we had the green beer (n/a of course). Enjoy the photos:  
by staff
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FAQ: Are there ways to get help paying my rent?
March 13, 2023

FAQ: Are there ways to get help paying my rent?

One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘Are there ways to get help paying my rent?’, and while the term “Assisted Living Community” unfortunately does not mean assistance with living expenses such as rent or care costs, there are opportunities for rental assistance at Sonnet Hill Senior Living. Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI): Long-term care involves the assistance or supervision you may need when you are not able to do some of the basic “activities[…]
by staff
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Chef’s Challenge: Shared Family Recipes
February 11, 2023

Chef’s Challenge: Shared Family Recipes

As we continue to stay committed to our residence living a poetic lifestyle, one variable that makes us different from the others are customized and unique culinary experiences we bring. And while the title of this article clearly suggests what we do, we’ve found success in bringing happiness into our dining room with memorable dishes we can share and enjoy together. Long term memory tends to stay intact as there are enduring memories and emotional[…]
by staff
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How Sonnet 73 Speaks to Us
January 30, 2023

How Sonnet 73 Speaks to Us

We’re fans of Sir Patrick Stewart’s ‘A Sonnet a Day’ videos. His reading and particular take on William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 73 captured our attention enough to want to share it. After viewing his video on YouTube, we connected with the fact that aging is inevitable and natural, and not a negative aspect of life. This sonnet is a constant reminder that our precious elders are in the Autumn from their youth. Their leaves may have[…]
by staff
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7 Benefits of Memory Care Centers
November 8, 2022

7 Benefits of Memory Care Centers

As of 2022, there are over 810,000 seniors living in assisted living communities across the United States. This is largely due to the influx of Baby Boomers requiring more long-term care options. A trend that is projected to continue through 2030. In California alone, there are an estimated 99,956 nursing home residents. It’s the largest number of any other state. Memory care centers are specialized senior care facilities. They provide long-term care for individuals suffering[…]
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What is Assisted Living and When To Consider It For A Loved One?
November 6, 2022

What is Assisted Living and When To Consider It For A Loved One?

In the US, nearly 70% of all retired citizens will need some form of long-term care in their senior years. Whether that care is in the form of assisted living, memory care, or nursing home care will depend on the depth of need.  Many seniors will start needing assisted living.  You might wonder what services are offered through an assisted living arrangement. More importantly, if you have a loved one in their senior years, you[…]
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How to Pick the Perfect Assisted Living Community for Your Parents
October 28, 2022

How to Pick the Perfect Assisted Living Community for Your Parents

Talking with your parents about the transition to assisted living is one of the most difficult conversations we’ll face in our lives. When faced with this new era in your life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You want to make the right decision, but how do you know what’s best for your loved ones? This is why it’s important to take the time to do research and find the perfect community to make the transition[…]
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The Poetry of Aging
August 27, 2022

The Poetry of Aging

What is The Poetry of Aging? The Poetry of Aging is the way of life here at Sonnet Hill. Every poem has its uniqueness, and so does each person. No one should tell you the right our wrong way to be your true self. Believing in the Poetry of Aging is believing in yourself, your own style, pace, and personality. We all share common needs such as, safety, food, water, shelter, and health. As we[…]
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Be a Noticer.  Questions to ask Assisted Living Providers, and What to Note. Part 5 of 5
October 26, 2020

Be a Noticer. Questions to ask Assisted Living Providers, and What to Note. Part 5 of 5

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Whew, you made it!  Welcome to the final installment of our “Noticer” series.  By now you are almost an expert on navigating long term care and are far more qualified to make an informed decision on placing a loved one.  We’ve uncovered some of the lesser-known “behind the scenes shenanigans that go on, now we are focusing our attention on who the more reliable sources of unbiased information comes from.  I[…]
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Be a Noticer.  Questions to ask Assisted Living Providers, and What to Note. Part 4 of 5
October 9, 2020

Be a Noticer. Questions to ask Assisted Living Providers, and What to Note. Part 4 of 5

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Huzzah!  You must not be suffering from information overload.  That’s great.  Make sure you pay close attention to this edition which is chocked full of the dark side of the reputation management of the long-term care industry, from a seasoned insider. Ok, now that we have covered some of the fundamentals of what the community offers, how they manage their team and a bit of philosophical approach, let’s dig deeper into[…]
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Be a Noticer.  Questions to ask Assisted Living Providers, and What to Note. Part 3 of 5
June 8, 2020

Be a Noticer. Questions to ask Assisted Living Providers, and What to Note. Part 3 of 5

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Brilliant!  Great to see you’re back.  I hope this series is paying dividend for you as you perform due diligence on behalf of your loved one.  As kamikaze as this gesture may seem, I am willing to entertain 1:1 questions, so if you should feel the need, please don’t hesitate to reach out us.  My passion is improving the quality of life of humanity, any opportunity I get is a blessing.[…]
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Be A “Noticer”: Questions to Ask Assisted Living Providers & Notes to Take Part 2 of 5
June 3, 2020

Be A “Noticer”: Questions to Ask Assisted Living Providers & Notes to Take Part 2 of 5

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Welcome back!  I am excited that you returned for more insight.  As a reminder, the questions you will be asking are important, but the reasoning behind WHY you are asking them is most pertinent.  With that in mind, we will pick up where we left off. At this point, you have assessed your first impression based on a number of factors in the initial reception.  You have drilled down on some[…]
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Be A “Noticer”: Questions to Ask Assisted Living Providers & Notes to Take Part 1 of 5
May 23, 2020

Be A “Noticer”: Questions to Ask Assisted Living Providers & Notes to Take Part 1 of 5

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Congratulations and welcome to taking your first steps along the path of navigating senior care.  You will find that your efforts to perform due diligence will result in a universally higher quality of life for everyone involved in this process.  As your guide, I am committed to delivering knowledge that only a Gerontologist working in the field for 20+ years can obtain.  In exchange, all I ask is that you follow[…]
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“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home” 4/4
May 17, 2020

“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home” 4/4

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Welcome back to the 4th and final installment of my guide to managing opposition of a loved one needing out of home care.  I’m glad you’ve stuck it out, that’s a positive indicator that you are performing due diligence, the cornerstone of success in this journey. As a bit of a recap, to tie everything together.  We have discussed the fact that Americans are terrible at being proactive about later-life planning. […]
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“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home” 3/4
May 10, 2020

“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home” 3/4

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist You’ve come back, excellent!  I’m glad I didn’t manage to scare you off quite yet.  Today’s BLOG will be a dive deep into conflict resolution.  Wait, what?  Am I suggesting that there will be conflict in this process?  Recall my BLOG on Disappointment being the product of expectations not met?  Well, I’m here to recalibrate your expectations.  Under no uncertain terms; there will be conflict.  So, let’s jump in to figure[…]
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“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home!” 2/4
May 8, 2020

“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home!” 2/4

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Welcome back.  I am assuming that you’ve decided to forge ahead in reading this series because you have chosen wisely to follow the path of due diligence.  To this, I say, congratulations and thank you.  The following tips will facilitate a decrease in trauma as your journey unfolds. One major internal barrier that you will undoubtedly struggle with as you walk the path, will be disappointment.  As you read my BLOGs[…]
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“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home!”  1of 4
May 4, 2020

“You’re Not Putting ME in a Home!” 1of 4

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist This fear-filled posture permeates almost everyone’s life at one point or another.  And, it’s less of a question of why, and more of a question of why wouldn’t there be fear?  Fear tends to exist and propagate in the absence of knowledge.  We tend to insert worst case scenario beliefs when we lack fact and then we backfill our position with even more inaccuracies, compounding the rapidly growing mountain of falsehoods. […]
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WHY behind the WHAT – The Story of Saving Grace
May 1, 2020

WHY behind the WHAT – The Story of Saving Grace

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Like anyone else, I am often asked what I do for a living.  To this inquiry, I give a brief pause, take a deep breath and launch into a TED-Talk-esque response.  You see, I’ve learned over two decades that my response of “I’m a Gerontologist” is ineffective, I will be met with one of 4 possible responses.  First, sadly, because we are an ageist culture, I brace myself for “what is[…]
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Let Us Be Your Guide On Your Senior Care Journey
April 26, 2020

Let Us Be Your Guide On Your Senior Care Journey

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Guilt, Denial, Loss, Grief, Self-doubt, Shame, Disappointment, Confusion, Projection, Cognitive Dissonance, Paranoia, Anger……. FEAR.  These are common “companions” for those seeking care for their elderly loved ones.  And, unfortunately, because the average American shies away from being proactive about addressing the mortality of their beloved parent or spouse, these “companions” are only amplified in intensity when decisions are being made while facing crisis. Because most begin their search only after a[…]
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Two Wars Being Fought at Once: Covid 19 and the Media – Please Help!
April 21, 2020

Two Wars Being Fought at Once: Covid 19 and the Media – Please Help!

By David Hahklotubbe, gerontologist Crisis amplifies the strengths and weaknesses in humanity.  Amid all the “We’re in This Together” campaigns laced with tear-jerking candid still-shots and emotion-provoking music and the showering of affection for the “essential workers” such as hospital workers, nurses, doctors, delivery drivers, chefs and store operators, there is a glaring disparity, and it’s nothing new. While most health care industries are being held in high regard with a positive spotlight shone upon[…]
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What Is Memory Care and How Does It Help with Alzheimer’s?
April 10, 2020

What Is Memory Care and How Does It Help with Alzheimer’s?

Did you know by 2060, the number of people with Alzheimer’s could double to 13.9 million Americans? If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, consider looking into memory care. Are you asking yourself the question, “What is memory care?” Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over memory care and what makes it different. Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out. What Is Memory Care? Memory care is a form of long-term care.[…]
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