Starling at San Jose

We recently moved my mother into this assisted living community, and the experience has been wonderful. The Executive Director has been incredibly caring, professional, and attentive, which gave our family confidence from the very beginning. The entire management staff, including the sales director and director of nursing has gone above and beyond to make this transition as easy as possible. The activities department does an amazing job providing engaging and meaningful programs that keep my mom active and involved. The food has been excellent, and my mother has really been enjoying her meals. What stands out the most is the friendly and compassionate staff. Everyone has been welcoming, kind, and genuinely caring, making our family feel at ease moving my mother in! We are so grateful to have found a community where she feels comfortable, supported, and well cared for. I would highly recommend this assisted living community to anyone looking for a place that truly puts its residents first.

Starling at San Jose has been a deeply disappointing experience overall. Many of the issues residents complain about seem to be ignored rather than addressed. Items are frequently stolen from residents’ rooms (at least three recent cases that I know personally) and when they raise concern, their complaints are brushed under the rug along with everything else wrong with this place. There is no security. If you truly care about finding a great home for your loved one, consider elsewhere. The carpets throughout the facility are visibly worn, stained, and are original to the 9 year old building. For a community that markets itself as premium assisted living, the upkeep is far below expectations. The DirecTV service is another constant frustration. It fails or loses service far too often — genuinely close to half the time. Despite repeated complaints from residents, management reportedly refuses to consider alternative providers due to cost concerns. Food quality is also a major issue and is consistently one of the top complaints among residents. Meals are repetitive, poorly prepared, and not what families would expect for the amount residents are paying to live here. Transportation services are advertised as an amenity, but in practice they are extremely limited. With only one driver serving roughly 90 residents and fewer than 30 total hours of transportation availability per week, scheduling is difficult and unreliable. Most concerning is the leadership. The new Executive Director appears far more focused on profitability than resident well-being or resolving legitimate concerns. Complaints are often dismissed rather than meaningfully addressed, which creates the impression that resident care comes second to financial priorities. I would not recommend this facility to anyone.

First, constant television issues, using Directv because it's low cost. Second, have had a rat in the ceiling that I had to address with management. Third, in the words of the Chief Operating Officer for Starling, "It's not a secured facility, no." Anyone can get in after 8pm by waiting on someone to leave or just follow someone else in. During hours, people who were not allowed in have gotten in three times, for which the the answer has been, "I didn't know what he looked like." I would be wary of security here for your loved one! Finally, have watched staff sit around and surf for which similarly it took three weeks after increasing the level of care to get dedicated personal supplies. This compliments that they don't help Mom shower like we pay for.

I toured every top-rated assisted living and memory care community in the area before making my decision, and Starling San Jose rose far above the rest. Years ago, my mother-in-law was one of the very first residents when Starling opened, and her experience was nothing short of exceptional. When it was time to find the perfect home for my own mom, Starling was at the very top of my list—and after seeing it again with fresh eyes, it quickly became our clear #1 choice. From the moment you walk in, the difference is unmistakable. The community is bright, modern, and genuinely uplifting—filled with natural light and thoughtfully designed spaces that feel more like a high-end resort than a senior living facility. The apartments are spacious and equipped with safety features , including 24/7 caregiver and emergency response at the touch of a pendant. Knowing my mom is safe and cared for around the clock has given our entire family priceless peace of mind. What truly sets Starling apart are the little (and big) touches that make life richer: a full calendar of engaging activities, on-site physical therapy, a lovely salon, delicious and beautifully presented dining, and the reassurance of on-call physicians and prompt medical support when needed. The dining room feels like a restaurant, and Nadia—who greets everyone with the warmest smile and genuine kindness—makes every meal feel special for my mom. I can’t say enough about Amy Bowland and the incredible onboarding experience she created for us. Amy was with us every step of the way—patiently answering questions, offering thoughtful guidance, and designing a move-in plan with regular check-ins that made my mom’s transition from her longtime home remarkably smooth and stress-free. The entire staff, from caregivers to leadership, radiates warmth, professionalism, and true caring. Starling San Jose isn’t just a senior living community—it’s a vibrant, luxurious, and deeply compassionate home. Choosing it for my precious mom was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I recommend it without the slightest hesitation to anyone seeking the very best for their loved one. Thank you, Starling, for exceeding every expectation.

"I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional care and warm environment provided at Starling at San Jose Assisted Living. From the moment I walked in, I felt a sense of comfort and belonging. The staff and management are truly dedicated to creating a home-like atmosphere, and it's evident in every aspect of the facility. The environment is spotless, and the attention to detail is impressive. But what truly sets Starling apart is the genuine care and compassion shown to the residents. They're treated with dignity and respect, and it's clear that the staff are passionate about providing the best possible care. I've had the pleasure of working with one of the resident's here, and I can confidently say that Starling at San Jose Assisted Living is a true gem. The residents are clearly happy and well taken care of, and that's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. Thank you for creating a safe, supportive, and loving community for seniors to thrive. I'm grateful to have Starling at San Jose Assisted Living it's a place to be, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for exceptional care and compassion for their loved ones." 🤗