Hollenbeck Palms

My wife and I moved to Hollenbeck Palms in 2025 and have been grateful ever since. We had visited several times, so had seen the gardens, parlors, activity and art rooms, and the gym. We were fed delicious complimentary lunches. We joined the waiting list and intended to delay our entry five years. But after being offered a beautiful 2-bedroom apartment, we changed course and moved in after only one year. Hollenbeck Palms let us choose the paint, flooring, window treatments, and carpet. The management clearly want everyone to have a smooth transition. For our neighbor’s elderly cat, they installed a cat flap in the door to the balcony. A welcoming committee run by residents offers tours to new people and answers all questions. My favorite classes here are Line Dancing with Tony and Dancing with Katarina. All skill levels are welcomed. The oldest class members are in their 90s. After some trepidation, my wife joined the Creative Writing class, and now pounds away at her homework. Of most importance here to me is the sense of community, friendliness, and kindness, which I know to be a foundation of health and happiness.

I moved into Hollenbeck Palms (Independent Living) about one month ago. The initial visit, the admissions process and the move-in process took about a month. I am not going to say it was seamless, but every wrinkle that arose was addressed by Evelyn Cantacuzene - Speransky, Director of Sales and Communications, immediately and to my total satisfaction. For instance, I was really picky about the paint colors in each room - the walls and the trim. The actual painting couldn’t have gone smoother. Negotiation with the movers was touchy, but satisfactorily resolved. Additional shelving was provided and installed. I can’t remember all that was done, but the process and the resolution of all the issues couldn’t have been better. My experience moving in has been no different. Between Evelyn and Irene Lopez, Director of Resident Services and Moving Coordinator, and also the maintenance staff; I have had everything repaired and installed in a timely manner. So far they have installed a fan for me and the remote control, mounted wall bookshelves, replaced a broken garbage disposal, and will be installing a bike rack for my e-bike. And that’s only what immediately comes to mind. I have also arranged to have Hollenbeck Palms pick up and deliver all of my prescriptions. And lastly, I began meeting other residents from the first day I moved in. They have all been super friendly. It helps to take your meals in the dining room (3 meals a day included) where you can have some good conversations (with both men and women). Others have stopped me in the hall to chat (“Oh, you’re the new resident with a cat…”). I haven’t engaged in any activities yet, but I assume it’s also a great way to meet the other residents. Based upon my two months of contact with Hollenbeck Palms, I would highly recommend it to any potential resident and/or their family members. I’m very impressed so far with all of the staff (they are caring and of good cheer), the accommodations, and the well kept beautiful grounds (8.5 acres). When the time comes and I will need more care, I sense I will feel that I have chosen wisely. Anyone looking for a Community Care Residential Facility (CCRC) should check out Hollenbeck Palms!

My husband and I moved here about six months ago. We were ready to leave behind the maintenance of a tri-level home and to live a more carefree lifestyle. After visiting several retirement facilities in the Los Angeles, Glendale, and Pasadena area we felt that Hollenbeck Palms was the place for us. People ask us how we like it here and our reply is "What's not to like? It is like living in a five star hotel. We have a lovely apartment in Magnolia Court where we can just walk down the hall to a lovely Bistro for breakfast or lunch and also to a sports lounge where we enjoy playing games when our family and friends comes to visit. We also have on campus an elegant restaurant. The grounds are amazing! It's hard to believe that all this is within a couple of miles of Downtown Los Angeles. Our gated community is lovely. We are in independent living with the freedom of having a car and still doing activities with friends outside of Hollenbeck Palms. However, we have observed how caring the Assisted Living nurses are towards those who need more care. We feel confident that when we need more care we will be in good hands. The staff is very attentive and courteous. Every employee seems to sincerely care about the residents and our needs. The residents are all very welcoming and the activities are plenty. We especially enjoy the visiting singing groups and other performers. Our activities department keeps us busy with lots to offer including field trips to museums, parks, and restaurants nearby.

We moved into Hollenbeck Palms five weeks ago. At age 77, we wanted to leave behind the responsibility of a house and yard, and be in a more protected environment, with every possible kind of help available. We are so pleased with our decision. The grounds are gorgeous, the staff extremely kind and helpful, and the other residents welcoming. My husband discovered here the mother of one of his former kindergarten students, or rather she discovered him. The food is spectacular, many rungs above what we sampled at several for-profit, corporate senior living facilities. Every meal has more than a dozen offerings, the soups are fabulous, the vegetables delicious. Fish is served several times a week. Though I am not a vegan, I tried the vegan bratwurst, and it was excellent. There are many vegetarian and gluten-free choices. But if you want beef, bacon, hot dogs, sausage, and fried potatoes, and ice cream, you can have that, too.The young, extremely accommodating servers are adored. My husband now enjoys a far broader diet than before. Every possible holiday or occasion is celebrated, often with musical entertainment. The 115+ year-old chapel is known for its stained glass, pipe organ and acoustics. In addition to the fitness classes and activities offered by staff, residents have organized interest groups - gardening, putting, Scrabble, etc. Volunteers produce a residents newsletter and run the monthly bazaar, a rummage sale. My sister says that it looks like we are on vacation at a luxury resort.

Our dear mother has lived here for almost 20 years. Originally with our father, they lived in an independent living apartment. With a multitude activities they were always busy and happy. Mom is alone now and is in an assisted living apartment. This has been a difficult year with the Covid-19 virus. The kind and hardworking staff have done an amazing job keeping their residents safe. They all deserve a big thank you for all they do. After 20 years my sister and I have witnessed a lot as we visit frequently. Hollenbeck is part of our family and we trust they will continue to be an amazing place for retirement. Five stars!