THe Chalet At Montara

In 2021, Pacific Oaks in Montara closed. Some of the residents moved to a sister facility in Menlo Park, Silver Oaks. A facility supported by the outreach team at Christ Church Portola Valley & Woodside.

Now, June 2022, Rev Dr Tom Nibbe, is delighted to be back, visiting residents for worship, at the former Pacific Oaks facility, renamed The Chalet. SpiritCare interviewed the owner, Jerome Leonard. His organization, JLA Healthcare Services LLC, owned an assisted living facility, Burlingame Chalet. Now JLA has relinquished ownership of that facility and acquired The Chalet in Montara.

Staff and residents have moved from Burlingame Chalet to The Chalet, Montara. New residents are also being accepted. Jerome likes the coastside location, where the sea air is fresh. "The environment is an oasis where you can sit in the yard. It's foresty in Montara."

Temporary sign for The Chalet, Montara

The Chalet from the street.

Jerome doesn't want people to feel imprisoned, particularly when residents move from a large home into a room. He wants people to enjoy "the next level of life on earth" as thriving seniors. The facility has a salon, so residents can have their hair done on site. There's also a computer for residents to share, a quiet room and a movie room. Rooms have been painted, the movie room having a newly decorated white wall that acts as a screen. He wants to bring back memories by showing old movies.

Apart from SpiritCare services, other activities include exercise and entertainment. There's a room for exercises with light weights, as well as a physical therapy room. Yoga will also be offered. Clowns will be just one of the options offered for entertainment. 

The Chalet is at 1185 Acacia Street, Montara. The administrator is Eloisa Bustamante, known as Loi (to rhyme with boy). The facility was inspected for licensing in May and the California Department of Social Services report noted "The resident's rooms are spacious and a few of them are equipped with furniture. The common areas - dining room, hallway, and activity rooms appeared to be bright and the overall lighting and temperature are comfortable."

Indeed, this is a beautiful location. There are hiking trails not far from The Chalet - both near the shore and on the slopes above it. So if you are visiting people there, enjoy the local scenery.