Watermark at San Jose

Watermark at San Jose is a senior living community that offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and short-term respite stays, and the place provides a mix of care, like help with daily activities, medication management, and skilled nursing with round-the-clock medical staff for things such as rehabilitation, wound care, and support with bathing or dressing, and then for those facing memory loss, there's Prema Memory Support℠, The Bridge, and memory care options that include 24-hour supervision, specialized programs, and activities meant to help memory, which makes it possible for residents with mild cognitive impairment or dementia to have support in a secure, supervised environment. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments that come with furnishings like stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinets, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and vinyl wood plank floors, plus amenities like Wi-Fi, cable TV, and air conditioning, and there are safety measures everywhere, including emergency alert systems and wheelchair access, so families can feel at ease. The community sets out to create an active and engaging environment, so there's a full activities calendar called the Expressions Calendar, and programs such as Watermark University, 360Well®, EngageVR®, and Gourmet Bites Cuisine, alongside outings, daily scheduled events, and clubs that make social life easier for people who want to be involved. Common spaces include a state-of-the-art theater for movies, a crafts room, billiards and game room, an arts room, a library, and outdoor paths, patios, and gathering spaces, while the fitness center, spa, Indulge Salon & Spa, and massage therapy room help with wellness and relaxation, and there's also community housekeeping, laundry, transportation, concierge services, move-in coordination, and pet-friendly apartments. Dining includes chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style setting, with special diets accommodated, and for those who need altered food due to health, the Gourmet Bites Cuisine works well. Technology plays a role with things like the LifeLoop communications platform, PalCare Real-Time Location System (RTLS), and the EngageVR® program for memory and social engagement. The community staff, called caring associates, focus on both independence and help where needed, with 24/7 nursing care always on hand, and there's support for families and resources like a senior living toolkit, news, a blog, reviews, and a lifestyle magazine to help everyone stay informed and included. For hobbies, recreation, and relaxation, there's everything from movie nights, music programs, art, and crafts to resident-run activities and extraordinary outings, and the apartments and common areas have touches like large lobbies, reading spaces, and easy access to outdoor leisure spots-so the atmosphere stays lively but comfortable and the support covers both health and daily living needs.

Watermark at San Jose is managed by Watermark Retirement.

Watermark Retirement Communities is a premier senior living operator managing over 70 communities across 21 states with approximately 5,800 associates, ranked as the nation's 9th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Founded in 1985 by David Freshwater and David Barnes as The Fountains in Tucson, Arizona, the company pioneered wellness-based senior living in collaboration with the University of Arizona Center on Aging before rebranding as Watermark in 2006. Headquartered in Tucson, Watermark became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Keppel Corporation in March 2024, following Keppel's initial 50% acquisition in 2019, with Paul Boethel succeeding the founders as CEO while Freshwater continues as Chairman Emeritus.

The company's signature Watermark University is an award-winning intergenerational learning program where residents, associates, family members, and local experts—including museum curators, university professors, and world-renowned doctors—teach dozens of classes ranging from watercolor painting and ballroom dancing to language learning and sculpture workshops. Named among Fortune's Top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ by the Great Place to Work® Institute, Watermark provides comprehensive training through programs like GO (General Orientation) Ripples, Leadership by Design workshops, and specialized sales systems focused on understanding buyer motivations and customer service excellence.

Watermark's innovative Prema Memory Support℠ program features Naya caregivers—named after the Sanskrit word for "guide" or "person of wisdom"—who are Certified Dementia Practitioners trained through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. The Thrive Memory Care experience includes secure courtyards, multi-sensory environments with fresh flowers, music therapy, and sensory gardens. Their groundbreaking Thrive Dining (Gourmet Bites) program transforms nutritious meals into attractive, bite-sized portions that residents can enjoy independently without utensils. The Dementia Awareness Experience uses virtual simulations including impairment gloves and vision-loss glasses to help associates develop deeper empathy and understanding.

The company leads the industry in technology innovation with EngageVR, a virtual reality program using Oculus Quest headsets that enables residents to travel virtually to the pyramids of Egypt, swim with whales, or reconnect with veterans from their battalions in virtual living rooms. The 360Well wellness program integrates four key circles—mind, body, spirit, and community—to promote holistic health and independence. Through partnerships with the University of Arizona's Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute and Curana Health for value-based care delivery in Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania, Watermark continues advancing senior care research and innovation.

Following a "shrinking to grow" strategy under new leadership, Watermark focuses on operating premium communities while maintaining its founding philosophy that they are "a wellness company that happens to provide housing and services for seniors," committed to creating experiences where residents truly feel at home with purpose, possibility, and joy.