Verona's Retirement Home II

Pros

• The Palace Royale is described as outstanding, with residents thriving and enjoying life there.
• The staff are praised for compassionate, attentive, and professional care that treats residents like family.
• The activities department is a lifeline, offering diverse, meaningful programs that boost engagement, cognition, and joy.
• Administration leaders such as Ricardo Martinez and Patricia de Varona are highly regarded for their dedication and transparency.
• The facilities are beautiful, clean, safe, and well-maintained, giving families peace of mind.
• Residents benefit from holistic care that supports well-being, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
• Outings and events (concerts, trips to the park, etc.) are regularly organized to enrich residents' days.
• The dining, nursing, and caregiving teams collaborate to provide excellent nutrition and attentive care.
• Families appreciate open communication and timely updates about their loved ones.
• Many families describe choosing The Palace as the best decision for their loved one and highly recommend it.

Cons

• It is very difficult because many times our loved one does not want to leave the facility.

Review

There is a palpable sense of warmth and holistic care that permeates The Palace communities in Kendall, Miami, Florida, where The Palace Royale and The Palace Renaissance share a common philosophy: a home away from home, where residents are treated with dignity, respect, and genuine affection. Across multiple testimonials, families describe a care model that goes beyond traditional nursing, focusing on emotional well-being, social connectedness, meaningful activities, and a steady partnership with loved ones. The overarching message is clear: these are places where residents feel seen, safe, and valued, and where families feel increasingly reassured about the quality of life and daily care their loved ones receive.

Several residents have spent many years at these communities, with stories of long-term happiness and stability that extend beyond routine caregiving. One reviewer notes that a mother has been living at The Palace Royale for almost five years, and the family finds that she is safe, engaged, and content in a setting that remains beautiful, well-maintained, and full of life, dignity, and respect. Other families describe eight years of ongoing, attentive care for a parent, with the home environment helping to preserve happiness, comfort, and a sense of normalcy. In each case, the emphasis is on continuity, reliability, and the confidence that their loved ones are thriving rather than simply being cared for.

A recurring thread across the reviews is the dedication of the staff at every level, from administration to direct care. The leadership team - names repeatedly highlighted as amazing and responsive - consistently earns praise for transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness to questions. Families highlight administrators who are open and communicative, able to address concerns with calm professionalism, and who foster a culture where staff genuinely care about residents and their families. The impression is that leadership sets a tone of warmth and accountability that permeates the entire community, making it easier for families to entrust their loved ones to The Palace's care.

Equally important is the robust and imaginative activities program, which is described as a lifeline for residents and families alike. The activities departments shine with coordinators and staff who design and execute a wide array of engaging experiences. One reviewer singles out Amanda Cabrera and the activities team for consistently bringing smiles, laughter, and a wonderful variety of programming. Another writes that Magalis Miranda, the director of activities, goes above and beyond to ensure outdoor sessions are accessible and enriching. The team's efforts extend beyond mere entertainment; activities are crafted to preserve fine and gross motor skills, stimulate cognitive engagement, and foster humor, purpose, and social interaction. It's clear that activities are not ancillary but central to life at The Palace Royale.

The people who run and deliver these programs are often named individually, and their impact is repeatedly described with heartfelt appreciation. Maggie, the activities director, is praised for making holidays festive and inclusive, with decorations that create a sense of celebration for residents. William Bastos and Richard Calzada, both activities directors at different times, are celebrated for their creativity, energy, and ability to connect with residents. Amanda Cabrera is repeatedly highlighted as a driving force behind entertaining and meaningful events. The consistent thread is that staff members not only facilitate activities but also cultivate a sense of belonging and community, helping residents feel connected to something larger than their daily routines.

Community life is enriched not only by daily activities but by special events and outings that provide meaningful memories. Several reviews recount moments of joy such as birthday celebrations - one resident marking a century of life with a beautifully decorated celebration - alongside intimate afternoons of Brazilian Jazz. A Jazz Festival organized by the staff, and occasional trips to parks or the cinema, expand the residents' world beyond the walls of the facility. For families, these experiences translate into tangible signs of happiness and engagement, and for residents, they become anchors of identity, memory, and delight. The ability to share these experiences with family members and visitors is an important aspect of the home's appeal.

Communication with families stands out as a strength, particularly for caregivers who live far away. Some reviews describe long-distance caregiving, where staff regularly provide updates and photos, making it possible for families to stay connected with their loved one's day-to-day life. There are stories of staff accompanying residents on outings, or taking time to greet family members and share progress in a thoughtful, patient manner. The sense that families are not only welcome but actively involved in the resident's journey is a recurring theme, contributing to a sense of trust and partnership between families and the care team.

The overall effect on residents' well-being is consistently described as transformative. Reviewers note improved mood, increased activity, and enhanced cognitive engagement through purposeful routines and stimulating interactions. They emphasize careful attention to individual health needs, proactive symptom recognition, and timely responses to concerns, which together create a sense of safety and reliability. The combination of professional care, home-like atmosphere, engaging programming, and open communication makes these communities feel like a true sanctuary for seniors and a reassuring, supportive environment for families.

In sum, the experiences shared across these reflections paint a picture of The Palace in Kendall as a thriving, compassionate senior living community. Residents are treated with genuine care, families are kept informed and involved, and the activities program is dynamic, meaningful, and inclusive. The administrative leadership is praised for its accessibility and commitment to excellence, while the caregiving and activities teams are celebrated for their creativity, dedication, and heart. For many families, The Palace is not just a place to live; it is a place to grow, celebrate life, and feel at home - a place they would readily recommend to others seeking the best possible care for their loved ones.

This part of Miami, Florida offers a convenient and well-connected community for senior living. With several pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, places of worship, physicians' offices, and hospitals within a few miles radius, residents have easy access to essential services and amenities. The presence of parks like Eureka Park and Goulds Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and social activities. Additionally, the variety of healthcare options such as Conviva Care Center Quail Roost and Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute ensures quality medical care for seniors in the area. Overall, this neighborhood offers a comfortable and supportive environment for older individuals looking to settle down in Miami.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Fresco Y Mas (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Oasis Grill (1.2 miles)
• Pinecrest Bakery (2.1 miles)
• Ernesto's Taco Shop (2.3 miles)
• McDonald's (2.3 miles)
• KFC (2.5 miles)
• Wendy's (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)

Parks

• Eureka Park (1.2 miles)
• Goulds Park (2.3 miles)
• Colonial Drive Park (3.2 miles)
• Chuck Pezoldt Park (3.6 miles)
• Bill Sadowski Park and Nature Center (5.5 miles)
• Coral Reef Park (5.9 miles)
• Kendall Hammocks Park (6.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Pinelands Presbyterian Church (3 miles)
• King Jesus Ministry (3.5 miles)
• Good Samaritan Church (4.3 miles)
• Christ Fellowship Church (4.3 miles)
• St Louis Catholic Church (7.4 miles)

Physicians

• Conviva Care Center Quail Roost (3 miles)
• Oscar L Hernandez MD (5.4 miles)
• Pediatric Associates Homestead (6.3 miles)
• UM Sylvester/Physicians at Kendall (7.4 miles)
• Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute (7.7 miles)
• Miami Medical Associates (7.8 miles)
• Davina Medical Care (7.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Jackson South Medical Center (4.6 miles)
• Jackson South Community Hospital (4.6 miles)