News, Articles & Stories
News, Articles & Stories

About Us

Experience Our Culture of Caring

Our incredible culture sets us apart, built on the Carlton Commitments: Love, Honor, and Provide. Since 1985, Carlton’s family-founded, family-focused approach has been rooted in exceptional care, diverse activities, and compassionate staff.

Our Story

While caring for his mother, Carolyn, in the early 1980s, Tom MacDonald saw the need for a different kind of senior care community. At the time, there were limited options for active seniors who wanted a high level of services and amenities, so Tom rolled up his sleeves. Drawing on his expertise as a real estate developer and general contractor, Tom designed the earliest Carlton communities himself, and in 1985, the company opened its first senior living community in Pleasant Hill. Dr. Don Engle, a retired professor of dentistry, joined as a founding partner in 1989, bringing with him his valuable medical and business experience.

Led by President Dave Coluzzi, there are 11 Carlton communities in operation, all offering families a wide choice of highly respected programs. As one of Northern California’s most successful senior living providers, we have won national awards for resident care, health and fitness, and staff development programs. The founding family continues to play an active role, staying true to the principles we started with decades ago

Our Values

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Committed to Kindness

Our employees are our most valuable assets. From our skilled nurses and managers to our friendly dining, maintenance, and housekeeping staff, we are committed to serving you and your loved ones with respect, kindness, and compassion. It’s our unique culture of caring that makes all the difference.

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Tailored to Your Needs

Our senior living communities offer an array of individually tailored services and care options — ranging from independent apartments and exceptional assisted living services to award-winning health and memory care programs. We have diverse services and programs for every stage, allowing residents to age in place as their needs evolve.

Our Committments

From the moment they start — and consistently throughout — every employee makes the following commitments.
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Love

Act with empathy, compassion, and understanding.

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Honor

Demonstrate value and respect to our seniors and their families.

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Provide

Display exceptional service, enthusiasm and integrity creating a safe and pristine environment.

Our Staff

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Education and Development

All employees participate in hands-on training through Carlton University, which educates, empowers, and enables them to provide the best possible care for our residents. Our programs cover a wide range of senior care and safety topics to ensure that every member of the Carlton family feels safe and well-cared for.

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Rewarding Careers

We believe happy employees ensure happy residents. With attractive benefits, hands-on training, and opportunities for career advancement, we take great pride in recruiting people who embrace and embody our unique culture of caring.

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