When Betty was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease we were living in a downsized, one-level home. As time moved on and cognitive ability continued to fail, it became apparent that we would need to move. She was not willing so I finally told her that “I needed to move” and that she should come with me.

We began searching the area for retirement communities. My parameters were: close to family and, if possible, within our city of University Place. We visited a number of communities and all were nice but had drawbacks. When we found Narrows Glen we liked what we saw and began regular visits to experience the lifestyle and get Betty used to the surroundings. We attended social hours and different activates for 6 months total where Betty was also able to meet many very friendly residents. The residents and staff were really the deciding factor, however, the physical plant and the landscaped grounds certainly added to the mix. So, we moved into a two-bedroom unit. It had a patio and a garden area that appealed to me. It was also very close to the main parlor and the Rose Garden.

My passion has been gardening. After moving in, I got involved in the Garden Club and was quickly put in charge. I started to care for and nurture the Rose Garden and then the Dalia Gardens, Resident Gardens, etc. A plant/grow room was assigned to me, which I took to like a “duck to water.” The next thing I knew, I was elected President of the Residence Association. This has been an interesting experience and has put me in closer contact with management and residents. I am an advocate for the residents and work closely with the management for the betterment of all. There are so many activities available for residents that there is something for everyone, from trips to Wii Sports to various outings. All make living at Vintage a great experience.

As Betty’s disease progressed, it became necessary for me to move her to the Memory Care area, as I could no longer give her the care that she needed. Again we visited before the move to view the surroundings and get better acquainted with the surroundings and staff. Some of our family was not ready for the move and some were upset with me for “just doing it,” but they stepped up and one of them took Betty out for about two hours while the others prepared her new apartment. When she was brought to the new apartment many of her favorite pictures and belongings were in place. This was their way of trying to make her feel more at home. She has adjusted well and seems happy, has made many friends and is close so that I can visit frequently. The rest of the family is happier now and actively visiting as well.

The staff is just remarkable in what they do. The staff is familiar with all the idiosyncrasies of the residents and they know how to deal with them. For example, if I go to visit and it is time for me to leave, Betty doesn’t usually want to say goodbye. Immediately the staff will interject and get Betty actively helping them with another project so that she can be diverted – something that I can’t do on my own.

We have never looked back at the decision to move to Narrows Glen and it has made everything so easy. It was the right move for us and the timing was good.

This post was written by Don Bishop who is a resident at Narrows Glen, a Vintage Senior Living community located in Tacoma, Washington.

Our resident of the month is Gloria Klein. Gloria was born in sunny Los Angeles in 1925 as an only child to two loving parents. As a young adult, Gloria started working at MGM Studios as Head Secretary for the Music Department. She enjoyed being a young woman in Hollywood, going to all the glamorous parties and dancing the night away. But that soon changed after Gloria took a trip to New York to visit one of her girlfriends. She was set up on a blind date with a very handsome man by the name of Dick. At first glance Gloria and Dick fell in love, and ten days later the two were married. Gloria cherishes the fact that she lived a very good life. She has traveled all over the world with her husband and lived in many different places such as New York and Florida, before finally settling into the East Bay. Gloria has raised two children, many grandchildren, and just recently welcomed her very first great-grandchild.

Today Gloria lives a very active life. Her days consist of running to and from activities, going on trips and being an active member of the Berkshire’s Ambassador Club. You will always find her encouraging other residents to sign up for trips or activities. She is always willing to lend a helping hand when it comes to decorating for a special event, or even giving guidance to new residents of the Berkshire. Gloria is always smiling and has a very contagious laugh. She is what many like to call a social butterfly at its finest. We are very proud to call Gloria a resident of The Berkshire in Berkeley, CA.

Each of our Vintage communities embrace a wonderful program for welcoming new residents called “The Ambassador Program.” The program is made up of volunteer residents that welcome each new resident into their community. When first moving in the new resident is paired with an ambassador to “show them the ropes” and provide them a knowledgeable partner or “buddy.” The ambassador welcomes the new resident into the community by inviting them to experience shared meal times, meet residents with similar interests, join activities and outings. The program is effective in helping new residents transition into their Vintage community with the help of someone who has made a similar transition. Helping our residents transition into their new home and lifestyle quickly is a top priority. The Ambassador Program is key in developing their social connections and, with a little time, their sense of belonging and being “Home.”

There are many things that can make a house feel like a home.  At Vintage the residents mention multiple aspects that help give them peace of mind. Our staff naturally creates a personal relationship with each resident and their family. Besides creating friendships with the staff, our residents thrive socially. On any given day you can find them out with the other residents at an outing or participating in one of our many planned activities. But you don’t need to take our word – hear it from the residents and families themselves.  They will share why Vintage is a place they call home.

There are a great number of barriers when the topic of finding an assisted living community for a loved one comes up. The Executive Director of Vintage Brush Creek, Cindy Wood, emphasizes the importance of researching and choosing a community before a crisis and also gives advice on helpful aspects to consider when looking at communities.

Download an assisted living review checklist before your visit to a community.

Wii bowling is taking over senior housing across the nation! At Vintage we have created bowling teams that practice on a weekly basis and even compete against other local senior housing communities. Recently, Vintage has graciously accepted the opportunity to host the 2012 California Championships for the Spring League that begins in February. The Championship event is slated for late April and will be held at Vintage Westwood Horizons. What a great way to help our residents connect and stay healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Are you wondering what the difference is between a nursing home and assisted living? Or what kinds of activities assisted living communities offer? In this video Cindy Wood, the Executive Director of Vintage Brush Creek, clarifies the differences between nursing home, assisted living and independent living. Cindy also goes into detail about how Vintage Senior Living provides a comfortable environment and assesses each resident’s individual assisted living needs.

Ruth Prinz, the organizer of committee, next to one of the bins.

Tis’ the season of giving! In an effort to help the San Francisco Food Bank, the residents of Vintage Coventry have gathered together to host a holiday food drive.

Time is marching on and the holidays will soon be upon us. The Holiday Food Drive will begin Tuesday, November 1, 2011 and end on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Vintage Coventry (1550 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109)

The San Francisco Food Bank will provide two large barrels to be located outside the 4th Floor Dining Room and the 1st Floor Lobby, in which food donations may be placed. We ask you to buy and place non-perishable food in the barrel.

Suggested foods are: Rice, Beans, Pasta, Peanut Butter, Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Soup, Dry Cereal, Crackers

Not Acceptable food items are: Food in glass containers, or perishable food (such as dairy products, frozen food, fresh fruit & vegetables). MONEY DONATIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you are not able to shop for the food provisions, perhaps a friend or family member could do the shopping for you. With your help, we can have a very successful holiday food drive.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive”.

Sincerely,
The Vintage Coventry Park Food Drive Committee:
Ruth Prinz
Rosemary Gleason
Penny Cariff

Check out the event on vintagesenior.com

• Independent Living, for our most active seniors
• Assisted Living, when you need a helping hand
• Memory Care, special care for those with memory challenges e.g. Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Short Term Care, for a respite stay, a recovery period or to find that Vintage Senior Living is right for you

All options include:

• Friendly people and a sense of community
• A safe, secure environment
• Compassionate, capable staff
• Busy days with rewarding activities including exercise classes, cultural, social, entertainment and spiritual meetings
• 3 chef prepared meals daily with specials and an anytime menu
• Housekeeping and linen service
• Transportation – scheduled transportation for medical / doctor and dental appointments, errands, shopping and field trips
• Pet friendly – visiting pets, with most communities welcoming pet residents

Other available services:

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living e.g. bathing, grooming, getting about, incontinence care, medication management by med techs, accompaniment to doctor appointments and more

If you need help caring for an elder with Alzheimer’s or other dementia or cognitive challenges we understand and are here to help. The majority of our retirement communities offer special neighborhoods focusing on compassionate Memory Care.