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The Best is Yet to Come!

The retirement years are not what they used to be. With senior living options that range from in-home help, resort-inspired active communities and amenity-rich assisted living, lifestyle options abound. Use this guide to help you make an informed choice and make the most of your golden years.

Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Medical Group

To move or not to move
The first decision you will have to make as you look toward your future is whether you want to stay in your home. This can be a difficult decision for many, since there are so many memories attached to your home. Still, maintaining a large home and the expenses associated with it are hassles you may want to forgo as you get older. Another consideration is weighing the level of independence you have now with changes that may occur down the road. For example, if you stop driving would your current home and neighborhood feel too isolated for you? The prospect of living in a safe community that offers amenities that range from full service restaurants to hair salons and laundry services can be very appealing.

Even with all of the perks a move may offer, many older adults still prefer the familiarity of their own home. These days, there are a wide range of home care services that can help you maintain your independence. Staying put, at least for the time being, may be a good option if:

• You have nearby family, friends, and neighbors.

• Transportation is easily accessible.

• You feel safe in your community.

• Your home can be modified to meet your changing physical needs.

• Home maintenance is affordable.

• You are in relatively good physical health.

For seniors who want to stay in their own homes, having a transitional plan can offer peace of mind for the future. Should your needs change down the road, it’s a good idea to begin looking at what other options are out there. One possibility is an independent living community with a continuous care program.

“At Morningside in Fullerton, we offer all levels of care on the same campus so that residents can easily transition as their needs change,” says Warren Spieker, vice president at Continuing Life Communities.

Morningside is just one of many 55 and over communities that provide a unique but increasingly popular concept; a full continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory support. Of course, for active adults who are just making the move from a private residence, a place like Morningside offers residents a vibrant community and a host of activities, from fine dining venues and ongoing learning opportunities to family-friendly gathering spaces, for one all-inclusive price.

“When interviewing communities there are four questions you should ask,” adds Spieker. “What is the financial security of the community; what is the physical security; and what extra fees are involved? Morningside is a debt-free community with no added fees and that gives our residents added peace-of-mind.”

Living the good life
You’ve worked hard and now you’re ready to play hard – you’ve earned it! A resort-inspired independent living community may be just what you’re looking for. Independent living communities allow residents the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds. Private residences offer living spaces to fit your needs, and the settings, grounds and amenities are often luxurious and upscale. Some properties are set on golf courses, while others offer full fitness centers, lap pools, an activities director, clubs and even organized trips for residents. There are typically community-sponsored socials to help residents meet others with similar interests, from book clubs and cooking classes to holiday teas.

At Coventry Court Apartments in Tustin, residents can entertain guests in the clubhouse, unwind in the property’s soothing spa, kick back at the saline pool, or get healthy at the state-of-the-art fitness center. The spacious living spaces at Coventry are elegant as well, complete with gourmet kitchens and European-inspired cabinetry, providing all the upscale comforts of home without the hassle.

San Sebastian is another upscale option for Orange County residents seeking a 55-and over lifestyle community. This intimate enclave features brand new, finely appointed luxury condominiums, and amenities include such conveniences as valet dry cleaning, onsite dog grooming, a weekly catered brunch, transportation services and ongoing social events.

Perched atop a hill in one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, FountainGlen at Jacaranda offers maintenance-free resort-style living for active adults. FountainGlen at Jacaranda is a 131-unit, luxury apartment community located in Fullerton, with nearby retail, restaurant and recreational areas. The one and two-bedroom units interior apartments include slab granite countertops, nine foot ceilings with crown molding, stainless steel appliances, energy efficient washers and dryers and custom cabinetry.

Getting assistance when you need it.
When living independently is no longer a viable option, you and your family have another choice. Assisted living is a smart option for seniors over 65 years of age requiring assistance with daily living activities such as bathing or taking medication. Many assisted living facilities also offer respite care for caregivers. The emotional and physical toll of caring for a loved one with dementia or other age-related issues can be overwhelming. Respite care includes all the services provided to long term residents but for durations as brief as one day, a weekend or longer.

With seven locations in Huntington Beach, Meadowlark Gardens provides high quality assisted living in a residential environment. The company has seven private homes staffed by long standing employee caregivers who are highly trained and compassionate.

“All of our caregivers are knowledgeable in the fundamentals of home health care,” says founder, Christine Wilkes. “We invest in ongoing quality training and advanced education to keep our staff abreast of the latest technologies and techniques.”

Wilkes emphasizes that when it comes to assisted living, knowledge and training are important, but emotional support is a big component of an older person’s well being. “At Meadowlark, each senior is treated with dignity and respect.

Walnut Village is more than a new concept in retirement living – it’s also a refreshingly new take on retirement. Their award-winning design features spacious residences that wrap around European-style courtyards designed to bring people together in engaging ways.

Meet friends at the neighborhood pub or sidewalk bistro, find a great read and a cozy corner at the Book Nook, or get a new ‘do’ at the salon then dine with friends at The Grove Restaurant right on-site.

Take a thought-provoking class at the Lifelong Learning Center, create something exquisite at Clay’s Artist Studio or take in a concert at the performing arts center. Get energized at their Wellbeing Fitness and Aquatics Center, and enjoy the peace of mind of continuing care on-site, including assisted living, Summer House Memory Support Neighborhood, and Walnut Village Rehabilitation and Care Center.

Making wellness a priority
Fully enjoying your retirement years is contingent on how good you feel. Even if you’ve always been active and healthy, aging will bring with it a unique set of health challenges that are best managed by experts in the field. Award-winning MemorialCare Medical Group offers a number of unique patient programs for adults 55 and over. Its web-based patient portal allows patients to communicate with their physicians via online; multiple locations throughout southern California offer added convenience; and the “Know Your Numbers” program keeps tracks of preventive screenings such as mammograms, prostate screenings, and flu shots.

“MemorialCare physicians and staff consistently work hard to ensure our patients receive appropriate preventive care as well as high quality treatment and management of medical conditions. We are proud of the extraordinary care offered to those we serve—old-fashioned care supported by advanced technology,” says Mark Schafer, M.D., Chief Medical Officer.

At Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, age-related health concerns are addressed with patient-specific specific treatment plans, including programs for diabetes, arthritis, nutrition, heart health, fitness and exercise.

“We treat each person’s health and lifestyle issues specifically to them, whether they are a senior or not. Our mission statement explains exactly how we approach each person. We believe in not only improving one’s health but one’s life,” says Dr. Julian Whitaker.

Whitaker Wellness Institute emphasizes improving quality of life without resorting to side effect-riddled drugs and invasive procedures. “We believe that our unique approach to medicine works because time and again, we have helped our patients get well—after their conventional physicians have given up on them.”

Healthy lifestyle, finances and future
When you think about enjoying the next few decades of life, medical care is only one aspect of true wellness and well being. Many 55 and over communities now offer programs that cater to your spirit, soul and body, an emphasis on the whole person that re-imagines what it means to age well. At Kisco Senior Living, the company dubs this “The Art of Living WellSM” philosophy. With four distinct communities in and near Orange County, Kisco looks at wellness as part of everything they do, from the programs they offer to the services they provide. Kisco Senior Living was recognized as an “individual champion” or role model by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA).

Maria Connelly, wellness team leader for The Art of Living WellSM services at Kisco, says, “We’ve been with ICAA since its inception, and our vision is very similar: we don’t view aging as negative. We view it as a later stage of life where people have so much to bring to a community—their wisdom, their history, and also the ability to share those experiences with families, children and grandchildren. It’s a more positive picture than what is sometimes portrayed through media, or what many families might perceive happens when someone gets old.”

Insuring your long term security
No matter how healthy you are, life can be unpredictable. What would happen to your retirement savings if you required some form of long-term care? How would your family or loved ones cope with the expense of extended convalescence , either at home, or in a nursing or assisted living facility?

Long-Term Care insurance is designed to protect you and your family in the event of such a circumstance. Insphere Insurance Solutions® offers a range of coverage options from respected, reputable companies. Insphere insurance agent Sherri Primes, who was recognized as the top Insphere Genworth Long Term Care insurance agent in the country in 2011, makes it a point to help her clients find the products that are right for them, not sell them coverage they don’t need.

“The biggest misconception about Long Term Care insurance is that Medicare will pay for it, so individuals believe they don’t need it,” says Primes. “What they don’t realize is that in order to qualify for assistance from a government program, they have to almost completely deplete their personal funds and assets to get any help, and if they do, they have little or no control over which doctors and facilities they have access to. At it’s very basic premise, Long Term Care gives you options.”

Keeping loved ones safe
The elderly are often vulnerable targets for devastating financial abuse, most often perpetrated by their own family. Laguna Beach attorney Keith D. Wisbaum notes that warning signs of abusive situations include: unusual involvement by third parties in the elder’s financial affairs, manipulative behavior to influence the elder and isolation of the elder.

Wisbaum, who specializes in elder abuse law, says, “While restraining orders are sometimes necessary to stop financial abuse situations, my ultimate objective is to resolve the dispute in a manner that achieves overall family harmony.”

The safety of loved ones in nursing facilities or receiving home care is often a concern for family members, especially when the person has experienced memory loss or is otherwise incapacitated. Wisbaum advises that life threatening problems can be significantly reduced by positive family involvement with the nursing management and staff.

Senior Community Directory
Coventry Court
17100 Cambridge Way
Tustin, CA 92782
855-329-4299
Independent Living

Emerald Court/ Kisco
1731 W. Medical Center Drive
Anaheim, CA 92801
714-778-5100
kiscoseniorliving.com
Assisted Living & Independent Living

Fountainglen at jacaranda
1900 Camino Loma Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92833
855-536-2404
Independent Living

meadowlark gardens
16412 Wishingwell Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714-840-1776
meadowlarkgardens.com
Assisted Living

MemorialCare Medical Group
15 Mareblu Street, Suite 100
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949-448-0656
 
3010 W. Orange Avenue, Suite 302
Anaheim, CA 92804
714-826-1200
 
722 Baker Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-557-6300
 
34052 La Plaza Dr., Suite 103
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-240-2555
 
34052 La Plaza Dr., Suite 105
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-276-6499
 
11420 Warner Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-549-1300

250 East Yale Loop, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92604
949-551-1090
 
23512 Madero Road
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949-583-1600
 
29472 Avenida de Las Banderas
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949-459-9968
 
161 Avenida Vaquero
San Clemente, CA 92672
949-489-8783
 
1300 Avenida Vista Hermosa,
Suite 200
San Clemente, CA 92673
714-452-3199
 
1300 Avenida Vista Hermosa
Suite 150
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-361-6623

1300 Avenida Vista Hermosa
Suite 220
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-366-0070
 
665 Camino de los Mares, Suite 210
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-240-6772
 
665 Camino de los Mares, Suite 200
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-240-7023
 
657 Camino de los Mares, Suite 133
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-489-0176
 
665 Camino de los Mares, Suite 210
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-240-6772
 
30300 Rancho Viejo Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949-661-9600
 
1212 W. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714-954-0432
 
Morningside of Fullerton
800 Morningside Drive
Fullerton, CA 92835
800-499-6010
morningsideoffullerton.com
Assisted Living, Independent Living,
Skilled Nursing & Memory Care
 
Park Plaza/ Kisco
620 South Glassell Street
Orange, CA 92866
714-997-5355
kiscoseniorliving.com
Assisted Living & Independent Living
 
Park Terrace/ Kisco
21952 Buena Suerte
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949-888-2250
kiscoseniorliving.com
Assisted Living & Independent Living

Primes, Sherri
InSphere Insurance Solutions
949-275-5575
sherri.primes@insphereis.com
insphereis.com/sherri.primes
Insurance
 
San Sebastian
24299 Paseo de Valencia
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
866-485-2868
Independent Living
 
Valencia Terrace/ Kisco
2300 S. Main Street
Corona, CA 92882
951-273-1300
kiscoseniorliving.com
Assisted Living & Independent Living
 
Walnut Village
891 S. Walnut Street
Anaheim, CA 92802
866-983-6763
walnutvillage.org
Continuing Care Retirement
Community

 Whitaker Wellness Institute
4321 Birch Street
Newport Beach, CA 92660
800-488-1500
whitakerwellness.com
Alternative Medicine Clinic
 
Wisbaum Esq., Keith D.
361 Forest Avenue, Suite 203
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-499-0111
keith@robwiz.com
Elder Abuse Litigation

To order a print or digital copy of the February 2012 issue, click here.