Ok, if you're on Yelp looking at care facilities for your loved one, then please hear me out, I…read morehave lots to say!
This is one of the hardest things you'll have to do that Vista Del Mar actually makes easy.
Before I get into the details, the key names you need to know are Rebecca the Top organizer with a heart of Gold, Sidonia who does the intake and works insurance magic, Juanita who is the incredible eyes and ears and also facilitates memory care, Jenny, Jessica, Charmaine, Patrick the Events Coordinator and so many more. These are my new, additional family and I love them dearly!
I anticipated the process as being uncomfortable and purely money oriented. First of all, they have their rates on their website unlike so many others. They have their fees listed too. No surprises. We don't need that during this time with our parents. So that was a welcomed and very important sign.
I toured a bunch of places in Long Beach. When walking in, you can feel the vibe, the energy etc and once I walked into Vista Del Mar, right through those doors, I KNEW this was it.
There was upbeat music playing, not all stuffy or silly stuff. I've seen places that tend to infantilize their residents and this music was straight up pumping! The residents were moving to it even in the foyer! Theres always a fresh flower arrangement and right when you walk in it's bright and you can see the beautiful outside courtyard.
It has gazebos for shade, beautiful landscaping and access to the other parts of the facility. I can't even call it a facility even though it has 247 healthcare and workers. I guess I'd call it my dad and sisters apartment with new family and friends.
In the short time my dad and sister have been there, they have a whole new family who care for them. In turn, this has freed up a lot of my time and worry to get my own life things done. I know they're safe, I know they have medical care and medication.
But I also know they are mentally stimulated by the non-stop calendar of events every single day. Painting, field trips, socials, happy hours, trivia, bingo, movie parties with snacks! As I write this, I can do anything with my day off today and it feels GREAT. But I actually want to hang out over there today, haha.
The dining room is absolutely gorgeous. You seat yourself or they assist, and it's like a restaurant. You can dine there too with them if you want! The lovely ladies who work the dining hall have so much patience. They bring the meals and make sure everyone is taken care of and is satisfied. They can also make other meals if you don't like what's being served on that day. They also accommodate special diets. They really pay attention and I'm so thankful for that!
There's a snack shack off the main hallway, free laundry room with washer and dryer, a hair salon open 3x a week, 3 places to watch movies and tv, the theatre has beautiful luxury easy chairs, and is still close to watchful eyes of the staff.
This place feels like Home. It actually feels more like home than when before my mom passed.
It feels like Hope.
I don't know what I did to be so lucky to have found Vista Del Mar. It's within budget and clean and happy feeling and bright and entertaining. I mean, this should be the STANDARD all care facilities should have!
You know I could go on so if anyone reading has any questions, just message me and I'll be happy to answer honestly.
So now, I'll get ready and head over to their luxury apartment as I call it and talk to them about what they've painted or crafted, which new friends they've met and get some fun chit chat going with the staff that never seems overworked or rushed.
Finally, peace of mind has never felt so good!!!