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Cover Story |
June 10th, 2010 | ||||
Many thank you letters are still arriving at the Silvergate offices for this tremendous adventure. For all of the above, including gratuities, the shuttle buses, luggage, everything, the cost was just $1165 per person. Retirement living, particularly in Southern California, offers a rather pleasant way to live out one’s golden years. Having had two parents, both of whom were in a retirement community, we were able to observe the professional care profession for retired persons and became familiar with the terms independent living, assisted living, as well as Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. I could not help but notice that this industry, of necessity, attracts those management and staff members who are caring and compassionate. It is built-in. It was clear to me that everyone I met that cared for my parents had those qualities. Mom suffered from Alzheimer’s and, fortunately, passed away after about four months. (Those who have had Alzheimer’s in their families will understand that statement. Those who don’t, probably won’t.) She required Assisted Living accommodations while dad, though he lived with her, was sound of mind and could be accommodated under Independent Living, which is what happened after mom passed away. As in our Florida retirement community, the residents get to know and become part of the greater retirement community family. So it is with Silvergate Retirement Residences. Not only do the residents get to know the Activities Director, the medical staff, the administrative personnel . . . but the kitchen and wait staff as well. Lifelong friendships are built within these communities.
Even though mom and dad have passed on, we still maintain contact with several of the staff from Calusa Harbour Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Florida. One young lady, in particular, Brittani, was a waitress in the restaurant. I complimented her on her beautiful smile one day while having lunch with dad. We struck up a conversation and became great friends. She and dad became pals with Brittani often dropping by my dad’s studio apartment to make sure he was doing okay. Later, when dad decided he wanted to return to his own home, Brittani would still drop by the house to visit. This was not her duty . . . it was her caring for another human being. That this human being happened to be my dad gave me a great deal of pleasure, as well as it did to dad. He looked forward to Brittani’s visits. Dad is gone now, but Brittani still writes me, sending me photos of her cute little son. Those are the kind of relationships you build within a retirement community. For the residents, there are so many options to explore. Silvergate, for example, offers many other outings, not just the aforementioned cruise. Residents can enjoy scenic drives, visits to museums, harbor cruises, visits to Del Mar for the races and the fair, wine tastings, and visits to lunch and dinner clubs. Silvergate provides transport for its residents. You just might see the Silvergate bus at various casinos, sporting events, movie theatres, most any entertainment venue. Another neat thing about Silvergate is that it is locally owned. The owners, the Petries, head up AmeriCare Health & Retirement, Inc., located in Solana Beach, California. Local ownership offers the personal involvement of senior management and ensures the highest standards in customer service and resident care. The company owns two retirement residences, one in San Marcos, one in Fallbrook. For more information on Silvergate Retirement Residences you may call 760.744.4484, or go to their website at: |
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A Retirement Community Is Often Not All That Retiring
