The Best Gifts are Simple

       The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, when families and friends gather to share the old times and the new.

     Yet for seniors, the joy of the gatherings and the season in general can be a mixed blessing as eager anticipation can give way to additional stress. The staff at Villa Bonita offer helpful holiday tips to make the season a joyous one for everyone.

     “Seniors recognize that the best gift of all is spending time with family and friends. Unhurried, uncomplicated time together means the most and creates memories for everyone involved. Give the best gift of all—your time,” said Jenny Wallis from Villa Bonita.

      

Ten tips to help seniors and you make the most of the holiday season

1. Quiet is good. Many seniors live in environments that are relatively quiet, with a limited amount of activity in a day. Think about how much stimulation may be in your environment and limit the number of activities or the amount of time seniors are involved in them. Loud family gatherings can be a bit much after a while, so a quiet place to sit down may be a good refuge.
2. Be the senior for a moment. Before an event begins, put yourself in your senior’s shoes. Do you have difficulty walking? Do you have trouble remembering names? Plan ahead to make adjustments that can help make the situation more amenable. It can be as simple as moving furniture and making nametags.
3. Share a holiday tradition. Invite a senior to share a favorite holiday memory or tradition. Maybe it’s a favorite cookie, decorations, arranging a centerpiece or a favorite movie or song that you can share with them.
4. Appreciate limitations. Encourage older family members to take it easy and let you pamper them for a change. Let them help with smaller, less complicated tasks if they wish to participate.
5. Encourage these great storytellers. Many older relatives live in their memories. Encourage them to talk about holidays gone by. If they keep albums, ask to see the pictures. They may have some wonderful traditions from their childhood that you can incorporate into your own family’s plans.
6. Share a favorite meal together. Prepare a dish the senior loved as a child or once prepared as a holiday tradition. Try involving seniors in the process, instead of making the dish for them, allowing them to feel helpful and needed.
7. Give a hand with holiday décor. Decorations add so much to the holiday season. Help loved ones feel at home during the holidays by setting up their Christmas tree or Menorah with them. Again, having them help you put ornaments on the tree or plugging in the lights can make seniors feel helpful and involved.
8. Drive around town. Many seniors don’t drive as much as they used to, but they’d still love to see the holiday decorations put up by retail stores and overzealous neighbors.
9. Stay in touch. For seniors it’s so important to know you are thinking of them during the holidays, especially those who are alone. Seniors today are of the generation that loves the simple things: a note in the mail, or a phone call. Invite them for a cup of coffee. It doesn’t have to be much; it’s the thought that counts.
10. Help with mobility. If a senior is coming for a visit, remove slippery throw rugs and items that could present barriers to a senior who has difficulty walking or balance problems. 

 
Villa Bonita provides the finest in assisted living and memory care options for residents. Located in Chula Vista, California, the expertly trained staff provides residents with the highest standards of senior care services. It is operated by Integral Senior Living, which manages independent living, assisted living, and memory care properties. ISL is founded on a care philosophy that fosters dignity and respect for residents and promotes their independence and individuality. For more information on Villa Bonita call 619-476-9444 or visit www.villabonitaseniorlivng.com.

Welcome Villa Bonita to the CVCF!

We are now a member of the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays everyone! Come in today and see our decorations. :)

When is it Time for Assisted Living?

Dear Jenny,
How can you tell if and when it is the right time to move your parent into assisted living?

     It can be not only tough on you, but it can be difficult for the whole family when it comes to making the decision of having to move a parent into an assisted living community. The thought of leaving a beloved home that holds many years of memories can bring sadness and grief to anyone. It is a common feeling and completely understandable. But when it comes to not being able to take care of the upkeep of the home or, more importantly, the upkeep of yourself, then it might be time to entertain the idea of moving to assisted living.
     The words assisted living are not bad words, they are just used to describe a person who is able to still live by themselves but may need a bit more assistance in the tasks involved in average daily living (ADL).
Maybe a person can do everything they used to do, but they no longer want to cook, clean, drive or do their laundry. That’s where assisted living comes in; they will take care of all of that for you.
     Or perhaps, your home is just too large, you don’t entertain anymore and you are ready to downsize; that’s where assisted living comes in. You still have your own apartment and your own privacy, you are just not responsible for cleaning up such a large area.
      If you take medications during the day and sometimes you forget if you took them, that’s where assisted living comes in. The medical technicians will store your medications and administer them when needed. If you are uneasy in the shower, maybe you need a bar to hold onto or a person to stand by and make sure you don’t fall, that’s where assisted living comes in.
     The services that assisted living communities offer are simply assistance with average daily living tasks. Life is all about living and we might need assistance with it, but we still need to thrive in it. So many families think that making the decision to offer assisted living to their parents is an insult, and so many parents think that living in an assisted living community is an admission of defeat. But that is not true at all. More often than not, as soon as a person has lived in assisted living for at least two weeks, they state they wished they had made the move sooner!
      So never be afraid to check out what is out there and never be afraid to speak to your parents about assisted living.
      It’s great to have all your ducks in a row before the actual time comes when fixing three meals a day becomes so difficult that
not cooking, and therefore not eating, is much easier!



If you have questions about senior care or helping an elderly loved one, contact Jenny Wallis, Community Marketing Director at Villa Bonita Senior Living at (619) 739-4400 or by e-mail at villabonitamkg2@islllc.com.  Villa Bonita Senior Living is a licensed assisted living community located at 3434 Bonita Road, Chula Vista.  You can also visit Villa Bonita online at www.villabonitaseniorliving.com.

Waiting Until after the Holidays to Move Mom or Dad in?

Watch this vlog to see the ideas presented in the previous blog, "It's Best to Move a Loved One Now Rather than After the Holidays," expanded by Community Marketing Director, Jennifer.

Happy Autumn!!!

It's Best to Move a Loved One Now Rather than After the Holidays

Dear Jenny,
I want to wait until after the holidays before moving my mom into a community so that she can spend the holidays at home with us. Is that a good idea?

     Well actually, that is not such a good idea. Why you ask, well consider this… You are in your home of 60 years and the holidays are here! Your daughter has been telling you about this great place you are going to move to “after the holidays.” So now you have plenty of time to sit in your home and look around and remember all the holidays of past, to think about how much you are going to miss it and you are going to go to a place where you don’t know anyone. But wait, the kids are here and the family is around so hey, you can be distracted! Oh but now the holidays are over, you have said goodbye to your home with memories of the recent family gathering and you are in the lovely new room in your new community.
     You have some small memories around and you need to go eat but you are not sure where you are going, or who you are sitting with, but hey that nice lady who works there should be around somewhere… you know your daughter will call soon but she already took time off from work so you know she’s probably busy. And the grandkids… no wait now they are back at school. So how can we solve this disastrous mix of sadness and depression?

     Well now imagine this instead... you come into your new home and lots of fun is brewing, there are holiday parties, things to invite the grandkids to to enjoy, and lots of family around to help you set up your new place. You are meeting new people, getting to know the new place and you can still go out and join the family for all the regular holiday traditions that make this time of year great. You are meeting new friends to talk about past holiday traditions, the staff are all happy and bustling to make the time fun and joyous and you can even invite your daughter from out of town to see your new home since she is here for the holidays. Now when the holidays are over, you are still a little sad. The kids are back at work, grandkids back at school. But at least you know Martha is there and you are glad you have a friend now at your new home. You know that you can find Tom sitting in the activity room and he is always up for a chat. And you think, well now the holidays are over… but at least I’m not sitting home alone and I have a new beginning with new friends.
     With all of this said, moving mom in before the holidays can make the transition into an Assisted Living much easier and less stressful and overwhelming for both you and your mom. Yes, everyone will be around to care for her no matter what, but the emotional toll that a move after the holidays can take can be devastating. If you're looking into Assisted Living for a loved one, move them in now so they can get settled in for the best experience he or she can have. And helping mom emotionally also helps her stay healthy!



If you have questions about senior care or helping an elderly loved one, contact Jenny Wallis, Community Marketing Director at Villa Bonita Senior Living at (619) 476-9444 or by e-mail at villabonitamkg2@islllc.com.

Happy Veterans' Day from all of us at Villa Bonita!

Watch the Glee Club, our residents, and the local girl and boy scouts sing along to patriotic songs in honor of all the veterans and active military personnel out there!

Interview with Lori (resident) on Assisted Living

Winners of our Halloween Costume Contest!

Our Marketing Director, Jenny

Residents Audrey and Carmen!

Suscribe to us on YouTube!

Checkout our 2nd vlog post! It talks about dealing with individuals who have dementia and when we will be meeting for our next support group. Thank you for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

Our residents enjoyed these little trick-or-treaters from our local boy and girl scout troops! We cannot wait to see them again next year!

Our residents took a trip to the pumpkin patch today. We cannot wait for Halloween!

How Do I Combat Sundowning?

Dear Jenny,
    My aunt has been diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer's disease by her doctor. She seems fine to me like she has always, but lately in the afternoon or evening she gets very agitated. The doctor didn't mention this and this isn't like her. What's happening?

    Your aunt is experiencing a condition known as Sundowner's Syndrome. Sundowner's is fairly common for someone recently diagnosed in the early stages of dementia (like Alzheimer's), but not everyone experiences it.
    There are many different theories as to what triggers Sundowner's Syndrome, often called Sundowning. Some theories include hormonal imbalances, fatigue, or even a response to limited visibility as it gets darker. The symptoms of Sundowning differ in each person; some have rapid mood swings with anger or fearfulness, while others experience random crying, excessive pacing or general restlessness. In many cases the individual tends to become stubborn, or more so than usual and sometimes will refuse the caregiver's direction, even from their spouse. In extreme cases, a person with Sundowning may wander away from familiar surroundings or even become violent. Whatever the cause of Sundowner's Syndrome, once the sun comes back up these symptoms usually go away.
    Sundowner's Syndrome can place a tremendous strain on family members, both physically and emotionally. Often in the morning, the individual with dementia will not have any recollection of whatever behaviors they exhibited the previous evening, so patience is one of the most critical traits for caregivers.
    The good news is there are different things that can help reduce the effects of Sundowning. Routine is crucial to those suffering from dementia, so establishing a consistent nightly routine while getting ready for bed is important. Exercise during the day may help reduce some excessive energy that comes out in the evening. Changes to the environment can also help, such as ensuring there is sufficient lighting for visibility, reducing unnecessary clutter, and reducing the volume on the television or radio. If the TV is on, minimize shows that have scenes of violence, including the news with stories of kidnapping, murders, bank robberies, war, bleak economic news, or any other negative messages. Ideally keeping the person engaged in activities that are not over-stimulating, but still exercise the mind and body help distract from some of the effects of Sundowning.
    Lastly, if one thing doesn't work, try something else to get a better response or create a calming presence. It may be a trial-and-error approach, but since everyone is different, this is sometimes necessary. Lastly, consider attending a local dementia support group since you can share ideas and techniques that work, and it helps to know that you aren't alone out there.



If you have questions about senior care or helping an elderly loved one, contact Jenny Wallis, Community Marketing Director at Villa Bonita Senior Living at (619) 476-9444 or by e-mail at villabonitamkg2@islllc.com.

There are always questions about Assisted Living.  Is it good?  Is it the right thing to do?
This is a very interesting article that the Union Tribune ran.....
Please read:

In response to: Deadly Neglect: A U-T special report

Submitted by Sally Michael

Marion is 102 years old. If you meet her, one of the first things you will notice is the brightness in her eyes and her drive to seize the day. Marion wakes up every morning in her apartment at Villa Bonita Assisted Living around 5:00 a.m., does her stretching exercises then walks the entire 3rd floor, followed by the 2nd floor and finally the 1st floor. Next, she attends an organized community exercise program before moving on to cards and whatever else the day brings. At 102, Marion has been able to maintain a level of independence she is proud of and enjoys a lifestyle that would be nearly impossible were it not for Assisted Living.

Submitted photo of Marion.

Marion’s experience is far more typical of what happens in Assisted Living communities across California and the nation than what was recently portrayed on the pages of the Union Tribune. Compassionate and highly qualified senior caregivers were shocked to see how a few unfortunate and disturbing incidents -- from years ago -- were strung together in an attempt to paint a completely erroneous overall picture of Assisted Living. They were equally troubled by sweeping assertions made about the whole of Assisted Living extrapolated from single, isolated allegations which, in one particular case, were dismissed by a state investigation.

The Assisted Living communities I work with have, and will continue to, provide the highest levels of care to improve the quality of life, peace of mind, and independence of thousands of seniors and their families. The story you didn’t see was one of compassionate, competent care regularly and reliably delivered to one of the most valued populations in society. Assisted Living providers work in a profession that is highly challenging but also highly rewarding. That is reflected in what residents and family members have to say about their experience with Assisted Living. Clearly, it is not what the media has portrayed it to be. Rather, residents and their families continue to be highly satisfied with their experience in Assisted Living and they are recommending it to others.

A recent survey confirms this. Across the nation, a whopping 94% of Assisted Living residents indicated they were satisfied with their experience and 99% of residents say they feel safe in their communities. Additionally, 93% of Assisted Living residents say they are satisfied with the level of personal attention they receive from staff working in their communities. Assisted Living has listened to residents and families and responded. Popularity and success of the Assisted Living model has occurred because it is consumer-driven and offers residents what they want- flexibility, a home like setting, and independence.

For those questioning oversight of Assisted Living in the wake of the Union Tribune series, it is important to recognize that Assisted Living communities are licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) in California and governed by a robust set of laws and regulations. From the initial licensing process to inspections, the regulatory framework is designed to promote resident independence and self-direction to the greatest extent possible in a residential, non-medical setting. Nearly every aspect of the Assisted Living experience is governed by state regulation. Is it enough? Our answer, as Assisted Living providers, is that more frequent inspections will only add to the integrity of Assisted Living and that is why we have strongly supported more frequent inspections. We remain committed to ensuring that California regulators have the resources they need to do their job. Unfortunately, California’s budget situation has reduced the frequency of inspections against our objections and those of consumer groups.

Providers have also strongly supported enhanced licensing and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with all requirements. Our members have supported a proposed 20% licensing fee increase to support more frequent inspections and will continue to support such an effort in the future. We have worked hand in hand with legislators and regulators to ensure that we are doing everything we can to provide the safest environment possible while also protecting the home like setting and independence our residents and their family pay for and expect.

Even the strongest of operations and oversight cannot prevent all problems. Unfortunately, it is the rare unfortunate outcome that makes news. There is no question that Assisted Living wouldn’t be in high demand or enjoy extremely high resident satisfaction if quality care were such an issue. Thousands of caregivers have devoted their lives to helping seniors and it is truly unfortunate that their work and contributions are being undermined. In the end, it will be seniors and their families – who want what Assisted Living offers – who will lose if a cloud of misinformation is allowed to linger.

The positive, everyday experiences taking place in thousands of senior communities across this country are the reality of Assisted Living. Like Marion, countless seniors and their families breathe a sigh of relief daily knowing they are well taken care of, safe, and living as independently as possible. Their caregivers are dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to make life more comfortable and easier to manage. While the truth about Assisted Living is not likely to be the focus of overblown media hype, it has taken hold. 94% of residents like what they have experienced and 99% feel safe. This is a model that works and preserves dignity and independence for our seniors.

Sally Michael is the president of the California Assisted Living Association, which represents over 460 Assisted Living communities in the state. Members range from providers that cater to an active lifestyle to those that specialize in caring for residents with memory impairment.

Happy October!

Happy October from some of our staff at Villa Bonita!

Living at Villa Bonita is Like Living on a Tropical Island

Soak in the sun at Villa Bonita's vivacious courtyard!

All the leaves are starting to change; no better way to experience the changes of Autumn, than here at Villa Bonita!

Tell-Tale Signs a Change May be Needed

Dear Jenny,
I recently visited my Aunt and I have noticed something different about her.  I think it might be time for her to move into a Senior Living Community.  But how can I tell?


When deciding whether to seek the care of a senior living community, consider these questions:

• How are they emotionally? Are there changes in their activity level and mood? Are they seeing friends and partaking in activities they have loved for years?

• Has there been significant weight loss? Unexplained weight loss could indicate a major health problem.

• What shape is the home in? If the home is in need of repair and un-kept, these can be signs that more help is needed.

• Are they taking care of themselves physically? Look to see if they are keeping up with basic daily routines such as bathing, brushing teeth and wearing clean clothes.

• Are they having difficulty moving around their home? Having trouble walking or being unsteady on their feet puts them at risk for falling and injuring themselves.

• Are you noticing changes in their personality? Memory loss, difficulty in performing familiar tasks, poor judgment, misplacing items, disorientation, rapid mood swings, increased apathy or passiveness are all early warning signs of Alzheimer’s. A doctor’s evaluation can help determine the cause and treatment of these symptoms.

It is important to understand the many choices that make up the new face of senior living in the 21st century. Here is a breakdown defining the differences in the level of senior living options offered.

In independent living communities, active older adults continue to enjoy private dwellings, control over their own schedules, and freedom to come and go as they choose. Social networking, optional events, special interest clubs, and conveniently located services may be offered onsite as well as medical, dietary and other assistance when needed.

An assisted living residence is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs — both scheduled and unscheduled — of those who need help with activities of daily living.

Specialized communities provide specially trained staffs, licensed nurses, secure facilities, and cognitive and physical therapies to help soothe and relieve those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

If you have questions about senior care or helping an elderly loved one, contact Jenny Wallis, Community Marketing Director at Villa Bonita Senior Living at 619-739-4400 or by e-mail at villabonitamkg2@islllc.com. 

Help Us and Write a Review on Yelp!

Hi Everyone!

We now have our community up on yelp and we need your help to have our community known better on the internet. Please take 5 minutes out of your time to write us a review; whether it be short or long, any review helps!

Share a story about your experience with us. It will be a great way to show our staff what a fantastic job they are doing. And, any of your concerns will help us learn how to improve our services to make Villa Bonita the #1 choice in all of Chula Vista when it comes to finding a safe, loving home for those near and dear to us!

Thank you all so much! Have a great day. :)

Click here to write a review!

Learn More about our Community!

Villa Bonita Senior Living offers independent and assisted living as well as memory care. Villa Bonita is a lovely community with great residents, staff, activities, food and much more. At Villa Bonita Senior Living, life happens according to plan - a comfortable, dynamic, detail-oriented plan. Daily activity is the result of proven practices, systems, standards and an organization that has been refined by experience. You'll notice the calming structure that comes from master planning with your very first visit. Similar to the motivation of our residents, we strive for balance: activity is balanced with quiet spots, fine dining with casual flair, full-service programs with a la carte freedom. At Villa Bonita Senior Living in Chula Vista, our residents do what makes them happy and vital. Life at Villa Bonita is defined by what you do and living life to its fullest. Give us a call today for more information or to schedule a tour!

What is Villa Bonita All About?

Come tour our community today to get a better sense of what we have to offer!

Call us to set up a tour at (619) 467-9444 or just walk right in!

Clearing Away Confusion about Assisted Living

Dear Jenny,

Could you help me understand the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living community? I thought they were the same, but recently I began some research for my parents and I'm confused.

There are two key differences between nursing homes, or more specifically skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and assisted living communities, also known as residential care facilities (RCFs). The first difference is the level of care provided and the second and most pronounced difference is the setting or environment at each facility.

SNFs are designed for medical necessity with 24-hour licensed nursing care for services that are designed to help transition between the hospital and home. Typically SNFs are for people requiring temporary rehabilitation therapy services after surgery or injuries and as a medical model of care. SNFs often care for the very frail and frequently, as medical facilities, SNFs feel very institutional.

Assisted living, or RCFs, provide custodial care in a residential setting. Because RCFs are not a medical model, not only is the environment much more inviting, but they are often far less costly.

Custodial care is assistance with the routine activities of daily living (ADLs) that one normally does to get up and get started for the day: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, housekeeping, meals, and even transportation and medication management. RCFs are able to provide fairly advanced levels of assistance with things that are often commonly thought of as medical care; for example, some AL communities even offer diabetes management.

The other significant difference between the SNF and the RCF is the SNF is typically a semi-private room much like a hospital, whereas the RCF looks more like an apartment building and affords residents a private apartment as well as a full schedule of planned activities, gourmet meals and personal transportation. Instead of a hospital-like lounge area, assisted living has common areas with couches, fireplaces and gardens. Instead of a sterile cafeteria, dining areas resemble fine restaurants and often offer entertainment. RCFs are often equated to cruise ships for seniors that are permanently in port.

SNFs fulfill an important need in the continuum of care for seniors, and while they also offer long-term custodial care, few seniors need to remain in the SNF setting for that service with so many RCF options. Not all RCF residents need care or assistance, and some are there because they just want a simpler lifestyle without the worry of maintaining a home or garden, and they want the socialization of their peers.

This article was written by Villa Bonita's Marketing Director, Jennifer Wallis. If you have any questions and would like to know more, you can reach her at (619) 476-9444 or visit our website at Villa Bonita Senior Living. Also, like us on Facebook and view our YouTube video! Have a great day!

Welcome!

Hi all! Welcome to Villa Bonita's blog. Here we will be answering any questions and concerns that many of you may be wondering about assisted living. To help you feel welcome and to give you an idea of what goes on here at Villa Bonita, we will also be posting pictures and other random tidbits about our residents and staff. Enjoy and stop by our location anytime at 3434 Bonita Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Our residents always love to see new as well as old faces. Whether it is to visit someone, join in on our many activites, or to just tour the place, our staff is always here to accommodate you!