On March 5, Seniorly announced that Casa de Mañana in La Jolla ranked in the top five in its Best of Senior Living Awards 2024. The San Diego Union Tribune reported on the honor on April 3. The story was also reported on KUSI’s website.

On March 26, The Oaklandside shared a feature article about how Home Match, Front Porch’s home sharing program, addresses homelessness and on April 2, KPIX also shared a story about the program on its evening broadcast. Home Match was also selected as the 2024 recipient of LeadingAge California’s Best Practice/Innovation of the Year Award in recognition for its work in homelessness prevention.

On April 16, Colorado Public Radio featured a segment on Social Call, Front Porch’s friendly visitor program, titled Overcoming loneliness and isolation with a simple phone call. The story featured conversations with a volunteer and participant as well as with Katie Wade, senior director for creative engagement.

On April 17, KFMB – CBS8 shared a story about the Men’s Shed program that is sponsored by Carlsbad By The Sea as they built a shed for ‘Raptor Ridge’.

On April 3, SuperMoney included Wesley Palms in San Diego in its Best Places to Retire in California 2024 guide.

On March 4, Senior Living Foresight posted about Front Porch’s involvement in the San Diego Senior Women’s Basketball Association.

On March 18, Front Porch shared a press release about Kingsley Manor as it hosted a fashion show in partnership with L.A. Fashion Week.

On March 15, Front Porch shared a press release, celebrating Friends House‘s 40th anniversary serving the Santa Rosa community.

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This prestigious list was compiled after analysis of over 500,000 customer reviews across 60,000 facilities. Such a distinction speaks volumes about the quality of life and satisfaction experienced by our residents and their families. “This award is a reflection of our dedicated staff, whose efforts make Casa de Mañana not just a living space, but a community where life is enriched, valued, and celebrated,” said Executive Director Kurt Norden.

Being selected in the top five is no small feat. The criteria for selection were stringent, requiring communities to rank in the top two percent based on consumer sentiment, maintain a clear record free of licensing violations for the past 36 months, and have no negative media coverage in the last 24 months.

At Casa de Mañana, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of services, from independent and assisted living to a variety of contract options, ensuring flexibility and peace of mind for our residents and their families​​. We’re proud to be recognized by Seniorly and remain committed to providing outstanding care and service for residents. This accolade motivates us to continue innovating and enhancing our services, making sure that Casa de Mañana, and indeed all Front Porch communities, represent the very best in senior living.

For more information about Casa de Mañana, visit our website at casademanana.org or call 800-959-7010.

To read the full announcement, visit Seniorly.com.

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As the life enrichment director for Casa de Mañana, my goal as I plan events, outings and opportunities for engagement is to meet three very important criteria that I believe EVERY human being needs to THRIVE. Notice I didn’t say survive. I said THRIVE.

I try to create positive connections. Everyone needs positive connections in their daily lives. Many researchers believe the estimated 68,000 seniors who died of non-COVID related/non-medical related deaths during the pandemic died from failure to thrive, due to lack of connecting with their loved ones. Creating positive connections is vital!

I try to create something to look forward to. If you ask most people, “What are you doing tomorrow?” I can almost guarantee you that they won’t say that they are staying in bed all day and watching TV. And if they do say that, it’s a concern. When people don’t have things to look forward to, they don’t have a reason to get out of their comfortable, cozy bed, so they don’t. The problem with that is they aren’t creating those positive connections and they don’t feel purposeful (the third thing on my list). When that happens, people tend to get bored and depressed and then end up with failure to thrive. It is very hard to change that once it sets in. It becomes comfortable, but it is not good for anyone.

I try to create a sense of purpose. Many people believe that getting old means you can’t do much, especially those who may need more help with certain care issues or cognitive issues. That is simply NOT TRUE. Everyone needs to have a sense of purpose, otherwise, what’s the point of getting out of bed or making connections? Many of our residents help out in our store, our trading post, walking dogs for those who need help and even visiting other residents who have difficulty with getting out. That is just to name a few things. There are so many helpers and leaders in our community. But what about the others? Well, they can help in other ways too. I may ask them to read something while I type it. I may ask them to join a group where they can voice their opinion to make things brighter or better here. I may ask them to help a resident who can’t see with their Bingo card. It doesn’t have to be a “save the world” purpose. People just need to know that they matter, that they are important and that they do have a purpose, because they do!

So the activities you see are more than activities. Behind the scenes, I focus on creating programming that give residents opportunities to create connections, have something to look forward to (a reason to get out of bed) and find a sense of purpose so that they can THRIVE every day! I am also a certified Positive Approach to Care trainer and coach and use my knowledge of dementia for training and coaching along with programming when I have the opportunity.

Developing activities is not about keeping busy. It really is Life Enrichment.

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Although Kate has since handed over her rose duties to a small volunteer committee, her legacy continues to be laid for the future. Kate is a generous supporter of the Front Porch Communities Foundation through donations to the Employee Scholarship, HEART, and Resident Assistance funds at Casa, and has named the Foundation as a beneficiary of her living trust.

“I’m living in a wonderful place and I believe in what the Foundation is trying to do,” Kate said. “It’s like a family and I want to support my family.” Kate is particularly passionate about supporting Casa’s Scholarship Fund, which not only benefits those who attend traditional two- and four-year colleges but also those attending trade schools, pursuing certificate programs (like nursing programs), continuing education or GED studies.

“There are a lot of young people here who are keen on moving forward in life,” Kate said. “I received financial support while in medical school, and I suppose contributing to the Scholarship Fund is a way of giving back for me.”

The post Casa Resident Dr. Kate Morton Plants a Legacy for the Future appeared first on Front Porch.

Social events at Hotel Casa ran the gamut from weddings to banquets to civic and social club luncheons to concerts and poetry readings by noted artists and musicians of the day. In 1953, Hopkins sold the hotel, and soon after Casa de Mañana had a second grand opening as the luxurious retirement community it is today. Many of today’s residents remember attending proms and other social events at the hotel. How about that for living history?

Residents and staff say they feel a real sense of community at Casa de Mañana. It is truly a place where residents and staff care for one another in an environment of independence and mutual respect. “My wife and I have fallen in love with Casa de Mañana,” said one long-time resident. “I’ve never seen a staff more dedicated to making people happy. They really go out of their way to make sure all of our needs are met.”

Philanthropy Week held recently at Casa exemplifies the spirit of giving and connection between residents and staff and galvanizes those connections. “We come together to celebrate philanthropy, but also put it into action through gifts in the moment,” said Keith Church, the Foundation’s philanthropy officer for Casa. Activities during Philanthropy Week are entirely resident-driven and offer something for everyone, from a kick-off concert by resident pianist Leslie Miller to special events like Game Day and Dessert Under the Stars. Resident T.J. Glauthier organized a wine tasting class, and resident Bev Heil coordinated a dog fashion show.

While Philanthropy Week is fun, it inspires significant giving, which is at the heart of its importance to residents. Funds raised from the week support the Circle of Friends resident assistance fund, the Casa Employee Scholarship Funds, and the HEART Fund (emergency financial assistance for staff), according to donor preference. Casa resident Helen Tocco serves on the scholarship committee and made a gift for the first time this year. “I’m really inspired by the philosophy of the scholarship committee, ‘offering a hand up, not a hand out,’” Helen said. “My husband and I were moved to make a gift because we are both educators and believe in giving to those who are trying to better themselves.”

Rich in tradition, Casa de Mañana is a place where older adults enjoy an independent and comfortable way of life, complete with ocean vistas. Casa de Mañana is a treat for the eyes and also a place with a deep spirit of compassion and caring.

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Falls affect us all. The risk of falling increases with age. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. If you slip, trip or fall, it could change your life. You could break a bone, take a trip to the hospital, be injured or develop a disability. Fear of falling may keep you from walking, shopping or taking part in social activities. Overcoming this fear can help you stay active, maintain your physical health and prevent future falls.

The good news is that there are simple ways and free online resources to reduce the risk of falling and help stay falls free. Here are some tips with hyperlinks on how to prevent most falls.

Exercise to Improve Your Balance and Strength

One easy way to prevent a fall is to improve balance and strength. The National Institute on Aging has tips on fitting EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY safely into daily life to help stay healthy as one ages. It also has tips with the right steps to take to PREVENT FALLS AND FRACTURES. Life enrichment and wellness directors offer many programs. Try walking, gardening, tai chi, yoga or whatever you enjoy.

Talk to Your Doctor or Pharmacist

Regularly review your medications and their side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. The National Council on Aging has a FALLS FREE CHECKUP that allows you to check your risk for a fall to help stay independent. Tell your doctor if you have fallen, even if not hurt. Get your vision and hearing tested. Ask a physical therapist about acquiring a walking aid if needed. Vitamin D and calcium can help keep your bones strong.

Make Your Home Safer

Make sure there are no cords, pet toys, loose rugs or excess furniture in your path. Clutter on your floors and around your home can make it more difficult to stay on your feet. Use the CDC STEADI initiative checklist to identify and ELIMINATE FALL HAZARDS in the home. Adequate lighting in hallways makes navigation easier. Ask an occupational therapist about a home safety evaluation.

Put in a request to add grab bars for the bathtub, shower and toilet if you think you need them.

Make Smart Choices

Be aware of personal abilities and limitations. Request help from someone for difficult or awkward tasks like retrieving objects on high shelves or carrying large or bulky items. The California Department of Aging’s FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM has fall and injury prevention education and information. Stand up slowly with your feet under you. Wear proper footwear. Don’t drink alcohol to excess.

Educate Yourself Today

Understanding fall risks is the first step to staying safer, reducing the risk of falling and helping stay falls free. Check out the free resources above for practical prevention solutions to do the right exercises, take proper care of yourself, make your home safer and ask for help when you need it.

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Senior Director for Resident Experience Rebecca Johnson created the program to support residents’ connection to the community and to one another. “We feel a sense of place but don’t necessarily articulate it,” says Johnson. This program allows residents to gather over time “to capture in your words why you feel as you do.”

Each Front Porch community has its own unique geography, Johnson explains. “When we hear the word geography we think, ‘mountains, landscapes,’ which is certainly part of it,” she says. “But geography is also everything that humans build. When we wrote the program, we were intentional about discussing both the physical and social aspects of geography.”

Sense of Place provides a safe environment for people who may not normally speak up in the community to address concerns. “Sense of Place is outside of the committee or council structure,” says Johnson. “Sometimes residents are looking for a new way to share their voice, a less formal way beyond the surveys and the committees that are already in place.”

“I marvel at people who have the ability to come forward and speak their thoughts,” said one resident participant at Friends House in Santa Rosa. “It doesn’t come as naturally to me, but after listening to others, I feel I can talk like that. I feel comfortable here. I feel I’m in the right place.”

Jeannie Pressey, executive director of Spring Lake Village in Santa Rosa says that Sense of Place is “an additional opportunity to gain insight from the residents on what’s working well and what they would like to see improved.”

Unlike a resident survey that provides a quantitative snapshot of the community at a moment in time, Sense of Place collects qualitative information that “puts the how, why, and what together in one place,” explains Mary McMullin, chief advancement officer for Front Porch. “A survey will tell us you think your community is great. Sense of Place allows us to understand why you think it’s great. It helps us identify rather than guess about the true community that’s here.”

Because residents were speaking directly with someone in person or on Zoom “instead of simply filling out the boxes on a survey, I feel that they were more comfortable in sharing their viewpoints,” Pressey notes. “And their views were clearly communicated as opposed to checking a box that says ‘are you satisfied? 1, 2, 3.’ You get some context on what people are trying to say.”

The program was open to any residents who wanted to participate, and a range of residents chose to join. “Having new and long-term residents in the same setting was critical,” Johnson says. She notes that newer residents who may have only experienced their community in the wake of the COVID pandemic with its lockdown protocols have a very different perspective than long-term residents who can recall and explain a community’s traditions. Meeting together gave residents a broader perspective on what community feels like based on their individual experiences.

Johnson compiled insights gathered during each session into reports for each participating community’s executive director, incorporating resident feedback, key questions, and recommendations for follow-up programs. Mark Nitsche, who became the executive director of San Francisco Towers during the Sense of Place pilot program, read the reports as a way to became familiar with the community. They allowed him to “really listen to what people are saying,” he recalls.

“People believe the ED is the last word, but it’s collaborative,” Nitsche says. Sense of Place allowed residents “to be a voice for the community and how you want to see community going forward. The program builds a sense of awareness, a sense of hope, and a sense of belonging.”

After testing the program as a pilot project at three Front Porch communities in 2022, Sense of Place is preparing to launch in more communities this year and may later be developed for use beyond the Front Porch system. Johnson is also gathering a working group to develop a new program called ATLAS, designed specifically for the new resident experience.

“Sense of Place is an influencer in decision making,” Johnson says. “It’s a platform for prioritizing the things that mean the most to residents, and one of those priorities is how residents, especially new residents, develop a sense of belonging and attachment in community. ATLAS is our natural next step.

“I’ve learned so much from the resident participants by leading this program. Each community is unique, with its own sense of place. This program has helped me to understand at a deep level what’s important for residents in their particular community. I can’t wait to discover more as we move forward with Sense of Place.”

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“I didn’t know what to expect when we moved, but we soon found out the staff here are great,” said Ed, who is known at the community as the unofficial ambassador to Casa Loma. “Staff got to know us and they made our transition very smooth. I’m glad this option was available to us. We settled into our new home that we call the honeymoon suite.”

While Bonnie, needed extra care, Ed wanted to remain as independent as possible. While living at Casa Loma, he continues to do all of things he loves, including exercise classes, Wii Bowling and weekly “spa” days. And as a retired Navy pilot, Ed especially loves using the flight simulator that’s part of Casa Loma’s iN2L system, an interactive, immersive jumbo touchscreen that provides person-centered, content-driven engagement for older adults.

“What many people do not understand is that assisted living is not skilled nursing,” Ed said. “Residents do not receive 24-hour care. Instead, they receive help as needed such as assistance with their medications, bathing, dressing, extra housekeeping or transportation. Or they need someone to escort them to activities or to the dining room. At Casa Loma, caregivers take excellent care of us.”

Casa Loma residents have access to the entire Casa de Mañana campus and its amenities. However, they have the option of taking advantage of Casa Loma’s private dining room, salon and barber shop, among other conveniences, as well as a unique life enrichment schedule, tailored to residents who may need extra help with their mobility.

In addition to the care services provided at Casa Loma, Casa de Mañana also offers Truly Yours, individualized personal care services delivered to residents throughout the entire campus who need just a small amount of scheduled personal care to help them through their day. 

“When anyone asks me about Casa Loma I tell them to take a tour and you will find out this community is the benchmark by which to measure all other communities.”

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“Right after we moved in we heard about the employee scholarship programs here, administered through what is now the Front Porch Communities Foundation, and that immediately piqued our interest,” Sue said. “As academics, we both know the value of a higher education. We also both benefited from scholarships, so we know how important it is to have that financial security in college.

Front Porch Communities Foundation scholarships not only benefit those who attend traditional two- and four-year colleges but also those attending trade schools, pursuing certificate programs (like nursing programs), continuing education or GED studies. Doug and Sue donate to the Foundation to benefit all three of Casa de Mañana’s scholarship funds: the general Employee Scholarship Fund, the Casa de Futuro Fund (for children of employees), and the King School Children Fund (gift cards and school supplies for elementary, middle and high school students).

“These scholarships can be used by many types of students,” Doug said. “We have one employee here at Casa who received a scholarship to take English classes. We love that.”

“One of the things we as educators do is to find out the needs of underserved populations and provide resources,” Doug said. “ We are happy to give them a hand toward success.”

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Jack soon switched to the violin and then at age 12 to the viola, which he has faithfully played for nearly 70 years. This includes in orchestras during his college and medical school years at Stanford and Duke universities, and for the past five years as part of a chamber music quartet.

Because of chamber music’s intimate nature, originally composed for the home (as opposed to that written for the theatre or church), the genre has been described as “the music of friends,” a definition that Jack takes to heart.

“Playing chamber music requires special skills, both musical and social, that differ from the skills required for playing solo or symphonic works,” Jack said. “You really have to listen to, know and understand the other players. When everyone is in sync, the results are amazing.”

Jack plays with three other highly skilled musicians: Martin Nass, violin; Willis Frisch, cello, a friend Jack has known for 50 years; fellow Casa de Mañana resident Cathy Comstock, violin. They play together as often as once a week, usually in Martin’s condo, a three-block walk from Casa in nearby La Jolla Village. The group selects a piece of music and the musicians learn their individual parts and then come together to unite them.

“It’s fun figuring out how everything goes together,” Jack said emphasizing that the group does not perform in public. “We like to perform for ourselves, just like a jam session. Our favorite string quartet pieces are usually those written by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven but we often explore composers such as Brahms, Ravel, and Debussy.  One of the attractions to playing string quartets is that there is such a rich literature written for this ensemble.”

To keep his skills sharp, Jack has attended music workshops throughout the U.S., England and Europe. He also said the unique mental challenges of playing chamber music keeps his mind sharp and fluid. During the 2020 pandemic restrictions, the quartet was unable to play together for more than a year, so when most of the restrictions were lifted, the group was excited to get back together.

Despite his deep passion for music, Jack decided not to pursue a professional music career at the advice of his father. “Although I very much enjoyed my career in medicine, if I had to choose between medicine and recreational playing of chamber music, there is no question that I would choose music,” Jack said. “However, being a music professor, my father was a shrewd judge of talent and he told me it would be very difficult to be successful as a professional musician and he was right. I have no regrets about my career path.”

Instead, Jack enjoyed a distinguished career as a pulmonologist in the San Diego area.

“I cherish the long-lasting friendships playing chamber music has given me,” Jack said. “And there is no better location to enjoy music that at Casa, a community right by the ocean with tons of charm and character.”

About Casa de Mañana

Casa de Mañana is a multi-level retirement community located in La Jolla, California that offers independent and assisted living care. Located on a breathtaking site overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a block away from a vibrant village, Casa de Mañana is La Jolla senior living at its best.

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