This walkable neighborhood around Webster House provides those fortunate enough to live in this boutique community easy access to both cultural and culinary experiences that will fill your days. Whether you are interested in the evening concerts at the local Methodist Church or simply want to linger at a local café, the activities you enjoy are only a couple of blocks away.

A stroll down University Avenue provides a wide range of restaurants and shops to choose from. Local favorites for Webster House residents include Café Mademoiselle Colette, Verve Coffee, Redwood Café and Café Venetia, which are all within easy walking distance of their low-rise apartment homes. This accessibility highlights the essence of independent living in Palo Alto, where convenience and community go hand in hand.

For those interested in expanding their horizons or showing their support for the Cardinal, Stanford University is only one mile away, presenting even more opportunities for engagement and exploration. This proximity to such a prestigious institution further enhances the appeal of Webster House as a premiere choice for senior living in the Palo Alto area. You can also participate in community events, such as the local farmers market or community garden.

Living in a walkable neighborhood is increasingly recognized as a key component of healthy, sustainable living. The essence of a walkable community lies in its ability to support an active lifestyle, foster social interactions and provide easy access to daily necessities and amenities. Webster House, nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, exemplifies the pinnacle of walkable living, offering residents a unique blend of convenience, community and wellbeing.

Research has consistently shown that walkable neighborhoods contribute significantly to physical health by encouraging physical activity. Moreover, the Webster House community itself provides residents with a host of wellness activities, an outdoor heated pool, fine dining and access to care and support. The intimate community ensures that you’ll know your neighbors and find connections and camaraderie. 

In addition to the rich amenities and cultural opportunities highlighted, Webster House is also at the forefront of offering luxury senior living in Palo Alto. Each apartment is designed with the comfort and convenience of its residents in mind, ensuring a high standard of living that caters to the specific needs of seniors. The modern finishes and thoughtful layouts provide an unmatched level of elegance and functionality, making it easy for residents to feel truly at home.

Beyond the physical comforts, Webster House places a strong emphasis on creating a vibrant and supportive community atmosphere. Regularly scheduled social events, classes and gatherings encourage residents to engage with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. This aspect of social interaction is crucial for a fulfilling senior living experience, allowing residents to form meaningful connections and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Safety and security are paramount at Webster House, with measures in place to ensure that residents feel secure at all times. From emergency response systems in each apartment to the presence of attentive staff around the clock, every detail has been considered to provide peace of mind for both residents and their loved ones.

The commitment to wellness extends to the dining experiences offered at Webster House. Nutritionally balanced chef-prepared meals are available, featuring a variety of cuisines to cater to diverse palates and dietary needs. Dining together not only provides nutritional benefits but also serves as another opportunity for residents to connect and share stories over delicious food.

Palo Alto is a culinary haven with an impressive array of dining options all within walking distance. From the comforting ambiance of Fambrini’s Café to the innovative dishes at Son & Garden and the exquisite Mediterranean flavors at Evvia Estiatorio, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The diverse and vibrant restaurant scene around Webster House ensures that residents have access to some of the best dining experiences Palo Alto has to offer, making every meal and adventure waiting to be discovered.

Choosing Webster House means embracing a lifestyle where every need is met with care and every day offers new possibilities for joy and fulfillment. It represents the pinnacle of senior living in Palo Alto.

Come take a walk around Webster House! Schedule a tour and see for yourself how life here seamlessly blends comfort, culture and community, major factors when looking for senior living in Palo Alto. Experience firsthand why Webster House is not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

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The fact is, being smart means you don’t put off planning ahead. You didn’t put off planning in your younger years, and you’re not going to live the rest of your life passively either. You’re proactive, not reactive, when it comes to your health, finances, and goals. You’ve dreamt big and planned big. We’re here to support you in making those plans and dreams become your reality in a community that feels like home.

By considering a move to a Covia Community, you’re beginning the process of giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind. In fact, a recent Age Well Study by Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging found that people living in life plan or continuing care retirement communities demonstrate higher levels of social, physical, and intellectual wellness.  Add to that our expanded health care resources, and your worries are minimized as you age, knowing you have a team to work with you as your needs change.

Another benefit that makes our residents smarter than the average 70-year-old has to do with maintenance. As you consider the never-ending routine of home care, you’re taking into account what that might mean five, 10, or 20 years down the road. Moving to a Covia Community means no more caring for a house that’s bigger than your lifestyle or a yard that requires continued upkeep.

Along with peace of mind, you’re aware of the social benefits of moving to a community. All your life you’ve surrounded yourself with friends and community. You got to know your neighbors, got involved in your community, and made friendships that lasted. At any of our communities, you’ll be surrounded by people like you – intelligent older adults with diverse backgrounds in a similar stage of life.

Activities and exercise are always close by, with an array of options and a supportive staff always available to you. Whether you want to play bocce in Sonoma County wine country, take an easy walk to the Monterey shoreline, or join an exercise program in your community’s fitness center, Covia Communities have activities to suit your needs. It’s the convenience that sets us apart. Instead of traveling to exercise or trying to find creative ways to stay fit while at home, a life plan or continuing care retirement community naturally makes life easier and more enjoyable.

So, are you REALLY smarter than the average 70-year-old? Odds are you know the answer. You’re already aware of Covia’s reputation as a clear leader in senior living. You’ve planned, you’ve saved, and you’ve lived life with joy. Being smart means you know there’s more to come. All it takes is that next step. We’d love to meet with you and learn more about what that looks like to you.

Smart seniors like you have been choosing Covia for years. Are you ready to add your name to that list?

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When people move to a Covia Community, they don’t just get a new address. Our residents root themselves into the kind of community they once enjoyed with long-time neighbors and friends. Once they settle in to one of our communities, it often isn’t long before new connections grow and blossom.

It starts with the natural sense of community we cultivate every day. You’re surrounded by neighbors who will soon become friends. Before you know you it, you’re enjoying meaningful conversations, over dinner or drinks, or finding others who share your interests and hobbies – and a mutual place to share them.

You become part of a community where health, hospitality, and engagement are built in. You’ll form new friendships, find new interests, or discover how to dig deeper into passions you already have.

The list of ways to cultivate a new community of neighbors is seemingly endless.

If it’s the outdoors you seek, our communities have plenty to offer. From walking trails to community gardens, nature is at your beck and call, with others to join you on the path, if you desire.

If you’re a “roll up your sleeves” and “get in on the action” type of person, we’ve got plenty of ways for you to do just that. You might find connections by getting involved through joining a resident committee or the resident council.

Are you more interested in cultural events and activities? Whether it’s musical events, films, literature, visual arts, or trips to local museums or cultural centers, you can find events on the community calendar and like-minded people who share your interests.

Or if you’re simply looking for opportunities to connect over a meal or casual conversations with neighbors who know you, there’s a Covia solution in a community that feels like a home and more.

Belonging goes hand-in-hand with being a resident at one of our communities. The list of ways to build connections is as big as you might imagine – and may even be bigger. It’s worth exploring. All you need to do to get started is reach out and schedule a visit.

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For many of our residents, being a life-long learner is an essential part of who they are. Helping to feed this hunger for knowledge shapes many of our programs. A great example of this is our partnership with the University of California Retiree Learning Series. In May residents across all of our communities will participate in a lecture by distinguished UC Berkeley Professor Emeritus Richard A. Walker about the New Deal and our nation’s history of public works.  In June, a panel of local experts will provide a real estate reality check to separate fact from fiction about the current housing market. Across all our events, our goal is to support different interests and inspire great conversations. Add to that local programs, exercise offerings, cultural events, and community interest activities, and a well-rounded, involved life at our communities is easy to achieve.

As the world around us begins to slowly open up, the science of socialization and involvement is top of mind. The past year has been difficult and frustrating, but it’s also demonstrated the creativity of Covia residents and our staff when it comes to staying involved and connected. Thanks to the vaccine, we’re looking forward to the days when the pandemic is in the rearview mirror and more of what we can do can be in person. But the reality is, involvement is really a sort of “booster” to the important role of engagement in healthy aging. Here are some interesting facts worth sharing:

According to the CDC, the link between an active lifestyle and involvement is directly tied to our overall physical and mental health. This only increases as we age.

The CDC also reports that learning or getting involved in a new activity provides a form of “insurance” against memory loss. While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, staying active and eager to learn is the best preventive care you can find.

Even now, one of the most common phrases we hear from residents is, “I wish I’d moved in sooner.” The opportunities across our communities to get involved and connected is a key reason for that. Most of our residents have lived active lives full of social events, raising families, volunteer activities, meaningful careers, and varied interests.

The stereotype that a senior living community is for those who are slowing down couldn’t be further from the truth, and our residents demonstrate that every day.

As we begin to move towards a post-pandemic world, there’s no better time to get involved. Join us for one of our upcoming lectures. Or come visit one of our communities. We’d love to be part of that journey with you, and to continue to provide the very best in senior living lifestyle options that we truly believe are second-to-none!

The post Covia Communities Make It Easy to Stay Active and Involved appeared first on Front Porch.

“I applied not knowing what I was getting into,” she says. “In my mind, I thought ‘nursing home’ and had a picture in my mind of what that was like. So I came here for my interview and I looked around, and it was the exact opposite of what I expected.”

Yuen remembers her first day as a server in the dining room. “The very first table I took was three residents. One of them, named Pat Holland, took my hand and said, ‘Don’t worry. You’re going to be just fine.’ That was the start of my journey here.”

Yuen continued to work part time as a server through high school and as she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health from San Francisco State University. Although she had originally planned to become an RN and work with children, her plans began to change as her grandfather’s health declined. “Because of the type of care I got to witness here [at St. Paul’s], I knew what was dignified and what was demoralizing. I was that annoying granddaughter, always constantly saying, ‘Are you supposed to do this? Are you sure that you’re supposed to pass this off to the residents?’, but it was just because of my love for him. And because of what I saw here, I knew what was right and what was wrong.”

VP of Operations Chris Ichien, who also began his career in senior living in the dining room, was the Executive Director of St. Paul’s Towers after Yuen graduated and as she continued to work as a server and host. “Chris approached me one day and said ‘Hey, there’s a program coordinator job coming up soon. Do you think you’d be interested? I think you’d be good at it.’ And I said, why not?”

Serving as program coordinator gave Yuen the chance to connect with residents in a different way. “When you’re serving every day, you build relationships, you become good friends with the residents and you know their patterns, you know their preferences,” she says. “With the programs job, I got to dig a little deeper. I got to know their history, their life, their hobbies, their interests, and what would drove them. I really enjoyed doing that.”

After six years as program coordinator, Yuen was promoted to Life Enrichment Director, allowing her to work with residents at all levels of care. “Prior to that, I was only focusing on Independent Living, which is great, but I really want to expand my horizons. We made it a point to make sure everybody has the same opportunities and everybody is included.”

She participated in the EMERGE leadership development program offered by LeadingAge California, and she began a Masters in Gerontology program at San Francisco State University. After an 8-hour day at St. Paul’s Towers, she would head to San Francisco for classes. “It was a long day, but I really had fun,” says Yuen. “I saw a bigger picture and had more goals I wanted to fulfill.” She also worked as an Administrator in Training while working towards her Masters degree.

In February 2020, as she was preparing for graduation in May, the health care administrator position at St. Paul’s Towers opened up. Yuen took on the role, working primarily in the Skilled Nursing area and with the clinical team.

“I was very excited to be given that opportunity,” she says. “Again, that opened up a brand new set of opportunities, where I could serve the residents of the different capacity. Whereas before I got to help them with their interests, enriching their lives with programming and keeping them engaged, now I get to do a little bit more clinical work, which was what I wanted to do when I wanted to be an RN. I felt like I got to fulfill that as well.”

In January 2021, when Executive Director Mary Linde announced she would be leaving, she encouraged Yuen to apply. “I knew that was something I wanted to do. I just didn’t know if I wanted to do it right now. I thought about it over the weekend, and I said why not apply? I feel like I’ve been training with Mary for a reason. She has given me a lot of opportunities to learn, to make mistakes, and to grow. I felt like that was all leading up to this point.” After interviewing for the position, Connie began in her new role as Executive Director in March.

During her time at St. Paul’s Towers, Yuen says the biggest thing she’s learned is “there is no cookie cutter way of doing things. What worked last month does not work now. You always learn to adapt. You get to know the people you’re serving and you just embrace it.

“Right now, we have a very different group of people moving in. Some of them are quite a bit younger and they have different needs and wants, whereas when I first started everybody was very formal. You just have to keep in tune with what’s going on in the outside world, as well as in here.” Being an Executive Director is “a lot of responsibility, but it means that people are trusting me to do what’s best for them,”

Yuen still remembers the advice she got on her first day, when a resident held her hand and told her it was going to be OK. “I remember seeing her just a couple days before she passed. I went to go visit her in her room. She held my hand and she said it’s going to be okay. Sometimes I just have to remind myself it’s hard right now but it’s going to be okay because you’re doing what’s best for everybody.”

“For me it’s more than more than just the job,” says Yuen. “It’s maintaining these relationships and making sure that these final years are full of dignity. That’s a huge thing for me.”

If you would like to learn more about St. Paul’s Towers, please call 510.891.8542 or use the contact us form here.

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“Since March of last year, I have been creating monthly packets for our residents to give them something to do while they are safe at home. The packets includes a variety of puzzles and brain teasers, easy recipes, and a letter with helpful information about Coronavirus from the CDC, all translated into the different languages spoken by our residents.”  

“Some residents will complete the entire packet and return it to me, a sign that they are engaged and enjoying the handouts,” Aliona says. “We have been able to do some group activities outside. Even though it’s sometimes cold, our residents show up for socially-distanced bingo! On holiday crafts day, residents still came out to make holiday cards and cookie ornaments even though it was a bit windy.”

Aliona’s favorite part of her role at Oak Center Towers is getting to know the residents. “Despite some language barriers, I feel connected and appreciated. I love the chuckles when I say ‘good morning’ or ‘thank you’ in Cantonese, Korean, or Tigrinya. It’s challenging not to be able to verbally communicate extensively with everyone, but they are still able to let me know they enjoyed an activity I organized, which makes me feel good about my work,” Aliona says.  “I especially enjoyed being able to deliver handmade cards created by volunteers from Creative Spark, Covia’s creative aging program. It was during a time when I felt like a small thing like a card with an inspirational message could brighten someone’s day! Shout out to the Creative Spark team!”

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As part of what was labeled a “Public Safety Power Shutoff event” by PG&E and dubbed a “Massive Blackout” by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Spring Lake Village residents and staff were without electrical power midweek during the second week in October 2019.

Residents and staff relied on generators—big and small— battery-operated lanterns, ingenuity, problem solving and community spirit to weather the corporate-made outage.

Planning for a big storm or an earthquake started in the 2013 re-model of the Village Center when a new generator system was installed. This generator powered the kitchen and emergency lighting throughout the week. “Don’t worry, we’ll have lots to eat,” promised Dining Director Larry Brooks.

Melissa Anderson, Activities Director for Assisted Living residents, reports, “The kitchen was amazing, making sure our residents had hot food for all our meals, even though our own kitchen was down. With no elevators, Assisted Living staff went up and down stairs to be sure that the 16 residents on the 2nd floor had all they needed. The staff joked that we lost 10 pounds each in the stair climbing.”

Programs and activities for residents throughout campus continued – with changes necessitated by the lack of electrical power. A 2000 piece Cinque Terre puzzle donated by a resident was moved next to the Great Hall windows for better light. Dogs helped their resident owners stick to a walking schedule, regardless of a power outage.

The swimming pool closing was expected due to the need for filter, circulation and pool heating systems. What was unexpected was the prompt steaming up of the floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the heated pool area. With the power outage, there was a fear of mold developing from lack of air circulation. Staff rigged up generators and fans to keep the air moving.

A power strip and generator with the sign Charging Station turned out to be a big hit. “What started as a single table, doubled in size to accommodate the demand as dozens of devices were recharged at the station on the Creekside Patio,” reported Facilities Director Dennis McLean.

Seventy motion-detector, solar-powered walkway lights installed in September lit up the covered sidewalks. The lights worked well during the power outage. For many residents, the first and last word was “the lantern” which lit up kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and halls. “You need to have at least three,” was the agreed-to number. “I bought four for Christmas gifts and used them all,” exclaimed another resident.

Small generators were threaded into the business offices around the Village Center and Resident Health Services. Keeping computers going was essential to maintain “business as usual.”

No power meant no school, but if you were lucky, you became part of the impromptu Spring Lake Village Take Your Kids to Work Day. Bistro Sous Chef Adrian Alberto brought his three daughters to work to provide a no-school day option. Housekeeper Carmen provided on-the-spot assistance with activities. “We wanted to make sure our staff had an option for taking care of their kids,” reports Assistant Executive Director Kris Hermanson on the “bring your kids” impromptu program.

Anderson adds, “As we delivered the trays, the residents were so concerned about us, asking about our kids, our homes, our families and our power situation, wanting to make sure we were safe. The residents adapted to the routine, without a negative word. We are family.”

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The Village People, Spring Lake Village’s entrant in the Sonoma County Wine Country Games (commonly known as the Senior Games), won their first medal on May 31, 2019, taking third place in the bocce tournament. The team included Capt. Sue Guerra, Don Allison, Brenda and Butch Dippel, Pete Guerra, and Barbara Ware, all residents of Spring Lake Village, a Covia Life Plan Community in Santa Rosa.

The Sonoma County Wine Country Games, a program benefiting the Council on Aging, encourages healthy activity and social engagement for anyone 50+ through education, connections, and the spirited competition of sport, inspiring all to take an active role in determining the quality of their aging experience. Along with bocce, events include basketball, cycling, pickleball, tennis, volleyball and more.

In the bocce tournament, teams competed with each team playing three 50-minute games.  If teams did not finish in 50 minutes, the existing score at the time was used. At the end of the three games, four teams were eliminated from competition based on number of games won and point count.  The two remaining teams with the highest point count played each other for first and second place.  The two other remaining teams played for third place.

In the first round, The Village People beat a team from Oakmont called Varenna #2, lost to Fountaingrove (another Oakmont Team), and beat the Collectiballs, a Santa Rosa league team, giving them enough points and wins to progress to the second round. After defeating Varenna #2 a second time, the Village People squared off against the Go Getters for their chance to win the bronze medal.

Congratulations to the Village People for their third place win!

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Raspberry-Jalapeño Pepper Jelly
1 4-oz can diced jalapeño peppers, drained
1 medium-large red bell pepper, diced
1 ½ – 2 cups fresh raspberries
1 ½ cups white vinegar
6 cups sugar
1 packet Certo fruit pectin (there are two in each box)
Red food coloring (optional)

Place in blender the first three ingredients and blend until there are no large particles, adding a little of the vinegar if it’s too thick to blend well. Place in large pan with the rest of the vinegar and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring throughout. Add the sugar; bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the Certo and a little red food coloring, if desired (I do). Spoon the foam from the top. Pour into 7 or 8 half-pint jars, that have been sterilized by boiling. Cover with the sterilized sealing rings and tightly screw on the tops. You will hear them popping within an hour to make sure they are sealed. Don’t move for several hours. I serve with crackers and cream cheese.

Enjoy!

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Held during International Active Aging Week, the Wellness Games celebrate all dimensions of wellness, including social, emotional, intellectual, physical, occupational, environmental, spiritual, and financial wellness.

According to Spring Lake Village Director of Wellness Diane Waltz, “Wellness is an expanded idea of health and means more than the absence of disease. It is much more than being in good physical health, exercising regularly, and eating right. True wellness is determined by the decisions one makes about how to live life with vitality and meaning.”

Each year’s Wellness Games include a wide array of activities such as a walk-a-thon, treasure hunt, table tennis tournament, sing-a-long, bird walk, brain fitness challenges, poetry readings, and the ever-popular SLV’s Got Talent Show. Participants can win points for an activity in any of the eight dimensions of wellness. For example, they can get physical wellness points for going for a walk; earn emotional wellness points by smiling five times a day; collect intellectual wellness points by reading the newspaper or doing a crossword puzzle; gain social wellness points by playing bridge with a friend; or add environmental points by recycling.

The games are open to residents and staff across the community. Residents and staff are randomly assigned to one of six color teams. Participants are notified of their color team assignment the week before the games begin and given a team color button or bracelet to wear throughout the week. The team getting the most points receives a team photo and color team recognition on the Wellness Games Plaque displayed in the Montgomery Center for a year.

But everyone benefits from Wellness Week as it builds relationships and community throughout Spring Lake Village. And it’s fun. Waltz says, “I love that it brings residents across all levels of care and employees across all departments together for a week of fun activities that promote all dimensions of wellness.”

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