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Wood Glen Hall Offers Serene Senior Living in Scenic Santa Barbara Foothills
Wood Glen Hall in the scenic foothills of Santa Barbara, provides local seniors with independent and assisted living that is second to none.
Wood Glen Hall, 3010 Foothill Road, was a model for the times when it was built in 1956 by Ailene and Adrian Wood, and their visionary mission remains just as true today: “To operate a nonprofit retirement residence that provides affordable quality care and support services to ensure that California’s Central Coast seniors may live their later years with security and dignity and as independently as they are able.”
The Woods’ far-sighted philanthropy provided more than $1 million to build the original structure, and additional funds to furnish the rooms, offices and community areas.
“People have been driving by Wood Glen Hall for years,” said administrator Colleen Lewis, “but the community is not always aware that we are a retirement community, and they are very surprised when they see how large and beautiful the grounds and building are.”
With up to 60 residents and 35 full-time staff members, each guest of Wood Glen Hall receives superior attention and care. Every room in the classic estate is private, with its own private bath, and it is all one level, making it fully accessible to seniors.
A full-time activities program, meals, housekeeping and medication management are just a few of the things that are included in the low monthly fee. Residents pay month-to-month, and there is no buy-in fee.
A few of the activities offered include a book club, weekly cooking classes, current events classes, chorus groups, yoga and exercise classes, and wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings. There is a lovely Steinway grand piano available for some of the more musically inclined residents. A computer room provides residents with daily Internet access. There is even a Nintendo Wii, which Lewis says is a favorite of those seniors who just can’t get enough of their morning bowling!
Original artwork adorns the hallways, and every room has a view of the ubiquitous gardens and courtyards. According to Lewis, the surrounding areas of the estate are the only thing more impressive than the interior.
There is a walking path that goes around the building for a quarter-mile, so residents can exercise daily while taking in the beautifully kept gardens. Avocado, lemon and orange trees line the path, and there are several benches on which residents can take a break for some contemplative repose.
A full-time registered nurse is available for residents, as well as a full-time van for medical appointments. Several of the staff members have been at Wood Glen for more than 15 years, and Lewis says the residents can feel confident that they are in great hands.
“Everybody watches out for everybody,” said Lewis. “It’s large enough to have a lot of freedom, but small enough to feel like a family.”
A half-century after it was founded, Wood Glen Hall continues its mission to offer affordable, independent and assisted living for seniors.
Click here for more information on Wood Glen Hall, or call 805.687.7771.
— Noozhawk contributing writer Kevin McFadden can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
» wrote on 06.23.10 @ 05:19 PM
This facility is fantastic. We have had my wonderful mother in law living there for 3 years and she (or the family) never had had occasion for complaint. I would recommend Woodglen Hall without reservations. While the grounds are lovely, it is really the terrific people who work there, who genuinely care about the residents, who make it special and warm and comfortable.
» wrote on 07.24.10 @ 10:21 AM
I second sbdeb’s comments. My mother is a resident at WGH and I cannot say enough as to the stellar care she receives. She loves all the staff members and I have no doubt that they genuinely care about her too. I live in Oregon and it is not easy being so far away from my mother, however, I feel she is in very capable hands and well looked after which is a great comfort to me.
» wrote on 07.25.10 @ 01:51 PM
Wood Glen can be good for many seniors. It and its staff also have drawbacks. For instance, not allowing another resident to pick up mail for another - this in an effort to make the mail recipient walk to the front desk for “her own good”. When I challenged this decision on behalf of the resident, the staff backed down - albeit reluctantly. Many of the residents need outside ombudsmen which is true of most - if not all - such residences.
» wrote on 07.26.10 @ 09:14 AM
When I was faced with moving my mother from Chicago and had to find to find a place for her to live that would fit her budget as well as her needs, the only facility that I considered was Wood Glen Hall. I have yet to be disappointed. The care and oversight provided by Colleen, Vonda and the staff is excellent. The food is good and the fabulous activity team, Fred De Lorenzo and Laura Lynn are incomparable. I am amazed at the schedule of activities, movies, card games and cooking classes which keep the residents busy, engaged and socializing all day long. When my mother is ill or doesn’t come to a meal, I know about it immediately. I have great trust in the staff. Wood Glen Hall is the best kept secret in Santa Barbara for seniors who need assistance with daily living skills.
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