Aging is a time of growth, reflection, and new possibilities. As priorities shift and life evolves, having the right information and support can make all the difference.
Noozhawk’s Senior Life: Living Well and Aging Wisely highlights the resources, insights, and local experts who help older adults stay informed, engaged, and confident in this stage of life. Through conversations with community leaders and professionals, Noozhawk’s purpose is to share practical guidance and inspiring perspectives on aging well.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Peggy White, Community Relations Director of Westmont of Santa Barbara Senior Living, to learn how this local bank supports seniors in our community.
Westmont of Santa Barbara
Question: What inspired you to start your business, and how does it cater to the needs of the 55+ community?
Answer: We provide “age-in-place” living for seniors looking for future care needs; planning for possibilities of what’s next! At Westmont of Santa Barbara, we offer Independent, Assisted, Memory care programming as well as hospice and comfort care.
Q: What unique products or services do you offer that help seniors live well and age wisely?
A: Personalized wellness/care programs; Social engagement platforms; Transportation services; Creative Expression Opportunities; We offer comprehensive programming that help seniors genuinely enhance their lives.
Q: How does your business support seniors in staying active, healthy, or engaged in their community?
A: Through health and wellness programs; social engagement activities; offering clubs and interest groups; educatinal programs, lectures; safe environment; access to transportation for appointments and outlings
Q: Can you share a success story or testimonial from a senior who benefited from your services?
A: We have a resident move into our memory care, due to his care level and cognitive alertness at the time.
With our care programming and consistent health checks, we were able to ascertain, with their doctor’s oversight, that a medication alteration and our care programming could improve his abilities so much so that he might be able to to move to our Assisted Living community instead.
He did it within 6 months and is still here, flourishing with other residents every day!
Q: What trends are you seeing in the senior market, and how is your company adapting to meet those needs?
A: Aging population growth which means we need to adapt to a higher demand for diverse senior living options. there is more a focus on wellness and health, we have a PT trainer 2 times weekly for personalized fitness training, new menu plans to include better healthier meal choices for residents;
Offering more social engagements through out their day, fostering more social connections, live entertainment and lectures weekly.
Q: What advice do you have for seniors looking to improve their quality of life or achieve their goals?
A: Stay active, exercise, walk daily. Eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water! Remember to reach out to friend and stay engaged. Make a plan whether its learning a new skill or traveling, just make sure you stay engage in your life.
Q: How can readers learn more about your business or get started with your services?
A: Please call us at 805-265-4330 and ask for a tour! Go to our website.
Senior Living & Retirement Community
Q: What types of senior living options do you offer, and who is each option best suited for?
A: Independent, Assisted and Memory Care
Q: What amenities, services, or lifestyle features help residents feel comfortable, supported, and at home in your community?
A: Well designed apartments, creative, inviting common areas, such as libraries, lounges, and gardens. We also offer a variety of healthy, delicious meal plans tailored to dietary needs, along with a casual dining setting. We have an abundant activities program and cultural performances, and movie nights that cater to diverse interests and backgrounds.
Q: Are your communities pet-friendly, and what should residents know about bringing pets with them?
A: We know your pet is an important “being” in your life, and as long as you can care for your pet we have no problem allowing you to bring them with you.
Q: How do you support residents’ independence while still providing care or assistance as their needs change over time?
A: Personalized care plans – we conduct comprehensive assessments upon admission and regularly thereafter to determine each residents unique needs. We offer a tiered approach to care, allowing residents to choose the level of assistance they need at any given time.
Rather than imposing a fixed schedule of care we provide options for residents to request assistance as needed. Overall residents have a choice. They decide whether they want to participate in activities offered, helping residents maintain independence
Q: What advice would you give seniors or families who are beginning the process of choosing a retirement or senior living community?
A: 1) Evaluate the health care needs of your family member before you tour – go to your doctor and get an assessment, tell the doctor why you need it, they will help. By having the health assessment, communities have a better time helping to learn where your loved one lands on the spectrum of care due to needs they have at the time.
2) Find a community that is convenient for family to visit. even if for price you look at a community “out of the way” location wise then you will not be apt to make the trip to see your loved on as often. Its very important to visit as often as possible!
3) Do your research – check the web site, social media reviews, talk to your doctor, ask them for their opinions
4) Go with your gut – take a tour – walk in and see if staff are smiling, go see if residents are happy. Stop and talk to a resident ask them questions.
5) Ask if you can stay for lunch, try the food
Click here to learn more about Westmont of Santa Barbara.