Their philosophy includes treating everyone with dignity and respect

From left, Director of Sales and Marketing Jamie Davies, residents Beverly Shaw and Jake Dehaeseleer, and Executive Director Jennifer Bruhn after a 1920’s-themed lunch. Photo by Marty Cheek

By Robert Airoldi

There’s a philosophy at Loma Clara Senior Living that permeates throughout the community: “No one has the same fingerprint. Respect, dignity and choice.”

And it’s that philosophy that makes the community such a beautiful place to live, resident Mary Nolan, 81, said, before heading off on a shopping trip to TJ Maxx in Morgan Hill.

“It is home,” she said.

Photo by Mark Fenichel Residents Jim Botelho and Mary Nolan relax in one of the community living areas.

Loma Clara Senior Living provides residents a unique lifestyle that encourages them to maintain their independence with the comfort of knowing that a team of caring professionals is always available to them.

The community features beautiful Craftsman-style architecture. It’s 62,000-square-feet on 1.7 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, a large, interior courtyard and walking paths, personal gardening areas, a fireplace, dog park, outdoor fountain, and putting green. It consists of 42 assisted living homes and 25 memory care suites that are sensible and private in an intimate setting. They include studios, one and two bedrooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. The community is currently at 80 percent full.

Residents can enjoy the freedom to control their day-to-day routine, said Director of Sales and Marketing Jamie Davies.

“We like to have fun here,” she said. “We all have our families, but our residents are our family as well.”

And that attitude is evident as staff and residents look out for each other and really seem to enjoy each other’s company.

“People like Jamie are kind, generous and loving,” 84-year-old resident Jim Botelho said. “She goes out of her way to help us with whatever we need. The entire staff is helpful and considerate.”

Davies said Loma Clara offers a restaurant-inspired dining experience that aims to celebrate, engage and elevate meals to address residents’ palates and create a menu that focuses on resident’s regional favorites. They aim to honor their journeys through life by highlighting their signature recipes. They also have meetings that promote open communication between residents and the culinary team to enhance the community’s dining experience.

“Chef Ruben loves to be in the room with residents,” Davies said. “He meets with them to see what it is they like and want, such as regional or international meals that they are familiar with.”

Nolan agreed.

“He is a very good chef who goes out of his way for us,” she said. “The food is really delicious.”

There is a private dining room that can be reserved for special occasions, a library room, theater, senior-friendly gym, vibrant life area and a multi-purpose room where residents play bingo, card games, keep up on current events, enjoy coffee and donuts and even paint and sip events, among a crowded calendar of events that really keeps residents active and busy, Davies explained.

There is a resident-inspired social calendar featuring leisure, educational and social activities through the Vibrant Life program. Jamison Jossis, the Vibrant Life director who, like Chef Ruben, meets and talks with residents to see what it is they enjoy and plans events and programs for their needs and desires. The community throws a monthly birthday party for residents.

The Generations Memory Care provides personalized and tailored care for each residents and is especially true for residents who are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. It follows the philosophy of a person-centric culture where one is not identified by their disease or behavior.

“We try to celebrate and highlight the abilities of those we serve,” Davies said. The staff has extensive training that emphasizes techniques, teachable moments and meaningful engagement that lead to staff making connections with each individual. That was evident as Davies and Executive Director Jennifer Bruhn strolled through at lunch time, taking a moment to interact with residents.

“We try to accommodate everyone’s special needs,” Davies said.

For more information, visit www.lomaclaraseniorliving.com.