Bob & Delores Mitchell
“I see a strong community spirit here, and it’s been a real inspiration to me.”
Bob and Delores Mitchell love living at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens. They’ve lived here since 2007. Bob is past president of the Resident’s Council, and he appreciates the fact that The Terraces welcomes resident involvement.
“We have a lot of input into what happens here,” says Bob, “and you really feel that you’re part of a community. There are lectures, plays, things to do and places to go. There are two great big state parks not far from here, and we’ve organized bus tours up the coast and train trips as far away as Branson, MO. This is a community that lets you be involved and build the community you want. You can build your own lifestyle, too.“
Delores agrees, and offers her thoughts on the value of community life at The Terraces:
“Dining here is exceptionally good. The MyChoice program makes all the difference. It adapts to you. So whatever dining preferences you have, that’s what you can do. This is a great place — the housekeeping, the daily activities, a wonderful meal program — they’re all plusses. And coming here is a gift to our family.”
“We were comfortable in our former home for a very long time,” adds Bob, “but it’s so much easier here — less stress, less running around. And there’s a lot here we can do that we couldn’t have done living in our home. I know this lifestyle is good for you.”
Wayne & Pat Locher
“Everyone here makes you feel as if there’s no one, and nothing, more important than you.”
Wayne and Pat have been living in their third-floor apartment in the Piazza building at The Terraces since August of 2009. They love travel, taking cruises and getting behind the wheel of the RV. But what they love most about living here are the genuine feelings of friendship they share with their neighbors, the concern and consideration shown by everyone connected with The Terraces, and the sense of belonging that living here seems to instill in residents.
“Whether you’re in the pool, fitness center, dining room or anywhere,” says Pat, “the good people who work here learn your name right away, as well as your preferences. The staff is incredibly friendly and outgoing, and they really care about you.”
“So do the other residents,” adds Wayne. “Everyone is so friendly; we have dinner with a different group each night. And if we happen to have been gone for a while, they notice and ask how we’re doing. It’s much like a big, happy family, and we watch out for each other as a family should.
“It’s difficult to isolate one thing we love most about The Terraces. The continuing care aspect may be the most important reason we decided to come. But we also didn’t want to live on a busy street or next door to a shopping center with no interior gardens or walking space, like other places we saw. We look out our window here and see palm trees, a beautiful swimming pool, and extensive gardens and garden walkways. It really lifts your spirits.”
Nera Ross Adams
“One morning, the astounding thought flashed through my mind that I no longer owned my home. My home now ‘owned’ me.”
Nera Ross Adams keeps a very full schedule. This remarkable mother of four (with three grandchildren) spent her career helping homeless women and children. She now spends her time volunteering, teaching, attending classes and pursuing her many interests. It’s no wonder that the time and attention required by her former home (four bedrooms, large lot and garden) proved to be overwhelming. She moved here in 2001.
“I tell people that I moved from my off-campus barn to my on-campus doll house,” says Ms. Adams. “I feel perfectly safe and contented here in my home.
“But what I love most are the people! I enjoy living where there is so much involvement in activities, and also solitude when desired. The staff here sincerely strives to provide a caring atmosphere for older people. We’ve become a family. Everybody is welcome. And everyone here comes to feel they are valued.”
Bob & Jean Kiehl
“We’re excited about the new adventure.”
For the past 35 years, Bob and Jean Kiehl have lived in their 2,900-square- foot home — three bedrooms, an office, spa, double-car driveway and garage. Then there’s the yard: a large lot with all sorts of trees — orange, peach, lemon, apple, pecan and walnut — grapevines, a rose garden and on and on. Lovely as it is, they say, “the place is just wearing us out.” That’s why they’ve reserved one of the newest, soon-to-be-completed residences at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens. They will still enjoy a beautiful outdoor setting, but with none of the work, and with so many additional benefits.
“It’s a turn in life’s journey,” says Jean. “It’s time to go on to the next step. I already love all the landscaping — the walkways, the fountains, the flowers and beautiful gardens. That’s one thing that made The Terraces stand out for us. There was nothing special about any of the other places we’ve seen.”
“Something else we really like,” says Bob, “are the levels of health care available to us. The security of dealing with ABHOW, which has a long track record of providing superior senior housing under a continuing care contract, is very appealing. If one of us ever needs some type of long-term care, we like the idea that we’d still be together and not have to move. That would be good for us — good for anybody, really.”
“But there will be so many things that interest us — fitness programs, music and cultural programs, dinners, plays, the philharmonic, all the classes — we’re looking ahead to the day our new home is ready.”