Is assisted living really just another kind of nursing home? Well, some of them. Not all assisted living communities are created with as much attention to detail in the programs they offer as the detail they have incorporated into the design of the building, itself. Developing an apartment complex that houses seniors isn’t the hard part. It’s creating the kind of environment that feels like one big happy family, or the kind of experience that makes great-grandchildren say, “Someday when I grow up, I want to live here, Nana.”

When residents of Highgate at Temecula move to the community later this summer, they’ll discover much to love about their new home. Here are just five unique programs you’ll find: 

1. Holistic Care

While traditional medicine focuses on healing or treatment of a particular ailment or diagnosis, holistic care focuses on the health of the whole person – mental, physical, social and emotional.

Here are three holistic care activities Highgate at Temecula will offer:

• Meditation: Meditation can relieve stress, help alleviate pain, and improve focus. According to a study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the effects of stress reduction found in meditation may also slow Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is the use of natural oils to enhance well-being. More than just nice smells, certain aromas can help reduce anxiety and pain, and promote appetite and sleep.
• Massage: Massage therapy can ease the symptoms of many physical disorders such as arthritis. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Couples Care

Even with the best of intentions, caregiving by a spouse can take a toll on the mind, body and spirit of the caregiver, as much as the person receiving care. At Temecula assisted living, couples can stay together and focus on their relationship while the care team focuses on the physical care needs. Highgate’s care team partners are trained above and beyond the state regulated expectations because caring for every resident like they are a part of the family is what drives us.

Since assisted living and memory care are under the same roof, a move to the memory care for a spouse means they will be just a short walk away.

3. Nutritious, Delicious Food

Highgate’s open-kitchen concept allows residents to interact with its award-winning chefs as they prepare made-to-order, from-scratch meals. Brazilian rotisserie meats, as well as flatbreads and pizzas from a hot-clay oven are just two of the many features – many with an international flair – your loved one will be surprised and delighted to find in their new home.

As your loved one ages, getting proper nutrition can be tricky. Our senses of smell and taste dull as we age. Medications can exacerbate this and take away our appetite, too. That’s why we put so much energy into providing healthy meals that are packed with flavor.

Above all, we know that sharing a delicious meal with friends is good for the body and soul.

4. Full Care for All

Full care for all means each person receives as much care as they want and not more than they need. It means that if your loved one has trouble with buttons, we'll help. If they prefer to dust their apartment, we won’t insist on doing it. This approach promotes independence, and that’s one of the keys to health and happiness.

It also means that our staff are trained to handle almost anything, and our team of clinical professionals are always available. Caring for residents with complex medical conditions and multiple medical conditions (dementia and diabetes or dementia and congestive heart failure, for example) is second nature.  

5. Dynamic Activities Program

As we age, fewer places and people “need” us like they used to. It’s easy to isolate and lose a sense of purpose. That’s why it’s so important to have a dynamic, purposefully planned activities program.

More than “things to do,” our activities program engages residents mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Activities help:

• increase appetite
• relieve chronic pain
• enhance communication
• improve thinking
• promote sleep
• build strength and balance

Although residents’ interests drive the focus and type, our program centers around a core set of activities such as:

• Physical activity – daily. Our goal is 15 minutes of weight-bearing exercise over the course of the day. The type varies with their interest and ability.  
• Small- and large-group activities – daily. These can range from card games and conversations on the patio to sing-a-longs, garden club, speakers and everything in between.  
• Afternoon tea served London-style – weekly.
• Outings – multiple times per week. There are at least one shopping trip and one dining out, “lunch bunch,” per week. There are also drives into the mountains, picnics, and outings to destinations like museums, the zoo, and even wineries. The options are virtually endless.  
• Couples – Whether it be a date night out, a specially planned date night in (if they aren't able to venture out), or couples-only game nights and evening drives, there is no shortage of activities for the couples that reside at Highgate.