Highgate’s mission statement (Devoting ourselves to helping every resident live a life of purpose) isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a way of life. “The mission statement is what drew me here. It’s something I try and live by myself, even before working at Highgate.” Katrina Custodio, Life Enhancement Coordinator for Highgate at Temecula, joined the team at Highgate at Temecula in March of 2018.

A Cal State San Marcos graduate with a major in Human Development and Adult and Gerontology Services, Katrina has always been drawn to working with the senior population. After graduating college in 2013, she immediately started working at her first senior living community.  “I love it. Most days, I forget this is a job,” says Custodio.

The mission statement is what drives the life enhancement program at Highgate at Temecula. “We really get to know our residents – their stories, their families, their interests and their passions – so that no matter what age or what ailment, we can support them in living a meaningful and fulfilling life,” says Adam Bryan, Vice President of Sales for Highgate Senior Living.

And the extensive time getting to know the residents, their interests and their passions, has created a dynamic, multi-dimensional life enhancement program in Temecula. “I’ve introduced them to origami for arts and crafts. A lot of our residents are of European decent, so I am introducing them to other cultures.”

“Music is also a very large interest here, so, I’ve been trying to incorporate that as much as possible. So, for arts and crafts, I’ll put on background music. We had a lady today who loves classical music, so that’s what we listened to. Sensory wise, we are engaging them through sight and sound at the activity.”

In the morning, residents can be found in the courtyard filled with orange trees, tending to the raised gardening beds. “The recreation program plays a very large part in giving residents the opportunity to live a life of purpose. Whether it’s making them feel needed or giving them the independence to enjoy activities they once did. We can adapt and modify almost anything, so they can enjoy things they used to love.” 

Whether it’s having the raised garden bed for those who had a green thumb or modifying an exercise class for the athletic-at-heart, Custodio enjoys taking on the challenge of bringing passion back into the lives of the residents at Highgate. “My purpose is to find the things they used to do and letting them fall in love with it all over again. Giving them that encouragement and showing them that it doesn’t matter their age or abilities, they can continue to do what they love to do- I love it.”

Learn more about the activities offered at Highgate at Temecula or schedule a visit to the community today.