Spiritual Care is Just as Important as Care for Mind and Body at Vista del Monte

Posted on January 31, 2023

Traditionally, conversations about health and well-being focus on the mind and body, but spiritual health is also important. Spiritual health is nurtured by seeking meaning, purpose, and transcendence throughout the lifespan. "Some people's spirituality is deeply rooted in organized religion," said the Rev. Laura Mancuso, Spiritual Life Director at Vista del Monte retirement community. "Others are more practice-based than faith-based -- for example, a person who studies Buddhist teachings an…

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Falling Is Not a Normal Part of Aging.  Take These Smart Steps for Preventing Falls.

Posted on September 13, 2022

September 22, the first day of fall, is appropriately deemed national Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and is dedicated to raising awareness of falls and how to prevent them. As a leading provider of senior housing, Front Porch treats the risk of falling as a  very serious public health issue. No one thinks they are going to fall, but it happens. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. If you slip, trip or fall, it could change your life. You could break a bone, take a trip t…

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Residents Marilou and Peggy are Two Peas in a Pod at Vista del Monte

Posted on July 13, 2022

"Peggy is a carnivore and I'm closer to a vegetarian," quipped resident Marilou Shiells when explaining the only significant issue on which she and longtime friend Peggy Stivers differ. "We only disagree at the dinner table. Other than that, we're two peas in a pod." Pals, amigos, confidants, chums, bosom buddies: no matter what you call them, Peggy and Marilou certainly fit the bill. Marilou has lived at Vista for 17 years and Peggy for eight. Peggy first met Marilou during a tour of V…

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Come On In, the Water’s Fine! Vista’s Remodeled Indoor Pool is a Big Hit with Residents

Posted on April 5, 2022

Whether it's swimming, aquatic exercises, physical therapy or a friendly but spirited game of volleyball, Vista del Monte residents give the community's newly remodeled in-door pool an A+ rating. "I think it's the classiest pool in all of Santa Barbara," said resident Bill Boyd, who can be found enjoying water exercises on Tuesdays and Thursdays. "It's a tremendous asset for this community. It's one of the main reasons my wife and I moved in." The 16.5 X 8 meter indoor pool is consist…

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Alexa, What Time is My Exercise Class?

Posted on January 11, 2022

Vista del Monte resident Len Hoffman likes to shop online. But instead of using his keyboard and mouse to navigate to merchant websites on his laptop, he asks Alexa for help. "Alexa, go to Costco dot com," he says, and when Alexa instantly takes him to that destination, he politely replies ... "Thank you Alexa!" "It's just so convenient," Len said. "I have a lot of fun with it." Resident Marilou Shiells' favorite feature is used when she is ready for bed. Instead of turning the bedroom l…

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Summer House Residents Connect Through Drum Circle

Posted on November 2, 2021

Standing in a patio full of expressive faces, Vista del Monte Fitness & Aquatics Specialist Karen Rojas holds up a green drum shaped like a wineglass. "This one's called a djembe," she says. "It's from Ghana." The 10 or so residents live at Summer House at Vista del Monte, the retirement community's memory care neighborhood. "Give it a try," Karen said, placing a two-foot-tall drum beside a resident named Betsy, encouraging her to play. "How about Jingle Bells," Betsy called, t…

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Front Porch Chaplains Help Residents Explore the Many Facets of Spirituality

Posted on October 25, 2021

Samuel Schaar had not planned to be a chaplain. Prior to joining the team at Sunny View in Cupertino as the director of spiritual life, he served as a pastor in a local Methodist congregation. "I had served as a chaplain for one year in a hospital," he said. "I cherished the experience of that year, because it was a tremendous season of growth and learning for me. My time spent as a chaplain in this community has continued that learning journey and I have come to love the role more and more." …

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Have a Tech Problem You Need Help With at Vista del Monte? Who You Gonna Call? … Ellin Ostler

Posted on October 13, 2021

Self-taught tech wizard helps fellow residents navigate technology When Vista del Monte resident Joe Conway purchased a new laptop, he had trouble syncing his email to his cell phone. He also had an external hard drive that failed and needed to be restored. When he had problems with technology in the past, Joe would often seek help from sources outside of Vista. "I really didn't know who to trust and I found the people I hoped would help me found little success," said the retired teac…

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Demystifying Resident Contracts

Posted on September 21, 2021

For people who are considering moving to a community, many of the benefits are obvious: a beautiful location, friendly neighbors, great amenities, and supportive staff. But moving to a senior community is a big decision, and one that can raise many questions - especially when it comes to signing a contract or resident agreement. The resident agreement may seem imposing at first, but it also holds the answers to many questions prospective residents may have, such as: What's included and n…

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Dining Room and Pool Renovations Underway at Vista del Monte

Posted on May 18, 2021

As Vista del Monte looks toward the future, two major projects are underway at the community that will enhance the resident experience - the refurbishment of the indoor pool and the expansion of the dining room. "We're responding to our growing resident population and their needs and desires," said Executive Director Douglas Tucker. "These renovations will help meet those expectations." The 1,800 square-foot expansion to the dining room includes a new grand entrance, indoor-outdoor p…

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