Emeritus at Stonebridge Ranch

The whole place is a wonderfully managed facility. The staff are always helpful and nice and remember all the patients by name. The kitchen and dining area is well decorated and doesn't have the "sterile hospital" type look to it that I have seen at other nursing homes. The rooms and hallways are always clean and well maintained.

My family used to volunteer here every few weeks as part of the church I used to attend. Every week, someone from our church went to go teach a short, simple Christian sermon. The weeks that it was my dad's turn to teach, our whole family went. This particular nursing home is one of the cleanest, well-kept nursing homes I've been to. I'd volunteered at a few nursing homes before and had seen ones dirtier than others. The staff actually seemed to care about the residents here; the residents were treated well and most were happy with their stay. The facility provided many activities for the residents to participate in: bingo night, hair and nail days for the women, church services, holiday dinners. Many of the residents were cheerful, they were rarely ignored by the staff, if ever. I always found it sweet when the staff knew the residents by name; instead of just another number, residents were treated well.

After 60 years of living in San Diego, California, at the tender age of 82, the idea of change was not something easily embraced. Yet, I was fully aware that my health issues were going to need more assistance as the years passed.
Emeritus at Stonebridge Ranch was my final decision for many reasons. First of all, no matter how cosmetically beautiful a place is, and this place certainly has an elegant style, it ultimately comes down to the staff providing the service for me. From the front desk, to the nurse's station, there must be genuine people who care. Here, there is an atmosphere of love and concern. The staff takes the time to know each resident as an individual with individual needs and concerns. There is a family atmosphere which spills into all aspects. Because of its size it is possible to get to know every one at least on a first name basis. We can help each other if necessary, make friends, share experiences. Also there is a real effort made to offer activities so that we can stay as busy as we chose to be. Not having to clean or cook contributes to the relaxed atmosphere.
Sometimes in the morning when I look out of my cozy apartment onto the patio where I keep my flowers, I realize that my moving here all the way from California on my own was a rather bold move. Now I realize its been over four years since I made that decision. Then I smile because I know that this is home.