"I’ve read all of the reviews and, since I’ve lived here for 4 years, I feel qualified to add some comments and correct some misconceptions. Mt. San Antonio Gardens is, unquestionably, a high quality place to move to when you reach a certain age. It is not cheap, but it is a life-care community, which means the fee you pay when you enter covers all levels of care you may need until you die. You pay a Founders fee, based on the unit you select, and a monthly care and service fee, also based on your unit. There is a discount if you’re under 75. There are 1 and 2 bedroom cottages, about 5 houses, and numerous 1-2 bedroom apartments in various areas around the Gardens campus. There are also studio apartments available in 3 buildings. All services, including dining, housekeeping, use of the wellness center, programs, gardening, are included in your monthly fees. All units are renovated, painted, etc., before new resident move in. Any special renovations—recessed lighting, special paint colors, additional bookcases, are paid for by residents. The monthly fees have NOT suddenly started to go up $1,000:a month. Increases are made annually, and are generally 5-7%.
There is a very attractive Social Center in the center of the Gardens that houses the dining room, large living room, library, and a large Assembly where the numerous programs take place. A recent program featured nationally known, local boy, Rod Gilfry, in concert. The dining room offers 3 meals a day 6 days a week. On Sundays there is a lovely main meal offered at noon. Sack lunches are available to take home for supper on Sundays. Residents have the option of reserved, served tables, or a buffet meal at lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a buffet, but you can place special orders for omelettes, etc. Dining Services offers several special receptions and dinners on holidays throughout the year. These are included in your monthly fees. You can also plan your own special dinners with the Chef that is served in a private dining room, or in the kitchen, for an extra charge.
Probably the most compelling reason to move to the Gardens is community. It is very easy to become isolated if you remain in your own home as you age, whether you are single, or have a partner. Once you retire, you lose that daily interaction, and you have to make an effort to stay involved with friends and in the community. When you reach your 70s and 80s, it’s also more challenging to take care of a yard and the many demands of maintaining a house, not to mention cooking 3 decent meals a day. It’s remarkable how freeing it is to suddenly have none of these responsibilities and to have someone else dealing with all of the cooking, cleaning, gardening and repairs where you live. But, the social interaction is the best part.
You can spend time with an amazing variety of very bright, engaging people at the Gardens at meals and various activities every day. Or, if you are less social, you can enjoy the benefits of the Garden—meals, programs (on TV)—in your own unit when you decide you need some down time. You are in charge when you move to the Gardens until you need a little, or a lot, of support. That is when the different levels of care are available, and you have already paid for what you need. Your children don’t have to step in and care for you. That is your gift to them, and to yourself! All it takes is planning ahead! Come for a visit and check it all out."
.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
