New Years is a great time to reflect on the past year, and look ahead to new opportunities. As we think about what we want to do and who we want to be in 2024, our staff members and residents have been making new year's resolutions. From spending more time with family and friends, to focusing on health, or simply being thankful for everything they have, our residents shared their resolutions for 2024.
Cinthya Gamino is the Executive Director at Healdsburg Senior Living, one of Pacifica Senior Living's Aura communities in Healdsburg, California. Having worked for Pacifica for several years, she has learnt and grown so much, all the while giving back to her team and residents. We sat down with her to talk about her inspiring story of ambition, and how she has risen through the ranks of Pacifica Senior Living, accomplishing her dreams every step of the way.
At Pacifica Senior Living, we love giving back to our local communities. From coast to coast, our Senior Living communities are involved with charity organizations and fundraising on both a national and neighborhood level.
Whether it is participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, donating to local animal shelters, collecting Toys for Tots during the holidays, or raising funds for local charities, our communities love getting involved and giving back.
Giving back not only changes the lives of those we give to, but it can also be powerful for our residents. Volunteering can create a sense of purpose, be linked to higher self-esteem, and encourage social connections and community. Volunteering time, donating, and raising both awareness and funds can help both sides, improving emotional and mental wellbeing, especially in seniors or retired individuals looking to fill their days with meaning.
As a company, Pacifica Senior Living partners with associations and charities where our team members and residents can give back in meaningful ways. Our biggest partnership is with the Alzheimer’s Association. We work with them to raise money and awareness throughout the year. One of our biggest events is participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s where staff, residents and loved ones come together to raise money and walk in support of those living with dementia.
This past month we asked our culinary teams and chefs from across all our communities to recreate their favorite holiday dessert. From cookies to chocolate truffles, bread pudding to trifle, we received so many delicious sweet dishes. It was wonderful to see the stories and traditions that inspire the dishes and desserts our chefs create, and even more special to have them share these stories with us and the residents in their communities.
The holidays are a great time to both celebrate the traditions and stories from our families, but also to share the joy and excitement of the things we love with others.
As we approach the end of the year, many are full of holiday cheer, merriment, and a little extra joyful spirit. It is a time that a lot of people will connect with family, loved ones, or friends. But the holidays can also be a difficult time, and can even bring up feelings of loneliness or isolation. A survey from AARP done in 2017 found that roughly 31% of adults had experienced feelings of loneliness during the holiday season.
We checked our event invitation to confirm we had everything right: December 4th at 11:30, for Pacifica Senior Living’s Jingle Bell Brunch. The anticipation was high. Driving up to the front building, we were welcomed by beautiful outdoor Christmas decorations, and residents eagerly on their way to the event.
As we opened the doors and stepped into the foyer of Pacifica Senior Living Oceanside, we were immediately greeted with the festive serenading of Santa’s Sweethearts, a singing group performing classic Christmas songs in three part harmony.
Chef Courtney at Pacifica Senior Living Victoria Court has been working with Pacifica since March of 2020. Her love for food and cooking started at an early age, and she quickly began learning and growing in her skills. At Pacifica Senior Living Victoria Court she has been sharing her love for the community through food, creating delicious meals and delicious creations for everything from meal times to special events. The community knows any time a special event is planned, Chef Courtney will have something wonderful to pair with it.
We sat down with her to discuss her culinary journey and what makes working atPacifica Senior Living so special to her:
This Thanksgiving, we are looking back at the year with gratitude and joy. Taking the time to reflect, and share the things and people we are most grateful for is a wonderful way to appreciate all that we have, and to give thanks for one another. Across our communities, coast to coast, residents of Pacifica Senior Living shared with us what they were most thankful for this season.
From family and friends, to good health, good food, and great community, residents have been sharing their sentiments about what makes their lives special.
We love celebrating this time of year, and encourage everyone to take a moment and focus on those special things that make life wonderful. Whether they are small joys or big wins, each is a reminder of the true importance of each day.
Here are some of the words of thanks from residents in our communities.
Pacifica Senior Living is proud to announce it has been recognized by Caring.com among the highest ranking communities.
“Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones.” This informational site offers resources for those on the journey to finding a senior living community, including offering thousands of senior living listings, and a detailed review system that ranks those listings and communities.
Last weekend marked an extra special Veterans Day for Sun City Senior Living. This tight-knit community in Sun City, Florida, experienced the joy of a wedding on Saturday November 11th. The beautiful bride was none other than the community’s long-serving Activities Director, Jennifer Petit.