Northridge Pointe Chalet is a salmon-colored building with a covered porch. Spanish-style arches shelter enclosed brick patios along the sides of the building. A garden patio out back contains wrought-iron furnishings. Planted plots and sections with sparse grass make up the property. A small mall sits right across the street. Inside, chairs surround the entrance where throw rugs cushion the tile floor. Artificial flowers ornament the wood sideboard. While waiting for our tour guide, we saw a resident attempting to open the front door as she maneuvered her walker, which had a green balloon tied to it. After helping her with the door, we inquired about the balloon. Seeming eager to engage in conversation, the resident told us that students from the nearby elementary school often visit and bring gifts. They didn’t, however, bring the teddy bear sitting on her walker seat—her son gave her that.
Spacious accommodations, mostly private, allow for both a bed and a living area. Some rooms overlook the patios. The large first-floor living room contains a big-screen TV and worn but comfortable-looking furnishings. Upstairs, the lounge is equipped with a pool table, a large TV and a nice collection of books. Residents enjoy a number of activities including bingo, arts and crafts, exercise, dancing, singing, games and outings to local stores and restaurants. The dining room hosts two sittings for each meal. On the day of our visit, the dinner menu offered vegetable barley soup, chicken, steamed rice, green beans and peanut butter cake for dessert. Salad and bread can be added to any meal, and alternatives are available with 24-hour notice. A dietician visits once a month.
