Two sets of stairs wind around a central fountain leading to the entrance of Seasons at Northridge. Well-maintained plantings, trees and low bushes rim the sand-colored building. A caged canary pipes its cheerful greeting from the spacious entrance, which opens out to the second floor—a large living room houses gold-framed artwork, attractive seating, antique furnishings and a handsome fireplace. The facility provides care for residents in all stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Residents with a tendency to wander live in their own secure unit, in which TV cameras and alarms monitor all exit doors. Similar in design and décor to the rest of the facility, this unit has two dining rooms, one for residents requiring feeding assistance, as well as its own patio.
The general dementia population eats in the first-floor dining room. All meals are prepared in-house. The well-maintained hardwood floors and attractive furnishings create an appealing environment in which to enjoy meals. A dietician works as a consultant to determine nutritious menus that residents will find appealing. On the day of our visit, the lunch selections were lemon roasted chicken with an alternative of broiled salmon. Snacks are available around the clock. Activities include reminiscing, exercising, singing, dancing, arts and crafts and cooking classes. There is an active resident council. Field trip destinations include picnics and outings to restaurants and local shops. The dining room overlooks the large outdoor patio, which lends an airy light to the interior. Summer barbecues and activities on the patio are quite popular in warmer months amid potted plants and comfortable garden furniture. Resident rooms are spacious, and most are private, with balconies that are sometimes shared. High ceilings and the large window in each room introduce an air of roominess.
Staff is well trained to care for this population and is very concerned with preserving the dignity of residents. Our tour guide knew the name of every resident we encountered, and had a kind word for each of them. This compassionate attitude seems to carry over to staff, and in the contented faces of the residents themselves. Physicians, psychiatrists, podiatrists and phlebotomists visit the facility, making it convenient for residents to receive medical treatment.
