SENIORS GAIN NEW OPTION IN ASSISTED CARE.

Byline: Angie Valencia Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - Robin Chibnik did not take her decision lightly when she placed her 78-year-old mother in an assisted-living home.

And though she worried about how her mother, Alice Zukin, would adapt to such a dramatic change, Chibnik said she knew it was time.

``You take away her independence, but it saved her life because she could not take care of herself on her own,'' said Chibnik, a Simi Valley resident. ``I have my own life, too.''

That decision came a year ago when Zukin entered an assisted-living facility in West Hills. But the site's location just wasn't workable. So, when Clarion Commons Assisted Living and Memory Care opened in Simi Valley, Chibnik moved her mother there.

She now says she feels at ease knowing her mother is only three miles away and she can visit her daily.

Zukin has a social routine going for her. She's treated to a movie every night, plays bingo with friends, and gets her hair done every Monday at the in-house salon.

Since opening its doors in January and celebrating its grand opening in March, Clarion Commons has given seniors another choice in where to spend their later years.

According to Sylvia Taylor, executive director of the Ventura County Ombudsman Program, there are 38 residential care facilities for the elderly in Simi, including Clarion, and two skilled nursing facilities - also known as nursing homes.

The Ombudsman Program is a watchdog agency that advocates quality care for elderly residents in long-term-care facilities. Trained individuals make monthly uninvited and unscheduled visits to facilities to determine the level of care.

At Clarion's two-floor facility, there is a library equipped with computers. Also a theater where seniors can watch a movie - popcorn included. On Fridays the residents gather in a grand parlor, where a pianist performs as they sample cheese and crackers with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Clarion Commons is administered by the Chase Group, founded in 1997 as a post-acute-care provider of skilled nursing and assisted-living services throughout Southern California.

The facility is licensed for 302 beds, with 151 apartments.

``We provide them with an environment where they can continue to live life,'' said Sandra Rhoades, executive director. ``They're able to make new friends at the end of life. There's an independent component but they still want to be taken care of.''

Clarion Commons provides its residents with three levels of care. The facility has grown from no clients last January to 63 in a few weeks.

Other services and amenities include: physician services, a professional dietitian, daily housekeeping, basic cable, and transportation within the city limits, among other things.

All seniors have activities daily, including those who suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia.

Taylor advised family members to do some checking before making a decision for elderly relatives.

``They need to go to the facility and visit it at different times of the day,'' she said. ``They need to talk to the residents already there ... talk to them about care, food, quality of life. Just do your homework and ask questions.''

For information on the Ombudsman agency, call [phone].

Clarion Commons is at 5300 E. Los Angeles Ave. in Simi Valley.

Angie Valencia, [phone]

angie.valencia(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

(1 -- 3) At top, left, Beverly Nosheim browses in the library at Clarion Commons, a new assisted-living facility in Simi Valley. Above, a resident watches a children's show in the TV lounge. At left, Clarion Commons resident Beryl Kinney plays catch with James Dames in a physical activity exercise.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News