The many advantages of assisted living. (An Advertising Supplement to the San Fernando Valley Business Journal).

Assisted living helps older adults and their families find a solution to the problems of living alone or living in a house that is too cumbersome to be enjoyable. Assisted living facilities such as the Gardens at Park Balboa provide the comfort of daily monitoring, while promoting individuality and nurturing the spirits of the residents.

What if my mother wants to stay in her home?

Some older adults say they prefer living in their own home as long as possible. There are many services and professionals available to help keep elders in their homes, and these are a very valuable first step. With the help of home companions, housekeepers, home health workers, gardeners and meal delivery services, many seniors can maintain a healthy lifestyle while staying home. While family, friends and neighbors are able to visit frequently and keep the senior active mentally and socially; this can be a great option.

A downside to this is making sure these helpers and professional services are capable and are showing up on time. Busy family members may have to spend valuable time organizing the array of workers, helping to organize medications, doing the grocery shopping, and making sure all the bills are paid on time and correctly.

As the home-bound senior ages, friends and neighbors are also aging, and may find it more difficult to visit as much as before. Over time, the senior living alone at home can become more isolated and lonely, since neighbors move and once dependable friends have their own illnesses and issues with which to deal. And who is there to help if the senior falls and cannot get up unaided.

When is the right time to make a move?

At this point, moving to a caring and supportive community makes sense. Imagine your senior stepping out of his or her apartment in safe and lovely surroundings. New friendships are made over a morning cup of coffee, Scheduled activities keep the day moving briskly along - perhaps a discussion of current events, followed by a fitness class. After that it's off to a healthy lunch in a restaurant-style dining room, with a caring staff watching to make sure of the resident's well-being. Then perhaps a rest after lunch before a game of cards or bingo in a well-equipped activity room. Later on a delicious dinner and an evening of entertainment awaits.

But what was happening "behind the scenes"? Perhaps the resident's day started with a knock on her apartment door, a cheerful "good morning", and some bathroom and dressing assistance in the privacy of her own home. While she was eating breakfast in the dining room, a housekeeper could be straightening up the apartment and making the bed, relieving the resident of such daily chores. And then after a busy day, another caregiver could be turning down the bed and assisting with her evening routine.

We have found that there are countless reasons why people thrive in a supportive community such as The Gardens at Park Balboa, where we strive to:

* Provide freedom from the chores and responsibilities of home management and maintenance;

* Offer residents programs of choice, and the enjoyment of an engaging community life;

* Provide an array of services, including a holistic approach to wellness in a comfortable setting; and

* Step in to deliver care when needed, giving today's busy, working families peace of mind.

Moving a family member to Assisted Care is a very personal decision, one each family needs to make on their own. Change can be exciting for some, and more problematic for others. Knowing your loved one is living in secure surroundings, where professional staff are looking out for his/her well being, with opportunities for new friendships can be a relief from worry.

Then the time you spend together will be opportunities for personal closeness.

RELATED ARTICLE: 'Senior Friends' Stay Healthy in the Valley

A unique health program for seniors has come to the Valley, thanks to West Hills Hospital & Medical Center (WHHMC). Among the most unique programs the hospital offers is this special system designed to keep seniors active and healthy. This program, "Senior Friends," was developed to help provide medical services and special programs for seniors in the community.

Senior Friends, officially known as the West Hills Hospital Chapter of the National Association of Senior Friends, is part of the National Association of Senior Friends that has over 330,000 members in more than 200 chapters across the country. The West Hills Hospital Chapter was founded in 1987 and has over 3,800 members. The program is offered to adults age 50 years and over and includes free or low cost health screenings, physician referral service, a prescription drug savings program, optical savings, Medical Alert System, and lectures on health topics. Exercise programs, which are offered as part of the membership, include "Seniorcize" aerobics, the Westfield Topanga Mall Walking Program, MedFit, and others. In addition, Senior Friends offers social activities such as travel opportunities, golf, bowling, bingo, educational programs, and much more. Membership fees are a modest $15 per year.

Senior Friends is specially designed for the community to keep seniors active and engaged. What a great opportunity to be part of a group that promotes healthy living, helpful benefits, and wonderful friendships.

For questions about Senior Friends, call 818/227-6757.

Abby Oppenheim serves as Community Representative for The Gardens at Park Balboa.