Our Neighbor: Maravilla Retirement Center
I recently spoke with Lori Guttman from Maravilla, which is literally almost across the street from Patterson Plus Self Storage just past the fire station on the way to Trader Joe’s!
We have many clients from Maravilla who store their excess items. Some residents want long term storage and use their storage unit as an extra walk in closet and others just need short term storage until they get more organized, their children come to pick up things or maybe while they are waiting for a larger unit at Maravilla.
One of the biggest attractions to Maravilla is its location. From Maravilla you can walk, ride a bike or scooter (and its mostly level) up to shopping (including Trader Joe’s) and all kinds of restaurants, stores and markets, even the movie theatre.
They have an award winning chief who has been there for over 20 years. Their restaurant is open to the public so that tells you how good the food is!
They have a nationally recognized “Zest” program that has activities for Mind Body or Soul Generating. From bird watching, going to the arts (such as the art museum and performances at the Granada) to kayaking. When you move in at Maravilla their software will ask you your preferences as to what hobbies you have and what new ones you might be interested in. The computer software will provide you with a list of which residents have similar interests, if you would like to connect with other residents say for a game of golf or poker! Kellogg Park is right behind Maravilla with tennis courts. They offer group transportation with a priority to resident’s medical appointments first but if you have a regular foursome for golf they will add that to the calendar!
I asked what one should think about when visiting retirement centers before choosing one and here are my takeaways.
- At Maravilla 70-80% of their new residents come in for independent living. These can be apartment style units in a building and they also have one story cottages. Some centers require you move in medically fit into independent living first but not at Maravilla. If they have space in their memory care center or assisted living area you can apply there without already being a resident . This is not the case in most retirement centers. Maravilla does give priority to their current residents, however. Based on this policy they do see some clients coming into Independent living earlier than they need or even renting it and leaving it vacant so they will have a higher priority for dependent living or memory care when they might need it. The same thing applies for the independent living. Say you want a 2 bedroom and none are currently available, some clients will rent a one bedroom to start, move in or hold it vacant to get on the internal wait list with a higher priority for the 2 bedroom.
- So what are the differences in the residences offered:
Independent living at Maravilla offers your own home and then you have the option to hire Maravilla housekeeping, or get meals from Maravilla and use all the facilities. So the best of both worlds. Assisted living is an apartment like setting with assistance as to dressing, bathing or medical care with full use of the center and all food provided. Of course if you prefer, a resident can have their own private care in Independent Living. Memory care is a little more restrictive as Maravilla wants to ensure residents don’t get lost or wander off.
- It was interesting to note that 60% of the residents are local with 40% from out of town. The residents coming from out of town are usually moving to be closer to their family as they age.
- The center is located on over 20 acres and has a large swimming pool, art studio and card/game rooms.
Some of the best questions to ask or do:
- Do you have to medically qualify and live in independently living first to enter the center?
- Is the center faith based or diversified like Maravilla?
- Eat in the dining room and see if the menu and food are to your liking.
- Visit with residents to see if they like it and if you are getting the “right vibe” that it is a good fit for you.
- Ask or read the contract/lease to see if say the initial fee is refundable.
- Start looking earlier than you might need it, so you can get on the wait list for exactly what you want.
- Most importantly, when you walk in and around the center how does it feel to you? No one really wants to move into a retirement center, but when the time comes it should feel like home from your first impression.
