In the right environment, gratitude grows. It nourishes our cells and souls alike, brightens our eyes, quickens our step, and soothes the inevitable aches and pains that accompany our bodies into old age. At Park Vista Health Center, gratitude is part of everyday care – a shared quality that increases in value every time it changes hands. Gratitude is good medicine for the residents and their families, and it invigorates the staff as they strive to maximize the physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual potential of everyone in their care, which is an essential part of caring for seniors. At Park Vista, the staff takes pride in helping all residents feel special by learning about their preferences, their likes, and their dislikes. This individualized attention might be expressed as entertainment and leisure activities, a pleasant social visit, emotional and physical comfort, or a fondly anticipated ritual.
“Every morning, someone from the activity team stops by my apartment to give me a new crossword and word search puzzle," says Oscar Janeway, an Assisted Living Resident at Park Vista. "They print these puzzles out just for me to stimulate my brain, but if I finish them, I get 'funny-money' to purchase goodies!”
Set among the rolling hills of north Fullerton, Park Vista offers a full spectrum of senior healthcare services, including 24-hour skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, and memory care. Residents find the perfect balance of professional and personal attention – surrounded by all the comforts of home.
“I am so thankful for everything at Park Vista," says Skilled Nursing Resident Anna Fulmer. "The service is excellent. It’s very clean. And the staff is efficient; if I press the call light, I always get a timely response.”
Park Vista is always kept fresh, comfortable, and relevant. The Assisted Living Center, for example, is currently undergoing a face-lift. Private apartments are receiving a crisp coat of paint and new carpet. The activity center, library, theater, and lounge have already been redesigned and redecorated with all new furniture and artwork. The living room, which was underused by residents, is being repurposed into a new bistro and bar where they can socialize or just hang out.
“I am so grateful to the staff here for taking such good care of me and my dog, Teddy," says Dorothy Carter, an Assisted Living Resident. "I can’t single out any particular staff member since they all greet us both so warmly. They always say hello and ask about our day. Teddy enjoys the extra attention.”
For three years in a row, Park Vista has been certified as a “Great Place to Work.” In their surveys, employees cited the company’s strong commitment to helping them be successful – supporting them with all necessary supplies, equipment, technology, and training. Whatever role they play in the community, the employees know they’re valued.
“I’m thankful for my supportive and understanding supervisors – especially during these difficult times," says Seth Castillo of the Food and Beverage Team.
Park Vista staff members say they feel good about their contributions and often go beyond their stated caretaker roles. They’ve found that small investments in time and effort always earn double-digit returns – in joy and gratitude.
“When the beauty salons were closed, I told Jessica Todd that I was embarrassed of my hair color, so she colored and washed my hair and helped me style it really pretty," shares Suja Kim, an Assisted Living Resident." Jessica and I would talk and it made me so happy to have her.”
Residents and their families have expressed their heartfelt trust in Park Vista. They’re especially grateful for the extra measures the staff is taking to ensure that COVID-19 remains outside the community. Well-versed in CDC and local government guidelines, the team is hyper-vigilant, adhering to safety standards that exceed government recommendations. Though all agree that staying distant from loved ones is challenging, a good dose of gratitude helps lighten the load – and there’s plenty to go around!
Dr. Fred Nelson, a Skilled Nursing Resident, offered high praise for all the community has done for the residents. “Park Vista has done a great job keeping residents safe from the virus and keeping families informed of the facts. The team is truly doing the best they can."