Atria Valley View

What do a fluffy cat, gecko, hamster, turtle and cockatoo have in common? They all visited with the residents of Atria Forest Hills for exotic pet therapy! The visit was a smash hit. Here is what the residents had to say:

"It was interesting to learn that the cat was raised with two dogs and likes to be walked with a leash. The cat even sleeps with the dogs," says Karen.

Patricia adds, "We loved all of the animals and enjoyed holding and petting them. The hamster was on a mission to crawl up my arm. She kept exploring her surroundings."

"The hard shell of the turtle felt weird and interesting," notes Mei-yu. "I've never felt that before."

"The cockatoo was funny! He jumped on the executive director's shoulders and repeated things he heard," says Veronica. "My favorite thing about living here is that even when you're not sure what to expect, it always turns out to be fun and exciting."

We enjoyed a nice pastry and lunch at Paris Baguette in Pleasant Hill. Staying cool during this heat wave.

"It was incredible to learn about all the things Denver the dog is capable of doing. It was great to see him in action," shares Ruth, a resident of Atria Park of Ann Arbor. "He knows so many commands that support Colin through his days."

Residents learned about service dogs from Colin and Paws With A Cause ®. Learning about how people with disabilities use accessibility tools, like service dogs, is just one of many educational programs hosted in the community.

While some residents were unfamiliar with service dogs' abilities, Ruth has experience supporting people with accessibility needs.

"I worked for the State of Michigan as a social worker and had many clients with service dogs to help them. However, what was unique about this program were the details Colin provided about the training the service dogs undergo before being assigned to their owners. They go through a lot of training to receive that title!"

Ruth adds, "I like to continue my education, so I enjoy coming to these types of programs. I think it's good to learn new things!"

Thanks, Colin and Denver! 🐾

"My father showed me woodworking hand tools when I was very young," shares Doug, a resident at Atria Willow Glen. "Some 40 years later, tired of pencil pushing and sales, I wanted to do something in 3D, something tangible, to be able to see, touch, feel. Wood artistry was the result."

When asked where he finds his inspiration, he says "Ideas just come to me before I go to sleep, and I visualize how to make them. If you see anything you like, or that inspires you, let your imagination try to create. Create something, anything, using any medium."

A special detail Doug includes in all his wood carvings is hidden compartments for keeping coins, jewelry and other treasures.

We're so inspired by Doug's craftsmanship and imagination! ✨

Discover how you can stay active and healthy as you age! 🏃‍♂️💪

From Zumba to weight training, explore popular exercise programs. One of our latest Caregiver's Guide articles shares the benefits of staying active in assisted living communities: http://ms.spr.ly/6182lJ2Yn.

The book club at Atria Grand Oaks went on a literary adventure after finishing "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi. They met and listened to a presentation from the author and even got their own henna tattoos.

"Did we enjoy it? A resounding yes," shares Derry. "Alka is a very good speaker and it was interesting to learn about her writing process. Getting to meet her afterward and get books signed was an experience. This is a gracious and intelligent woman who gave each person time and relevant conversation."

Derry adds that being a part of the book club provides her with the most stimulating 45 minutes of the week. "The books chosen are not always liked by everyone but this helps to provide some very interesting discussions."

A special thank you to the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library for such a wonderful event!

We wanted to share a little of our 4th of July cart in the community. We enjoyed patriotic music and watching fireworks on television.

Let freedom ring! 🇺🇸🎆

Communities celebrated the 4th of July with a luncheon full of patriotic festivities, including live music and classic cookout staples. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this year's celebration one for the history books!

📸: Atria Del Sol, Atria Longmont, Atria Rocklin, Atria on Roslyn Harbor, Atria Sunnyvale, Atria Newport Plaza

How do you reach the amazing age of 103 and stay as fabulous as Barbara?

"Set a goal and go after it! That's how I lived my life," shares the Atria Cinco Ranch resident. Barbara was raised on a farm in North Dakota during the Great Depression. "My family was what you could call 'frugal' but I saw it as creative and resourceful."

"I spent years putting myself through nursing school, taking night courses in Chicago," she adds. "My advice for younger generations is to work hard. Earn your own money and make sure you are accomplishing something for humanity."

During her 11 years at Atria Cinco Ranch, Barbara has moved from independent living to assisted living and loves that she can maintain her friendships, even with her change in care needs. "The relationships I have forged with people over the years endure even though I've moved apartments. I love all the services provided here. We have the most caring, attentive caregivers you could ask for."

Happy Birthday, Barbara! 🥳

O Canada! 🇨🇦

We had a fantastic time celebrating Canada Day with a luncheon at our "true north" communities. Residents enjoyed festive activities, delicious treats and vibrant performances highlighting Canadian culture and history. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this year's celebration truly memorable!



📸: Atria Longlake Chateau, Atria Riverheights Terrace, Atria Arbour Lake, Atria The Court at Brooklin, Atria Burlington Gardens

The chick-hatching project was fun and brought nature inside to all us residents," shares Erlene, a resident of Atria Bethlehem. "It is so nice to live in a place where they do such creative and adventurous things." 🐣

"Our backyard chicken program gave our residents an exciting, hands-on educational learning experience," explains Jessica, the community's director of culinary services who facilitated this experience. "Residents incubated, candled and watched our fertilized chicken eggs for 21 days."

Jessica adds, "Together we watched and celebrated as new life was brought into the world. The most memorable moment was watching how committed and engaged our residents were throughout this process."

For Pride Month we celebrate by going to the Pet Pride Parade at Heather Farms.Followed by a Pride Social with resident’s sharing personal stories.

"I moved in about three days ahead of him," shares Jo Ann, who moved into Atria Del Sol before her husband Charlie to get things ready for him.

When Charlie's dementia made living at home together too difficult, the couple decided to move to a place that could give Charlie the help he needed while making life easier for Jo Ann. At Atria Del Sol, she can still spend as much time with her husband as she wants.

"She keeps an eye on me," Charlie says.

"Well, I've kept him for 69 years," Jo Ann replies. "It's fabulous. I can see him any time of the day. We always eat breakfast and lunch together."

When asked the secret to their long relationship, Jo Ann says, "Well, we love each other. That was easy."

Sit. Stay. Have a treat! 🦴

We showed our four-legged friends some love by baking them homemade dog treats. Our taste testers agree, they are tail-waggingly delicious!

📸: Atria Collwood, Atria Longmont, Atria Rye Brook

Sharing a little bit of our Endless Summer followed by our Beloved driver Barry B birthday party with residents. Everyone had so much fun celebrating him and the beginning of summer. Thank you to Jeff W for singing great summer music.

"Dear friend, My name is Nick. What is your name?" begins a letter from a local first-grader. This is just one of many letters exchanged between students from a local elementary school and the residents of Atria Park of Ann Arbor.

"I like my pen pal's questions. He is so insightful for a six-year-old," shares Shirley, one of the residents. "One of the highlights of my week is receiving his letters.

This cross-generational program builds community relationships and enriches the lives of everyone involved. "I think this is a wonderful learning opportunity for the children, because it helps them to realize that older people can still have fun," Shirley adds.

After months of exchanging letters, residents and students met via Zoom for an end-of-the-school-year celebration. The residents wished the class the best of luck in second-grade.

We're honoring Pride Month by celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and love in all its forms. This month and every month, we stand with the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can live authentically.



📸: Atria Carmichael Oaks, Atria Tamalpais Creek, Atria The Victorian at McKenzie, Atria at Foster Square

We relaxed and set sail for Endless Summer in our latest Social Series event. Thank you to everyone who joined us for seaside favorites, yacht rock and serene sunset painting. 🌅🛥️

📸: Atria Del Sol, Atria Evergreen Valley, Atria Anchor Pointe, Atria Park of Glen Ellyn, Atria Longmont, Atria on Roslyn Harbor, Atria Ste. Anne's Court

Cardio drumming has been a game-changer for many residents at Atria Senior Living! 🥁💓

Engaging in this rhythmic workout has not only boosted cardiovascular health and coordination, but it's also created a strong sense of community and connection among residents.

We're thrilled to witness the positive impact of staying active and are excited to continue fostering vibrant lifestyles for all residents.

📸: Atria Grass Valley, Atria Tarzana, Atria Ironwood Estates, Atria Victoria Park

Juneteenth was celebrated in the community by having Chicken Patties from Fiya Spice Restaurant in Pittsburg for Happy Hour. Followed by a nice dinner put together by the Culinary Staff.

At Atria Senior Living, we honor Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom and equality. We reflect on the significance of this historic day and stand united in our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice for all.

📸: Atria East Northport, Atria Park of Vintage Hills, Atria Park of Lafayette, Atria at the Arboretum, Atria Willow Park, Atria Center City, Atria at Foster Square, Atria Golden Creek

Choosing the right care for aging parents is crucial. Assisted living vs. nursing homes: which suits your family member's needs best? Dive into our comparison blog to make informed decisions and ensure your loved one thrives in the ideal environment: http://ms.spr.ly/6183YaDiZ

Puppies! Do we need to say more?

Atria Park of Vintage Hills threw a "pawty" for National Puppy Day, inviting resident pets, therapy dogs and other friendly doggos to enjoy treats, belly rubs and lots of ear scratches.

It looks like a barkin' good time! 🐶

We had a great Father’s Day celebration in the community with a nice lunch with friends and loved ones. Followed by Gloria playing the piano and giving facts about each song which everyone enjoyed.

Happy Father's Day to all the incredible dads and father figures in our Atria Senior Living communities! Your wisdom, strength and love are an inspiration to us all.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable fathers among us. Your guidance and laughter bring joy to our communities, and we are grateful for the love you share with your families and friends.

From all of us at Atria Senior Living, thank you for being the amazing fathers you are.

📸: Atria Oakridge, Atria Park of Vintage Hills, Atria Mount Pleasant, Atria Park of Tucker, Atria Hacienda

We hosted a Positivtea for the residents to enjoy and have great conversations.Thank you to Hillendale Home Care for bringing in sweet treats from Alpine Bakery.

Not only is Javier Alvarez a valuable team member and an amazing receptionist at Atria Forest Hills, but he also shares his hobby and skill with residents during his weekly leatherwork program.

Javier uses top-quality recycled leather from leather bags, jackets, and other clothing items to create new items in his beginner-friendly workshop. Javier teaches and assists each resident in creating their own handcrafted accessories such as leather wallets, cell phone holders and art supply cases.

We are so fortunate that Javier chooses to bring his unique passion to his community.

Thank you to Jungle James for bringing different animals for the residents to enjoy. For some of the residents got to pet a snake for the first time and realized they are not as scary as they look. Our Great Outdoors event was a success that residents really enjoyed.

We embraced the spirit of nature with our Great Outdoors Social Series! 🌲🦅🗻

We mixed things up at the trail mix bar and learned about local natural landscapes and wildlife from experts.

📸: Atria Willow Park, Atria Longmont, Atria Park of Tucker, Atria at Hometown, Atria Copeland, Atria Draper Place, Atria Park of Glen Ellyn, Atria Valley Manor

"Atria Chandler Villas is a special place; I felt it when I walked through the door on my first day. The staff and residents have the biggest hearts," shares Shiron, the Executive Director. "We are truly a tight-knit community that cares and looks out for one another. The energy here is so positive it makes coming to work a joy!

Through dedication and hard work, the team at Atria Chandler Villas has earned a coveted Quality – or “Q” – Award. This recognition is given to high-performing communities that achieve Quality Enhancement scores of at least 90%.

Shiron adds, "We are so proud to bring home a Q Award for the third year in a row. This team is committed to excellence, and it shows! Our mindset is to live QE every day, not just once or twice a year. This victory doesn't belong to one single person; it takes a village, and each person plays their part."

Atria’s Quality Enhancement program is unique in the senior living industry. It includes a twice-yearly, unannounced review of more than 400 indicators that gauge performance in all areas of our operation, including first impressions, administration, housekeeping, resident services and culinary.

"Our residents benefit from our quality standard and all the other programs Atria promotes," Shiron explains. "It also allows the leadership team to focus their efforts on developing culture and customer service within our four walls."

Congratulations to the Chandler Villas team and the 31 other communities who have achieved this awesome accomplishment so far in 2024! 🏆

Mary hosted a Birthday party for her mom Carmen in the community and invited all her friends for cake and to enjoy music by Jack M.Everyone had a good time especially with having family come from out of state. Carmen enjoyed seeing everyone and it really made her birthday that much more special turning 96.

It's National Best Friends Day!

When Betty met Mo at Atria Park of Glen Ellyn, they instantly clicked! Since then, these best friends can be found at community programs and laughing together.

"What a blessing the friendship is that developed between Mo and Betty. To find a new best friend at 86 is something we all hope to have at that age!" shares Lisa, Mo's daughter-in-law.

"Mo tells me she loves Atria on a daily basis," Lisa adds.

Lizzie is 101 years of perfection! Dancing, singing and hanging out with friends - you name it, she's doing it at Atria Marland Place. She loves music, exercise and art class. Not having to clean is a plus.

"Her vibrant and fun-loving nature returned," says Lizzie's son Richard about her move to the community.

Lizzie says the secret to a long life is taking it day by day and getting up every morning and smiling. We're so thankful that she shares her smiles with her community.

Happy birthday, Lizzie! 🎉

"This is Army Specialist Ray, it’s 5:15 am, time to wake up easy” – these are the words that once echoed through the barracks, stirring fellow troops to rise and shine, courtesy of Ray, a resident at Atria Bethlehem.

Ray served in Army security and intelligence, broadcasting vital messages for 2 years in Japan. It was there that he met his wife, Keiko.

Post-military, Ray taught high school briefly before finding his true passion at Bell Labs, where he ensured the smooth operation of audiovisual equipment.

Today, he enjoys spending time with Keiko, playing Bach on the piano for his fellow residents, sharing travel tales and reading.

Happy birthday, Carmen and Mary! We hope your special day was full of laughter and fun. 🥳 One piece of advice these ladies would like to offer is be good to everyone. Both of these ladies enjoy playing Bingo in the community. They found it interesting to be sharing a birthday today. Even more interesting is they live right next to each other. What an amazing milestone to celebrate together.🎉

It's not every day you meet someone as famous as Bing Crosby, but for Christine, that was just one memorable moment during her tenure as a flight attendant.

At age 22, Pam earned her wings and flew with the iconic Pan Am Airlines for seven years. "Meeting all the people was my favorite part. It worked out great because my husband was in the military and we both got to travel a lot together."

Christine's advice for others is to believe in yourself. "Go for whatever it is in life you want to do!"

The Atria Victoria Park book club loves to crack open a good book. Residents Myrna, Edee and Mary Ellen meet bi-weekly with Susan-Lynn, the community's Engage Life Coordinator, to discuss their current reads.

"I love fiction," shares Myrna, who adds that her favorite part of book club is getting to know her fellow residents better through their discussions.

"I love trying to figure out 'who did it'" says Edee, whose favorite genre is mystery. She names Terry Fallis and Jodi Picoult as two of her favorite authors. "It's so fun hearing other people's insights on the books we read."

Mary Ellen, who generally reads more non-fiction, is breaking out of the norm and reading the fiction book Trial by Fire by Terri Blackstock.

Susan-Lynn, who enjoys a good love story, is happy to read anything alongside the residents. "The book club is an example of my favorite things about Victoria Park – the people. I get to connect with all the wonderful residents."

"Sulpi is such a positive person. She is genuine, always has a smile on her face, is a team player and a mentor. More than anything, she loves and respects our residents. She is truly a gift to Atria Walnut Creek" says the community's Executive Director, Kelli.

In recognition of her dedication and exceptional service, Sulpicia, or Sulpi to those who know her well, has been honored as a 2024 Northern California Excellence in Service Award winner from the California Assisted Living Association (CALA).

"There are so many reasons why Sulpi is the perfect candidate for this prestigious award. She has been a trusted and loyal employee of Atria for more than 30 years. The residents and the staff love her and she goes above and beyond every time a new employee has been hired," Kelli continued. "Atria is in the business of caring for people and so is Sulpi. She brings smiles to their faces with her bright light."

Join us in congratulating Sulpi on this well-deserved recognition! 🥳

"When I first moved to Atria Del Sol, I told my daughters I wanted to go home," Nancy shared. "But it's amazing how quickly that changed. My kids call me at six o'clock and ask, 'Are you in your apartment finally?' We stay really busy, and everything is at our fingertips. I have so many friends."

This transformation reflects the power of a community like Atria Del Sol, where residents find comfort, companionship, and a vibrant place to call home. 🏡

Everyone enjoyed going to San Francisco by Ferry and spending the day sightseeing. Everyone complimented how we picked the right day to go to San Francisco with beautiful weather.