Seniors are changing, and so are their expectations, especially around care. However, care means different things to different people. Evolving yet individualized preferences around care have inspired ECS’s latest suite of care options.

“People used to move into senior independent living communities when they were focused on the care model. Now it’s a lifestyle model and care is here, should you need it,” says Krista Nay, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

In addition, the insurance and healthcare industries have changed. For a hip or a knee replacement, patients used to spend a few weeks in the hospital, then transition to a skilled nursing facility for four to six weeks. “Now, because of medtech advancement, those types of procedures are performed as outpatient surgery with recovery taking place at home,” she says.

Home care is not only less expensive, but it provides better outcomes. People want to stay in their homes and access the care they need. “That’s where our Choice Custom Care suite of services comes into play. We are as flexible as possible with your choice of care,” Krista says.

Whether it’s MonteCedro senior living in Pasadena, The Covington, a retirement community in Orange County, or The Canterbury senior living community in Los Angeles, every ECS life plan community in Southern California provides care that reflects the needs of residents. “We really are resident centered, staff supported,” Krista says.

In addition to advancements in healthcare, generationally, expectations have changed. People moving into ECS communities today are more focused on preventative health and wellness. Residents work with fitness trainers and nutritional specialists to enjoy a wide range of health-based choices on the menus, from organically grown produce to vegan options. “In each of our communities, it’s the residents who determine the style of meals served, the programming offered and the excursions we take.”

In response to the changing expectations of residents, ECS developed the For You suite of care options that function as Concierge services. “For example, you can choose to do your own laundry and clean; or we can do it for you. The time you don’t spend on tasks and chores can now go toward exploring things that interest you, whether that be the arts, fitness, education or entertainment. You can choose the activities that enrich your life — and we suspect doing laundry is not one of them,” Krista says with a smile.

The For You suite of services makes life a little easier.

• • Cooking and cleaning: Tasty, nutritional meals prepared for you alleviates the need to spend time shopping for groceries, preparing meals, and cleaning up afterwards.

• • Laundry and car washing: Are you really going to miss doing laundry? Imagine your laundry washed and folded for you, so you can spend time doing what you want to do.

• • Dressing services: Sometimes, we need just a little bit of help getting ready for the day. From securing buttons to tying shoe laces, a small amount of help can make a big difference in one’s day.

• • Medication management: If you’re taking medication, you want to be sure you’re not missing a day, or doubling up on doses. Medication management support ensures you maintain your doses at the levels that are right for you.

• • Transportation and maintenance: If you have a car, the For You program can manage its maintenance appointments, so it’s ready to go when you are. And when it’s time to let someone else do the driving, our transportation service will get you there.
  • Dog walking: Our four-legged friends are so important to us, and so is their exercise. When you can’t take them for a walk, we can do it for you, so they stay healthy and active.

• • Meal delivery: Some days, you may simply wish to stay home. When you don’t feel like leaving your residence, we can bring your meals to you.

• • Care coordination: Managing appointments in conjunction with your health goals can feel overwhelming. Our care coordination program ensures that there is always someone supporting you through your medical appointments and health requirements.

“We want to meet seniors where they are,” Krista says. The outcome of our suite of For You services means more time to spend precisely how you wish — attending a class or a lecture, visiting friends and family, working out or going on an outing. It also provides you and your family with peace of mind, knowing that someone is there to help you, when and how you need it.

The program was developed in response to the changing dynamics in senior care. At an ECS community, residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle, complemented by exceptional services and amenities, and a broad spectrum of healthcare options For You.

About Us

ECS has been providing exceptional communities and services for seniors from every background, culture and faith in Southern California for more than 100 years. Proudly nonprofit.