THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER - Eskaton to the City of Giants

Today the intrepid group of IAHSA explorers discovered the best of services for older people in California. Eskaton provides residences, community services and healthcare to support the independence and quality of living for more than 14,000 older adults annually throughout northern California. The nonprofit organisation's full spectrum of ageing services includes residential living with services, assisted living, memory care, hospice, skilled nursing, home care and multiple other special programs. Affordability, innovation, collaboration, education and compassion are Eskaton standards as it endeavors to transform the ageing experience. Founded in 1968, Eskaton is headquartered in Carmichael, California.

"ESKATON" comes from the Greek language and means the "dawning of a new day" or "beginning of a new age."

Visit 1. Our first visit was to the Eskaton Village Roseville, a service rich retirement community that offers home ownership, as well as the Lodge with assisted living and memory care in a picturesque, gated community. Located in Northwest Roseville, the community is just a short distance to the region’s newest medical centres, the area’s largest shopping mall, plus numerous restaurants and specialty shops. Residents enjoy the combination of peaceful community living and accessibility to everyday conveniences.





Our visit to the Lodge at Roseville was hosted by the CEO of Eskaton and members of the staff team. Seen above are Dot Bennett, Marketing Director,
Lois Roland, Exec Director of The Lodge, Todd Murch, Eskaton President and CEO and Hannah Fry, Liveable Design Representative.

The most eagerly anticipated aspect of this visit was the chance to see the nationally recognised Eskaton Demonstration Home. This is a purpose built home within the community where prospective residents and other visitors can see a full range of home technology and design ideas incorporated within a domestic setting. Combining innovative universal liveable design, breakthrough health, wellness and social technologies and green living features with beauty, simplicity and comfort, the home has won numerous awards — including the NAHB and AARP 2009 Liveable Communities Award in the builder category for homes up to 2,500 square feet and a gold award in the 2009 Best of 50+ Housing Awards.


There was keen interest in all the technology on display and the group was given an excellent tour of the home conducted by Erin Clay, Director of Research and Planning. This is the type of facility needed more widely to enable people considering the design, layout and technological innovation of their own living environments. The facility attracts visitors from many countries.

Visit 2. A half hour drive from Roseville brought us to the Eskaton Village Carmichael. The village is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care on 37 beautifully landscaped acres. Located in Carmichael, the Village is close to shopping, medical offices and parks and is nestled in a quiet neighborhood community. Residents enjoy the conveniences of retirement along with the benefits of living in an active community where one can do as much or as little as desired both in the area of physical fitness and socialisation.








We were once again made most welcome by the staff and residents. In particular we much appreciated being shown her beautifully appointed apartment by resident Mrs Flo Santucci.


We were shown round the campus by Jane Ipsen, Executive Director (left) and by Tristin Benjamin, Director of Resident Services,



...and round the Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Memory Units by Mary Lou Frandsen RN, Director of Nursing Services.

After a comprehensive tour of these outstanding facilities we set off for the two hour drive to the great city of San Francisco. We approached the city over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and past the world famous tourist area of Fisherman's Wharf.


We arrived in a city gripped by baseball fever and some of us managed to get to the bar in the Westin Market Street Hotel, where we are staying, in time to witness the 9-0 victory by the San Francisco Giants over the Texas Rangers in the second game of the final of the World Series. Way 2 go SFO!!

Location:San Francisco, California, USA