Reata Glen

Moving Forward in 2021

Well-known Laguna Beach painter Karen Phelps has a new muse for her next masterpiece. The scene will take onlookers to the early-February COVID-19 vaccine clinic at her Reata Glen home where Karen’s neighbors were sporting big grins on their faces and Superman capes around their necks.

“This was a moment we’d all been waiting for,” Phelps said with a smile. “This vaccine clinic was like a big party at the community. We had balloons, pinatas, and live entertainment. It felt like the pandemic never happened. This painting will have a unifying theme behind it.”

With nearly all of Reata Glen’s residents vaccinated, the community looks forward to maintaining the strength, hope and resiliency in its residents and team members, and it has big plans to #MoveForward in 2021.

The Unforgettable Year
Reata Glen residents had so much looking forward as they rung in 2020. Like many holidays, the community celebrated with a large New Year’s Eve party.

“This is a lifestyle I always dreamed about,” laughed resident Jeanne Hankins.

Orange County’s newest Life Plan Community, located at 2 Las Estrellas Loop in Rancho Mission Viejo, opened its doors in 2019. The 60-acre campus has 480 residential living homes with dozens of unique floor plan options. Along with the more than 200 activities and amenities, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.

In March 2020, as the pandemic escalated, the community quickly made enhancements to adhere to CDC, state and local guidelines to keep residents secure and safe while ensuring they stayed engaged and connected.

“Our team had to re-invent dining, activities and fitness programs overnight,” said Reata Glen Executive Director Suzanne Nasraty. “We strategized outdoor programming and worked to bring activities and parties to residents safely.”

Residents were encouraged to take advantage of the Southern California climate with outdoor fitness classes or to enjoy virtual fitness classes in their own homes. In addition, the community delivered chef-prepared meals, groceries and household supplies to residents.

“It was wonderful to see my neighbors outside on their balconies working out,” said Hankins. “I received so many more services living at Reata Glen than if I were still in my house by myself.”

“One day, the activities team passed out ice cream to everyone,” said resident Karen Rose. “The next day, they had a margarita machine and were handing out margaritas.”

Throughout the pandemic, Reata Glen team members continued providing the high-quality services the community’s residents are accustomed to receiving.

“Our community looked for additional roles and opportunities for staff,” said Nasraty. “Our residents appreciate our team members and vice versa.”

Reata Glen’s Plan to Move Forward
The community ushered in 2021 a little differently.

“We all stood outside on our balconies and did a toast,” Rose recalled. “It was nice to see everyone dressed up and still enjoying each other’s company, even though we were socially distanced.”

With the second vaccine clinic now complete, and nearly all their residents vaccinated, the community is working on plans to expand its programming to include additional in-person activities while following social distancing practices. The Orchards health center, adjacent to Reata Glen, opened its doors this year. Residents now have convenient access to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care in a skilled nursing center — if they ever need it.

“The Life Plan Community option was the most important factor in our decision to move to Reata Glen,” said resident Alan Rose. “If we ever need assisted living or memory care, we have it there.”

Residents say they’re excited to #MoveForward in 2021 and enjoy meals with friends in the community’s restaurants, along with spending more time with their neighbors face to face.

“I can’t wait to sit and play cards with my friends again in the card room,” said Karen. “It’s a small thing, but I’m grateful I have that here at Reata Glen.”

To learn about floor plan options, pricing and location, go to ReataGlen.com. Please call (949) 545-2200 for details.

Reata Glen
2 Las Estrellas Loop, Rancho Mission Viejo
949.545.2200
reataglen.com