San Clemente Villas

Luxury Senior Living

by Veronica Badzey

For luxury retirement senior living in a family environment, look no further than San Clemente Villas by the Sea. From the minute you walk in the front door, you’re welcomed by friendly smiles and courteous staff, who go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable and instantly put at ease. Celebrating its 16th anniversary this October, San Clemente Villas is run by Paul and Aileen Brazeau, who put their heart and soul into a community that gives joy and comfort to seniors over age 65.

The gracious, four-story building was specifically designed and built by Paul Brazeau, who is a successful building developer of shopping centers and senior communities throughout Southern California. The Villas’ many amenities include a grand foyer with cathedral ceilings, an elegant dining room and lounge, a well-ness center, an activities center, a heated pool and jacuzzi, an in-house library with computers and internet access, and a home movie theater with nightly movies. Married couples, life partners, and singles can choose from spacious, air-conditioned studios or one-bedroom units that include a private bathroom, kitchenette, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave. One-bedroom apartment units also feature walk-in closets and a separate living room.

The Villas are the only family-owned and operated assisted living community in Southern California, and the difference is evident in the high quality care and personal attention it offers residents. The rates are month-to-month, as opposed to the expensive buy-ins required at many other corporate-run retirement communities, and include fine dining with three delicious, home-cooked meals a day, a salad bar, weekly housekeeping and laundering of linens and towels, all utilities (except telephone and Cox Cable), an emergency alert call system and pendant, and more. There is also scheduled shuttle transportation daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., ready to take residents to shopping, church, or popular outings like Pala Casino, the Outlets at San Clemente, and the Mission Viejo Mall.

Yet all of the residents agree that the best part about San Clemente Villas is the many community activities. The Activities Director, Barbara Corrigan, goes out of her way to plan unique and exciting events where senior residents and their families can join in fellowship, community, and fun. From watercolor classes, to poker and bingo, a chorale that puts on 3 wonderful performances each year, and aqua fitness classes, residents have dozens of choices for entertainment and social interaction.

One of the most popular activities is Happy Hour and Dancing with Chris and Dee (Chris is featured on the cover, dancing with resident Betty). Chris was a former dancer with Crystal Cruise Lines. Chris and Dee’s most recent claim to fame is an appearance on the Ellen Show, where they were called up on stage to dance a waltz in front of the audience. There are also numerous parties, the most recent being a romping Oktoberfest followed by a spooky Halloween party complete with ghostly decorations, costume contests, and games.

As Barbara puts it, “The thing that sets us apart from other assisted living communities is the friendliness. Plus, it makes such a big difference that the owners are here. They take a really hands-on approach and genuinely care about the residents’ quality of life.”

When it comes to personalized, compassionate healthcare, the Villas is truly exemplary. Medical staff includes two on-call doctors, a PA, an on-site LVN, a visit ing hearing aid doctor, a visiting podiatrist, an on-call psychiatrist, and visiting licensed physical therapists as needed. They also have professionals who hold thrice-weekly stretch and strengthening classes.

For residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the Memory Care Unit pro-vides one-on-one attention in a safe, healthy, and secure environment. With four caregivers per shift, a dedicated nurse, and medical technicians, seniors in this comprehensive program can be as-sured of 24-hour individualized care from experienced specialists.

San Clemente Villas by the Sea holds a California State RCFE license in residential care for the elderly. Give the Villas a call today to learn more or to arrange a private tour of the community.