The Gardens of Riverside

The Gardens of Riverside sits in the hills of La Sierra and has 98 licensed beds, offering long-term care for seniors in a quiet neighborhood. The community's made up of two buildings on one property, and all the rooms are studios you can make your own, either private or semi-private, so you can have your own space or share with a roommate, and the buildings are all one story, so there are no stairs to worry about, and you can move around even if you use a wheelchair, since the whole place is wheelchair accessible and showers have plenty of space. This community's set up to handle all sorts of needs, from light help with daily tasks to heavier medical and behavioral care, and there's a full-time licensed nurse along with RNs and LPNs on-site at all times, and a team trained to handle medication, blood sugar checks, and even help with people who can act out physically or are at risk for wandering, since they use bracelets with alarms and have a secured, purpose-built memory care center for folks with Alzheimer's or dementia.

There's a big focus on memory care, and people who need extra help with things like confusion or getting lost can stay in the memory care building, and inside they get custom plans, daily cognitive activities, and 24/7 staff who make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable, especially for those who need standby, one or two person, or mechanical lift transfers to help them get around, even for people who need reminders to use the restroom or help with incontinence. The staff helps people keep up with daily things, from bathing and dressing to cooking simple meals in the cooking classes, and with a schedule that includes stretching, art, intergenerational activities, gardening in the raised beds, karaoke, trivia, outings, pet-focused activities, and more, there's always something going on and an activity director makes sure everyone who wants to join in gets the chance.

Residents get three meals a day, with snacks and drinks always available, and the kitchen can handle special diets like gluten-free, low sodium, low sugar, and vegan meals, and guest meals are an option if family or friends visit. There's a courtyard and walking paths outside, plus raised garden beds for people who enjoy getting their hands in the dirt, and inside and outside, there are common spaces where you can sit with others or just enjoy the view, and you can always have your pet with you since they allow pets. The Gardens of Riverside offers a range of care from assisted living to memory care and has transportation services both free and with a fee depending on where you need to go, plus a beautician on site, and assistance with all the things you might need help with, like managing medications or reminders about appointments.

They're a Continuing Care Retirement Community, which means people can stay even as their health needs change without having to move somewhere else. The Gardens of Riverside holds devotional services onsite and offsite for those who want them, and they provide respite and hospice care if needed. They don't take Medicare as payment, but they do accept some financial aid programs like the Multipurpose Senior Services Program. The whole place is smoke-free indoors, and security's tight with computerized alerts if anyone wanders. There are many resources available, like health libraries and counseling, elder abuse prevention, opioid resources, and even a symptom checker, plus they're involved in legislative efforts to keep people updated on senior care laws. Over the years, they've worked to create a familiar, safe, and supportive place where family, staff, and residents can build good relationships and people can feel comfortable and as independent as possible.

The Gardens of Riverside is managed by Northstar Senior Living.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Redding, California, Northstar Senior Living has established itself as one of the premier providers of senior living management and consulting services in the United States. Under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Jensen, who co-founded the company, Northstar has built a reputation for excellence in senior care management through its commitment to setting industry gold standards. The privately owned company operates approximately 40-51 communities across nine states, offering comprehensive management services that span the full spectrum of senior living operations.