Garden Court, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community on De La Vina Street between Figueroa and Anapamu, so folks can walk to nearby shopping, catch public transportation, or visit the senior center pretty easily, and the building uses the Low Income Housing Tax Credit profile, opening back in 2000, so everything's set up with seniors in mind, making it easier for those who have trouble with things like driving, shopping, doing housework, or cooking daily meals. The complex is for people 62 years and older, offering 97 private studios, each about 325 square feet with its own kitchenette and full bath, plus a manager's unit, and the rents stay affordable for income-eligible residents since Garden Court is focused on helping low-income seniors who might qualify based on their needs, with the total building area about 47,691 square feet sitting on a nearly 50,000 square foot lot.
Staff is there 24 hours a day, ready to help during emergencies or with daily needs, and trained personal care assistants are on hand, with assisted living and memory care services available for folks who need them, including help moving from bed to wheelchair, monitoring insulin for diabetes, incontinence care, and non-ambulatory assistance. Residents can get help with laundry and dry cleaning, and there are washers and dryers on site. Housekeeping and maintenance services are provided. Staff helps with walking and wheelchair movement, and transportation services make it easier for residents to get places outside the community.
Every room comes with cable TV, wifi, and a sprinkler system for safety, and the building includes safety and handicap features throughout. Residents can choose from different room types-studio, one-bedroom, semi-private, or two-bedroom-and Garden Court keeps fees and payment options flexible, accepting private pay, social security, veterans' benefits, and private insurance, with fees based on care level and a community or respite fee as needed. Guests can park on site.
Meals are provided-three meals a day from Monday to Saturday, plus two on Sundays-so residents spend less time and money preparing food, and there's a dining room for eating with others. Onsite and offsite activities happen regularly, with a full program of social events, health and wellness options, fitness center activities, arts and crafts, devotional services, and education programs, so residents can keep busy and find new things to do, while common indoor areas and a game room make for easy chatting or relaxing. There's a salon and barbershop for haircuts and other needs, plus independent living apartments that mix privacy with the chance to be around others in the community.
Garden Court partners with local organizations to support women, children, and families, and it's connected to the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara, which helps with grants for projects related to family support, food security, nutrition, and housing. The community maintains a presence on Facebook and lists important information about services, joining, donating, or volunteering on its website. Utility payments can be made online for extra convenience at a link provided by the Housing Authority. Chris Tucker, the Executive Director, oversees the daily operations.
This community mainly serves seniors who want independent apartments but could use help with daily tasks. Garden Court combines a welcoming setting, affordable prices for those who qualify, and a program of services and activities to support living with dignity and staying as independent as possible as people age.
