VARENITA OF WESTLAKE

Excellent activities and food. Those are very important to dad and he gets both at Varenita of Westlake. Beautiful community and all the residents we see are so happy and look well cared for. Zak, the director, is excellent at communication and is always available for any feedback or suggestions. The care team and med techs are so caring; they have so much passion for what they do…this is more than a job for them, it’s a calling.

Varenita provides exceptional care in a truly beautiful environment. From the compassionate staff and directors to the lovely restaurants and immaculate, breathtaking spaces, it feels like living on a cruise. Above all, everyone genuinely cares—and that makes all the difference.

Moving my dad from private in-home 24/7 care to a memory care facility was the hardest decision I've ever made. It's only been a short time, but the staff has already earned a significant amount of my trust and respect. My initial concerns related to this transition were addressed, step by step by the staff's specialized expertise and consistent communication particularly by the Reminiscence Memory Care Coordinator, Christina Hickman who is Varenita's "Jewel in Their Crown". The the open access and ease of communication with Zak Howell, their Executive Director and their excellent, and attentive nursing staff Sarah, Lisola and Bethy have all been a reassuring experience. Also, so instrumental in our transition and essential in my Dad's quality and continuity of care is Yuri, the Assisted Living Coordinator whose involvement makes our lives better every day. The Memory Care team here understands the nuances of memory loss in a way that the private caregivers, while caring, simply couldn't. This specialized knowledge is evident in how they handle changing and challenging daily routines, transforming potential moments of frustration into manageable, calm interactions, understanding that my Dad is experiencing changes that he finds not only frustrating, but also cause him to feel fear. They consistently use person-centered approaches that respect my dad's dignity, even on his most difficult days. Beyond their expertise, it’s the consistent, clear communication and continuity of their word that has built the most trust. The transition process itself was incredibly smooth for my Dad. Very regular updates and involving me in care planning and Dad's daily care from day one. I receive regular check-ins about his mood, eating habits, and participation in activities. This transparency ensures I'm always aware of his daily well-being and current needs. My relationship with each member of the staff is essential in maintaining trust and a true partnership in the care of my Dad and ensuring his highest quality of life. Furthermore, I have observed the genuine empathy and patience they show not just to my dad, but to all residents. I've gotten to know some of the other residents, they are so very dear. The staff work every day to create a supportive and engaging environment that feels safe and stimulating. It has been my experience that although there are some extraordinary caregivers, there are also some that are disappointing, but they don't last long at Varenita Westlake. The fact that I can leave after a visit knowing he is not just looked after, but truly cared for by competent and better - compassionate professionals, who know and understand him and that he is encouraged to participate in everything that is going on there each day with patience, respect and love is the biggest relief. In these 4 months, they've not only adapted to my dad's needs but have also earned my confidence, respect and love. Finally, I feel compelled to mention Maggie, the Memory Care Life Enrichment Coordinator who adds invaluable extra care that is extraordinary. She imbues such deep knowledge, experience, and wisdom and brings it to all of us who cross her path with such empathy, warmth and love.

My brother has been living in memory care at Veranita Westlake for the past year and it is truly a wonderful environment. We couldn't be happier at the level of care he has been receiving. Everyone at Veranita is so caring and absolutely amazing when dealing with my brother who is developmentally disabled. Caring for someone like my brother is incredibly challenging, but everyone at Veranita seems to have mastered caring for someone like him. I have to specially recognize Christina Hickman who has been phenomenal and instrumental when dealing with my brother and caring for him. I have never seen this level of care for him. Christina routinely goes above and beyond for my brother and has even read books on his cognitive condition to be able to better understand his condition and how to care for him. We are beyond blessed to have Christina at Veranita. I want to also give a special thanks to Zak Howell for being so easy to approach and talk to when making any request and for bringing Christina on board. Zak has assembled an incredible first class team and I wanted to say God Bless to the entire team at Veranita!

Varenita of Westlake is a home with a uniquely educated and authentic staff who exhibit integrity and kindness. Their Philosophy of wellness and the "benefits of memory care" don't stop when loved ones are out of your site. You can see the proof that the staff are supported by the owners, which allows staff to do and be their best. We are so blessed to have my father who has progressive dementia living in memory care. My dad lived in his past home for 45 years, with his wife (Both educated professionals Ph.D/MA) and when he (widowed) walked into Varenita and was shown the single available room, he said, "when do I get a key?" He loves it there and feels among peers at Varenita. Thank you to the Founding Family who envisioned Varenita and brought this community to life!