This week is a reflection on the need to focus on nursing homes. Many nursing home residents are the people who lived and worked locally and made our community what it is. People from all walks of life come to nursing homes; they are not just for end of life medically challenged people, but people of all ages that need to rehabilitate from surgery and or accidents. Many of us have had parents and others in our lives that have needed care, such as provided at a place like Pacific Coast Manor, in Capitola.

As one of the leading local rehabilitation facilities in Capitola , in the Santa Cruz ,California area, they know what having good people means. Celebrating those that work there and those who are on the mend is the goal this week. This is one of those jobs, that many of us are glad they handle with care and compassion. This year’s National Nursing Home Week ® theme is “Love is Ageless.” Pacific Coast Manor will be will be holding a "Going Bananas" banana split event on Thursday for staff and patients. This celebratory event will feature residents as well as staff .

Come and be part the celebration of the people behind Pacific Coast Manor's quality long term care. Located in Capitola, California,they are a well established facility in the county. Rochelle Nations is heading up a team to "Go Bananas" and create a 100 foot long banana split. There will be plenty of whipped cream and ice cream, and every one is sure to have fun, and everyone is a top banana. Nations is the Marketing Director for Pacific Coast Manor and does a great job promoting the fine job her staff does.

If you have other Capitola senior needs, you can contact me and I'll help direct you to the other community resources. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist ( SRES) I have resources and contacts to help you out, whether it is getting in-home help or moving to a single story home if you have mobility issues. There are senior communities and houses for just seniors if that housing situation needs to change. Sometimes it is just finding a place that mom or dad can move in with you on the property, but have their own independence. Call me for special needs at 831-818-7524.

The goal as we age, is to have a good quality of life, so don't let poor health care and estate planning choices limit your fun in life as you age. Have that talk with your kids and physician of what your financial or health care issues are, and be prepared in advance. Skilled care facilities such as Pacific Coast Manor are a great resource, but they are not a long term solution. Their goal is to get you well, and send you home. If you have a parent of person you care for, contact them if you need skilled nursing or rehabilitative assistance at 831-476-0770. In the meantime, have fun, each day is a gift.