The Vintage is an experience
“The residents are like my family,” said Flora Anne Jackson, general manager of The Vintage, the independent retirement community on Kettleman Lane. “My goal is to make them happy as well as keeping them safe.”
As I entered the large facility a sing-along was in full swing. Residents were gathered on sofas and chairs in the Rotunda, thoroughly enjoying songs of the past. Barbara led the singing, took requests and finished with “God Bless America.” Then everyone scattered to get ready for lunch.
The Vintage was built in 1998 by Holiday Retirement who also managed it. Two and a half years ago it was sold to Northern Health Care with management remaining with Holiday Retirement.
Jackson has been general manager for five and a half years as an employee of Holiday Retirement. The large site was chosen for its proximity to shopping and restaurants.
Three floors contain 120 rental units with 116 residents presently there. Jackson said some residents have been there from the day The Vintage opened. The oldest resident is 102. She added that the major reason residents leave is because they no longer can take care of themselves.
The large apartments have a good-sized living area and bedroom, a large bath with safety bars, and a mini-kitchen. Upper floor units have balconies while first floor units have patios. Included in the rent is once a week housekeeping with changing of bed and washing the towels and sheets, all meals, all activities, a laundry for personal items, and 24-hour staff.
Janet Adams, who invited me for lunch in the spacious dining room, has a thirdstory apartment with balcony and lovely northern view of Lodi. The dining room has tables for four with menus and service by staff at each table. Lunch is the big meal of the day with two options of a main course plus salad and dessert.
If a resident does not want one of the options he or she can choose the Chef’s Choice or the Healthy Meal. And yes, my lunch was delicious.
What about activities? They have between seven and nine activities every day so residents have many choices. Most days start with either chair or regular exercises. Then there are games, knitting and crocheting, regular blood pressure checks, and many types of classes. On specific days there is bunco (Sunday), rummikub (Mondays), bridge (Tuesdays), bingo Friday), and poker (Saturday).
Each Tuesday afternoon is happy hour which includes snacks and live entertainment. Vintage has its own theater and shows movies several times a week. Of course, there also is an ice cream social often.
Special events also are planned. The dining room still was decorated for the luau which had been held. A pig had been roasted and served along with all the traditional luau foods. Professional dancers entertained and had a few residents also attempting the hula. “Everyone enjoyed it so much,” said Jackson. “We try to do that often.”
Transportation for errands, shopping and appointments is provided four days a week. One day a week residents have the opportunity for an outing. The 21-passenger bus may take residents out of town for lunch, to a winery for a food/wine pairing, to Micke Grove Park or to the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, or on a boat ride on the lake. This year Jackson said they are planning to go to a grape crush, an event the residents have been requesting.
Lodi’s Parade of Lights is a big event for Vintage. The residents, along with a pianist on the keyboard, ride the bus in the parade singing Christmas carols and heartily enjoying themselves.
Family and friends are always welcome at all events and activities as well as onto the bus if there is room.
Flora Jackson said Vintage is her second position working as a single manager in a senior living facility. In 2009 she worked at the Westmont in Santa Clara. Prior to that she and her husband were a management team.
Then Holiday decided on single managers so her husband manages a senior living facility in Modesto. Married for 35 years, they live on a houseboat at Tower Park Marina. They have four children, 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
“I love my job,” Jackson said, “although at times it is a little overwhelming because I know everyone has certain expectations of me. I just hope I can make them happy because they are a great group of people.”
Janet Adams added that Jackson does a great job.
The social, busy residents of The Vintage agree as they enjoy themselves in all that occurs every day.