Where Life-Care and Lifestyle
Go Hand-in-Hand Photos provided by El Castillo
G
etting older is full of “whatifs”; it’s hard to know what will happen to each of us as we age. At the same time, our senior years should be some of the best in our life, filled with leisure, learning and lots of fun. That’s why it’s important to select a retirement community that can provide for your health and your social milieu. Here in Santa Fe, El Castillo offers the best of both worlds. El Castillo is the only continuing care retirement community in northern New Mexico. That means residents can move into an independent apartment and then, if necessary, take advantage of the assisted living, nursing and memory care
services. This kind of care is unparalleled in the city. It gives seniors the option to have the security of knowing their longterm care is assured. “Most of our residents and prospective residents this day and age look at us as a life care community,” explains CEO Al Jahner. “We are an organization that offers a full range of housing, social opportunities, wellness and health care in order to serve our residents as their needs change over time. That’s why it’s called life care.” The memory care facility has been added only in the past year. El Castillo purchased its neighboring building, which
was Mayor Valdez’ ancestral home, and remodeled it into 11 memory care units. “With more diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and dementia, it’s of concern for most seniors. The fact that we have added a memory care building has greatly helped with peace of mind,” says Jahner. El Castillo’s gorgeous facility is just off of Alameda. The Santa Fe River runs close by, and it’s so well nestled in greenery one might miss it if it wasn’t on one’s radar. “Location is key for us,” notes Jahner. “Even though we’re the only ones who provide the levels of care we do, we’re also the only ones downtown. All of our residents have the ability to drive or even walk to all kinds of activities.”
From galleries to events, just about anything happening downtown is easily within walking distance. “We offer activities and cultural programs for everybody – from independent and assisted living to nursing and memory care,” says Jean Kessel, Director of Administration and Operations. “All of our programs are driven by the residents. We have several classes – writing, art, music (the El Castillo Choir) and exercise. We just set up a new state-of-the-art fitness center designed specifically for people over 50. We also provide transportation to local cultural events, dining out and off campus programs.” El Castillo has been around since 1971. Shortly after it opened, the health center and dining room were added, making it the high class retirement community it has been for the past almost 45 years. It’s important to note El Castillo is also unique in that it is a non-profit. “Here at El Castillo, the money stays within the organization and any profit goes to upgrades,” describes Jahner. “We’re governed by a local Board of Directors who all live in the community.” “I was born in Santa Fe and am now living in the ‘heart’ of the city at the lovely and friendly retirement residences of El Castillo. I have lived here for eight years and feel it’s been a wise decision. Because El Castillo is governed by a local Board of Directors, it avoids the cookie cutter management of large corporation life care facilities. The amenities I enjoy
cover every need to make life a pleasure,” says resident Conchita Lopez. “Moving to El Castillo is like going on vacation and not having to go back home,” adds resident Charles E. Cole. Jahner relates, “Some years ago a gentleman made the comment, ‘My wife and I made the choice to move here so our kids wouldn’t have to make that choice.’ It’s a great comfort for families knowing exactly how elderly parents’ needs will be covered, whatever those may happen to be.” “We have third generation residents here now,” says Kessel. Jahner adds, “When you talk about why people move here, it’s about lifestyle and providing for your future. If and when you need healthcare, you know who’s going to deliver it. We strive to provide engaged living, wellness programs and social connections which may significantly increase quality of life.” From the perfect location to the incomparable care, El Castillo provides an ideal place to enjoy your senior years. The amenities are first class, the staff is excellent, the grounds are lush and, consequently, the residents can’t help but enjoy their lifestyle. In other words, El Castillo has it all.
El Castillo 250 E. Alameda St. 505.988.2877 Elcastilloretirement.com