Josephine's Garden Villa — Residential Care for Elderly, Manhattan Beach

A home, not a facility

Josephine's has cared for seniors in Manhattan Beach since 2000, a mile from the ocean in one of the most desirable beach communities in the South Bay.

Only six residents live here at a time, in a home of more than 3,300 square feet with six private rooms and three and a half bathrooms. That size is the whole point: caregivers know each resident by name, by habit, and by preference, and families are welcomed as family.

There is room to choose your mood — a sunny dining room, a quiet library, a garden to sit in. Your loved one is cared for in an environment filled with love, friendship and respect, with the comforts of a private home rather than an institution.

The wood-panelled sitting room, with wicker chairs, a rocking chair and a wide window onto the trees. — The sitting room, looking out into the trees.

The house

The main dining room has a wall of windows looking out at the garden, and in warm weather meals are served outside in the back or side yard. When family and friends visit for a birthday or a holiday, the large recreation room gives everyone space to gather.

Every bedroom has cable. For residents with a green thumb, there are areas in the back garden set aside for planting flowers or fruit. Family members are welcome to bring their cat or dog along when they visit.

The house sits close to several churches and parks. The Joslyn Center, the local senior center, runs activities, luncheons, arts and crafts and trips, and we can arrange for residents to join them.

The recreation room, with a shuffleboard table, sofas and a white brick fireplace. — The recreation room, used for family visits and parties.

The library room, with a stone fireplace, full bookshelves, a sofa and a lamp. — The library, where the afternoon movie is shown.

A day at Josephine's

Caregivers walk with residents around the house at least three times a day, which is exercise enough for most; those who want more can take a walk after lunch.

At 2:30 there is a movie in the library for anyone who would like to watch. Bingo, games and puzzles are offered too, and never pushed on anyone who would rather not.

Meals are cooked to the tastes residents actually have, and special diets are prepared when they are needed. Through the year we hold holiday parties with live music, entertainment and food, so families can spend the occasion here with their loved ones.

Personalized care

Care is given directly by a caregiving team with long experience in this field, and it is shaped around each resident rather than a schedule. When more support is needed, hospice service, home health, and physical therapy can all come to the home.