By Jay Minor
In early March, I had the pleasure of hosting our first Senior Living Discovery Tour for local families who are considering assisted living for themselves or a loved one.
Eleven participants joined me, along with my co-sponsors Danielle Jackson (Compass Real Estate) and Marilyn Stemper (The Key – In-Home Care & Concierge Nursing), both of whom shared helpful insight about how they support older adults through this transition.
We began our day at Ivy Park at Laguna Woods, continued to Belmont Village in Aliso Viejo, and concluded at MorningStar of Mission Viejo. Each community welcomed us warmly with refreshments and a chance to sample an offering of their amazing culinary teams before touring apartments, restaurants, activity spaces, salons, and gathering areas. Participants also gained a clearer understanding of how pricing works — from rent to care services and additional costs for couples — something many families find difficult to fully grasp without seeing it firsthand.
What stood out most was how meaningful it was for participants to experience several communities in one day. They saw different communities’ cultures, atmospheres, and approaches to care, and they were often surprised by how vibrant and active these environments felt. At one stop, our group had trouble hearing the tour because a lively exercise class nearby was so energetic — a moment that made everyone smile.
One participant shared, “This was such an informative tour and so helpful. It was also very social! It was a really nice group of people.” Others mentioned the unexpected benefit of building connections with fellow attendees along the way.
For me personally, one of the most memorable moments came at Belmont Village, where residents described how they continue to pursue their passions after moving in. One gentleman shared how he helped create a welcoming habitat for monarch butterflies by encouraging the planting of milkweed throughout the community. Stories like this remind us that assisted living is not simply about receiving care — it’s about continuing to grow, contribute, and thrive.
Our next Senior Living Discovery Tour is scheduled for June 23 and is designed for individuals and families who expect they may want to consider assisted living in the next 12 months. Space is limited. To learn more or reserve a seat, call me at 949-444-9055 or reach out by email.
As always, though, I am happy to meet with anyone on a personal level and help answer questions and navigate their next steps on their journey. And my services for my clients are always at no cost!
Meanwhile, we will be preparing for our next tour! These tours are a great reminder that informed decisions begin with firsthand experience — and that the right environment can make all the difference.
