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American River Messenger

Changing the Landscape of Residential Senior Care

Nov 20, 2018 12:00AM ● By Story by Shaunna Boyd

A ribbon cutting ceremony at Bellhaven Estate was attended by members of the Orangevale Chamber of Commerce, registered nurses from local hospitals, and a representative from Ted Gaines' office who presented the Brooks with a certificate of recognition. Photo provided by Dan and Monica Brooks.

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Dan and Monica Brooks recently opened a new state licensed senior care home in Orangevale. Bellhaven Estate offers unique retreat-style senior living on an expansive and beautiful property.

Although Bellhaven has only been open for a few weeks, the Brooks have been busy meeting with prospective residents and offering tours. They are currently licensed for six residents and are already at 50% capacity with three residents signed up to move in.

The Brooks ran a senior care home in Natomas for four years, which was at full capacity with a full wait list, but they were thrilled to find this new location because it offers residents more opportunities to connect with nature. Dan stated, “We are trying to change the landscape of residential senior care.”

The estate is located on two acres with wide paved pathways so residents can explore the natural beauty of the property. They will soon be putting in a vineyard and have plans for gardens to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers. With many areas for relaxing outdoors, residents can enjoy the horse and chickens that also live on the property. Monica said it is “the perfect location” and they were awed by the tranquility.

Bellhaven offers many activities to keep residents engaged. A musician visits the estate to provide live entertainment with renditions of songs by John Denver and the Beatles. Every six weeks they will host a spa day with a licensed hair stylist and nail technician to pamper the residents. Once a month, the Bellhaven Brunch offers a full spread of delicious foods for residents and their families.

The Brooks plan delicious meals because they feel it gives the residents great joy to look forward to good dinners and decadent desserts each night. Dan loves to cook and offers cooking demonstrations to get the residents involved in the process.

Bellhaven has at least one caregiver onsite at all times, and sometimes up to four depending on the activities and needs on a given day. At some care homes, the night staff can sleep while residents sleep since the assumption is that residents will wake the caregiver if they need help. Monica explained that Bellhaven does not follow that method because of concern that a resident might need help but be unable to request it if they are in medical distress. Staff members at Bellhaven spend the night awake and making frequent checks to ensure the continued safety of all residents.

The Brooks spend much of their time at the estate and are both very involved in every aspect of care, from playing games with residents to helping them with showers. “We do everything we ask our staff to do,” said Monica.

At Bellhaven, they want the residents to always feel that it is their home. Residents have their own personal spaces and are encouraged to invite family and friends to visit. The Brooks strive to offer exceptionally personalized service and care.

Monica has a background in children’s services, so she loves working with the residents and their families. She said, “I supported families through change when I worked in children’s services, and now I support families through change on the other side.”

Dan has 13 years of medical experience as a firefighter and paramedic, and in his experience going on medical calls he saw the need for more specialized and individual senior care. That need is what started the conversation and inspired the Brooks to open their own senior care home. Monica said, “If you are more on the quiet side, you can get lost in those larger facilities. Having only six residents at a time allows us to keep it super personal and offer extremely high-quality care.”

For more information, visit www.belhaven-estate.com.