As the population of older adults continues to grow across the West Coast, families are increasingly faced with one of the most important decisions they will ever make: finding the right senior care for a loved one.
By 2040, it is projected that 22 percent of Californians will be 65 or older, representing a remarkable 59 percent increase from 2020. This is a demographic shift with profound implications for how communities plan for aging [1]. With this growth comes a rising demand for senior living communities in California and Oregon that offer more than just basic care: communities that inspire, engage, and genuinely enrich the lives of their Residents.
For families navigating these choices, the options can feel overwhelming. From understanding the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living to evaluating the benefits of a family-owned organization versus a large corporate chain, making the right choice requires careful consideration.
At Westmont Living, we believe that purposeful lives are meaningful lives, and our mission is to provide inspiring life experiences that enable our Residents and their families to lead full and enriching lives.
The Westmont Difference: A Family-Owned Legacy Since 1996
When exploring retirement living options in California and Oregon, one of the most significant distinctions families will encounter is the difference between family-owned communities and large national corporate chains. Since our founding in 1996 by Michael O’Rourke and Andy Plant, Westmont Living has remained a proudly family-owned business. This structure fundamentally shapes how we operate and how we care for every Resident.
In many corporate-owned facilities, decisions are often driven by distant shareholders and standardized protocols that may not account for the unique needs of individual Residents. In contrast, family-owned senior living communities tend to offer a more personal, interactive environment where leadership is genuinely invested in the day-to-day lives of the people they serve [2].
At Westmont Living, our founders and leadership team remain deeply connected to the daily experiences of our Residents across all 19 locations. We foster independence rather than dependence, and we are sensitive to respecting each Resident’s individuality, choice, dignity, and privacy.
This commitment to personalized care is reflected in our core values: compassion, passion, integrity, purpose, service, involvement, and quality. These are the principles that guide every interaction, every care plan, and every decision made on behalf of our Residents and their families.
Understanding the Full Spectrum of Senior Care
One of the most common challenges families face is determining which level of care is appropriate for their loved one. Westmont Living offers a full spectrum of housing and health care options across our 19 communities, ensuring that Residents can find the right fit.
Active Adult Living
For seniors who are fully self-sufficient and seeking a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle, Active Adult Living is an ideal starting point. These communities are designed for older adults who want to enjoy resort-style amenities, rich social programming, and the freedom that comes from leaving behind the burdens of home ownership and upkeep. Active Adult communities celebrate vitality and passion, creating an environment where Residents can pursue their interests and build meaningful friendships.
Independent Living
Independent Living for seniors offers all the lifestyle benefits of an Active Adult Community with the added comfort of knowing that support is available if and when it is needed. Residents enjoy spacious, thoughtfully designed floor plans, chef-prepared dining, and a full calendar of enriching activities all while maintaining the autonomy they value. Independent Living is particularly well-suited for seniors who are largely self-sufficient but appreciate the security and social connection that a supportive Community provides [3].
Assisted Living
When a senior begins to need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or meal preparation, Assisted Living provides the ideal balance of support and independence. Assisted living serves as a meaningful middle ground between Independent Living and more intensive care options, offering personalized assistance without sacrificing dignity or autonomy [4]. At Westmont Living, every Assisted Living Resident receives a customized care plan developed in close collaboration with their family and our team of senior care experts.
Memory Care
For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, specialized care is not just beneficial, it is essential. Memory Care communities are purpose-built to support Residents with memory loss in a secure, calming, and highly structured environment [5]. Our Memory Care programs are grounded in a deep understanding of cognitive decline, and our specially trained staff members provide compassionate, consistent care that brings genuine peace of mind to families. From structured daily routines to sensory-rich activities designed to stimulate cognitive engagement, our Memory Care approach honors the whole person.
| Care Type | Best Suited For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Active Adult | Fully independent seniors seeking a maintenance-free, social lifestyle | Resort-style amenities, social events, no personal care assistance required |
| Independent Living | Self-sufficient seniors who value Community, connection, and lifestyle support | Spacious floor plans, chef-prepared dining, wellness programs, on-call support |
| Assisted Living | Seniors needing help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or medications | Personalized care plans, 24/7 support staff, balance of independence and care |
| Memory Care | Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia | Secure environment, specialized cognitive programming, highly trained staff |
Signature Programs That Inspire Daily Life
What truly sets the best senior living communities in California and Oregon apart is not just the level of care, but the quality of daily life. At Westmont Living, we have developed signature programs designed to engage the mind, body, and spirit of every Resident.
Our Live Your Way® activities and wellness program is a cornerstone of the Westmont experience. This comprehensive program encompasses physical exercise classes, brain fitness activities, social events, creative arts, and opportunities for life-long learning. We believe that staying active and engaged is vital for healthy aging, and our dedicated lifestyles teams work tirelessly to create dynamic, personalized programming that appeals to a wide range of interests and abilities.
Dining is another crucial dimension of Resident satisfaction and well-being. Through our Dine Your Way program, Residents enjoy a restaurant-style dining experience where they can select from a variety of nutritious, chef-prepared menu options. We understand that food is not simply about nourishment, it’s also about connection, comfort, and the joy of choice. Providing meaningful options at every meal reflects our broader commitment to honoring each Resident’s individuality.
Recognizing When It’s Time to Explore Senior Living
Deciding when to transition from aging at home to a senior care facility in California or Oregon is a deeply personal process, and one that families often approach with a mix of hope and uncertainty. While aging in place may feel like the most comfortable choice, it can over time lead to increased isolation, nutritional challenges, and heightened safety risks, particularly regarding falls, which are a leading cause of injury among older adults [6].
Families should watch for several key indicators that it may be time to begin exploring senior living options:Capitalize Residents
Difficulty managing daily tasks or maintaining personal hygiene is often one of the first signs that additional support is needed. Unexplained weight loss, poor eating habits, or an empty refrigerator can signal that a loved one is struggling to care for themselves. Increased forgetfulness, confusion, or changes in behavior may indicate the early stages of cognitive decline. Signs of loneliness, depression, or withdrawal from social activities are also important signals, as social isolation is closely linked to accelerated cognitive and physical decline in older adults. Finally, frequent falls, mobility issues, or a home environment that has become difficult to navigate safely are strong indicators that a more supportive setting would be beneficial.
When these signs appear, exploring senior living with Memory Care in California or Assisted Living options can provide a safer, more enriching environment where professional care, social connection, and purposeful daily living work together to support the whole person.
19 Communities, One Shared Mission
With 19 locations spanning from the coastal neighborhoods of Southern California to the scenic shores of Oregon, Westmont Living offers a diverse range of settings to suit every preference and need. Our communities are thoughtfully designed indoors and out to encourage a relaxed, healthy lifestyle in a caring, supportive environment. Whether nestled in a vibrant urban neighborhood, set against the backdrop of California’s wine country, or perched along the Pacific Coast, each Westmont Community reflects our shared commitment to inspired retirement living.
Whether you are exploring Active Adult communities in California and Oregon, seeking compassionate Assisted Living for a parent, or researching Memory Care options for a loved one with dementia, Westmont Living is here to guide you every step of the way. Our family-owned organization is dedicated to exceeding your expectations.
We invite you to experience the Westmont difference firsthand. Schedule a tour at a Community near you and discover what inspired retirement living truly looks and feels like.
Ready to find the right fit? Explore all Westmont Living communities across California and Oregon, or take our care assessment to discover which level of care may be right for your loved one.
References
[1] Public Policy Institute of California. California’s Aging Population. January 2025. https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-aging-population/
[2] Generations Healthcare Management. Family Owned vs National Chain Organization. August 2015. https://www.generationshcm.com/blog/2015/08/family-owned-vs-national-chain-organization
[3] Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Understanding Differences in Senior Living Communities. December 2024. https://www.ltcfeds.gov/care-navigator/understanding-differences-in-senior-living-communities
[4] Cambridge Enhanced Senior Living. Exploring the Different Types of Senior Living Options. July 2024. https://cambridgeenhancedliving.com/different-types-of-senior-living-options/
[5] Integral Senior Living. Understanding the Differences Between Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing. https://islllc.com/understanding-differences-independent-living-assisted-living-memory-care-skilled-nursing-facility/
[6] Hartford Funds. How to Decide: Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living. https://www.hartfordfunds.com/insights/investor-insight/navigating-longevity/retirement/how-to-decide.html
