La Loma Village’s newly remodeled lounge creates a warmer, more inviting atmosphere
By Shanna Hogan
Four residents of La Loma Village gathered around the player piano situated in the building’s recently remodeled lounge on a Thursday morning. Coffee cups in hand, Susy Simonsgaard, Sandy Foell, and Al and Nan Bartels chatted and laughed.
“We need wine,” Susy says with a chuckle.
Renovations for the Sun Health Senior Living Life Care Community’s lounge took two months, transforming the entry way, front desk and community gathering area. The new lounge features a piano bar, two-sided fireplace, functional patio and seating areas complete with plush chairs. It’s decorated in shades of blue from cobalt to teal, balanced with the warmth of dark wood and soft gray walls. Contemporary light fixtures and colorful, abstract artwork add to the modern retro feel.
“We were ready for a change,” Susan Davis, La Loma Village executive director, shared. “The new look is younger and refreshing… I think it’s ageless. It will never go out of style.”
Before remodeling the lounge, La Loma Village staff collected feedback from residents, who expressed desires for a more functional and casual meeting space. Construction took two months, and the lounge was unveiled in December.
Al and Nan Bartels have lived at the Litchfield Park community for four years. Al says the new look isn’t just attractive, but it’s also practical.
“The fact that you can sit here and have a conversation – that wasn’t possible before. It is now,” he says. “I think it will enhance the intermingling of the residents.”
Nancy agrees.
“The decor is relaxing and cozy. I think it’s beautiful,” she says, glancing at the room. “It’s a much better gathering area than we had before.”
The new lounge features multiple seating areas for residents and guests to congregate. Entertainment acts, previously hosted in the atrium, are now held in the lounge. A recent karaoke night, for example, attracted several residents.
Susy’s father, Fred Simmons, was one of the first residents of La Loma Village. He lived there from 2005 until he passed at age 100. Because of the benefits offered in lifestyle and health care, Susy decided that La Loma Village would become her home, too.
“The quality of the staff let me know that this is a really good place to be,” she says.
Susy says the new lounge has really enhanced socializing among the residents.
“I thought I was a solitary person and I could be alone and be totally happy,” she says. “And I was, but life can be so much richer with friends.”
The sense of community attracted Sandy Foell to La Loma Village. Since the lounge was remodeled, she has heard from residents who say the new look makes them feel younger.
“The old lounge didn’t have the warmth or coziness. It was just a place to wait,” she says. “I really admire what they have done here. It’s impressive.”
Since it opened, the lounge has been used more than ever, Susan, the executive director, says.
“The residents are having so much fun in this lounge,” she adds. “You can see the joy on people’s faces. You can see the joy of living now.”
