When my daughter Cindy Bloch, her husband Larry, and my twin grandchildren, Matthew and Reisa, moved to Rancho Santa Fe, I practically became an East-to-West commuter. Nothing was going to keep me from enjoying my grandchildren and spending time with Cindy and Larry.

I had lived in New Jersey and New York, and my husband and I owned an Italian restaurant on Broadway in New York City.

I came to know Seacrest through Cindy. She served as President of the Seacrest Foundation Board for three years and still remains active.

Seacrest itself has served the community since 1944.

In 1999, my restaurant closed because our 100-year-old building was torn down.

My husband and I started spending winters in Solana Beach. And then, 15 years ago, we made a permanent move to Ocean Hills Country Club in Oceanside, a 55-and-older community with a golf course and all kinds of activities. However, with fun (and age) and 45 years of golf and tennis, some back, knee, and shoulder pain does occur.

I am 93 years old now and doing well. Yet sometimes, we seniors need help. I knew of Seacrest, but little did I know how many times I would be there. My first visit to skilled nursing was after knee surgery. Then, five years later, the other knee. And eventually, I had major back surgery, which entailed a six-week stay.

I had lost my husband a year after we moved here. And unless you know Seacrest, you cannot imagine how lucky I felt—especially being alone and having such a wonderful place to recover.

During one of my stays at Seacrest, a few years after my husband passed, I met a gentleman, and he would often join me for dinner in my room. He, too, was treated with much kindness.

Finally, this year, at the age of 93, I was really sick—10 days in the hospital and three weeks at Seacrest. The attention I got was remarkable. And the food is amazing! I don’t think they served the same meal twice during my stay.

I had physical therapy twice a day and enjoyed the entertainment that was offered.

Services on Saturday morning with the Rabbi were particularly meaningful. When you are just recovering from a major illness, it gives you an opportunity to say, “thank you.”

But mostly, I am grateful for the attention I received from the nurses, CNAs, cleaning staff, the everyday laundry service, and a nice, bright room.

What was especially helpful was how the nurses listened to me and respected my opinion on things pertaining to my care.

They never did anything without making sure I was comfortable with it. When I was depressed, they had a psychologist come in to talk to me. Dr. Maan came often and answered so many of my questions.

And when I was going home, there was a meeting with the physical therapist, my daughter, and the social worker to make sure I was ready to leave. And they made all the arrangements for my continuing care at home.

Now, several months later, I am doing great. I don’t know if that would be the case if not for the attention, the warmth, and sometimes humor of the Seacrest skilled nursing staff. I will be forever grateful that such a wonderful place exists.