When families compare senior living options, community size often sways the decision, in either direction. Some families are looking for a close-knit group of neighbors while others want a full social calendar in a larger community setting. Both can be the right choice for assisted living, and large senior living communities offer many benefits families may not realize.
The Village at Rancho Solano in Fairfield, California, is a 250-bed community that feels active, busy, and connected. A large senior living community can give residents more activities throughout the day and more opportunities for friendship, without necessarily sacrificing privacy. If your family is still choosing between big and small communities, this guide through a typical day at The Village at Rancho Solano can help make the choice clearer.
Large Senior Living Communities Provide More Options
One of the main benefits of a larger assisted living community is its versatility. One person’s typical day may not match someone else’s, but the options are there for residents to choose from. This walk-through can help you understand the options.
Mornings at Your Own Pace
Some residents of The Village at Rancho Solano prefer to start their day in the quiet of the courtyard, or with a steaming cup of coffee and a favorite book in the campus library. Families concerned about large communities being too busy or loud should consider how a large space provides opportunities for privacy that small spaces may not. Think about how a large house can offer places for peace and quiet, while a smaller house keeps everyone close together.
Of course, there are more active ways to enjoy the morning as well. Many residents start the day with a walk along the path or a morning fitness class. Often, neighbors of all activity levels convene in the dining room for a chef-prepared breakfast. The important thing is that residents have the freedom to choose the lifestyle that suits them on a given day.
Afternoons Provide More Choices
As the community enters the afternoon, even more choices become available. Competitive bingo games and pub trivia can spice up the day while other residents enjoy movies in the on-site theater or appointments at the salon. On some days, guest musicians and performers visit the community to provide live entertainment, adding more events for residents to look forward to.
Meals in the restaurant-style dining room often bring everyone back together throughout the day. A sample menu could include golden fried chicken, chicken fried steak with gravy, German bratwurst with sauerkraut, and for dessert, tres leches cake. A private event space is also available when residents want to gather with family.
Evenings Bring New Connections
Catching up at the end of the day is easy with so many places to meet up and relax. The fireplace and living room provide a cozy place for reading and conversation. Arts and crafts classes, music programs, fitness classes, and outdoor excursions may wind down, but that only leaves more room for happy hours and other planned events. The calendar includes worship services so residents can continue practicing their faith without leaving the community.
As the evening turns to night, many residents enjoy quiet time on their private balcony or patio. Some shop or dine with family. Others are still in the library or living room. A large community space offers variety that smaller spaces may not be able to match.
Large vs. Small Assisted Living Communities
Even with these benefits in mind, many families still aren’t sure how to choose. There is no “correct” community size, since different activities will suit different residents in different ways. Smaller settings may appeal to those who prefer a close-knit community where everyone knows each other by name, while larger communities offer variety, new connections, more activity options, and more social events.
One significant difference is in the calendar. Because larger senior living communities have more room, the calendar can be filled with overlapping activities for different interests with less competition over spaces. It also lets the community separate lifestyles and offer distinct events and programs better suited to each group.
Memory Care Within a Large Community
In addition to assisted living, The Village at Rancho Solano provides memory care to residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Connections, the signature memory care program from Pegasus Senior Living, is built around the principles of Connect, Move, and Learn, an evidence-based approach to living with memory loss that focuses on neuroplasticity and social connections.
The larger community footprint also gives residents in memory care more room to use amenities they may not have in a smaller building. These include the salon, fitness center, secure courtyard, walking paths, and library, all with supervision as needed from trained community team members.
Frequently Asked Questions
A larger community can offer more daily activities, more dining variety, and more on-site amenities. With more residents, it can also be easier to find neighbors with similar interests.
Consider your loved one’s personality and daily habits. Someone who enjoys a full calendar and meeting new people may prefer a larger community, while someone who likes a quieter routine may prefer a smaller setting.
Look at the care services offered, the activity calendar, dining options, amenities, and how team members interact with residents. Touring in person often provides a clearer idea of daily life than a brochure.
The Village at Rancho Solano offers assisted living and memory care. Memory care includes Connections, Pegasus Senior Living’s signature memory care program.
Small pets are welcome in assisted living. Speak with a community team member about your specific pet to make sure the size and breed meet the guidelines.
Choose the Right Senior Living Community in Fairfield
The factors to consider when choosing a senior living community depend on how you or your senior loved one will want to spend each day. Larger communities can provide more ways to stay active and socially connected. The team at The Village at Rancho Solano celebrates all residents with full social calendars and personalized routines built around what each individual needs to continue doing what they enjoy.
Find Your Place at The Village at Rancho Solano
The benefits of a larger assisted living community are easier to see in person, where residents of all activity levels and interests are going about their days. Schedule a tour at The Village at Rancho Solano in Fairfield, CA, to see the calendar, dining room, and amenities for yourself and imagine how your routine might look on a normal day.