Today’s seniors have different needs and expectations. Their definition of “care” has moved to a personalized model where choice and lifestyle enrichment are front and center. In response to this evolution, Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS) has created a progressive approach that’s resident-centric, offering a comprehensive suite of services that align with contemporary values and healthcare realities.

Krista Nay, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ECS, says, “The traditional model of senior independent living prioritized medical care. Today, the emphasis has shifted to a lifestyle-driven model — with high-quality care available when needed.” This shift reflects broader trends across healthcare and insurance, where rapid advancements in medical technology have shortened recovery times and reduced the reliance on extended stays in medical facilities.

Procedures such as joint replacements, once requiring weeks of hospitalization and a lengthy stay in rehab, are now outpatient surgeries with at-home recovery protocols. These changes are driven by a growing desire to “age in place,” which is not only cost-effective but also yields improved outcomes.

The Choice Custom Care program, developed by ECS, is an adaptive service platform that allows residents to access only the care they require, when and how they want it. Across ECS communities — including MonteCedro in Pasadena, The Covington in Orange County, and The Canterbury in Los Angeles — residents are receiving care that is centered on their needs and supported by ECS care partners.

Today’s retired population is more proactive about wellness. ECS residents benefit from integrative health programs featuring certified fitness trainers, nutritional guidance, and menu options that include organic produce and plant-based meals. Community programming is likewise shaped by resident input, ensuring that every activity and excursion is in the collective interests of the population being served.

Further aligning with residents’ evolving expectations is the recently launched For You suite of services. This concierge-like approach to everyday support enhances convenience, autonomy, and quality of life. The For You suite empowers residents to offload routine responsibilities in favor of pursuing meaningful activities, from education and the arts to fitness and community engagement.

Key offerings within the For You program include:

• Cooking and cleaning: Healthy, chef-prepared meals and full-service cleaning eliminate the need to shop for groceries, cook and wash dishes afterward.
• Laundry and car washing: Residents may opt out of tasks like laundry or vehicle servicing, freeing up time for activities that provide personal enrichment.
• Dressing services: A small amount of help with dressing builds independence while keeping dignity intact.
• Medication management: To ensure residents aren’t missing a day or double-dosing, ECS removes the guesswork.
• Transportation and maintenance: Ride scheduling and vehicle upkeep ensure resident’ mobility needs are seamlessly addressed.
• Dog walking: When residents are unavailable, dog-walking services ensure that pets remain healthy and active.
• Meal delivery: Dining at home doesn’t have to mean eating something quick and unhealthy — freshly prepared meals can be delivered directly.
• Care coordination: Personalized management of healthcare appointments means no visit is inadvertently missed.

“Our mission is to meet residents where they are — supporting not only their health needs but also their aspirations,” Nay emphasizes. With the For You suite of services, ECS has an established, future-proofed model for not only living — but thriving. Individuality is respected, while structural support is provided to help residents lead empowered, fulfilling lives.

Residents at all ECS communities enjoy a dynamic lifestyle supported by premium amenities, adaptive care, and a holistic commitment to well-being. This integrated approach redefines what it means to age with grace, confidence, and choice.

About Us

ECS has been providing exceptional communities and services for seniors from every background, culture and faith in Southern California for more than 100 years. Proudly nonprofit.