The Vista Blog

Jo-Ann Glock signed up for The Vista’s waiting list as soon as the premier continuing care retirement community announced its inception – seven years before it was built.

She had decided she no longer wanted to worry about her home’s upkeep and was interested in moving to a retirement community that offered a social, vibrant atmosphere. Her only son, David, and her sisters lived in the area, so it was important to Jo-Ann to stay local.

“I’ve always been a Bergen County person,” she said. “I’ve lived here since the 80s, and I didn’t want to leave. The Vista was perfect.”

David moved into her old home in Mahwah, where he still lives with his wife, Rebecca, and young daughter, Skylar. Jo-Ann then moved to The Vista as soon as the community opened. The location of her new home makes it easy for her to spend as much time with her family as she wants – as does The Vista’s welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

A Perfect Place for Family

The team at The Vista understands the importance of time spent with cherished loved ones. Family is always welcome for visits, and the community offers plenty of things to do and places to relax.

Jo-Ann loves inviting friends and family to dine with her, since she travels often and doesn’t always use her dining points each month herself. At The Vista, residents enjoy delicious meals on a point-based system and are welcome to share those points with guests.

“They love to come and always want to come back,” she said. “It’s very convenient.”

Vista residents are welcome to dine with their family at The Waterstone, perfect for elegant dinners, holiday celebrations, or a delicious Sunday brunch; or the Gallery Café and Bistro, a more-casual but cozy venue open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Windmill, The Vista’s gathering place, is also a great spot for visitors to enjoy the roaring fire. Jo-Ann loves to entertain her book club in the warm, inviting space, where the Vista dining team can serve snacks and support her with hosting.

“I have the room in my apartment to entertain, but I’m 76 and not interested in food shopping, cooking, and cleaning up,” she said. “I love the fact that meals are provided here at two great restaurants where I can host my guests. This is my haven.”

When Jo-Ann’s family visits, aside from eating delicious meals at the on-site restaurants, she enjoys relaxing with them on The Vista’s beautiful outdoor patio and swimming in the luxurious heated pool with her granddaughter.

Being Part of The Vista Family

Even residents without family nearby can enjoy the close-knit camaraderie of the community. “I never had any idea that I’d make so many new friends,” said Jo-Ann. In fact, several of her friends she had met previously are now her neighbors at The Vista and live just down the hall.

“You can be alone when you want, and you can walk down the hall to get the mail and it’ll take an hour because you stop and talk to people,” she said. “It’s a very friendly, family-oriented place.”

The Vista hosts a wide variety of events, including socials, happy hours, and tea parties, for residents old and new to mingle and make friends. Residents gather to play games, take art classes, or attend a show at the Performing Arts Center.

“Socialization is more important that I realized,” said Jo-Ann. “I love to travel, but I also love to come back. I consider myself very lucky.”

On Jo-Ann’s many travels, she knows she can count on her friendly neighbors to look after her home and take in her mail and packages while she is gone. “I don’t have to worry about a thing,” she said. “It’s really a great way of life and a perfect fit.”

Making The Vista Your Own

Aside from fostering a warm and family-focused community for residents, The Vista understands the importance of individuality. The community offers residents the perfect blend of privacy and socialization, and residents are free to fully customize and decorate their home to create their own perfect oasis.

“I moved from an eight-room house to a three-room apartment, so I wanted to start fresh,” said Jo-Ann.

Jo-Ann enlisted the help of her friend Jacqueline Komsa, (www.JacquelineKomsaDesigns.com), an interior decorator, to choose everything for her new home. “She gave me ideas and even came with me to the office at The Vista to help me pick out my floors, counters, and tiles. She was a huge help.”

Vista residents may paint their apartment or upgrade their cabinets, light fixtures, or other features with prior approval from the community. Jo-Ann even opted to add built-in shelving around her fireplace after seeing her friend’s similar setup.

Jo-Ann credits her decorator as well as the accommodating team at The Vista for helping her make the right choices for her home that reflected her preferences and tastes. “My decorator helped me make the right decisions, and we took our time and planned it out.”

Why Choose The Vista?

For older adults thinking about moving to a retirement community, there are many factors to consider. For those who don’t want to leave the people they love or lose their privacy, but are still seeking a tight-knit sense of community and vibrant social life, The Vista is likely to tick every box.

“I know a lot of people fear leaving their home and going to a retirement community, but I think that’s a big mistake,” said Jo-Ann. “I can be alone whenever I want, but I can also walk down the hall and join in an activity, go to the theatre, or attend a cocktail party or meet and greet. You can’t help but meet people. Even if you come here alone and don’t know anyone, people will welcome you.”

The Vista offers that perfect lifestyle where your family is always welcome, but you are able and encouraged to foster an exciting life on your own, with access to luxury amenities and endless options for entertainment.

“People compare it to a resort or cruise without water,” said Jo-Ann. “It’s a great place.”

Learn More About The Vista

If you think an inspired, active lifestyle in a community like The Vista is right for you, we would love to tell you more. To learn more about life in one of northern New Jersey’s newest continuing care retirement communities, please call (201) 848-4200 or visit TheVista.org/Contact.