Video displaying scenes from Piedmont Gardens, a HumanGood Life Plan Community in Oakland, California

Hezla

Finding Community and Care

As physicians, Dr. Hezla and her husband, Dr. Pareed, both know the importance of having access to exceptional care. So, when Pareed’s Parkinson’s disease became too difficult to manage living in the family home, they made the decision, with encouragement from their two daughters, to move to Piedmont Gardens. They knew that moving to a Life Plan Community would provide Pareed with the day-to-day care he needed while giving Hezla the opportunity to live in the nearby independent living apartments.

“At first, I didn’t think moving to a Life Plan Community would be the right fit for us, but the more we researched our options, it became apparent that this was exactly what we needed,” Hezla says. “Pareed is receiving the proper care he needs, which gives me great comfort and security. I cannot say enough good things about the support we have received from the Piedmont Gardens team members and other residents.”

Tapping into her personal and professional experiences, Hezla serves on the social services committee, which is made up of a group of residents who have careers as physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers. The mission of the committee is to provide guidance and support to residents who live independently but might have a loved one living in a higher level of care. The committee also provides advice to residents who are considering transitioning to another part of the continuum of care offered at Piedmont Gardens.

“By participating in the Caring Partners group, I find it very rewarding to share my experiences with others and, in turn, have received valuable suggestions and support along the way,” Hezla shares. “Sometimes it can be overwhelming to manage the care of a loved one, so it’s important to have a community like this. I have made some very good friends on whom I can lean in difficult times.”

When not spending time with her husband or nearby family, another way Hezla feels connected is by participating in the wonderful exercise classes available at Piedmont Gardens. “I take most of the classes, including tai chi, yoga and strength training. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people, relax and feel good about yourself.”

Allen

Sharing His Love of Music and Culture

When asked what committees Allen serves on, it’s easier to mention the ones he’s not involved with at Piedmont Gardens. Allen’s can-do attitude shines through in everything he does both on the campus and in the greater San Francisco community. From serving as vice president of the resident council to participating in the music, activities, film and social work committees, Allen keeps himself and other residents active and connected.

“I have always believed you only get out of a place what you put into it,” Allen says. “Whether it’s at school, your job, your neighborhood or your community, if you put in the energy and time, you will be rewarded in wonderful and fulfilling ways.”

Allen has a passion for music, dance and the theater that he shared with his late wife, Ellen, so it was only natural for him to be involved with the music committee. Allen helps to choose the artists that perform once or twice a week at the community and keeps it fresh by bringing in a variety of professional and nonprofessional artists who perform everything from classical to pop music.

Additionally, Allen often organizes outings to the San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony and the Berkeley Repertory Theatre with other residents.

“I will buy tickets to an event and then ask if anyone would like to join me,” Allen says. “We generally make a night of it by going to dinner beforehand and then end the night with a great performance. I get to experience all of this with different people, which makes it fun and interesting.”

Allen also enjoys planning monthly outings to museums and parks. And while the many friendships Allen enjoys are so valuable, he is also busy planning activities to do with his two grandsons, who live nearby. “It’s so important for me to share my passion for culture and the arts with my family. Now that my grandsons are a little older, I am looking forward to taking them to museums and concerts. I am planning to take my older grandson to eight concerts this year. I am so looking forward to it!”

Allen adds, “I really have the best of both worlds: family and friendships that keep me active and happy.”

Lois

Protecting the Planet and Her Community

Ever since Lois Richerson was a small child, she has had a love of the outdoors and a deep-rooted respect for the environment. That passion is now making a positive impact on Piedmont Gardens’ footprint. Shortly after she moved to the community, she became very active in the ecology committee, which plans programs and events to educate residents about environmental advocacy and sustainability.

Lois and her fellow committee members have established recycling programs and launched a “Say Goodbye to Plastic” community-wide campaign, among other initiatives. 

Prior to moving to Piedmont Gardens, Lois was an organic farmer who grew traditional California crops, seeds, various specialty grains and organic medicinal herbs on her 20 acres of farmland. She is a member of the California Native Plant Society and was a docent at the UC Davis Arboretum. She continues to help maintain a beautiful native plant garden at her son’s home 15 minutes away from the community.  

“I have spent many years advocating the benefits of growing and eating organic foods and also educating others about the importance, value and beauty of California native plants for our environment,” Lois says.

She also values community. Having lived in other community settings, she knows how fulfilling it can be to your mental and physical well-being. So, it was only natural when Lois joined the Piedmont Gardens welcoming committee as co-chairperson. 

 “I think it’s important to make sure people feel welcomed when they move to Piedmont Gardens,” Lois adds. “Whether you are a more social or private person, there are many opportunities to learn new things, tap into your curiosity and be of service to others. My mission is to make sure that every person feels some sort of connection.”

For Lois, living at Piedmont Gardens has given her the opportunity to continue to collaborate, serve and cooperate with others while making a lasting and positive impact on the world around her.

Sheila & Jerry

Giving Equals Gaining

When Sheila and Jerry moved to Piedmont Gardens, they were truly surprised by the deep connections and lasting friendships they established very early on, which they credit to the kind team members and a fantastic program organized by Piedmont Gardens called GEAR (Gratitude, Exercise, Adaptability and Relationships).

"Joining GEAR was a game changer for us,” Sheila says. “What we received was truly a gift: lifelong friends who have become our village.”

GEAR is made up of small groups of 8-10 people. The groups, which meet once a week, are a way for residents to share what’s on their minds in a more personal space while forming close relationships and a strong support system. And Sheila is at the heart of it, setting up new groups and helping the residents feel welcomed and involved.

“Jerry often refers to me as the GEAR yenta!” Sheila says.

Jerry adds, “The group really functions as a single organism and has unexpectedly given us a tight-knit group of friends that we can rely on.”

Sheila can also often be found attending weekly art classes in the beautiful art studio. Her work has been featured in two community art shows, and she enjoys painting with other residents.

“It’s truly a place where I am surrounded by creativity and inspiration,” she says.

Jerry has a passion for 3D printing and art. As an engineer and high school teacher, he has found joy in designing and printing items from his 3D printer for residents and the children he serves at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Twice a week, he tutors patients in math.

 “It is so rewarding to see the look on a child’s face when they finally realize how to solve a problem,” he says.

And when they aren’t participating in activities and serving the community, they are enjoying time with their children and grandchildren.  

“We are truly not at a loss for things to do here and in the greater community,” Sheila says. “Jerry and I are busier than ever and enjoying all that Piedmont Gardens has to offer: deep and meaningful friendships, connecting with our family and, of course, fun.”