BridgePoint residents feel great because they know they’re home. “The staff  does everything to support that belief,” says Michael Lowenstam, executive director. “We know that if it wasn’t for the residents, we wouldn’t be here.

“Many communities separate residents on different floors based on services needed; we don’t,” Lowenstam said. “We bring the services to them.”

Some BridgePoint residents are completely independent, while the majority have some level of care whether it’s help with medication, bathing or changing clothes.“We are discreet, so that neighbors don’t know what services each resident gets. It creates a true community,” Lowenstam said.

BridgePoint residents are a discerning, educated group with many retired business and arts and entertainment leaders. “These are people who appreciate the good life,” Lowenstam said.

“In many ways, residents run  the building,” Lowenstam said. Residents choose the movies that are shown (he recently had a request for a Greta Garbo movie), the classes, the excursions and even have a hand in the menu.

Every month at the Resident Council meeting, residents discuss what they like as well as things they’d like to change. “We want residents to know we’re here for them and get their input and empower them,” Lowenstam said.

Part of BridgePoint’s philosophy of “giving residents what they need” is an extensive calendar of events and classes designed to engage residents’ mind, body and spirit.

There are activities from 9:30 a.m. to the evening movie and poker classes.

• Classes in philosophy, opera and history feature quizzes and trivia challenges, “What Washington Won’t Tell You” addresses political topics.

• The monthly excursion has included a trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library as well as the Napa Valley wineries.

• Wednesday excursions are picked by residents and can include a restaurant, art exhibit or just to the beach. A recent trip was to the Fashion Institute.

• Fitness programs include yoga, tai chi, and strength and balancing classes.

• At the Monday afternoon “Life Transitions with Shirley” class, residents can talk about “anything they want,” Lowenstam said.

There are classes at the fully equipped computer lab and the library is run by residents and staff.

Then there’s the food. “I can say unequivocally, that we have the best food in the business,” Lowenstam said.

“Residents can get a steak here every night. And, if somebody wants something that’s not on the menu and we have the ingredients, we will make it.” Residents receive a weekly menu for selections; there are two specials at lunch and three at dinner as well as all the regular choices that are always available.

The specials are displayed at the front of the dining room so residents can view them if they haven’t made their selection.

BridgePoint is on a quiet, safe, tree-lined street in Beverly Hills, yet it is near Robertson and Wilshire boulevards, restaurants and entertainment and two minutes by car to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Also nearby is shopping on Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Center, The Grove and Westfield Century City.

The facility itself, while only eight years old, is under continuous upkeep. New carpeting, drapes and furniture are all recent additions. “It befits the station in life that most people here have attained,” says Lowenstam.

BridgePoint is at 220 North Clark Dr.

For more information, call 310-860-9234 and ask for the Marketing Director or visit www.bridgepointbeverlyhills.com