On the last day of June, Ventura Estates Retirement Center (VE) in Newbury Park, Calif., hosted representatives from 26 competing health-care and retirement housing facilities. They presented information about their facilities and services—hoping to attract VE residents before the center closes Sept. 30.

After listening to the presentations, VE residents circulated throughout a room full of display tables, talked to facility representatives and asked questions. Several of these facilities are owned and operated by Seventh-day Adventists—some from Ventura County; others from as far away as the Napa Valley and Oregon.

Most of the California facilities offered free visits so residents could see if they feel at home there. They also offered free moving services. Several offered to waive application fees and deposits and some offered one month’s free rent and meals.

A retirement center does not typically host a “facilities fair” to promote competing retirement facilities, but this was not a typical time for Ventura Estates. VE administrators arranged the event following a historic vote by the Southern California Association to close the 50-year-old facility: “With much regret, we announce that Ventura Estates will close September 30, 2004, requiring the relocation of all residents and patients by that date.” The action was voted on June 24 at a specially called meeting of the association, which is the owner and licensee of Ventura Estates.

According to Larry L. Caviness, association chair, “Numerous situations forced this decision, including the following:

• "Plans for the Newbury Park project—which include Newbury Park Academy and elementary school development—initially involved selling the property on which Ventura Estates is located and building a new retirement facility elsewhere on the property. After the association spent a few million dollars in costs associated with relocating the facility on three successive sites on the property, it became apparent that the Ventura Estates relocation plans would not be possible: environmental, regulatory and other requirements pushed replacement costs well beyond what had been projected initially.

• “Next, the association explored with several third-party operators the possibility of partnering to develop a new retirement center and skilled-care facility at available locations on the development site. These discussions proved unsuccessful due to the financial challenges involved.”

Finally, the association was forced to make the difficult decision to close the current facility. Following the closure vote, VE notified all resident families, responsible parties and employees. “Within days, VE administrators and I met with the residents to answer their questions,” said Caviness. “We assured them that administrators and association personnel would provide as much personal consultation as possible to help with relocation arrangements.”

Since that time, VE administration and Burton Boundey, Ventura Estates church pastor, have been assisting residents with their efforts to relocate. They say they will continue to help as long as needed. While most of the 70 residents at the retirement center at the time of the closure notification were given 90 days to relocate, three had only 30 days. They were the sole occupants of a separate building requiring 24-hour care, which was no longer possible at that location. These residents would have been moved to other apartments on campus until suitable care in new homes was found, but all three found similar care within hours, and for a slightly lower cost.

After the nursing center and retirement apartments close, 16 duplexes will be available for rent to fully independent residents. The duplexes will most likely be available until they are demolished, which may extend some residents’ stays 12-18 months. As this goes to press, a number of residents have already relocated or made relocation arrangements.

A new Adventist retirement facility is under development in Glendale, Calif., through a partnership with Colson & Colson Construction Company. The new facility will be constructed at a site adjacent to the Southern California Conference office and across the street from Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Completion of the Glendale retirement center is projected to be late in 2005 or early 2006. The land is the conference’s contribution to the joint venture.

“Ventura Estates is committed to facilitating the orderly and safe relocation of residents,” said Caviness. “We know that a move of this type is traumatic, and we are making every effort to lessen their anxieties. Please keep the Ventura Estates residents and staff in your prayers.”