Lifestyle

The Alexander House was built in 1906 by Francis W. Wilson, who also built the Central Savings Bank, Santa Barbara Post office—now the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Railroad Station. Architecturally, this is an interesting combination of the craftsman with the Mission Revival. These designs blend in well with the extensively landscaped grounds. The history and beauty of this property share a special part of the Upper East area of Santa Barbara. According to the Historic Resources Inventory, in 1928, Mrs. Henrietta Alexander purchased the property and lived there with her husband even after his death until 1938. The house was sold and given to the Santa Barbara Association for Old Age Care for the purpose of opening a retirement community.

Given this history of longevity, we emphasize health and wellness as part of our life enrichment program. The program is designed around the entire Alexander Gardens community. Enriching the lives of our residents with stimulating and engaging activities and events, our residents look forward to an array of daily choices which include:

  • Memory Fitness

    Our daily activities include current events, daily news, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.

  • Exercise

    Sit and be fit, chair yoga, and stretching exercising are a regular part of the daily activities.

  • Art

    Creative visual activities, such as painting, crafts, and scrapbooking are important aspect of the life enrichment program at Alexander Gardens Assisted Living.

  • Music

    At Alexander Gardens we believe music is medicine. We are proud to offer professional entertainment throughout the week. Concerts from the community include: Westmont College, Santa Barbara Adult Education singing class, and student choirs from the local schools.

  • Gardening Club

    Our residents love gardening and enjoy the Alexander Gardens Gardening Club. Activities include weekly gardening projects as well as floral design.

  • Book Club

    Join the Life Enrichment Director for a reading and book discussion of relevant topics for seniors.

  • Religious Services

    Religious services offered.

  • Additional Activities

    Additional activities include: cultural lectures, travel series, and intergenerational opportunities.

Schedule a Tour

Fine Dining Experience

At Alexander Gardens dining is part of the overall health and wellness of the resident experience. The dining room supervisor works directly with the kitchen staff to ensure a personalized experience for each resident. Special requests, diet restrictions, and favorite recipes or foods are incorporated in the menu. Three meals made with fresh ingredients are served in our historical dining room. Come and celebrate a birthday with your loved one or join us for a meal. We welcome family and friends to share in the dining experience.

Pet Therapy

Little Star Pony Foundation is a Santa Barbara non-profit providing assisted pet therapy. Little Star is a two-foot tall miniature horse that visits retirement homes and works with hospice patients and children with special needs. Little Star visits Alexander Gardens once a month on Monday's at 10:30.

Volunteer

Keyvan Safinya lives in Santa Barbara, CA and practices the piano between one and two hours a day, focusing on technical exercises, repetition of difficult musical phrasing and memorization. Playing the piano allows Keyvan to feel at peace, because every resonant note centers him. It makes him happy to play for his friends at Alexander Gardens and will continue to do so as long as he can. Keyvan is one of many volunteers at Alexander Gardens and plays the piano on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.

Resident Highlight

Frances Elzig

Frances was born in December, 1921 in Calgary, Alberta Canada; she was the youngest of four girls. She moved to the United States with her family when she was three years old. Frances briefly attended Junior College in General Studies before getting married shortly after World War II. She married Robert Elzig, a pilot during the war, in February, 1945 and they were married for over 50 years. Frances and Bob had three beautiful children: Mary-Anne, William, and Barbara. She talks often about her life and shares her love of gardening, sewing, playing golf and taking her children to the beach. Frances moved to Alexander Gardens in 2012 and loves living here with her friends.