Retirement. It’s about more than just finishing a career and taking it easy – it’s a new era, an opportunity to learn, grow and experience life at your own pace, in your own time, in your own way. And Westmont of Brentwood captures that spirit in the everyday life of its residents.

Formerly known as Eskaton, the retirement community is now under the management of Westmont Living, a company operating 12 locations from Oregon to Southern California. Though Westmont took over on Jan. 1, Community Relations Director Christi Rundles said the community has remained the same: “Same great care and great staff. Just a new name.”

In the words of Westmont’s mission statement, the community’s goal is “to provide inspiring life experiences that lead to full and enriching lives.” To that end, an array of activities is provided every day, giving residents opportunities to stimulate their minds, bodies and spirits. There’s “always something going on,” said Rundles. “Activity is very important here.”

Karaoke, T’ai Chi, exercise sessions, games of pool and even video games such as Wii bowling offer plenty of variety. Residents can play beanbag baseball, learn to paint, sew and make floral arrangements or join the book club. Every Friday, the community holds a happy-hour event featuring live entertainment. There are regular nights for bingo, poker and brain fitness games. Once a week, residents vote on a restaurant to visit. Regular shopping trips are scheduled as well, transportation provided. Upcoming special events include a comedy night and an English high tea.

Transportation is provided to local churches on Sundays, or residents can attend on-site services held by two congregations. Westmont will also take residents to medical appointments, and an in-house pharmacy ensures that prescriptions are always current. There is also a special memory care unit for residents with Alzheimer’s.

New residents needn’t worry about isolation. The community’s ambassador program matches newcomers with resident volunteers who share similar interests. These ambassadors welcome the new residents, invite them to share meals, and attend social activities together.

The community takes a “dine your way” approach to food. Meals are available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visiting hours are similarly flexible to suit residents’ needs.

Westmont is pet-friendly and offers on-site amenities such as a private dining room that can be reserved for parties, a library and computer room, and a beauty salon and barber shop. The community is working on installing wireless Internet and a fitness center as well.

“We are very family-oriented,” said Rundles. Guest rooms are available for visiting relatives to rent, and seniors whose regular caretakers are temporarily unavailable can arrange to stay at Westmont for a few days and enjoy the highest level of care. Rundles restated the company’s emphasis on helping residents to stay active and engaged: “We want to enrich their lives.”

Westmont of Brentwood is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 925-516-8006, e-mail dosbrentwood@westmontliving.com or visit www.seniorlivingbrentwood.com.