New Senior Living Community Opening This Spring in Poet’s Corner

This Patch article is sponsored by Elegance Berkeley.

Elegance Berkeley is a new senior living community set to open this spring in Poet’s Corner. It will offer independent living, assisted living and memory support services, in a walkable, accessible, urban location. The community will feature a serene, mid-century modern-inspired design, with modern apartments and amenities. Residents will enjoy curated social, cultural, continual learning, arts and exercise opportunities, along with seasonal, locally sourced, nutritious meals, served in multiple dining venues.

Patch had a chance to talk with Andrew Badoud, executive director, Elegance Berkeley.

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Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?

Badoud: I have lived in Berkeley almost 20 years, and have worked in the senior living and senior services industry for 27 years. While Elegance Living is new to Berkeley, the company recently opened senior living communities in Novato and Dublin.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Badoud: I started working at an assisted living community right after graduating from college, and I fell in love with working with older people. Before long I had the opportunity to become an executive director of a community, and I have never looked back. I found I also enjoyed leading and developing strong teams. It’s hard work, but it’s truly a privilege.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business’s mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Badoud: Connection and safety for elders.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Badoud: It won’t surprise you to hear that the COVID-19 pandemic has been the biggest challenge by far in senior living, like it has for just about everyone. Of course, the people we serve are among the most vulnerable, so just keeping everyone healthy was the top priority. But we’re also an industry where our purpose is to help our residents stay engaged and have the daily connection with others that’s so important to their well-being. We couldn’t just say “stay in your apartment 24/7 with nothing to do.” We really had to think on our feet, make critical adjustments in training and protocols, and work very long hours to keep people healthy and make sure their social and engagement needs were fulfilled as much as possible.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Badoud: Right now, in the lease-up phase, I enjoy developing partnerships with local businesses that our future residents already know and trust, to deliver quality programs that will make them feel at ease. I like doing the work to ensure our new community will be a good neighbor in Poet’s Corner and Berkeley at large. As we get closer to opening, I find it tremendously satisfying to help our future residents and their families find a way to make their lives work better, with less stress and more joy, through senior living.

Patch: How would you say your business distinguishes itself from the others?

Badoud: With only 66 assisted living and 30 memory support apartments, it’s designed to be an intimate, boutique environment that allows for more personalized service for our residents. Our goal is to help the Bay Area’s uniquely active elders continue to contribute, participate and inspire future generations.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Badoud: A mentor of mine ingrained this in me, and I’ve found it to be absolutely true — it’s all about the people. Hiring and building a team of thoughtful people who care deeply about their work, is the surest way for residents and their families to have a consistently positive experience, and for communities to succeed. You can train and teach skills, but having that foundation of caring and dedication is everything.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?

Badoud: I think our art lab at Elegance Berkeley is going to one of the coolest places in the whole neighborhood. We are building a partnership and curriculum with Berkeley’s own Sticky Art Lab to create intergenerational art programs. We are also in communication with artists, studios and organizations in the local art community to expand the range of opportunities available to our residents, families and the community.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Badoud: Leading up to the community’s opening this spring, we are excited to offer a series of events at our leasing center at 2043 San Pablo Ave. every third Sunday, beginning with Lisa Clayton, Licensed HeartMath Coach and author on February 20. That’s in addition to open houses, educational workshops, book signings, wine tastings and more. We want to give people a taste of the kinds of events and programs they can expect at Elegance Berkeley, and connect with our neighbors.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Badoud: Readers can learn more about Elegance Berkeley by visiting our website or our Facebook page.