Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Settineri.
Jeffrey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up watching my mother care for her elderly Grandmother, Aunt, and disabled Uncle who lived together in a small house in North Park; I was exposed to caregiving. Sincere, taking your Uncle to the toilet kind of caregiving. As a kid, I was less admirable to it than I am now, but it created the foundation of knowing that caring for others is an important piece of who we are, what we should do.
When my mother’s own mother came to San Diego from living abroad most of her life she cared for her too. My Grandma lived in a few different places due to varying care needs and would time to time have fallen, landing her in skilled nursing facilities around town. Every visit and move allowed me to see the good and the bad of her journey. I recall thinking, “this could be done a whole lot better!”
As a young man in my early 20s, I approached my parents with an idea to turn an existing apartment building they owned into a senior living community. In their wisdom, they sent me off to learn, and get real-life experience with a job after college. That’s what I did. However the whole time I was doing so I knew there was more for me, for others, and an opportunity to spend my time working towards something more important and fulfilling.
My family and I bought the 17-bed BayView Senior Assisted Living in Point Loma in early 2015. We took it over as the previous owner who lived in Newport Beach needed to move on. We inherited an aging building with many needs and a business that needed attention. I understood that a well ran the business in this industry would result in happier residents, families, and staff.
My intention is always to keep our elderly residents, most of whom suffer from a form of dementia, safe, comfortable, and cared for in a clean, inviting environment. I was able to address the physical needs of that building, and the operational needs of the business to accomplish just that. So much so that we decided to pursue purchasing a beautiful historic building in Banker’s Hill that had been a 30-bed Senior Living facility for many years. The previous owner had spent a long time in the industry and was ready to retire. It was the perfect fit in taking over a place that needed some attention physically and revamps the operations to best meet the needs and attract new seniors to moving in and thriving.
In 2017, we purchased Villa La Mesa in downtown La Mesa, a 24 bed Assisted Living and memory care facility. It too required the love and attention I had learned over the last few years to turn things around. It is now MesaView Senior Assisted Living and has ten independent living cottages next door, creating an expansive, down to earth yet highly customizable living experience for its residents.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Operating residential care facilities for the elderly is not an easy job. It’s not for everyone, and it requires business acumen, an eye for detail, adherence to state regulation, but most importantly, a big heart.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
We specialize in caring for the elderly who suffer from a form of dementia. We have expanded into a small independent community in La Mesa which has been different and exciting; but our specialty remains memory care.
Our size allows us to offer personal care for our residents. We know our residents and their families and that makes a huge difference. We ensure adequate staff, specially trained, are available at all times. Our goal is for residents to be so well cared for that families are relieved of worry and regret. Often times, families come to us after much stress of caring for someone at home and exclaim after move-in, “we should have done this sooner”, and we love hearing that.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The staff. My vision for a new approach to caring for the elderly would not be near accomplished if it wasn’t for the unbelievable staff I have in place. I enjoy some of the most caring individuals around, and I’m so grateful to know and work with them day in and day out.
When we purchased BayView, we agreed with the previous owner to work alongside each other for some time to ensure a smooth transition. I am grateful for the time spent with her, learning the ropes of this business.
Without my supportive parents, I would not have as much freedom to make the communities what they are today. I’m grateful for them. Our communities are family-owned and operated and we intend to keep it that way.
Contact Info:
- Address: HarborView Senior Assisted Living
2360 Albatross St. San Diego, Ca 92101
619-233-8382BayView Senior Assisted Living
3219 Canon St. San Diego, Ca 92106
619-225-5616MesaView Senior Assisted Living
7971 Culowee St. La Mesa, Ca 91942
619-466-0253 - Website: www.harborviewsandiego.com, www.bayviewpointloma.com, www.mesaviewsandiego.com
- Email: jeffrey@harborviewsandiego.com
- Instagram: Harborviewsd
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