Our senior living journey started like so many others - with our family. Michael and Allison Santa Maria found themselves looking for new living solutions for their recently widowed mothers, Millie and Laura, as well as Christina, Michael’s sister who has advanced Multiple Sclerosis. We didn’t know where to begin; we just wanted them to be happy.
Fortunately, we met Paul Markowitz of Senior Living Specialists based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Having two decades of experience in pairing seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care and residential group homes, as well as having gone through the process with his own mother, Paul assessed the needs of Millie, Laura, and Christina, and guided our family to the ideal living situation for them.
As time went on their needs changed, but Paul’s commitment to finding them a comfortable new home that was tailored to their needs never wavered. The more we got to know Paul, the more we saw how invaluable his work was for people in our situation and we saw an opportunity to help others.
Many families reach this point feeling unsure of what comes next. They know their loved one needs support, but they do not know what type of care is appropriate, how to evaluate options, or how to balance safety with quality of life. The emotional weight of making the wrong decision can feel overwhelming, especially when time feels limited.
Having walked this path personally, our team understands that senior living decisions are rarely just logistical. They are emotional, layered, and deeply personal. Needs change. Circumstances evolve. What feels right today may need to be reevaluated tomorrow.
That perspective shapes how we guide families. Instead of focusing on quick answers, we focus on understanding each person’s situation, priorities, and concerns. The goal is not simply finding a place to live, but helping families feel confident, informed, and supported through every stage of the journey.
Spearheaded by our sons, Nick and Adam, we decided to bring the Senior Living Specialists' world class level of care to their new chosen home in the Golden State. We’re combining Paul’s nearly two decades of experience with a concierge style approach to bring the peace-of-mind to families in Los Angeles metroplex and surrounding areas.
Senior care decisions in California come with unique challenges. Families are often spread across long distances. Housing costs are high. Care options vary widely from one neighborhood to the next. Navigating those realities without local guidance can be frustrating and time consuming.
In regions like Los Angeles and Orange County, families are frequently balancing demanding work schedules, long commutes, and the emotional responsibility of supporting an aging loved one. Many adult children live out of state, while parents remain rooted in the communities they know and love.
Our focus on California families allows us to provide guidance that reflects these realities. We understand the regional landscape, the pace of life, and the factors that often influence care decisions here. That local understanding helps families move forward with greater clarity and less stress, knowing their options are being evaluated through a California specific lens.
After learning our story, many families find themselves looking for clarity around what comes next. Some want to better understand different care options. Others want guidance specific to their city or county. Many simply want reassurance that they are asking the right questions.
Families often continue by exploring our educational resources, reading articles written for California caregivers, or learning more about how senior living guidance works. Wherever you are in the process, taking the next step does not have to mean making a final decision. It can simply mean gathering information, gaining perspective, and feeling more prepared for what lies ahead.
We believe families should move forward at their own pace, with support that respects both the practical and emotional sides of senior care decisions. Contact Senior Living Specialists of California and make your senior care search easier with local insights.
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