When the time came for Larry Lucas to think about downsizing, the 74-year-old Antioch resident knew he wanted to live alone, but still needed assistance.

“I wanted to be as independent as I could be,” said Lucas, who uses a walker. “But I also need some help. I have a great family around but I wanted to be by myself, too.”

That’s when Lucas found The Commons at Dallas Ranch in Antioch, a premiere living community offering a state-of-the-art facility, 24-hour onsite staff, individualized care programs and all the amenities of home.

It’s not your grandparents’ rest home.

“I think a lot of people have misconceptions about what a retirement community is really like,” said Bernadette Darden, public relations manager at The Commons. “But once they come and visit and see what it’s all about, they love it. It’s really all about their choice and what they want.”

And there are plenty of choices at The Commons. From independent and assisted care to memory care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s, The Commons combines the opportunity for independent living with the personal care and extra help aging seniors sometimes need. Apartments, available on a month-to-month basis, feature studios and one- and two-bedroom, two-bath floor plans. Kitchenettes come with each unit and include spacious refrigerators and microwave ovens.

A new feature at The Commons – duet suites – offers residents the opportunity to offset their costs by sharing a common living area in their own two-bedroom, two-bath apartment.

Restaurant-style open-seating dining is offered for all three meals each day, as is guest meal service. For those special family get-togethers, a private dining room is also available. The Commons boasts a library, barber and beauty salon, laundry and linen service and a pet exercise area. Activity programs abound, including exercise and wellness programs, games – Bingo tournaments are very popular here – gardening, crafts and movie nights. The landscaped grounds provide walking paths, gardens and private patios for visiting with friends and relatives.

For Lucas, it was the opportunity to remain active and social yet still get the help he needs, that brought him to The Commons.

That and the five-star food.

“I tell you: the food is great. Everybody gains 20 pounds when they get here,” laughed Lucas. “Even my grandkids love it. When they come to visit, the staff makes them peanut butter sandwiches. Honestly I couldn’t give this place up for anything. I love it here.”

And for many, agreed Darden, the opportunity to stay active and social makes retirement communities like The Commons so popular. “Very often new residents will come to us and are quiet and a little unsure,” she said. “And that’s OK. Here you can be as social or non-social as you like. We just encourage residents to take their time and go at their own pace. Life here at The Commons is all about choosing how you want to live.”

The Commons at Dallas Ranch is located at 4751 Dallas Ranch Road in Antioch. For additional information or to schedule a tour, call 925-754-6009. You can also visit online at www.commonsatdallasranch.com.