At Newport Mesa Senior Living, exceptional care begins with exceptional people—those who bring warmth, dedication, and heart to every interaction. Among these remarkable individuals is Business Office Manager, Keatlen Ballanez, whose passion for serving seniors helps shape the meaningful, personalized experience families find when exploring memory care in Costa Mesa.
As families search for trusted support for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, they seek not only a safe environment but also a community where compassion is woven into every moment. Newport Mesa Senior Living is proud to offer memory care in Costa Mesa rooted in connection, purpose, and genuine care—qualities embodied through team members like Keatlen, who play an essential role in making residents feel truly at home.
In this spotlight, we take a closer look at Keatlen’s story, the inspiration behind her work, and how her commitment strengthens the heart of our Memory Care program.
A Role Built on Heart: Supporting the Community from the Inside Out
When asked to describe her role, Keatlen shares:
“I’m the business office manager and assist the community with all internal clerical processes.”
Behind every warm resident experience and every smooth day-to-day operation is a team member ensuring essential tasks happen seamlessly. Keatlen’s work touches nearly every part of the community—supporting staff, helping families, and creating structure behind the scenes so caregivers can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional memory care in Costa Mesa.
At Newport Mesa Senior Living, every role is deeply people-centered, even those not directly involved in hands-on care. The coordination, organization, and administrative flow Keatlen manages helps ensure residents receive consistent support, timely assistance, and the stability that is so vital for those living with memory loss. Her position strengthens the foundation of our memory care in Costa Mesa, where routine, familiarity, and trust greatly impact each resident’s well-being.
Inspired by Family, Driven by Purpose
The heart behind Keatlen’s work began long before she joined the senior living field. When asked what inspired her to pursue this career, she shared:
“My grandparents were a big part of my life and inspired me to cultivate a career in the senior living industry.”
This personal connection is one many families resonate with. Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia requires empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of how memory changes affect daily life. Keatlen’s experience growing up around her grandparents makes her work not just a profession—but a calling.
Her story is a reminder that great memory care in Costa Mesa starts with people who truly care. It’s what allows Newport Mesa Senior Living to create a warm, home-like atmosphere where families feel supported, understood, and never alone.
Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
A hallmark of Newport Mesa’s approach to memory care in Costa Mesa is celebrating the small, meaningful moments. For Keatlen, these moments are the best part of her day.
Asked what she enjoys most about her job, she explains:
“Being here with the residents, seeing the smiles on their faces every day, and providing the staff any assistance needed.”
Smiles, conversations, shared laughter—these moments offer comfort and connection, especially for residents navigating memory changes. It is through consistent positive interactions like these that individuals in memory care build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
In many ways, these daily joys are the foundation of quality memory care in Costa Mesa. They support emotional wellness, reduce anxiety, and remind each resident that they are valued and loved.
A Community Rooted in Teamwork and Togetherness
When describing the culture at Newport Mesa Senior Living, Keatlen says:
“Newport Mesa is a cottage-style community. We all work together to create the best home for our residents.”
This intimate, cottage-style layout is one of the community’s most defining features—and a key asset for families seeking memory care in Costa Mesa. Smaller, more connected settings often feel less overwhelming for those living with dementia. The environment naturally promotes neighborly connection, smoother daily routines, and more personalized support.
Keatlen emphasizes this benefit again when asked what makes the community special:
“It’s a smaller community which really allows each team member to get to know every resident and their loved ones on a deeper level.”
This deeper understanding is essential to quality memory care in Costa Mesa, enabling staff to tailor support to each resident’s preferences, routines, history, and personality. It allows the team to recognize subtle behavioral changes, anticipate needs, and build meaningful relationships—resulting in more effective, compassionate care.
A Favorite Memory: Nail Time, Joy, and Connection
Some of the most memorable moments in memory care are also the simplest. Keatlen recalls one of her favorites:
“When I see the joy of my residents when I am doing their nails. Something as little as getting their nails done gives our residents the pampering they deserve and a sense of routine, which can help slow the process of memory loss.”
This touching memory reflects the heart of Newport Mesa’s philosophy: purposeful engagement matters. Activities like pampering, grooming, creative expression, and sensory-based experiences—small as they seem—play a powerful role in memory care. They nurture cognitive function, bring comfort, stimulate positive emotions, and help maintain identity.
These moments highlight why families choose Newport Mesa for memory care in Costa Mesa—because this level of personalized connection is not only encouraged, but celebrated.
Skills That Strengthen the Heart of the Community
Great memory care thrives on compassionate, capable team members. When asked what skills support her work, Keatlen shares:
“Organization, efficiency, attention to detail and a BIG heart.”
These qualities shine through in everything she does. Whether she’s supporting residents, assisting staff, or managing essential office processes, Keatlen helps ensure the community runs smoothly so residents feel secure and cared for.
Her dedication directly enhances the quality of memory care in Costa Mesa, ensuring consistency, clarity, and structure—key components of successful dementia support.
Life Outside the Office
Of course, even passionate professionals need time to recharge. When asked about her hobbies, Keatlen’s answer is charming and relatable:
“I love reading, especially romance novels.”
Her love of stories reflects her connection-oriented nature—one that aligns beautifully with the personal, narrative-based approach of excellent memory care. Every resident has a story, and team members like Keatlen help honor it.
The Reward of Working with Purpose
Finally, when asked what the most rewarding part of her role is, Keatlen shares:
“I have the best coworkers! We all work hard together and everything we do is for the benefit of our residents.”
This sense of unity is at the core of Newport Mesa Senior Living’s success. Families looking for memory care in Costa Mesa often seek a community where the team is not only experienced, but genuinely collaborative. Keatlen’s heartfelt appreciation demonstrates just how connected and committed the Newport Mesa team truly is.
Why Families Choose Newport Mesa for Memory Care in Costa Mesa
Through Keatlen’s story, families gain a deeper understanding of what makes Newport Mesa an exceptional choice for memory care in Costa Mesa:
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A compassionate, dedicated team
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An intimate cottage-style setting that promotes familiarity and comfort
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Personalized care rooted in meaningful connection
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Purposeful routines and activities that support cognitive wellness
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Staff members who treat residents like family
Whether a loved one is in the early stages of memory loss or requires more advanced support, Newport Mesa Senior Living offers a warm, nurturing environment where each resident can thrive.
If you’re beginning your search for memory care in Costa Mesa, we invite you to visit, meet our incredible team—including Keatlen—and experience firsthand the compassion and dedication that define Newport Mesa Senior Living.