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As parents get older, they tend to slow down in most things. Of course, this isn’t always the case. Some parents remain mobile and active well into their golden years. But for many, as they age, they begin to experience a decline in their physical abilities. Seeing it firsthand can be difficult for their family, especially their adult children.

After all, we want our parents to be happy and healthy, and it’s hard to see them struggling.

But what can we do?

At The Manor Village Life Centres, there are many options to keep your parents active, and in case their mobility could be better, there are also on-hand mobility specialists at your parents’ disposal to help rehabilitate troublesome joints or muscles. From where we’re standing, mobility issues are something to work through, not an excuse to rely on; we’re focused on reminding our residents that staying active is not only possible, but it can even be comfortable.

Increased Mobility & Independence

One of the best things about being mobile and active is that it helps us stay independent. As we age, it’s vital to maintain our independence as much as possible. By being mobile and active, we can do just that. Staying mobile and active helps us maintain an independent standard of living in our golden years. No matter where you go, retirement homes with independent living in Calgary encourage seniors to be as mobile and active as possible. Having specialists on-hand ensures your parents keep creaky joints at bay, before they become a problem.

Improved Mental Health

Moving around and getting active is great for our mental health, too. When we’re active, we feel good mentally and emotionally. We’re happier and more positive, and we have a better outlook on life. This is definitely something to strive for as we age. By being active, we can improve our mental health and make life a little bit brighter.

Stronger Bones & Muscles

As we age, it’s important to keep our bones and muscles strong. This helps us stay mobile and independent, and it also helps reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Bones and muscles that are strong and healthy are less likely to break or strain. So, by being mobile and active, exploring our surroundings, we’re actually doing something good for our bodies. As the saying goes, “use it or lose it!”

Socialization

One of the best things about being active is that it helps us socialize. When we’re out and about, we meet new people and make new friends. This is a great way to stay connected and engaged in the world. It’s also a great way to stay healthy and active socially. In their old age, your parents would love to continue doing things they love and meet new friends, which anyone can accomplish through independent living.

Increased Life Expectancy

One of the best things about being mobile and active is that it helps your parents live longer. Studies have shown that those who are active and mobile tend to live longer than those who are not. This is definitely something to keep in mind as we age. By being active and mobile, we can extend our lifespan and enjoy life a little bit longer.

Repeatedly encouraging our parents to be mobile and active is well worth the effort. There are many benefits to being mobile and active, and these are just a few of them. Independent living in Calgary encourages seniors to be as mobile and active as possible and galvanizing your parents could be the last nudge they need to prioritize healthy movement. By being active, we can improve our mental health, strengthen our bones and muscles, socialize, and increase our life expectancy. Keep moving, and rest assured that we keep evolving our mobility programs to optimize mobility.

Assisted living communities offer a variety of services and amenities to their residents. These services can include help with activities planning, mobility coaching, medication management, transportation, social activities, and more. But no two retirement homes are exactly the same; it’s important to understand what services are included in your assisted living community of choice so that you can be sure you’re getting the care you need.

The best retirement homes offering supportive living in Calgary will usually have a list of services designed to make life more comfortable, despite Calgary’s wild weather swings. Assisted living means that everyone’s differing levels of need are taken care of, and that independence is still encouraged and celebrated.

Residents should receive the best possible care. Here are some of the most common services offered in assisted living communities:

Personalized Assistance & Care Including Daily ActivitiesOne of the most common services offered in assisted living communities is help with our own Personalized Assistance & Care Including Daily Activities package (PACDA). This living arrangement can include around the clock support for things like getting dressed, bathing, grooming, and more. In particular, PACDA includes:    

• Bathing
• Grooming
• Dressing
• Medications (If Required)

Around the core personalized assistance model, you can also get further benefits that make a complete supportive living lifestyle. The Manor Village Life Centres can offer the following benefits under the assisted living lifestyle:

• Emergency call and response system 24 hours/day with a wide range of in-house health care professionals
• Nutritional meal planning including three square meals/day
• Elegant common rooms for socializing
• Routine linen and housekeeping services
• Programs to avoid memory loss
• A busy calendar of activities and entertainment
• Personalized wellness and exercise classes

If you need help with any of these activities, an assisted living community can be a great option. The staff will be available to help you with everything you need, so you can focus on enjoying your life.Medication ManagementAnother common service offered in assisted living communities is medication management. It’s always optional, but if you ever need help with it, we can take that burden off you.

This option includes receiving your medications on time, taking them as prescribed, and any follow-up care that may be needed. The staff helping the assisted living community will be able to help you with all of your medication needs, so you can feel confident that you’re taking your medications correctly.

TransportationOne of the biggest benefits of living in an assisted living community is the transportation services that are often included. This can include transportation to and from appointments, shopping trips, social events, and more. This can be a great convenience for residents who no longer have access to a car or who don’t feel comfortable driving themselves.

Social ActivitiesAnother great benefit of living in an assisted living community is the social activities that are often included. This can include things like group exercise classes, arts and crafts, social events, and more. When you’re living in an assisted living community, it’s easy to stay active and involved in your community. The staff will be able to help you find the right social activities for you, so you can make new friends and enjoy your time at the community.Senior living communities like ours offer a variety of services, amenities, and lifestyles to their residents. And whether you take a journey from independent living to assisted, start in assisted, or only want to try certain lifestyles out before committing—there’s something for everyone.

These services can include help with Personalized Assistance & Care Including Daily Activities, transportation, social activities, and more.

It’s important to understand what services are included in your assisted living community, and what’s available as your needs change so that you can be sure you’re getting the care you need. With supportive living Calgary, you can be sure that you’ll receive the help you need to live a full and independent life.

It’s important to understand what services are included in your assisted living community, and what’s available as your needs change so that you can be sure you’re getting the care you need.

With supportive living Calgary, you can be sure that you’ll receive the help you need to live a full and independent life.‍

The Manor Villages combine elegant retirement homes with quality care. We’re the Community with Heart™. To help you navigate conversations about mobility or if you are seeking assistance, contact The Manor Village at 403-686-8386.

Since music and singing especially already help so many in memory care, we’re going to look at how memory care is different from other types of care and from assisted living.

When it comes to the care of a loved one with dementia, you may be wondering where the distinction lies. While both options provide ample support and supervision, there are some key differences between the two.

While it’s nice to know the differences, supportive living in Calgary can often serve as a trial period to find out whether more specialized care is required. Let’s take a closer look at what each type of care offers:

Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities are designed for seniors who need some Calgary supportive living options with their day-to-day activities but do not require full-time nursing care. Most assisted living communities have staff on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer a variety of services and amenities, such as meals, social activities, and transportation. Residents typically have their own studio or one-bedroom apartment with shared common areas. This type of care is quite common, and many are looking for assisted care. Memory care is a bit more targeted.

Memory Care

Memory care communities specialize in the care of seniors with dementia and other memory impairments. They offer 24-hour supervision and support, as well as activities and programs tailored to meet the needs of those with memory loss. Our Hearts Memory Care is a program committed to cutting edge modalities like aromatherapy, video therapy, stimulating therapy, pet therapy and tactile stimulation. Memory care communities typically have smaller populations, so residents can receive personalized care, treatment plans, and attention.

So, which is right for your loved one? Here are some things to consider when choosing Between Assisted Living & Memory Care

How much assistance does your loved one need with daily activities?The level of care required will dictate which type of community is best suited for them. Assisted living communities are a good option for seniors who only need a little assistance, while memory care is ideal for those who require more intensive support. With that said, it’s important to note that not all assisted living facilities offer memory care and vice versa. Memory care is something you have to seek out. But we take the time to explain it to our residents and their families.

What is your loved one’s stage of dementia?Not all memory care communities are created equally. Some cater to those in the early stages of dementia, while others specialize in caring for those more progressed. It’s crucial to find a community that can meet your loved one’s specific needs.

How much does your loved one want to participate in social activities?Assisted living communities typically offer a wide range of social activities, from arts and crafts to fitness classes. Memory care communities offer even more activities, but they are often tailored specifically to meet the needs of those with memory loss. They offer treatment methods backed by research that promise some neurological benefits. If your loved one is looking for a community that offers a lot of social opportunities, then assisted living may be the better option.

How much does your loved one want to live independently?Assisted living communities offer residents a high degree of independence. They can come and go as they please and typically have their own apartment. Memory care communities are more restrictive, with residents typically living with less privacy but more support. If your loved one thrives with more independence and freedom, then assisted living may be a better fit.There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between assisted living and memory care. Supportive living in Calgary means Alberta’s families decide what the best type of care is for their loved ones before trying things out. The most important thing to consider is what the individual’s needs are and whether or not a particular community can meet those needs. For more information on supportive living, please visit the Manor Village Life Centres in Calgary and abroad or contact us!‍

The Manor Villages combine elegant retirement homes with quality care. We’re the Community with Heart™. To help you navigate conversations about mobility or if you are seeking assistance, contact The Manor Village at 403-686-8386.

Our daily living classes are something we put extra care into. Living out your golden years should be a chance to pursue hobbies you never had the time for, and for many that means bringing their inner artist back to life. One of our recent painting classes showcased everything an artistic renaissance late in life needs.

For our staff and executive team, it’s all about designing meaningful and rewarding life experiences at The Manor Village. Recently, our residents partook in a class painting inspiring Canadiana. The majestic orca represents the kind of assignments and subject choices we appreciate for our residents. The orca ranges free in a pod, supported by tightknit family and friends, just like our residents.

Residents can expect to enjoy a guided painting, from local art teachers boasting a wonderful breadth of experience and fine techniques. They’re encouraged to work with multimedia elements, but they have all the help they’ll need with special supplies or strenuous work.‍

What You Can Expect from Painting Classes

Our art teachers are chosen not only for their skill and experience but also for their ability to engage an audience. The Manor Village’s art students are meant to feel like they’re part of the process and receiving the kind of feedback they need, not only to continue, but also to improve.

In this paint class, our talented group was encouraged for doing well, and they shared the spotlight when they succeeded. The class was very social, and every student got a chance to note who their expert peers were. They’ll be able to ask each other for help with technique next time!

Comfortable Daily Senior Living Services

Ergonomics are also a central concern in paint class. Some brush techniques are difficult to perform, and keeping your arm raised for a long time can be taxing. But the choice of subject, and the layering techniques are all chosen based on how well they give your muscles a rest after a while.

And if any of our residents need help with anything, the teacher is going to be your main helper. From drying thin backgrounds, to flicking brushes, our teachers are here to lend a hand. Painting should be comfortable and inspiring.

Everyone is welcome at paint class. And you don’t have to have any artistic fame to join in; you just have to give it a try, and commit to nourishing your inner artist. Paint classes are just one small part of our commitment to making your life at The Manor Village rewarding and stimulating.

Wherever you decide to call home at our locations, we’ll be there to support you as one of our pod.

The Manor Villages combine elegant retirement homes with quality care. We’re the community with heart. If you wish to know more about how we can help your parents, please contact us at 403-686-8386. Please feel free to read and learn more about our Lifestyle Options and Locations.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has shown Canadians that we need to think differently about how we support older adults. The media and all levels of government have focused heavily on long-term care, and rightly so. However, the vast majority of older adults have a desire to live at home for as long as possible.

Alternative housing modelsEssential to the success and acceptability of any housing alternative is the need for older adults to maintain a sense of autonomy and independence, be actively engaged in decisions affecting themselves and their community and build social networks that can ultimately support one another.Villages and co-housing are two examples of how we can think differently. In the village model found in the United States, older adults living in a neighborhood of single dwelling homes come together as a group to organize paid and volunteer services. This model often happens organically, for example, individuals in a specific neighborhood may have aged together as a community, or an apartment building in a walkable neighborhood may attract older adults moving from single family homes.Originating in Europe, co-housing brings together younger and older adults in clusters of homes or apartments built around shared spaces. Members work together to manage common spaces and support each other through group activities such as communal dining.

A Better SolutionDeriving the name Currie Green from the adjoining Officers’ Historic Park, the community is designed to maximize the Views of the Park while creating a connectivity to the Heart of the neighbourhood through sustainability andwalkability.

Spacious and elegant 1 and 2 bedroom suites (many with offices) in a quality steel and concrete building make your new maintenance-free lifestyle quiet and comfortable. With unique floor plans, many hand-selected from previous Statesman award-winning communities, how will you choose to use your space?

As an extension of your new home, enjoy a private exercise & health club with a studio for yoga or dance classes, bocce ball & pickle ball courts, sunset roof-top patio, BBQ garden patio, guest suite, & more. Secure heated underground parking connects all three phases of the community which include The Davenport, The Alexandria,and The Manor Village.The Campus of Currie Green takes the concepts of both the village and co-housing models and marries them in a central Calgary location – allowing those looking for a great place to live where even quality culinary services are included. An added benefit will be Advanced Medical Group’s (AMG’s) renowned REJUV program which can help make lifestyle changes simpler. It’s these features – and much more – which make Currie Green the destination for both independent and assisted senior living in Calgary.The Importance of Community in Aged-CareStaying socially connected is essential at any stage of life but is of particular importance in the elderly. As we grow older, connections with family and friends tend to slip away, and for those in aged care, this can be quite isolating.The lifestyle and activity program at Campus of Currie Green is designed with connection at its heart, and we are proud to offer a range of activities and lifestyle options to support a rich and full life. It’s never too late in life to forge new friendships or pick up a new hobby, which is why our program supports the whole person and creates opportunities for learning and connection with others.

Promotes emotional wellnessAs we age, relationships and friendships change and sometimes slip away altogether. Feelings of loneliness, poor mental health, high levels of stress and poor quality of life are just some of the devastating effects that can occur. By participating in regular group activities including social outings, arts and crafts activities and exercise programs to name a few, emotional wellness can be supported in an inclusive community.

Important for identityFrom religious to cultural affiliations, identity plays a large part in our ongoing health and happiness. The Campus of Currie Green recognizes this and we are proud to offer not only a range of cultural pursuits such as music, film and literature, but ensure the individual interests, customs, beliefs and ethnic backgrounds are valued and respected.

Build new friendshipsYou can never have too many friends, and we love seeing new friendships forged. Our lifestyle and activity programs provides fun and entertainment, as well as opportunities to stay active and socialize.

Learn new skillsOne of the best things about a vibrant community life, is the opportunity to learn something new. We’re always adding new and exciting activities to our program for our residents, many of whom are always keen to give anything a go! Have feedback on the kind of programs you want to see on The Campus of Currie Green? Connect with us today!Benefits the body tooStudies have shown that increased social interaction is hugely beneficial to physical health. Socially active seniors have a slower progression of health decline, lower blood pressure, better sleep patterns and lower stress levels. Whether it’s participation in our Wellness program, time in the garden or social outings with others, the benefits of regular activity on the body are far reaching.If you’d like to find out more about our lifestyle and community at The Campus of Currie Green, click here.

Transitioning into a senior living community is a life-changing move. Change is difficult, but oftentimes it is the vehicle for a more enriching and uplifting life.

Keep reading to learn about three signs that you are ready to move into a retirement home.

1. Your home is not serving you like it once did.Many senior citizens desire to live out their lives in their own homes. However, this sometimes comes with more costs than you might realize.

The cost of retrofitting a home to suit your needs is significant, as are expenses related to long-term in-home care. When you compare this option with the benefits that The Manor Village senior living communities offer, you may realize there is more possibility and greater security in a retirement home.

The Manor Village Life Centers offer a variety of community locations, each with multiple floor plans so that you can settle into the residence that is just the right size for you and the lifestyle you want to lead.

2. You worry about the decline of your health.Whether you are dealing with a chronic disease or preparing for a future when you might be, you are likely feeling some degree of anxiety. Some older adults hire health home aides or have a family caregiver check in with them periodically. These measures are sufficient for a time, but for most, they cannot be a permanent solution.

In many cases, it is better to make a move to senior living when you are in relatively good health and your support systems are not too strained.

This means that you could make the move to senior living now—while you are in relatively good health—and not worry about your health precipitating this move. Once settled in the community, if your health needs change, the level of care you receive will increase.

If you begin to exhibit some of the warning signs that you need additional care, our staff can help you. For instance, our Assisted Living services provide 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living. If you need Memory Care, The Manor Village – Our Heart’s Memory Care will provide you with a secure environment and personalized programming.

The Manor Village Life Centers will meet your personal needs with predictable costs.

3. You feel bored or lonely in your current residence.While you might notice the more acute symptoms associated with limited social interactions—like sadness or restlessness—there are even more essential benefits to staying connected and active. Among these are decreased rates of depression, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

A senior living community like The Manor Village offers opportunities for socialization, personal growth and continued activity that are regularly scheduled and easily accessible. Whether you want to participate in a special interest group, lecture, fitness program or recreational activity, you will find ample opportunities. Regardless of your preferences, you will find ways to fill your days with fulfillment, fun, and fellowship.

Learn About the Life Style That Fits Your Needs

We offer our Residents the ability to Add Life to Years™ and live the life they want with new experiences, friends and activities. Residents tell us time and again that living in our retirement homes Calgary and communities has helped reduce worry and anxiety, letting them embrace relaxed and enjoyment-filled senior living.

You will no longer think about housekeeping or indoor, and outdoor maintenance if you avail in our assisted living service. Having your own executive chef, recreational entertainment, fitness classes and more will enable you to focus on yourself giving you more time to socialize with like-minded individuals, see family and friends, and be part of a supportive and respectable retirement community.

How do you talk to your elderly parents about getting some help? Or whether they should move out of their home and into a retirement community or care facility? It’s not an easy conversation to have — but going about it the right way can help them live more safely and get more out of life.

Start with these tips when you need to talk to an aging parent about senior living, senior care, and the way forward for your family.

Preparing for the Conversation

Do your homework. Before you initiate the conversation about senior care, prepare yourself:

• Create a list of your concerns for your aging parent. Are you worried, for example, that their home is no longer a safe environment for them? Are they having some health problems? Are they starting to have trouble with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, bathing or managing their medications? You may want to discuss your concerns with other family members to get their perspective as well. Write down all your observations.
• Educate yourself. As you learn more about retirement communities and senior care options such as assisted living, you’ll have a better understanding of what will fit your aging parent best. Admitting just how much help your loved one needs isn’t easy, and you may find yourself downplaying just how serious their need for help really is. But be as objective as you can.
• Learn how important their living situation is for seniors. Where you live influences how well you live as you grow older — meaning location and environment have an effect on everything from physical safety to mental health to longevity. The more you learn about this, the better prepared you’ll be.

Exploring the options and learning more about successful aging can give you the confidence and credibility you need to begin this conversation. But exploring and learning doesn’t mean you’re making decisions about moving your elderly parents out of their home without the consent of your parent or aging family member. Instead, you’re preparing yourself to be as helpful as possible for the conversation and decisions ahead.

Tips for a Better Conversation About Senior Care

Once you learn more and feel you can confidently explain the options, following these tips can help you have a productive conversation:

• Have the conversation as early as possible. Rather than waiting for a health crisis to force the issue, tackling this difficult decision early can help all of you reach a decision and start planning with much less pressure.
• Talk in person, if possible. If you can be together to have a face-to-face conversation, great. If not, set up a video call so you can at least see each other during the discussion. Try to arrange a time when you and your parent are well rested and relaxed. Block out a time and a location where you can talk without interruption.
• Listen, listen, listen. Your loved one may have anxieties, concerns and objections about moving from their home and into a retirement community. Don’t minimize those feelings. It’s important to acknowledge them and continue to ask questions so you can better understand their reservations. This will make it clear that you will respect their wishes.
• Empathy, not sympathy. No older adult wants their adult child to feel sorry for them. But empathy is another matter. Your kind, calm voice and demeanor will show you care — and that you’re trying to understand the fears and frustrations they may feel.
• Don’t rush. Once you’re armed with knowledge, you may feel ready to make a decision. But your parents may need more time. Allow them the time they need to find the words to express how they’re feeling. Coming to an unpressured mutual agreement now will continue to pay dividends as you move forward together.
• Plan to talk again. And again. As much as you might want to wrap things up in one conversation, the reality is this will likely be a series of talks. Unless your aging family member is in imminent danger, that’s OK. It’s a process, not a once-and-done discussion.
• Try to arrange a visit to a Manor Village community. One of the best ways to alleviate worries about moving is to show your loved one what a community is actually like. This lets them get an idea of the lifestyle, amenities, culture and type of neighbors they’re likely to have.
• Remember, it’s their decision. Unless your elderly parents are mentally incapacitated, they get to decide whether to move out of their home and into a care facility of some kind. You have the responsibility of raising your concerns, out of love for them, but the ultimate decision belongs to them.

Conversation Starters

As with many difficult topics, beginning the discussion is often the hardest part. These conversation starters may help:

• How is it living at home alone? Do you still feel safe? (You may want to mention specific safety concerns such as managing medications, falling on stairs, struggles in the bathtub or kitchen. Crime may be another fear they haven’t shared with you.)
• Do you have a plan for long-term care? For example, if you fell or got sick and couldn’t take care of yourself at home, where would you go? How would you pay for it?
• Do you feel lonely sometimes? Would you like to spend more time with people your own age?
• How do you feel about driving? Would you be interested in other options for transportation so you don’t have to worry about getting where you need to go, car maintenance costs, traffic, parking, etc.?
• Is it ever hard to manage your finances and keep up with paying your bills?
• Ever wonder about getting a helping hand with housekeeping and laundry?
• Would you feel less stress if you didn’t have to worry about the house?

Open-ended questions are the best way to encourage them to talk. Sit back and really listen to their answers.

Avoid Information Overload

Finally, beware the flood. Sharing a little basic information upfront can be helpful, but overloading the conversation with research and statistics is overwhelming. What’s worse, when people feel overwhelmed, they can get defensive. And defensiveness will end a conversation fast — and make it hard to resume later. Take your time and make this a journey of discovery and growth.

And if you’d like to research senior living communities near you (or your parents), you can start by checking out the incredible communities from The Manor Village Life Centers.