CROFTON MANOR

One of the first things people notice about Crofton Manor is the impressive six-acre site in the heart of Kerrisdale. They are equally won over by the bright, spacious apartments that offer a continuum of care, from independent living to long-term residential care suites.

The retirement complex is part of Venvi Living, which operates 44 senior residences in five provinces across Canada. Venvi believes in a future where seniors can embrace retirement with energy and passion in a vibrant community.

Owain Jones has been Crofton Manor’s executive director since August 2022. He attests that not many senior residences have the luxury of space like this.

Many residents are attracted to the gardens and the spacious, welldesigned floor plan.

“There is an amazing representation of people living at Crofton. Many residents know each other from the community, as a good number previously resided in Kerrisdale.”

Making oneself at home is encouraged, and residents are invited to personalize their space. Some have installed hardwood flooring and repainted to suit their taste.

Accommodations range from spacious studios to one-and two-bedroom suites in a variety of styles and sizes. Suites feature balconies or patios, roomy closets, and private in-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Some suites have kitchenettes containing a microwave oven and cooktop, and a few have ovens.

Small pets are welcome to join their owners in the independent living quarters.

The long-term care side offers health care, medication administration, bathing and dressing, and companion services around the clock.

This well-established residence is close to Kerrisdale Village’s shopping district. Residents can easily access the local shops, restaurants, and services by transit or by booking Crofton’s electric Mercedes town car, which is like a built-in private taxi service.

Many residents are committed to helping the environment and are eager to have an electric car available. They are also actively doing their part by recycling and composting.

Plenty of avid gardeners reside at Crofton. Owain says, “There is an active landscaping and gardening committee. They have some passionate debates about pruning and trimming.”

Venvi Living designs menus with active input from Crofton’s residents. Their chefs use seasonal and local inspiration to create a symphony of flavours. In addition to the fullservice dining room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is an all-day self-serve bistro featuring a coffee machine, fruits and pastries. Residents enjoyed participating in a wine tasting to help select B.C. wines to add to the menu.

A private dining room can be booked for family events or more intimate meals. Owain says, “This room was recently used to celebrate a 100th birthday. It can also be catered or used for meetings.”

A card room for playing cards, bridge, and Scrabble, a media room decorated with nostalgic movie posters, and a spacious, bright lounge adorned with beautiful artwork create the feeling of an elegant resort.

A monthly calendar is full of activities for both independent and assisted living residents.

There is something for everyone, including exercise classes, bocce, bingo, French classes, tech classes, bridge, movies, concerts, cocktail socials, and guest speakers.

Excursions are planned year-round. In August, outings included visits to the International Buddhist Society, a rose garden tour in Stanley Park, lunch and a walk in Deep Cove, and a bus trip to Krause Berry Farm.

Special events are always much anticipated. They had the good fortune to have world-renowned pianist Paul Lewis visit and perform. An Elvis impersonator is always a crowd-pleaser, as is the arrival of an ice cream truck. A mariachi band was brought in for Canada Day celebrations, and a well-attended barbecue for family members followed.

Many staff members are responsible for making Crofton Manor such a fine-run facility. The 200 staff members include managers, registered nurses, health care aids, janitors, housekeepers, concierges, kitchen staff, servers, and maintenance staff; everyone contributes to the residence’s excellent reputation.

Owain knows most of the residents; he provides updates at a town hall meeting once a month.

He says, “I am on the floor quite a bit during the day. I get my 10,000 daily steps!”

There is a strong sense of community in this established and reputable retirement residence. Residents are proud to show it off to friends and visitors. It is a place people are proud to call home.

“Happy residents and families fill my cup,” says Owain.

Crofton Manor

2803 W 41st Avenue

Vancouver, BC V6N 4B4

Front Desk Phone 604-263-0921

Availability & Tours Phone 778-653-3872

www.venviliving.com/crofton-manor

Story by Sarah Gordon (August 2024) PALLA MEDIA

Photos submitted