55 Plus+ December

Darren

Jodi Courtney Geoff Eva

5 Things to keep in mind when buying a home when you are over 55

The team at the McLean Real Estate Group believes in a hands-on, grass roots, back-to basics approach to real estate with quality over quantity, customized personal service, market expertise and a focus on the details.

With the majority of their realtors born and raised in Victoria, they pride themselves on knowing about neighbourhoods, the people who live there and the owners of local businesses. They enjoy promoting local restaurants and shops and thrive on being your source for information in addition to finding you the perfect home. The client success stories and sheer amount of testimonials on the McLean Group's website prove that their real estate clients truly do value their experience, appreciate their organization and trust their strategies and negotiation skills.

Team leader Geoff McLean says “We particularly enjoy working with seniors and understand that selling and purchasing

property can be overwhelming,” adding “We work with compassion and efficiency to ensure that our clients can focus on their lives, while the team focuses on their real estate.” Their successful comprehensive marketing strategy includes targeted Facebook advertising, email marketing, content, marketing and personalized 1-to-1 outreach.

1 Find a qualified Financial Adviser: Ask your friends and relatives who they use and pick the top 3 and interview each one until you find a good fit.

2 How much of a mortgage can you afford? If you are not purchasing the

property outright, it is a good rule of thumb to make sure your monthly payments don’t exceed more than 25% of your monthly budget.

3 Size of property: At this stage, your children may be out of your house, and larger living spaces are no longer required. You really need to assess how much square footage you need. Be ruthless!

4 Your living arrangements: Think about what type of property you want. Would you consider moving in with your family? Would you relocate to a condo or perhaps get a roommate?

5 Is outdoor space important to you? Would a townhouse appeal to you, which would provide you with a bit of garden space so you can spend time outdoors gardening? Or would a condo suit you just fine?

Whether relocating to or from Victoria, a first-time or experienced buyer or seller, you can count on the McLean Real Estate Group to help you out! They provide a complimentary home evaluation with no obligation, and always welcome questions.

Call them today at 250-744-5551 or visit mcleanrealestategroup.ca

How do you define “Home”?

Home can certainly be the place where you live, but it is so much more than just the four walls that you live in. Maybe for you it’s the place where you grew up, or where you raised your family. Does the word conjure images of great meals around a table? Or of feeling warm and safe? Maybe alone and content with a great book, or surrounded by loved ones around a board game or movie.

As we age, sometimes our de nition of home has to change – possibly we are more isolated due to no longer driving as much, or family has moved away. Stairs become much more challenging, as

does yard and housework. These new stresses contribute to “home” feeling much less safe, and much lonelier. And we know that these factors lead to increased falls and injuries, and the signi cant physical and cognitive decline that can come from social isolation.

At The Cridge Village Seniors Centre, we continuously strive to do everything we can to make our shared spaces and suites truly home for our residents. Maybe it’s our hundred and fty year history of being home to Victoria’s most vulnerable as the oldest non-pro t society in Western Canada, or the gorgeous refurbished brick walls in our comfortable lounge, the fact

that our staff grow to know and love our residents, the meals made from scratch in our kitchen, or the housekeepers who strive to learn JUST how you like your bed made. The thing we hear most often from our residents is – “It’s just home” and “Why didn’t I make this move sooner??” And best of all, you can still curl up with that great book, or enjoy board games and meals with family and friends!

Have you been thinking about moving to a new home that best suits your needs as you age? Give us a call and book your tour now! We would love to show you around. cridge.org

Tues, November 29, 2022

A Victoria Times Colonist publication

Publisher: Dave Obee

Director of Advertising: Ed Kennedy #201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, BC V9A 6X5

To advertise in the next issue and or submit content please contact: Aaron Ross, 250-380-5313 aross@timescolonist.com

The Cridge Village

may be just what you are looking for!

We offer: get your hands dirty if you’d like to!

Bright, quiet one or two bedroom suites

Delicious meals made from scratch using locally grown and organic ingredients where possible ·24 hours internal emergency response system

·Large property with paved pathways, beautiful gardens and raised beds to

Weekly in suite housekeeping

Extensive recreation programming including exercise classes, entertainment, bus trips, movie nights and so much more!

We offer subsidized Assisted Living suites through Island Health as well as private Independent Living.

For more information or to book a tour, call 250-384-8058

For more information or to book

y

Seniors’Centre

The Power of a Procession

Written by Laura Van Sprang, Manager of Sands Funeral Chapel of Victoria

Ican recall when I was around 8 years old, walking with my dad when we saw a long procession of vehicles coming our way. He told me we should stop and show our respect, as it was a funeral procession. He pointed out the long shiny black car and told me it was

the hearse that was carrying the person who had died. He explained that all the other cars following with their lights on were that person’s family and friends and that they were proceeding together to the cemetery to bury their loved one. I remember they were all driving very slowly, much slower than the other cars usually did on that road. Most cars were letting

them go by and some were even pulling over or stopping to avoid disrupting this respectful journey.

I knew this was an important event and was in awe of how everyone just knew what to do to show their respect. They too must have had dads who taught them about funeral procession respect when they were my age.

It was not too long after this, I attended my grandfather’s funeral and experienced being a part of a procession rst hand. There was a powerful feeling of importance and community as I noticed the immediate attention from those on the road and sidewalk. Cars letting us go by, people on the street showing their respect; one man even removed his hat as we passed. My grandpa was certainly worthy of this recognition and effort and I remember feeling so proud. It felt right. I wonder what has changed since then. It wasn’t that long ago… this story is from 1984.

Now that I am in funeral service, I have had the honour of being a part of many funeral processions. I still nd myself lled with a sense of pride as we lead our cortege of professional vehicles through the community, with family and friends following in such a traditional and respectful way. But unfortunately that feeling gets interrupted more and more it seems, as the years go by. People do not slow down anymore, stop or let you go by. In most cases I nd they actually speed up to get around us, to not get “stuck behind” our procession. It makes me sad. And if it makes me sad, how does the family feel?

In a feedback survey Sands received from one of our client families, we found out. We were pleased to read the positive comments about our staff and services, but one comment that was made, we discussed as a

team in length. It read: “I know it is dif cult, but it would be nice if there was a way for us to follow the hearse without other cars cutting in on the way to the burial site”. This was the procession experience for this family, a very different one than mine in 1984.

Although we do our very best as funeral professionals to keep the procession together, ultimately if someone wants to cut in, they will. So after reading this, perhaps together we can help to change this fading community support for such a powerful tradition. And if you see a procession coming your way or in your review mirror… take a moment as we travel by to the nal resting place, to show your respect to the family and to the person we are honouring, who is being carried in the long shiny black car.

EXCEPTIONAL SENIOR LIVING COMING TO JUBILEE

Amica Senior Lifestyles is a trusted leader in providing exceptional care to seniors, especially those living with Alzheimer’s. We know changes in behaviour can create cause for concern, so knowing you or your loved one will be cared for by certi ed professionals is key. At our upcoming residence, Amica Jubilee House, Memory Care will be offered as a lifestyle option to help all our residents live life to the fullest.

5 REASONS FAMILIES CHOOSE MEMORY CARE AT AMICA:

1.

CARE THAT IS PERSONALIZED

A Personal Wellness Plan, created for each resident detailing their unique needs and preferences, is followed to the letter by our team members. Seniors receiving Memory Care live in dedicated Memory Care suites that are set up to suit them as best as possible.

2.

CARE THAT IS PROFESSIONAL

Our knowledgeable, respectful and compassionate team members are highly quali ed, and ensure each resident receives nothing less than exceptional care and support. Certi ed in dementia care, our staff are professionally trained, and many are well-known and celebrated within the industry.

3.

CARE THAT IS ALLENCOMPASSING

In addition to a nurse and specialized support team on site 24/7, our residents can schedule appointments with a visiting physician, massage therapist and physiotherapist. They also have access to foot care, a walker clinic and a hearing clinic.

4. CARE THAT COMFORTS

Our teams use individualized support tools, such as My Life Story Book and My Life Story Box, as well as music and art therapy to help soothe and engage residents.

5. CARE THAT EVOLVES

Care is provided at every stage of life—it changes as our residents and their needs do, eliminating the need to ever move again. When the need to transition to a different lifestyle option arises, we discuss with residents and families in detail how best to proceed.

Our Memory Care program is overseen by a dedicated Memory Care Coordinator, ensuring close attention is paid to every aspect of support, to keep residents, families and fellow Amica team members at ease. If you’re interested in learning if Memory Care is right for you or a loved one, please call Maria at 250592-1200, or visit amica.ca/ jubilee-house

O UR P RE SENTATI O N CENTR E IS N O W O P EN

can’t about upcoming senior lifestyles

W e can ’t wait to tell you abo ut our upc omin g seni or lif estyl es resi denc e! Be amo ng the fir st to boo k an app oin tment at our newly opened Presentation Centre to chat with our team members about our Long-Term Care and Memory Care options, get exclusive details about our upcoming residence, and learn about the benefi t s of joining our Founders Club. We look forward to meeting you and sharing what life will be like at Amica Jubile e House.

Presentation Centre 109 -1644 Hillside Ave (Hillside Shopping Centre)

T O SCH ED UL E Y O UR P RIV A TE AP PO INT ME NT CAL L MA RIA O R JE SSE A T 250-592-1200

M I C A . C A / J U B I L E E HO U S E

Esquimalt's luxury retirement property offers memory care in homelike environment

Experience safe and comfortable independent and supported living at The Vista

Quality of life at any age is important, but particularly as you grow older and your needs change, it's essential to have a fulfilling lifestyle and secure environment where you feel safe and comfortable. On Vancouver Island, that's exactly the kind of development that will soon be available to you; a place where you'll be truly proud to call home.

At The Vista, the Avenir Senior Living team provides a precisely curated continuum of care across a range of living environments within an 11-storey luxury residential retirement community. The building includes an array

of premier amenities, captivating 360-degree ocean and city views, and is just minutes from Downtown Victoria.

In addition to condominiums for ownership, independent or supportive living suites for rent, The Vista caters to a segment of seniors who require additional support, like memory-related diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's.

Breaking the stereotype of how traditional senior care looks and feels, especially for those who struggle with diminished control over their lives, The Vista provides 48 purposely designed spacious

studio suites dedicated to memory care, with most exceeding 400 square feet.

"We really strive for a homelike atmosphere," says Wayne Melvin, general manager of The Vista. "We incorporate soft luxurious furniture, beautiful artwork, luxury vinyl plank flooring in the hallways and granite countertops in the dining area. The natural light in the building feels like you're walking into somebody's living room as opposed to walking into a hospital."

Central to resident's care is life satisfaction, with 24-hour support in the most homelike environment

Breaking the stereotype of how traditional senior care works.

Photos and momentos help keep residents comforted and grounded.

“Once we establish a baseline, we align the individuals with other residents with similar levels of cognition," reveals Melvin. "This allows us to create a suitable environment where each resident can feel appropriately engaged, which in turn results in enriched and fulfilling days.”

possible. "People know they're coming somewhere that's going to be respectful of their needs, wants and desires," says Melvin.

"Studios come furnished, with a bed, side table, light and occasional chair, but there's space for a favourite La-Z-Boy, chest of drawers or something of historic significance. Family portraits and artwork or any personal items comfort folks and keep people grounded."

A small but significant detail is the memory box, which is built into the wall beside each resident's door for pictures and mementoes.

"As a resident is walking down the hall, they might not remember they're in room 214, for example, but they may recognize those keepsakes in the memory box," explains Melvin.

COGNITIVE LIFESTYLE

Cognitive Lifestyle and the Round Table Discovery meeting are two standouts that make The Vista’s memory care services unique.

The Cognitive Lifestyle program, through their nursing assessment process, identifies each resident’s individual cognitive skills and abilities.

ROUND TABLE DISCOVERY

This process is realized with each new family prior to their loved one becoming a new resident. During this meeting, each department manager introduces themselves and asks questions about the resident as it pertains to their departments.

"This allows the team to get to know the resident prior to their first day in hopes of making their transition into the community as smooth as possible," says Melvin.

"In addition, we focus on reviewing the new resident's care needs, medical history, and medications, which assists us in creating a personalized care plan unique to each resident."

For more information and to contact The Vista team, visit liveatvista.ca

EXCLUSIVE CONDOMINIUMS FOR SENIORS

Since 1975, Avenir Senior Living has been a proven leader in developing, designing, marketing, and operating exceptional senior care communities across North America. Their newest upscale boutique retirement community, The Vista, in Esquimalt, British Columbia, is a resort-style living experience with industryleading extended support services to comfortably age in place.

Imagine waking

day surrounded by world class ocean, mountain, and city views. At The Vista your imagination becomes reality. With exclusive access to the 11th floor amenity areas, you will enjoy resort style dining , entertainment, themed events and

classes, all with these views as your backdrop. Purchase a spacious 1 Bedroom or 2 Bedroom plan and experience the ultimate in maintenance free, luxury retirement living

Int erior Features

• Continental breakfast every morning

• Use of all amenity areas & patios

• Daily social, fitness & wellness programs

• Entertainment & themed events

• Concierge services

• Delicious meal plans available*

• Housekeeping service plans available*

• Individualized air conditioning & heating

• Private patios with ocean, mountain, and city views

• Custom kitchen cabinetry

• Marbled quartz counter tops

• Built in refrigerator, dishwasher, and full appliance package

•

The Vista caters to seniors with memory-related diseases.

SILVER THREADS SERVICE

WINTER PROGRAMS

You don’t need to struggle with this, we can help.

Or if you want to stop in for lunch, join a discussion group, play cards or watch a movie, there are many lowkey, a ordable o erings to try. Beginning in January a threemonth membership will be $25 and this will give you reduced rates on programs.

Silver Threads Service has been serving the community for 65 years. Our complete Winter Program Guide is available at www.silverthreads.ca

Our Saanich Centre is located at 286 Hampton Road, in the Tillicum Gorge neighbourhood and can be reached at 250 382-3151. Our Victoria Centre is located at 1911 Quadra Street, near the Police Station and can be reached at 250 388-4268.

The holiday season is now in full swing, and we hope that there are aspects that bring you joy. Whether it is the lights and decorations, Christmas Concerts, Craft Fairs or good food with friends and family, our wish for you from Silver Threads Service is that this is a time of peace and happiness. And may your spirits be lifted by good memories. Over the next month, we hope you can take a moment to look at the Winter Program Guide, with an eye towards joining us in January 2023.

In the New Year, once the tree is down, the decorations are packed up and the last drop of eggnog is gone, it might be time to take up a new activity to keep body and mind active. Silver Threads Service has two Centres serving those 55 years and better. We have wellness programs that include Chair and Gentle Yoga, Tai Chi and Walking Groups. Eight weekly fi tness classes, dance, music, and creative arts are also o ered.

Sports include table tennis, carpet bowling, floor shu eboard and the ever-popular pickleball – that is o ered 3 times a week.

If you are “Pickleball curious” we have a coached session every Wednesday to provide some basic lessons to help you get started.

For those who may have been gifted a smart phone or other device this Christmas and are now wondering what the %&*$ to do with it, we have beginner to experienced technology support that range from one-on-one appointments to weekly classes.

MEMORY PLUS CHALLENGE HOLIDAY WORD SCRAMBLE

Memory PLUS is a Silver Threads Service program for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. The PLUS stands for Practice, Laughter, Useful Strategies. We encourage you to exercise your brain by solving an all about the Holidays scramble.

Our next session will begin Wednesday, February 13th, 2023. Classes are at the Saanich Centre, located at 286 Hampton Road from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The cost is 6 sessions - $54 Members or $78 Non-members. Call 250 382-3151 or visit silverthreads.ca for more information.

Silver Threads advertorial

VRS Communities: A 50 year legacy

something of interest to the board of directors – the exception being if we are running at a surplus, we are charging too much, or need to increase services. With this model we believe in a new way forward for seniors housing.

We are committed to bringing our service model to many communities in BC and to prove we can compete by delivering a better retirement solution for our Seniors.

For more information about seniors living at Ross Place visit RossPlace.ca or for more information about Lakeside Gardens visit Lakeside-Gardens.com

When I was twenty-one years old, I broke my neck in a diving accident and have been con ned to a wheelchair ever since. Three years after my accident I was hired by VRS Communities, a non-pro t organization based in Vancouver, as a housing placement of cer. My job was to nd wheelchair accessible housing in the community for individuals in wheelchairs.

This was no easy task in 1982.

I was passionate about my work, and it showed. I was later promoted to Accountant and then to Executive Director, a position I have held for the past thirty years.

At VRS Communities we have been creating housing solutions and services for clients in British Columbia for fty years. Our story is one rooted in integrity, perseverance, and inspiration. Beginning our journey as a non-pro t serving persons with disabilities, we now proudly serve

thousands of individuals throughout the province including seniors and families. We believe in building communities where everyone experiences belonging, growth and independence.

Eight years ago, we identi ed a need in the seniors community for a high quality affordable housing option for middle income seniors. There were many high-end independent seniors living projects and some subsidized facilities in the market, but not a lot of options for middle income retirees to live in a safe and supported environment.

From this calling, a vision for VRS Seniors Living was born. We now proudly own and operate eleven seniors communities throughout BC and Alberta, including Ross Place in Victoria and Lakeside Gardens in Nanaimo, and have more in the planning stage.

What is unique about our seniors residences, is our commitment to quality and affordability – matching our words with the actions we take each day to bring those bene ts back to our residents. As a non-pro t, our bottom line is not

By Ken Fraser, Executive Director of VRS Communities Seniors Living, including Ross Place (Victoria) and Lakeside Gardens (Nanaimo)

The Social Butter ies

It’s that time of year, when once again The Social Butter ies thoughts turn to the up-coming festive season.

You will be pleased to know The Social Butter ies have put together an exciting Calendar of events for your entertainment & enjoyment. Musical & symphony concerts, theater, Ballet, Opera… something for everyone!

Let them take care of the planning & details, while you relax, together with other like-minded, independent, mobile, mentally alert & discerning seniors…. making new friends & new memories. Join them for a fun night ‘out on the town’. You’ll be so glad you did. Undecided on what gift to give

that ‘special’ someone in your life? An evening out with The Social Butter ies is a thoughtful solution & they will love you for it. It’s what they want…what they really, really want! Gift Certi cates are always a good idea, for any occasion.

To make a reservation, or for further details, phone 250.383.4386. Check out their up-coming events on their website: thesocialbutter iesof victoria.com

Each outing includes home pick-up & drop off, so you will feel safe & secure, leisurely dinner (your menu choice) theater tickets (best seats in the house) and happiness guaranteed!

Pets Proven to Enhance Your Wellness

Anyone who has experienced a pet in their life knows the positive difference these companions can make in terms of physical and mental wellness. Research cited by Harvard suggests pets can decrease feelings of loneliness, provide a sense of purpose and even help lower blood pressure though the calming effect of petting a cat or dog. And with dogs speci cally,

walking them promotes daily exercise and leads to spontaneous social interactions with other dog lovers.

As a seniors’ community that champions all aspects of wellness, Tapestry at Victoria Harbour is proud to welcome pets. That means those with cats, dogs or even birds can make the move to Tapestry with their furry or feathered companions.

At Tapestry, every aspect of the community is designed with the residents’ health and wellness in mind. A daily schedule of events and programming offer tness classes, social clubs, learning opportunities and more. Residents stay engaged and socially connected while enjoying beautiful amenity spaces such as the restaurant, pub, reside lounge and the rooftop terrace that overlooks the Inner Harbour. Everyday, residents are discovering new hobbies, activities and events - all while meeting like-minded friends.

Explore Tapestry at Victoria Harbour for yourself and visit for a personalized tour of the homes along with a complimentary lunch. Developed by Concert, Tapestry at Victoria Harbour is currently offering a ‘Live Free for a Year’ promotion in addition to rental incentives. Visit TapestryVictoria.com or call 250.419.4261 for more information.

As we age and begin to lose our mobil ity and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to get out of the tub are two of the most common occur rences with many of our seniors today Walk-in tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who g o ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live inde pendently for an additional five years Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have large doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat. You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfort ably and safely inside All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fingertips Once you are done your bath, tum the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub The various models all have numerous g rab bars and nonslip surfaces making getting in and out wor r y free Walk-in tubs are designed for an aging population who desire to remain independent for many years to come

Manufacturers have optional tub designs accommodating ever y shape and size of person and bathroom. There is a tub size that will fit in the space where your existing tub or shower is Walk-in tubs can be as basic as a soaker tub to as deluxe as your own personal spa. Of fering numerous options such as heated back, multi speed war m air jets, water jets, ozone, light therapy, aromatherapy, and more

The benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous Many people crave being able to confidently have a bath again and find relief by just soaking in a war m tub. Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath. The war m air or water jets give a deep massage and help to stimulate circulation, thus car r ying additional healing oxygen throughout the body to the hands and feet This has shown positive results increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain and symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic and peripheral neuropathy, as well as various other acute and chronic conditions

The Canadian Government website states that 1 in 4 seniors fall ever y year,

and 25% of these falls are serious, leav ing the victims per manently disabled and bedridden. A large percentage of these

falls take place in the bathroom. Aside from all the pain and suffering it also ends up costing the Canadian medical

Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ve made is when I decided to go ahead and put a walkin tub in my house. I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.’

Jean S.

system two billion dollars annually Therefore, the British Columbia and Federal Governments are helping many people who decide to purchase a walk-in tub now The help comes in the for ms of a tax credit, a Provincial Sales Tax waiver, and in certain qualifying cases a $7,500.00 Government Grant

As we all age and the years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality that taking proactive steps today and deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub is one of the best investments they can make to help them age in place, comfortably and independently in the home they love.

g Sponsored content provided by Walk-in Tubs Fraser Valley