Activities are in full swing at The Bradley
The July calendar at The Bradley is full to bursting as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
“All of our residents are currently fully vaccinated,” says Elizabeth Ohari, one of four live-in managers at the luxurious retirement home in Kanata. “As long as everything continues to open up, we have a full schedule of activities planned for July.”
Beginning with a July 1 trip to Merrickville on the Bradley bus, residents can explore the picturesque town and enjoy a change of scenery. Other activities on offer through the month include an amphibus tour via Lady Dive — “Residents are very excited about that,” says Ohari — meals on restaurant patios around town, a jaunt to an Irish pub, visits to shopping malls such as Tanger Outlets and Bayshore Shopping Centre and outdoor concerts on the grounds of the residence.
“If gatherings are limited, second-floor residents can watch the concerts from their balconies and groundfloor residents will be on their patios,” says Ohari.
Also on the list are picnics in the park and rounds of minigolf, always following pandemic distancing rules. Another highlight on the activity list is The Bradley version of the Tokyo Olympics (postponed from 2020 and set to begin July 23). As well as being invited to watch the opening and closing ceremonies, residents can take part in events such as beach volleyball, chair swimming, water polo toss and badminton.
As well as the July specials, all the regular activities continue. They include an assortment of movement and fitness classes from Tai chi and yoga to zumba (standing or sitting, with modified moves adjusted for participants if required), line dancing and even boxing for enthusiasts. For those who prefer working out alone, the exercise room is equipped with state-of-the-art machines. Card players have plenty of opportunities to improve their bridge, euchre and poker skills in the card room. And bingo players are not forgotten either. Painting classes, regular musical entertainment and even such events as formal balls and casual dances are also on the list.
On sunny days, residents may tend the raised gardens around the property or enjoy the roof garden. Members of the walking club can stride or stroll along the groomed paths around the residence.
When the weather is less pleasant, they can transfer their efforts to walking the wide, richly carpeted halls.
Keen readers can enjoy the changing supply of books in the library, which often includes current bestsellers. Movie buffs are entertained in the movie theatre (a real theatre complete with a supply of popcorn) while any resident who wishes can make use of the business centre or the onsite beauty salon and enjoy nutritious snacks or ice cream 24/7 — in addition to three chef-prepared gourmet meals daily.
Other key aspects of The Bradley’s special style include The Bradley bus, which is available to transport residents to any appointments, and its live-in managers. Because two of the four are always available, any calls are answered very quickly. And because The Bradley is home for them as much as for the residents, they are on hand at mealtimes to socialize, serve and enjoy the meals, adding to the warmth of the family ambience. The stated aim throughout is to combine care, convenience and a gracious living style with independence and the sense of being part of a happy family.
The suites, ranging from large studios to one and two bedrooms in various layouts and the majority with balconies overlooking the landscaped grounds and walking paths, offer a sense of spaciousness and attention to detail, as do the communal areas. For example, the oversized bathrooms all have heat lamps and every suite has an emergency call button.
Among other plusses are a guest suite for visitors (which, like the rest of The Bradley, is pet friendly) and a travel program through which residents may stay for a week, free of charge, at any of the 50 Hawthorn residences across North America.
“A resident’s family member may accompany the resident, paying only for meals,” notes Ohari. (Because of the pandemic, the travel program is currently limited to Hawthorn communities across Canada.)
Monthly rents at The Bradley begin at $3,145, which includes linen and housekeeping services, all meals and utilities. The only additional optional expense is a personal telephone.
For further information about The Bradley or to arrange a tour, contact seniorlivinginstyle.com/thebradley or call 613-801-3804.