Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a retirement home?
Maggie Beckett, RPN, director of memory care and clinical services at Alavida Lifestyles answers a few frequently asked questions
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE IN SENIOR LIVING?
It depends on the person, their needs and lifestyle. A typical day could start with waking up to a suite full of sunshine, preparing coffee or breakfast in your suite or getting ready to join friends in the dining room or café. An activity such as aquafit, a bridge game or chair yoga class could follow, and then a visit to the library to choose a new book or visit the wellness centre for blood work. Then it’s lunch, where you might choose from a selection of menu items — followed by relaxation in your suite or lounging in the many common spaces. An afternoon activity such as a painting or live music session, maybe a glass of wine with some residents before dinner, and then winding down with a film in the theatre or on your TV before getting a blissful night of sleep. Read more perspective at alavidalifestyles.com.
CAN I KEEP MY PET IN A SENIOR LIVING RESIDENCE?
Yes! Pets provide more than companionship and unconditional love; their regular interaction brings our residents positive physical, emotional and mental benefits. We even bring in a few on pet therapy days.
HOW DO I CHOOSE
THE RIGHT LEVEL OF SENIOR LIVING CARE?
Seniors and caregivers should consider current and potential long-term needs when choosing retirement residences and consider the advantages of living in a home that includes a complete continuum of care. Active seniors can access à la carte nursing and wellness care even while enjoying Independent Living. For seniors who need help with mobility or health monitoring, assisted living might be suitable. Memory care provides specialized support for those facing cognitive challenges like dementia.
WHAT TYPES OF CARE SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We provide exceptional care crafted to your needs, including assisted living, respite care, convalescent care, palliative care, short-term stays, dementia and memory care and à la carte services.
DO YOU OFFER TRIAL STAYS
If you are considering moving into one of our communities, we would love for you to come in for a trial stay. It will help us get to know you, but more importantly, you will get to know us.
DO YOU OFFER ANY CARE TO A NEW PERSON DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
Learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be a life-changing event and may feel overwhelming; this is why Alavida Lifestyles has focused on ensuring we have exceptional memory care and includes the Healthy Minds program and Gentle
Persuasive Approach certification and training for all our care staff.
WHAT ABOUT FOOT CARE, MASSAGE THERAPY AND
MUSIC AND MEMORY PROGRAMS?
We partner with local professionals who can deliver these services at each of our locations upon request and at a fee.
DO YOU OFFER YOGA CLASSES?
We provide a beneficial form of chair yoga that targets muscle tension, especially in the back, while promoting joint flexibility and breathing for relaxation, concentration and memory.
DO WE HAVE A WASHER AND DRYER?
Depending on the units, laundry facilities are available on every floor or ensuite.
WHAT TYPE OF AMENITIES CAN I EXPECT?
We have a saltwater pool and hot tub at Ravines and
Promenade and a golf simulator at Promenade and Astoria. Our locations include hair salons, fitness centres, lounges, dining rooms, bridge, game rooms, pool tables and a library.
DO YOU OFFER A SHUTTLE BUS?
With regularly scheduled routes, our comfortable and accessible shuttle ensures that residents have easy access to various amenities, medical appointments and off-site activities.
DO YOU OFFER FLEXIBLE DINING OPTIONS?
Our chefs offer delicious options catering to widespread dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LONGTERM CARE AND RETIREMENT HOMES?
Long-term care is government in Ontario as opposed to retirement homes and tends to feel more institutional and less homey.
For more information about our Astoria, Promenade, Park Place and Ravines communities and upcoming spring open house, please visit alavida
lifestyles.com.
Alavida Lifestyles is part of the Choo Communities family and is dedicated to building modern communities throughout Ottawa and supporting seniors throughout a complete continuum of care, allowing residents more peace of mind if they need to adapt their lifestyles.