Staying active and engaged becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining good health and overall well-being as we age. This is especially true for seniors living in independent living communities. At The Waterford of Summerlea, we understand the importance of keeping our residents engaged, which is why we offer a variety of activities, events, and opportunities to keep them busy and involved in all life has to offer. If you’re helping your senior loved one find a new place to call home but are worried about how they’ll stay healthy, look no further — we make plenty of fun to go around!

Why We Care About Keeping Residents Engaged

Social isolation is one of the most significant issues your loved ones might face as they get older. For about 30% of Canadian seniors, this is a reality. We understand the damaging impact these feelings of loneliness can have on physical and mental health, and we strongly believe that social interaction and mental stimulation can help. By providing opportunities for our residents to mingle with others and engage in meaningful activities, we can advocate for their overall well-being.

We also want to help our residents maintain their independence and a sense of purpose. It can be easy to fall into a routine and disconnect from the world around us. Our top priority is ensuring we provide your loved ones with the resources and activities to empower them to find joy in life, big or small.

How We Keep Residents Engaged

At The Waterford of Summerlea, we have a dedicated activities coordinator who takes pride in planning our monthly calendar. Each day is packed with fun activities designed to cater to various interests and abilities, ensuring all residents can participate and enjoy themselves. Some of our most popular groups, activities, and events include the following:

Exercise Classes 

On top of regular exercise, like aerobics, a crowd favourite is Wii Bowling. Our residents love striking up against each other to see who will take the crown — it’s a fun way to promote some friendly competition while staying active. 

Crafts and Hobbies

Many of our residents have unique interests and hobbies, and we strive to offer activities that support their passions. One resident, for example, loves opportunities to practice her craft. “I’m a painter,” she beamed. “I’m looking forward to having my piece in the upcoming art show.” Other activities we offer include colouring, knitting, and gardening — we have a gardening club that’s a big hit for those with green thumbs.

Outings

There’s nothing better than getting outside to breathe in the fresh air and go on an adventure. Our shuttle takes folks to places like the grocery store, West Edmonton Mall, restaurants, and greenhouses. One of the most popular events is “Mystery Shuttle Day.” On these occasions, our driver plans a secret adventure. The residents have no idea what’s in store for them — all they have to do is hop on and enjoy the ride! This sense of spontaneity and the excitement of being around friends make this an unforgettable experience.

Social Events

We care about fostering a sense of community among our residents, which is why we offer events like Tea Time, where they can gather and socialize over tea and snacks. We also frequently host live entertainers, like singers, musicians, and other performers. “The music is my favourite part,” commented a resident. “My family is full of musicians, and it brings me a lot of joy to hear that kind of music.”

A Special Kind of Community

 

Our residents do what they can to be a part of our uplifting community at The Waterford of Summerlea. No matter their interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you want to know more about how we can keep your senior loved one engaged and healthy, reach out to us today!

As our loved ones age, it’s natural for them to experience a decrease in mobility due to health conditions and other factors. However, it’s important to keep in mind that reduced mobility doesn’t have to mean a lacklustre lifestyle. Especially since staying active and engaged can be crucial for both physical and mental health.

If you’re looking for ways to help improve mobility for your elderly family members, there are numerous activities and exercises that can be both fun and beneficial. Whether your loved one is a fitness enthusiast or prefers more gentle activities, there are options for all different levels of mobility and physical fitness. In this article, we’ll explore some suggestions to help your senior family member improve mobility and have fun while doing so.

Painting

Getting creative through painting can be quite therapeutic. Studies have shown that seniors who express themselves regularly through art are happier, healthier, and have a higher sense of self-worth. The act of painting also enhances mobility in elderly individuals. Gentle arm motions and wrist strokes will help keep the muscles engaged. Here are some other benefits of this activity:

• Painting can be done alone or with others. If your loved one wants more opportunities to socialize, classes or workshops are wonderful ways to help them meet others with similar interests.

• Painting can help improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which can be especially beneficial for those with arthritis or other conditions that affect movement.

• Creating something beautiful and meaningful can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.

Swimming

 

Swimming is an ideal workout for older people. Even for seniors with limited mobility, swimming is a form of exercise that can help encourage movement with little to no effort. The buoyancy of the water creates a low-impact environment that is easy on the joints and muscles. Swimming also has well-known health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and endurance.

Many community centers and gyms, like the Jasper Place Leisure Centre, offer swimming classes for seniors, including water aerobics and aqua yoga, which provide a fun and social way to exercise. If your loved one is hesitant to swim, consider accompanying them to the pool for their first few sessions and providing reassurance and support. 

Stretching

If your loved one is experiencing diminished agility, you might be wondering how to improve mobility in elderly individuals without overexerting them. Stretching is a good solution for this. Gentle stretches can increase blood flow, decrease pain, and enhance movement. It’s also easy to do while standing or sitting in a chair and can be coordinated in a group setting. 

Examples of stretches that can improve range of motion include:

• Neck and shoulder rolls

• Hamstring stretching

• Calf stretching

• Ankle rotations

• Resistance band stretching 

One of the greatest benefits of stretching is that it can be done anywhere, anytime, and requires no special equipment. It can be easily adapted to accommodate different abilities and can work into any routine, whether it’s morning, mid-day, or a before-bed stretch.

Nature Walks

Your senior loved one doesn’t have to work up a sweat to stay healthy. A simple stroll outside can provide enough movement to keep the heart healthy. Walking on natural terrain can help improve balance, coordination, and strength while also providing a low-impact cardio workout. Taking a leisurely stroll outdoors can also provide mental health benefits. Studies show that nature can improve mood, reduce stress, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders.

When your loved one feels like going for a stroll, ensure the trail or path is appropriate for their level of mobility. Look for well-maintained paths with gentle inclines and avoid areas with steep hills or rough terrain. Also, ensure that they are equipped with the right footwear to help them feel comfortable in their strides.

Puzzles and Word Games

Keeping the mind active is just as important as keeping the body active for older adults. Puzzles and word games can help keep the brain active, which can help improve memory and delay the onset of cognitive decline. Jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, for example, can help improve problem-solving skills and spatial awareness. These activities require focus and attention to detail, which can help improve cognitive function and memory. Additionally, fun games like Scrabble can be played with others, allowing seniors to socialize and keep their brains healthy at the same time.

There are also many digital options available for those who are comfortable using technology. A whole library of puzzle game apps can be downloaded on smartphones or tablets, providing a portable and convenient way to play.

Gardening

Organizing a gardening club is the perfect way for seniors with limited mobility to spend quality time with friends and enjoy something meaningful together. Gardening doesn’t have to be difficult, either. Planting flowers in a few containers or window sill boxes can be enough to prevent boredom and keep their mind and body engaged.

Gardening can also provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment by being responsible for nurturing plants. This can boost self-esteem and overall well-being. Don’t forget to consider the space available to your loved one — if they no longer have a backyard, you’ll need to get creative with indoor varieties. Additionally, unless they have a green thumb, it would be helpful to choose plants that are easy to care for, like tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, and flowers like petunias.

Baking

Baking is a great activity to do alone or with loved ones, and it comes with a slew of health benefits. The enjoyment that baking brings stretches far beyond the eating part. Baking has been proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and stimulate the senses (and the appetite, of course). The smell of something tasty in the oven can also trigger good memories and remind seniors who may be experiencing a cognitive decline of enjoyable experiences in the past. And it can be an effective tool for encouraging movement and concentration.

Playing Music

 

Playing instruments can help stimulate the brain, improve memory and focus, and provide a sense of joy. Learning to play a musical instrument, such as piano or guitar, can offer a low-impact workout that can improve dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and overall motor

skills. Music can also be a form of self-expression and creativity, allowing seniors to connect with their emotions and their identities in unique and fulfilling ways.

If you’re wondering how to help improve mobility for your older loved ones when they no longer live with you, it might be time to consider an independent living community. At Waterford of Summerlea,  our independent senior residents enjoy daily activities that promote social engagement, mobility, and fun. From arts and crafts to live entertainment and excursions on our shuttle bus, there’s something here for everyone and every mobility level. If you’re ready to learn more, contact us today for a free tour.

One of the best parts of any day is enjoying meals that satisfy your cravings and leave your taste buds dancing with delight. As our bodies mature, our diets often have to be modified to have optimal nutritional value and maintain our health. If you have a senior loved one in your life, you know all too well that these modifications can really take the excitement out of cherished eating experiences. 

At the Waterford of Summerlea, we believe that dining is more than just eating — it’s something that should be savoured. That’s why we offer an elevated senior living dining experience to nourish their palate and soul.

Adding Nutritional Value without Sacrificing Flavour

Our team of chefs takes special care to create dishes that are both healthy and flavourful. Residents initially meet with Head Chef Roberto to discuss specific dietary restrictions and other doctor recommendations. He will customize their meals accordingly, ensuring they get the vitamins and nutrients they require while also savouring something worth remembering. Our careful culinary process will bring you peace of mind knowing your loved one is cared for in every regard.

In-House Meals Prepared to Perfection

Unlike other independent living facilities that pre-cook meals in batches, all food preparation at The Waterford of Summerlea happens in-house. This ensures the freshest quality for our residents. We take the time to perfect our weekly menu, offering various breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to satisfy all cravings. Some crowd favourites include pork schnitzel, beef lasagna, and chicken teriyaki. A meal is also never complete without dessert — we offer fruit cups and endless delectable choices, like tiramisu and bread pudding.

A True Dining Experience

We boast a traditional layout in our Bristol Dining Room, which has a grand, Victorian feel. This spacious room allows lots of natural lighting through our floor-to-ceiling windows to elevate the mood and overall experience. While some senior living facilities offer cafeteria-style meals, our residents can enjoy full table service — an authentic dining out experience without leaving their comfortable quarters. “The staff make sure we get everything we need,” commented one of our residents. “With the price of food nowadays, we’re really lucky to get the quality of food and service we do here.”

Family is Always Welcome

There’s nothing more special than eating together as a family. We understand the value of social connectivity for mental health and well-being, especially as you age. That’s why we welcome you to join us for any meal (for an extra charge), so you can enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. Our Sunday brunch buffets are popular for gathering together under one roof. Residents can also reserve our Chelsea Dining Room if they want to host a bigger group of up to 18 people.

Endless Accommodations

Everyone has unique needs. We offer a generous time window for breakfast and lunch and have two dinner seatings: one at 4:30 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. This arrangement allows our residents to choose a mealtime that works best for their schedules. Those who want to relax and “stay in” can have the same quality meals delivered to their rooms. This service includes three free monthly meal deliveries, each subsequent trip costing $5.

Additionally, if your loved one is a chef at heart, many of our suites have full kitchens. So, no matter your preference, there are options for everyone to make the most of their dining experience.

Life at The Waterford of Summerlea

 

With our endless accommodations, delectable offerings, and exceptional service, we’re dedicated to elevating senior living dining experiences to new levels. Our top priority is always your loved one! If you want to learn more about life at The Waterford of Summerlea or want to take a tour, contact us today.

Independent senior living is often confused with assisted living and other care facilities. Because of this, some people are hesitant to consider this option for their dwelling arrangements as they age, fearing they’ll have to abide by strict rules and say ‘goodbye’ to the lives they know and love. This is simply not the case. Here are some surprising things you might not know about independent senior living.

1. Offers Neighbourhood-like Convenience

If you aren’t familiar with senior living, you might not realize they’re curated to promote community. Independent living communities often have multiple establishments in the same vicinity. These buildings are usually residential complexes and communal spaces. This setup creates its unique neighbourhood-like charm as you can take walks through the greenspaces, wave to your neighbours, and catch up with your friends in the next property over.

2. Privacy and Independence is All Yours

They call it independent for a reason! Unlike assisted living and nursing homes, where you’ll receive mid to high levels of assistance with your daily routine, independent living spaces embrace your freedom and mobility. These communities offer a gentle transition from owning a home to living in your own apartment near other community members at similar life stages.

Ultimately, this arrangement is designed for those who don’t yet need assistance and still want agency. It gives you the opportunity to:

• Make choices about your meals

• Invite friends and family over at any time

• Come and go as you wish

• Build your own social life around activities you enjoy

3. Help is There if You Need it

While independent living is all about empowering you and your freedom, these unique spaces also recognize that their residents are seniors. As we age, we may develop health concerns or have medical emergencies, even if we’re otherwise healthy. The convenient thing about these senior communities is that help is not imposed but instead there if you need it. For this reason, you’ll often find features like:

• 24-hour staff

• 24-hour emergency call lines

• 24-hour security

• Help with monitoring conditions like high blood pressure

4. New Friendship Opportunities

You’re never too old to make new friends. Because of its tight-knit community nature, independent senior living is your opportunity to meet new people and create lasting friendships. Since everyone around you will be roughly the same age or in similar life stages, there’s a chance to bond over shared interests and experiences. 

Seniors can be at higher risk of social isolation due to various factors associated with physical, social, and environmental changes. Living in an independent community can curb this experience and enhance your life as you age.

5. You Don’t Have to Cook if You Don’t Want to

Again, because independent living is all about your freedom, you can make your own choices about what you eat. Apartment units typically have kitchens, so you can continue cooking all your favourite foods in the comfort of your own space. 

On the other hand, these facilities also recognize that you might value a bit more convenience in your life. That’s why independent living facilities offer food options throughout the day and unique dining arrangements — it’s the perfect opportunity to ‘go out’ for dinner and enjoy a fancier meal just a few steps away!

Live Your Life Your Way

At The Waterford of Summerlea, we’re here to empower you and support your lifestyle in ways that are most meaningful to you. That’s why we offer various activities and amenities and on-site services for convenience, so you can live out your golden years how you want to! Contact us today to learn more about where this new life stage can take you.

 

 

 

If you’ve moved houses, apartments, or locations over your lifetime, you know that it can be an exciting but stressful time. Moving to a senior living community during retirement can bring up similar emotions with some key differences in the decision-making process. 

 

As you get older, you likely have to consider more variables, like your health and proximity to support. Retirement is also an exciting time that gives you a chance to do more of the things you love and try new experiences, so it’s important to ensure that prospective amenities and services enhance your quality of life. So, with that said, how do you choose a senior living community? Let’s explore some of the factors that matter the most.

 

Where Do You Want to Reside?

Where you decide to live in the city, country, or world is a matter of preference. Do you want to stay close to everything familiar to you? If you answer yes, consider choosing a senior living community close to your family and friends. Additionally, finding one near amenities like stores, restaurants, and recreation facilities can also be helpful if you like convenience. It’s also important to remember that as we age, we are more likely to need access to health care, so a location near a hospital or doctor’s office could be crucial.

 

On the other hand, staying with what’s familiar may not be a priority for you if you're an explorer. In this case, you can look for locations that have always piqued your interest for one reason or another, such as more favourable weather or better surrounding communities.

 

What Kind of Care Do You Need?

You may require different levels of care depending on your health, age, and other individual needs. Does the community offer options suitable for you, such as independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing? It’s also essential to consider the quality of these services. You can review testimonials to learn what current and former residents say about the facility to get an idea of what your experience might look like. 

 

What Do You Want to Do in Retirement?

Do you want to try new hobbies and skills, or just want to relax and take it easy? You may wish to volunteer, travel, or learn something new. No matter what you choose, finding a senior living community that offers amenities to fit your lifestyle is important. After all, these are your golden years — make the most of them!

 

What is Your Budget?

The associated costs of moving into an independent living community include rent, meals, and additional charges for various services. It’s essential to understand what you can and cannot afford by laying out your budget. Modern facilities with more amenities will likely cost more than older ones with basic features. Keep in mind that some communities may have different pricing breakdowns, from all-inclusive monthly fees to an upfront “down payment.”

 

How Can You Ensure Your Safety?

Your safety always matters. Here are some questions to consider:

• Are your prospective communities in a safe area? 

• Do the buildings offer 24/7 security or surveillance? 

• What measures are in place to protect the health and well-being of residents? 

 

Finding the answers to these questions can help you predict how safe you’ll feel while living there — which will bring you and your loved ones peace of mind.

 

At The Waterford of Summerlea, we pride ourselves on empowering the individual. We offer various amenities and services to meet your needs at any life stage, no matter what path your desire to take. Whether you want to explore new things, adventure, or settle into a daily routine of relaxation, we’re here to support you! Contact us to learn more.

Retirement living is an experience filled with newfound discoveries. Whether you’re meeting someone new or partaking in a new-to-you hobby, there’s every reason to look forward to the downtime and a chance to unwind over the course of your senior years. In many ways, retirement living brings with it several freedoms that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

So, what’s it like living in a retirement community in the first place? Let’s show you by exploring these freedoms together!

No Need to Cook or Clean

One of the major perks associated with retirement community living is that there’s no need to worry about performing intensive housework or cooking meals – most facilities offer these services! This means that you can kick back, unwind, curl up with a good book and cup of tea, and make the most of your leisure years. And for those with a sweet tooth or a passion for the culinary arts, there may even be special programming available to cater to such interests. Meals in retirement communities like ours are also handled with care, passion, and precise attention to detail to ensure that every bite is delectable. 

Socialization

With plenty of free time throughout the day, now’s your chance to make new friends and fashion lifelong relationships. Whether sharing a hobby or reminiscing over shared memories, a retirement community gives residents plenty of opportunities to socialize and interact with others. During our working lives, we often move so quickly or worry so much about earnings that we forget about what’s important, so consider this a great chance to simplify your life and enjoy the fundamentals!

Exceptional Personal Support and Caregiving

As we get older, it tends to become harder to take care of ourselves. Everything from preparing meals and taking medication to changing clothes can become difficult, especially when living with a condition that diminishes mobility or motor functionality. In addition, living alone at an older age can be incredibly lonely, and depression among seniors is a serious risk. These problems can all be addressed through the freedoms afforded by retirement community living through the personal support, caregiving, and attentiveness of the dedicated staff. 

Activities Galore!

Painting classes, music therapy, yoga, arts and crafts, book clubs – the list of activities that are available from retirement communities is utterly limitless. As a result, you have the freedom to participate in any programming that happens to interest you. Take up a musical instrument, let the muse speak to you as you paint a potential masterpiece (or have a few laughs while trying), and much more! 

Getting Out and About

Want to explore the surrounding neighbourhood or get out for a bit? No problem! Supervised outings are possible, as are group getaways to popular destinations in the immediate area. Going with fellow residents can be a lot of fun and make for an extra-stimulating experience, and retirement communities like ours also have a wide range of outdoor on-site amenities including rest areas, gardens, and more. 

Life in a retirement community is one of serenity, bliss, and confidence in not having to lift a finger. However, contrary to popular belief, life here can be even more fun, stimulating, and enjoyable than during your working years. How? The answer is more freedom and far fewer worries! To learn more about our own community at the Waterford of Summerlea, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you!