For some, the idea of making a move to retirement or seniors’ communities holds great appeal, but the thought of downsizing has a paralyzing effect.

It’s easy to understand why. Some have spent decades in their homes, raising their families, harvesting memories, and amassing great collections of meaningful keepsakes. Sifting through these sentimental treasures is sure to stir up longings for days gone by.

Others have moved more frequently throughout their lives and perhaps done plenty of downsizing. Some even enjoy paring down their belongings at regular intervals. However, as age becomes a factor, the process of downsizing can become overwhelming—especially for those experiencing challenges such as diminished strength, ailing health and/or waning energy. For many, this transition often coincides with a move into supportive living, where comfort, safety, and day-to-day assistance become a greater priority.

Moving at any stage of life can be stressful.

How does one manage such a feat when first you have to reduce the contents of a multi-room house, to fit into one or two rooms? How do you choose which of your prize possessions to keep, which to give away, and what to pitch? Where do you even begin?

In Calgary there are companies that specialize in just this; helping people downsize so they can move to a more manageable space with amenities and supports close at hand. Some offer assistance at every stage of the process, including mapping out how furniture and accessories will fit in your new living space, and packing for the move. There are many books, articles and blogs offering advices and guidance to assist seniors with this tumultuous transition.

Here are some suggestions to help get you started:
1. If time allows, just live with the idea for a few months, giving yourself sufficient time to grapple with the change and gear up for the task.
2. Enlist the help and support of a trusted family member or friends.
3. Consider your new space and map out that same amount of space in your current home. All that you wish to keep will need to fit in this space.
4. Take inventory of your possessions and categorize them into four piles:
   a) Things to keep
     b) Offer to family or friends
     c) Sell or give to charity
     d) Garbage. Go room by room – not all on the same day!
5. If you have items you intend to give as a gift or legacy, consider doing it now while you are able to witness your recipient’s joy.
6. Consider your new lifestyle and choose your possessions accordingly (e.g., if your new facility has an exercise room, do you really need your treadmill?).
7. Take a break from your decisions and then come back for a second review.

Paperwork Checklist

We all have that file cabinet or drawer full of “important” papers. Here is a list to help organize critical documents. These are a few we would suggest to save:
• Names, contact information, and brief descriptions of your doctors, attorneys, accountants, bankers, brokers and insurance agents
• Personal assets, including savings accounts, pension or retirement plan income; CDs; stocks; bonds; insurance policies; titles to cars, boats, homes, etc.
• Pictures or videos of your personal possessions — including approximate values of treasured possessions can be helpful in the event of an insurance claim
• List of any personal liabilities
• Copies of federal and province income tax returns from the past seven years
• List and account numbers of chequing accounts, savings accounts and credit cards
• Social Security and Healthcare cards, passport, and birth certificate
• Trusts, wills, and any codicils or amendments, including durable power of attorney and advance directives
• A letter addressing any personal issues (e.g., your preferences for any end-of-life desires such as burial or cremation, any personal comments to friends or family)

We recommend shredding any documents you no longer need. If you have a large volume of paper, there are companies who will shred it for you. We also recommend storing important information you decide to keep in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe. If you are comfortable with the concept, you might also want to scan vital documents and store them online or duplicate them and leave them with a trusted loved one or friend. Third, tell your loved ones where they can find — and how they can access — all these vital documents.

It’s important to know, you are not alone in this daunting exercise.

A study of aging Canadians showed there are nearly five million seniors living in Canada, and more than 90 per cent of them reside in private residences. The same study showed that factors such as age, health issues (e.g., dementia) and availability of in-home care are causing growing numbers of people to consider moving to retirement communities or senior homes.

This may not be an easy step, but try to focus on thoughts of a relaxed and comfortable new dwelling where you will have all your needs met, and remember moments well-lived don’t require physical time or space. Your meaningful life experiences, recollections and sentimental feeling are yours to keep wherever you go.

If you have questions about senior living options, costs and an aging in place lifestyle call 403-369-6000 or email tinac@statesmangroup.com. Tina Cameron has over 20 years of experience with The Manor Village Life Centers and The Statesman Group of Companies.

Paperwork Checklist Source: edited from www.whereyoulivematters.org

For some people, even the thought of moving from their family home is difficult. Home ownership is often directly tied to our feelings of self-sufficiency. As we get older, any housing change can seem like we’re losing some independence.

It is useful to look at whether the maintenance and drudgery of a single family home is really helping us live the life we want today. Are we staying with the status quo out of habit or obligation rather than passion or pleasure. For most of us, there comes a time when it makes sense to take an honest look at options for a different style of residence. Independent senior living communities are a great option.

As the name suggests, seniors independent living in Calgary is all about making your life easier. Sometimes, recognizing what you want to do with your day and potentially acknowledging your limitations can increase your independence and maintain it for longer by eliminating some of the tasks that are more difficult or dangerous to do in our later years (shovelling snow, yard work, housework, gutter cleaning to name just a few).

Making the decision to move can be challenging. The answers to the following four questions may help you decide if community senior living is a fit you?

1 Are you finding it difficult to maintain your current home? Maintaining a home may be a long standing source of pride, but it can also become a burden. Perhaps your home has a large yard which requires constant maintenance, or maybe it’s becoming more difficult to clean those rarely used extra rooms. If your home is difficult to access, such as on a steep hill or up several flights of stairs, it may be harder for you to venture out as often you’d like, leading to more isolation. Increased crime may mean your neighborhood is now too dangerous to walk around safely. Some of these challenges may be partially remedied by hiring outside help, remodeling parts of your home, or by other family members lending assistance. However, if you’d like a place that does not require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, independent living may give you more freedom and flexibility.

2 Are you finding it difficult to connect with friends and family? You may have a difficult time getting out of the house, perhaps due to trouble driving or increased mobility issues or your friends and neighbors may be busy with other work or family commitments, or the neighborhood may not be easy to navigate. The more isolated you are, the greater your risk of depression and other mental health problems. While the phone and internet can help, nothing can take the place of face-to-face human connection.
Independent living can give you an easily accessible social network of peers, while many communities also provide structured activities such as sports, arts, or field trips.

3 Are you still able to get around easily? You may live in an area where you have to drive to attend social activities, visit friends, and shop. If you find yourself less comfortable with driving, you by having to rely more and more on public transportation or family and friends to get around. It may be harder to visit others, pursue activities you enjoy, or keep medical appointments. As well as onsite amenities, many independent living communities offer transportation options to outside activities and appointments.

4 What is the status of your health (and/or the health of your spouse)? It is important that you consider your current health as well as your future health. For example, if you have a health condition that makes it difficult to stay active and will most likely worsen with time, it’s vital to consider your options carefully. At the same time, it is also important to consider the health of your spouse or partner. Can you manage the activities of daily living, such washing, showering, and eating? Can you manage your finances? Can you manage medications and doctor appointments? Do you anticipate this changing in the foreseeable future?

If any of the these questions impact your day-to-day life or gets you thinking… independent living may be right for you.
Talk to a loved one or get in touch with a professional to help you through this process. It will only benefit you to collect information early to make a plan for your future best you!

Three myths about independent living:

Myth: Moving to community living means losing independence.
Fact: Independent living is about preserving your independence for longer by making life easier. You’ll enjoy the privacy of your own home (not just a single room), filled with your own furniture and possessions, and spend your days as you choose. All you lose is the stress of home maintenance and upkeep.

Myth: Moving away from your current neighbourhood means there’s no one around to help during an emergency.
Fact: Independent living community usually have 24-hour staff who can quickly and easily provide help if you ever need it. Most also offer safety measures to help make you feel more secure in your living space, especially if you live alone!

Myth: Moving to an independent living community means giving up hobbies and daily activities.
Fact: Most Communities offer a wide range of activities and social events. Many residents find they are more active and socially satisfied after they move in – becoming healthier, happier and less isolated.

If you have questions about senior living options, costs and an aging in place lifestyle call 403-369-6000 or email tinac@statesmangroup.com.
Tina Cameron has over 20 years of experience with The Manor Village Life Centers and
The Statesman Group of Companies.

The Graying of Wealth is based on 30% of the affluent population over age 60, compared to 30% under the age of 40 with decreased financial security, who are less interested in home ownership or even working five days a week for that matter. This declining workforce as well as the slowdown in our economy, are just two of the factors that will determine the demands for future Canadian accommodation.

UNDERSTANDING NEW MARKET TRENDS

The traditional craftsman motif is dying out and being replaced with a mid-western contemporary residential product, where windows are floor to ceiling, 9 to 10 foot walls are expected and floors are covered with maintenance-free laminated hard-boards.

Flat roofs that extend past their vertical walls will return from the 1950s because of the rising cost of electrical and gas utilities. Solar technology efficiency is improving rapidly, and tech-savvy battery storage of energy to reduce reliance on the grid will be more common in new developments, including luxury assisted living communities.

In order to make this possible in today’s challenging construction environment –– economies of scale must apply.

URBANIZATION

Cities like Calgary are seeing an urbanization in growth – upward rather than outward. 50 years ago only 30% of the population lived in cities; today that number is 85% – for employment as well as the proximity of amenities and healthcare, particularly for the Graying of Wealth.

LIFESTYLE CHOICES ARE IMPORTANT

A MacArthur Foundation study found that 70% of physical aging and 50% of mental aging is determined by lifestyle choices. The Graying of Wealth know this and are looking for a home that makes staying healthier simpler. Here are just a few of the components older adults find attractive:
n Safety and security for both the Resident as well as their vehicle. Lock’n Leave is important to this demographic. Short trips or avoidance of winter is top of mind for The Graying of Wealth – they deserve it.

• Availability of health and wellness assistance maybe not necessarily for right now but options available for the future. Moving is challenging and gets more so as time goes on so the ability to stay in your home longer is important.

• An onsite fitness centre with more than just treadmills and weights – such as Mobility Stretch & Flex programs and pickleball courts.

• Communal spaces that encourage social interaction and lifelong learning opportunities (book club, creative writing, history, art, chess classes, guest speakers).

• Availability of meals. After cooking for a family cooking healthy meals for one or two can be challenging and frankly depressing. Chef-made meals are a welcome benefit to this lifestyle choice.

• Volunteer Opportunities. These are people who have been productive their entire life, this isn’t going to stop just because they are no longer “working.” Urban living means opportunities within their own community as well as being close to other worthwhile projects. Making the world a better place by volunteering can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Moving is often more difficult as we get older. It is even more important for The Graying of Wealth to chose the best option for only not today but tomorrow as well.

How do you want to live?

You’ve earned the ability to live where you want… but the question is really what do you want your future to look like?

Do you worry about security, particularly when you are travelling or away for the winter?
Are you tired of the constant upkeep and repairs to your current home? Landscaping, snow removal, buying soft-water tablets, servicing the furnace and air conditioning, utilities and annual maintenance and repairs for many can add up to whopping monthly costs!
Do you find yourself eating a cheese sandwich for supper, feel isolated and alone and worry about anxiety and depression levels?
Do you worry something will happen and there will be no one to notice or be there to help?

Now is the time to find the solution to your worries!

In Calgary, there are some great options for senior living with luxury and dignity but more importantly — finding qualified buyers for your current home is becoming more challenging and will continue to be even harder as time goes on!

Too often we wait for something to happen before we make important life decisions—choose to make a move while the choice is still yours to make!

If you have questions about senior living options, costs and an aging in place lifestyle call 403-369-6000 or email tinac@statesmangroup.com.
Tina Cameron has over 20 years of experience with The Manor Village Life Centers and The Statesman Group of Companies.

Too often we wait for something to happen before we make important life decisions—choose to make a move while the choice is still yours to make!

Determining when to move to a senior living community is a very personal decision. It is a process that can come with a lot of stress. Some people wait for a crisis to occur before even considering such a move; while others plan and move before something happens. There is no magic time or age, but experience shows proper advance planning can make all the difference. It is very common for new Residents to say they ‘wished they moved 10 years earlier!’

Today, you are likely coping ‘just fine,’ but imagine your life five to ten years from now. Think about a scenario where you may not be able to drive any more, or your health starts to decline, or meals become challenging. What would life be like for you or your spouse if one of you passes away or requires care? Thinking like this might be difficult, but it could help you develop a plan for ‘how you want to live’ both now and in the future—whether that means staying at home, moving closer to family, or exploring options such as luxury senior living. It is important to be realistic and most of all, proactive in your planning.

Signs that you or your loved one should start planning your next move:
• Household maintenance is overwhelming and/or a financial burden
• Health and/or mobility changes
• Trouble managing medications
• Experiencing symptoms of caregiver burnout
• Chores around the house are not being managed well
• Feelings of loneliness or depression from lack of socialization
• Difficulty with meal preparation
• Food is spoiling often
• Looking to travel more – would like the ability to lock-and-leave

My best advice to seniors who are thinking about this type of change is to MOVE while you are still able to enjoy all the benefits of a senior living community. It is better to be five years too early than five minutes too late. We often see seniors moving in very late in life because their health is failing and “they just can’t do it any more.” This is frustrating to see because so many of their challenges could have been avoided or at least supported if they had moved earlier. Plus, they are more limited as to their lifestyle choice options at this point.

Let’s talk about three key benefits to Senior Living:
1 Onsite Supports for Optimal Health: Moving to a senior living community can help improve your health and wellness with onsite amenities and programs to help keep you active, nourished, and engaged. Dining services include tasty and nutritious options with variety for those who have dietary restrictions due to illnesses like diabetes. Daily stretch and flex classes are available to promote physical strength, circulation, flexibility, and mobility.
2 Better Safety and Security: Living alone can be worrisome, but senior living communities provide on-site team members for emergencies, security, and monitoring to help keep you safe. Every Resident is typically equipped with emergency call button services to ensure help is available any time.
3 Opportunities to Socialize: One of the biggest advantages of senior living communities is the chance to socialize, be engaged, and have fun! There are daily activities such as book clubs, gardening, movie nights, music, games, and much more. There are also opportunities for outings, cultural events and even shopping trips. Socializing boosts emotional and mental health and can ward off several illnesses, helping promote your overall well being!

I don’t ever want to live in one of ‘those’ places!
There is a stigma associated with senior living communities, that they are nursing homes. This could not be further from the truth. Community living has come a long way from the single room with a bed and a TV. They can even be luxurious and comforting, while preserving independence and enhancing your daily life experience. There are many, very varied options in senior living today, so it is important to do your research, making sure to choose the best fit for your personal needs!

Is there a right time to move?
Everyone’s timing is different but if you are in your retirement years; putting a plan together today will benefit your ‘future self.’ Be proactive. You will learn a lot along the way, and will set yourself up for success. Remember to move while you can fully benefit from the array of supports and options available.

If you have questions about senior living options, costs and an aging in place lifestyle call 403-369-6000 or email tinac@statesmangroup.com.
Tina Cameron has over 20 years of experience with The Manor Village Life Centers and The Statesman Group of Companies.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has shown Canadians that we need to think differently about how we support older adults. The media and all levels of government have focused heavily on long-term care, and rightly so. However, the vast majority of older adults have a desire to live at home for as long as possible.

Alternative housing models

Essential to the success and acceptability of any housing alternative is the need for older adults to maintain a sense of autonomy and independence, be actively engaged in decisions affecting themselves and their community and build social networks that can ultimately support one another.

Villages and co-housing are two examples of how we can think differently. In the village model found in the United States, older adults living in a neighborhood of single dwelling homes come together as a group to organize paid and volunteer services. This model often happens organically, for example, individuals in a specific neighborhood may have aged together as a community, or an apartment building in a walkable neighborhood may attract older adults moving from single family homes, sometimes as an alternative to moving into a retirement residence.

Originating in Europe, co-housing brings together younger and older adults in clusters of homes or apartments built around shared spaces. Members work together to manage common spaces and support each other through group activities such as communal dining.

A Better Solution
Deriving the name Currie Green from the adjoining Officers’ Historic Park, the community is designed to maximize the Views of the Park while creating a connectivity to the Heart of the neighbourhood through sustainability and
walkability.

Spacious and elegant 1 and 2 bedroom suites (many with offices) in a quality steel and concrete building make your new maintenance-free lifestyle quiet and comfortable. With unique floor plans, many hand-selected from previous Statesman award-winning communities, how will you choose to use your space?

As an extension of your new home, enjoy a private exercise & health club with a studio for yoga or dance classes, bocce ball & pickle ball courts, sunset roof-top patio, BBQ garden patio, guest suite, & more. Secure heated underground parking connects all three phases of the community which include The Davenport, The Alexandria,
and The Manor Village.

The Campus of Currie Green takes the concepts of both the village and co-housing models and marries them in a central Calgary location – allowing those looking for a great place to live where even quality culinary services are included. An added benefit will be Advanced Medical Group’s (AMG’s) renowned REJUV program which can help make lifestyle changes simpler. It’s these features – and much more – which make Currie Green the destination for both independent and assisted senior living in Calgary.

The Importance of Community in Aged-Care
Staying socially connected is essential at any stage of life but is of particular importance in the elderly.
As we grow older, connections with family and friends tend to slip away, and for those in aged care, this
can be quite isolating.

The lifestyle and activity program at Campus of Currie Green is designed with connection at its heart, and we are proud to offer a range of activities and lifestyle options to support a rich and full life. It’s
never too late in life to forge new friendships or pick up a new hobby, which is why our program
supports the whole person and creates opportunities for learning and connection with others.

Promotes emotional wellness
As we age, relationships and friendships change and sometimes slip away altogether. Feelings of
loneliness, poor mental health, high levels of stress and poor quality of life are just some of the
devastating effects that can occur. By participating in regular group activities including social outings,
arts and crafts activities and exercise programs to name a few, emotional wellness can be supported in
an inclusive community.

Important for identity
From religious to cultural affiliations, identity plays a large part in our ongoing health and happiness.
The Campus of Currie Green recognizes this and we are proud to offer not only a range of cultural
pursuits such as music, film and literature, but ensure the individual interests, customs, beliefs and
ethnic backgrounds are valued and respected.

Build new friendships
You can never have too many friends, and we love seeing new friendships forged. Our lifestyle and
activity programs provides fun and entertainment, as well as opportunities to stay active and socialise.

Learn new skills
One of the best things about a vibrant community life, is the opportunity to learn something new. We’re
always adding new and exciting activities to our program for our residents, many of whom are always
keen to give anything a go! Have feedback on the kind of programs you want to see on The Campus of
Currie Green? Connect with us today!

Benefits the body too
Studies have shown that increased social interaction is hugely beneficial to physical health. Socially
active seniors have a slower progression of health decline, lower blood pressure, better sleep patterns
and lower stress levels. Whether it’s participation in our Wellness program, time in the garden or social
outings with others, the benefits of regular activity on the body are far reaching.

If you’d like to find out more about our lifestyle and community at The Campus of Currie Green, click
here.

Should You Move to Independent Living Before You Need Assisted Living?

Several seniors feel there is no real reason to move into a senior living community unless they need the services and support of assisted living. Their thinking is that they ought to continue to live in their homes or condos so long as they’re healthy and mobile.

Moving into a senior living community can feel like the next “big life change”, and you may feel as though you’re surrendering to a lifestyle you’d imagined as the last option. Well, it’s quite the opposite!

There are thousands upon thousands of seniors in independent and assisted living communities who will happily dismiss that line of thinking – especially here at The Manor Village Life Centers!

Aside from health considerations, there are solid reasons to move into independent living communities before needing assisted living in Calgary.

Five Reasons To Move Into Independent Living

1) You Lose the Constant, Troublesome Worries — and the Home Maintenance Expenses.

Take a look around your home. Is everything in good repair, or are there small signs of neglect and deterioration?

If you see those red flags, that could suggest you no longer have the desire or energy to keep your home in tip-top shape. Possibly it’s time to move before your home investment begins to lose value.

And a big plus: housekeeping is also included in The Manor Village Life Center communities!

2) Cooking Becomes Optional.

Speaking of buying groceries, are you tired of cooking?

Eating is not optional, but cooking can be! Residents of The Manor Village often say that the food is the best part.

If you’ve become bored with cooking and cleaning up afterwards — and understand that a steady diet of take-out is probably not meeting your nutritional needs — you will love that delicious meals are included or available in our communities.

Many and most of our suites have their own full kitchens, so you can continue to live your lifestyle how you wish to independently.

"With independent living or assisted living, you don't give up your freedom and independence — you improve it. In fact, you GAIN it."

3) You’re Going Places: Everyday Transportation Challenges are Overcome.

Maybe your driving isn’t quite what it used to be. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself spending longer in the car to get to the grocery store and pharmacy and the places you can buy things that are essential to your lifestyle. Either way, a senior living community can drastically shrink the distances you have to travel independently.

Providing transportation, The Manor Villages has the products and services you need onsite — a store and cafe, beauty and barbershop, medical and peripheral health professionals, and many other supports and services.

You can stay safely here if you want to, or you can use the personalized van service or bus outings for your excursions.

4) Your Social Life Will Thrive.

Are you feeling more and more isolated? Has your circle of friends reduced, and does your schedule have blank pages? Could it be time to make some new friends?

Our residences not only have an abundance of new acquaintances to be made, but the calendar of events lets you choose how social you want to be – but if you’re ever bored, you must be boring! Because there is always something going on! The daily living amenities and opportunities at The Manor Village communities are second to none.

You’ll not only find companionship but exercise classes, card games, painting classes and other arts and crafts and hobbies of all kinds, woodworking, movie nights, lunch and dinner outings, wine tastings, music, dancing and much more.

If you can’t make friends here, you can’t make friends anywhere!

5) The Transition to Assisted Living is Easier.

You’ve already made the “senior living decision” and probably discovered it was one of the best choices you’ve ever made.

If at some point you need it, assisted living is the next step on that journey. Think of it as independent living with more personal services, still benefiting from the nursing team 24/7 and developing a personalized care plan for your specific needs.

In assisted living, you can continue to enjoy many of the activities and conveniences you’ve experienced in independent living, and now you know how fulfilling the senior living experience can be without even moving from your same apartment!

You may not fully understand this until you’ve made a move, but with independent living or assisted living, you don’t give up your freedom and independence — you improve it. In fact, you GAIN it.

Making a move to The Manor Village gives you the convenience, enjoyment, peace of mind, and, yes, the independence that you hope to keep.