Making the move from independent to assisted living is a significant life decision—for both seniors and their families. If you’re starting to ask, “Is it time?”—you’re not alone. This guide outlines the signs, what to expect during the transition, and how costs compare.

How Do You Know It’s Time?

The signs aren’t always clear—but they’re often present. Here’s what to watch for:

Daily tasks are becoming difficult: Managing meals, hygiene, or medications is more challenging.
Health issues are increasing: More falls, slower recoveries, or unmanaged chronic conditions.
Isolation or depression: Withdrawal from friends or activities.
Caregiver burnout: When family support is no longer sustainable.

If any of these resonate, assisted living may offer the right balance of independence and support.

What to Expect in Assisted Living

Assisted living bridges the gap between full independence and full-time care. Many retirement communities have a variety of services to empower you to continue to live life to its fullest. At Trico LivingWell we provide services such as:

Nutrition Support
Medication Assistance
Movement Support
Bathing & Toileting, Dressing & Hygeine Support
Catheter & Ostomy Care
Night Checks
Oxygen Assistance
Wellness Checks

Many seniors start with minimal assistance and increase support as needed—often without changing communities. At Trico LivingWell, we’ve created a model of living that ensures you are able to easily transition between independent and assisted living without the hassle of having to move or lock in set services – all of our care is personalized, ensuring you are able to build a plan based on your specific needs and only be billed for the support and time you actually need. You can download our care services information package for more specific information on costs and our services.

Independent vs. Assisted Living: Key Differences

What Does Assisted Living Cost?

Costs vary, but on average, assisted living ranges from $3,000 to $7,000/month. Pricing is influenced by:

Level of care
Suite size and location
Additional care services

Compare this to the rising cost of in-home care, and assisted living can be a simpler, more affordable solution over time. At Trico LivingWell, the accommodation fee for our assisted living suites covers not just your personal space, but also place in our community where you can conveniently access the activities and amenities you love, discover new social opportunities for friendship, pursue an active lifestyle and get peace of mind with our state-of-the art safety features. If you’d like to learn more about what goes into the cost of assisted living, we encourage you to book a tour. You can visit our affordability calculator to compare costs with your current living situation.

Easing the Transition For Seniors and Families

The decision to move into assisted living often comes with a mix of emotions. It’s a significant life change that can bring both uncertainty and relief. Here are some ways to ease the transition—for both seniors and their families.

Start the conversation early: Focus on comfort, safety, and quality of life—not “giving up” independence.
Tour communities together: Ensure decision making includes the senior in choosing where they’ll feel most at home.
Bring familiar belongings: Photos, favorite chairs, or blankets help ease the adjustment.
Stay connected: Frequent visits, phone calls, and encouraging new social ties all help.

A common misconception about assisted living is that moving into a community means giving up your independence—that you’ll lose control over your day-to-day choices and become reliant on others. In reality, assisted living is designed to enhance independence, not take it away.

By receiving just the right amount of support—whether it’s help with meals, medication reminders, or housekeeping—residents are often able to do more of what they enjoy. They no longer have to struggle with daily tasks, worry about their safety, or feel isolated. With that peace of mind and accessible support, they regain energy, confidence, and freedom to live life more fully.

At Trico LivingWell, we empower independence for our residents by giving them more time to focus on their purpose and identity without the hassle of home maintenance, leaving more time for hobbies, meeting new friends, and programs that support their health and wellness.

Visit Trico LivingWell Today

Assisted living isn’t about losing independence—it’s about gaining the right kind of support. If you’re seeing signs it might be time, explore your options early to find the right community for you. Visit tricolivingwell.com to learn more about our living options or book a tour with us today to explore our community.

Making the move to a senior community is a significant change, and it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed. This blog aims to provide a comforting guide by outlining key factors to consider as you create your retirement living checklist, helping you approach this new chapter with clarity and confidence.

1. Timeframe

When do you foresee your move taking place?

In many cases, the timeframe of your move may not necessarily be dictated by a want but by a need. Have conversations with your loved ones and plan everything from your care to your finances proactively. This will ensure that you can live comfortably in a community that allows you to age with purpose.

2. Budget

What does your budget look like?

Start by calculating the costs of your current living situation. Most retirement communities should include rent or home upkeep, utilities, taxes, groceries/meals, housekeeping, snow removal, and landscaping. To be sure that all your lifestyle needs will be met, touch base with a leasing consultant to verify what amenities are offered and how these will factor into your monthly rent.

At Trico LivingWell, our Lifestyle Leasing Consultant will ensure that you can select the option that best meets your retirement living needs.

You can also check out our Affordability Calculator to see how the cost of living at Trico LivingWell compares to your current monthly living costs.

3. Social

How do you like to spend your time?

Socialization has a significant positive impact on our wellness. Benefits include improved mood, memory, and increased physical activity. Ask for a monthly recreation calendar from your potential retirement home to ensure the activities offered align with your interests.

At Trico LivingWell, we have a variety of programming that supports active living and lifelong learning, ranging from performing arts to gardening. We always appreciate new ideas and look to incorporate them into our weekly activity schedules.

4. Medical & Healthcare Needs

What are your care concerns?

It’s not always fun to talk about medical and healthcare needs, but it is important to understand the level of care required to find you the best possible home. Your doctor is a great resource in determining a retirement living community that will best cater to your care requirements. Furthermore, your doctor can provide you with the Physician Report necessary to address the right level of care for you.

Consider how a retirement community provides care. What healthcare services are provided in-house? Is there assistance with coordinating transportation for services in the community? What core values does the community live by?

Decision Makers

Who is helping with your decision?

Family members and friends are often involved in the decision-making process. Have open conversations with your loved ones so they know your wishes and can help you find and receive an enhanced care experience.

Collaborating with doctors, friends, and family is a part of Trico LivingWell’s care philosophy. We recognize that for residents to be happy and fulfilled, we need to understand their past and present relationships with individuals who may influence their holistic wellness.

Explore Inclusive Retirement Living at Trico LivingWell

When it comes to retirement living, your health comes first. You deserve compassionate care from an accountable team that treats everyone with respect and dignity in a safe environment. At Trico LivingWell, we’re committed to providing independent living and assisted living care you can count on.
To learn more about life in a senior community, schedule an appointment to meet with our team.

Home visits can be a blend of heartwarming nostalgia and the subtle realization that your parents might be facing new challenges. Observing these shifts can prompt the important discussion of exploring a move to a retirement living community in Calgary, offering a lifestyle tailored to their evolving needs. Initiating this conversation about care options with your aging parents is key.

Opening the Dialogue

Recognize that while this discussion might feel difficult for you, your parents may also have complex emotions about potentially leaving their long-time home. The memories held within those walls are significant to them, and the idea of change can feel unsettling. Approach this topic gently and with understanding. Acknowledge that they might have reservations and listen to their concerns. Emphasize that their input in the decision-making process is crucial. Highlight the advantages of supportive living, such as opportunities for connection and new friendships, freedom from household maintenance, and the security of a community focused on their health and well-being. Be prepared for an ongoing dialogue, as this decision often unfolds over time. Starting the conversation proactively, rather than in response to a crisis, allows for a more considered and collaborative approach.

Understanding Their Needs

Once your parents are open to considering supportive living options in Calgary, take the time to understand their specific requirements. This will help you identify the most suitable type of community and support:

What kind of assistance would genuinely enhance their daily lives?
Are they seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with readily available services and amenities? Explore independent living settings.
Do they require regular support with daily tasks or medication management? Assisted living could be the right fit.
Would specialized care for memory-related conditions be beneficial? Consider communities with dedicated memory care.
Navigating these considerations may sometimes lead to differing opinions. If you encounter this, seeking the perspective of another family member, friend, or trusted advisor can provide valuable insights for your parents.

Visiting Potential Homes

Once you’ve narrowed down some options, visiting a variety of retirement living communities in Calgary is a great way to find the right match. When you tour potential residences, be ready to discuss things like when your parents may want to move, their budget, types of activities they enjoy, and their care and dietary requirements. This is also a great opportunity to talk about any concerns they might have about moving into an independent or assisted living community.

At Trico LivingWell, our team welcomes your questions and will strive to address any concerns you or your parents may have.

Discover the Trico LivingWell Difference

Remember, exploring retirement living is about empowering your parents to live more comfortably and securely, not limiting their independence. At Trico LivingWell, our philosophy centers on promoting an active and fulfilling lifestyle through a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing health, social connections, and personal growth. We believe independence is about having choices in how you spend your day, enjoy your meals, and access healthcare services, all within a safe and engaging environment.

Explore the unique benefits of life at Trico LivingWell, where comfort, security, and vibrant living come together for seniors. Contact our Lifestyle Living Consultants today to arrange a visit and help your parents envision the possibilities of a fulfilling life in a leading Calgary supportive living community.

Winter can be a time of both joy and challenges. While the festive season and new year bring opportunities for cozy gatherings and celebrations, they can also present unique hurdles for the older adult community. Whether living in a retirement living community or at home, seniors can often face isolation in the winter due to travel restrictions, as well as difficulties with attending appointments and completing everyday errands.

In this blog, we’ll explore ways to promote well-being and address common concerns many seniors face during this time of year.

Seek Support for Winter’s Challenges

Poor weather and limited access to transportation can make it increasingly difficult for seniors to tackle errands like grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions. Furthermore, the icy sidewalks that come with cold weather pose an additional hazard for those looking to venture into the community.

If possible, ensure a family member or friend can help the seniors in your life pick up essentials like groceries, medications, and other household items, or if necessary, consider a weekly meal kit service like Meals on Wheels or temporary home care to help them get through the winter months. Take the opportunity to get to know their neighbours to ensure there’s always someone available to check in on them.

At Trico LivingWell, our residents have access to dining, amenities, fitness, and social activities without leaving the comfort of our retirement living community. Our indoor amenity space features everything from a beauty salon and fitness centre to an art studio, a woodwork shop, and a theatre. Dining options are vast and reflect a variety of dietary needs, and for those who need it, wellness clinics are offered onsite frequently to ensure residents can meet with healthcare professionals.

Schedule Regular Video Calls with Loved Ones

Video calls are a great way to keep in contact with your loved ones when the weather makes it impossible to meet up consistently. Take some time ahead of the winter season to get familiar with video call applications such as FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom so you can stay in touch with friends and family members throughout the winter. Video calls are a great way to increase social connection when face-to-face contact isn’t possible.

Take a look at these helpful tutorials for setting up and using popular video calling apps:

At Trico LivingWell, our front desk team is more than happy to provide assistance in setting up and connecting video calls, as well as any other small tasks our residents require help with.

Ensure Your Home Environment is Safe and Supportive

Creating a safe and comfortable home environment is essential for well-being during the winter months. Ensure that living spaces are adequately heated and well-lit to prevent falls and promote a sense of security. Pay close attention to potential hazards such as icy walkways or inadequate insulation, and take steps to address these issues promptly.
Winter’s shorter days and social limitations can sometimes contribute to feelings of sadness or anxiety. It’s important to be attentive to the emotional well-being of seniors and create a space for open communication. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns, and be prepared to offer support and connect them with mental health resources if needed.
Trico LivingWell is committed to taking a holistic approach to wellness, and that means caring for the intellectual, emotional, and social needs of seniors who live with us. We provide the necessary resources for our residents to pursue enrichment and meaningful connections with neighbours, friends, family, and the community at large. When it comes to physical health, we’ve designed our building with safety and mobility in mind, with heated sidewalks to prevent falls, barrier-free bathrooms and doorways, and, of course, 24/7 onsite emergency healthcare response.

Consider Joining the Trico LivingWell Senior Community

For many seniors, the best option year-round is making the move into a thriving senior community like Trico LivingWell. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of living at Trico Living Well, contact us today to schedule a tour.

As the weather turns colder and we gather indoors, cold and flu season is upon us. For older adults, it’s especially important to take proactive steps to stay healthy and avoid these common illnesses. At Trico LivingWell senior living community, we’re committed to providing all our residents with a safe and supportive environment. That’s why we’ve put together these helpful tips to keep you feeling your best throughout the season, whether you’re enjoying our independent living, assisted living, or memory care options.

Boosting Immunity in Our Older Adult Community

Staying healthy starts with building a strong foundation. Here are some ways to boost your immunity:

Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine is highly recommended for older adults as it can help prevent serious complications from the flu, like pneumonia. At Trico LivingWell, we provide influenza shots on-site for all residents on an annual basis to keep our community safe and healthy.
Avoid crowds: Being in large groups in poorly ventilated spaces can increase your chance of catching the flu. At Trico LivingWell, one way we mitigate this risk is through our air filtration system—individual fan coils, heat recovery ventilators, and HEPA filters maximize our air quality and flow to keep residents healthy.
Prioritize Nutrition: A healthy diet plays a crucial role in supporting your immune system. Focus on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Our dining services at Trico LivingWell offer a variety of delicious and healthy options to help you maintain a balanced diet.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is an often overlooked health risk for older adults, given that as we age, our bodies naturally contain less water than children or even younger adults. Water is necessary for nearly every bodily function and plays a role in keeping our immune system strong.
Stay Active: Exercise helps boost your immune system and keep you feeling your best. Try going for a walk or doing some light stretching. At Trico LivingWell, we offer our residents access to our wellness center and a variety of fun exercise classes to stay active.
Rest and Recharge: Adequate sleep is crucial for a strong immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Our comfortable and peaceful living spaces at Trico LivingWell are designed to promote restful sleep.

Simple Steps for Cold and Flu Prevention in Senior Living Communities

In addition to boosting your immunity, there are simple everyday actions you can take to minimize your risk:

Wash Your Hands Frequently: Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public areas or touching common surfaces.
Practice Social Distancing: While we encourage social interaction and community engagement at Trico LivingWell, it’s also important to be mindful of personal space during cold and flu season. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you’re feeling unwell, consider taking a break from group activities to prevent spreading germs.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Dispose of used tissues properly, and wash your hands immediately.
Keep Your Surroundings Clean: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your living space, such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.

Focusing on Wellness at Trico LivingWell

At Trico LivingWell, we’re dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of our residents. By following these simple tips, you can help protect yourself from colds and flu and enjoy a happy and healthy season, whether at home or in our senior living community.

Contact us today to learn more about our older adult community. Our caring staff is always available to answer your questions and provide assistance.

Loneliness affects everyone at different stages of life, but this emotion can impact seniors more significantly during the holiday season.The holiday season is portrayed as a time full of joy, gratitude, and connection. We are surrounded by constant reminders of how we are supposed to feel – from the widespread use of bright lights, ornaments, and holiday-themed décor to the idealized holiday scenarios portrayed through movies, it can be challenging not to feel disappointed when our expectations for the holidays don’t match the reality.

Understanding Loneliness During The Holidays

As we age, we encounter more barriers when it comes to feeling connected to our loved ones. Decreases in our physical health can limit mobility and make it challenging to participate in activities that foster social connection. Aging also leads to a higher likelihood of experiencing the death of family and friends, bringing up difficult emotions like grief and isolation. Many seniors also face the reality of needing to transition to retirement living, which can disrupt routine and social networks.

Combating Loneliness: The Trico LivingWell Approach

At Trico LivingWell, we understand that moving to a new home can feel daunting. To help our residents feel at home when they move to our community, we offer several initiatives to foster meaningful connections and create long-lasting friendships between our residents.

1. Festive Social Events

Our calendar is packed with events throughout the holiday season, ranging from festive High-Tea’s to performances from our very own choir. At Trico LivingWell, our events are themed, engaging, and full of fun. This year, we’re eagerly anticipating our New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party!

2. Activities & Programs

Through daily scheduled activities and collaborations with leading academic, arts and cultural organizations in Calgary, our residents can enjoy an array of in-house and external programming that support active living, lifelong learning, and social connection. This is a perfect way to meet like-minded friends!

3. Clubs

From weekly game nights to personal interest clubs, our residents meet up to share laughs through common interests – and have a blast! Some of our most popular clubs dive into topics including philosophy, bocce ball, bridge, reading, and more!

Recognizing that you are feeling alone is the first step toward creating a supportive environment. When you are ready to take a step toward retirement living, don’t be afraid to ask questions about what support a community offers to help you feel at home. At Trico LivingWell, our mission is to help each and every resident feel valued and included in a way that brings them happiness and purpose. While we all feel loneliness, ensuring our residents have chances to foster meaningful connections is our way of ensuring that the holidays (and every other time of year) are full of moments of joy and gratitude.

Show suites open! Book your tour with our friendly team today.

As the Presenting Sponsor of the Alzheimer Calgary Walk & Run, we’re excited to offer a variety of ways for you to get involved and support Alzheimer Calgary.

Your participation in any of the below initiatives will make a difference in the lives of those impacted by dementia. To learn more about the Alzheimer Calgary Walk & Run, visit www.alzheimerwalkrun.ca.

Choose the initiative below that resonates with you and help us reach our goal of raising $5,000 to support local families impacted by dementia. Thank you for your generosity!

Here's How You Can Get Involved:

TV Dinners

Chicken Pot Pie with Apple Crumble….$14.95
Butter Chicken with Apple Crumble…$14.95
Cauliflower, Potato & Cheddar Pie with Blueberry Crumble…$14.95
Steak & Mushroom Pie with Blueberry Crumble…$14.95

Savoury Pies

Chicken Pot Pie (4 pack)…$44
Steak & Mushroom Pot Pie (4 pack)…$44
Butter Chicken Pot Pie (4 pack)…$44
Savoury Combo Pack (1 of each flavour)…$45
Steak, Stout & Gruyere Pot Pie (4 pack)…$48

Large Sweet Pies

Classic Apple…$30
Change to gluten-free crumble, $40
Bourbon Pumpkin…$34
Change to gluten-free crumble, $44
Banana Toffee…$34
Change to gluten-free crumble, $44

Every quarter, we recognize a member from our team that goes the extra mile to provide exceptional service to our community. Our employee of the quarter shows outstanding dedication to their work while collaborating across departments, valuing diverse perspectives, and actively helping others succeed. As a role model, they embrace change and support the team, making our work environment more positive for everyone. As a thank you for their hard work, our Employee of the Quarter is treated to lunch and a $100 gift card.

Congratulations, Glory!

This quarter, we’d like to congratulate Glory, for her unwavering dedication and compassion as a part of our Housekeeping team.

Glory consistently demonstrates remarkable initiative and care when it comes to our resident’s comfort. Several families of our residents have approached us to commend Glory for her outstanding focus on cleanliness and her compassionate interactions with everyone she meets. Her genuine interest and dedication to her work resonate with everyone, creating a positive and caring environment.

Thank you, Glory, for your exceptional commitment to your work and the well-being of our residents. Your contributions to our community make Trico LivingWell a better place!

When you move to retirement living, personalizing your suite is a great way to make this space feel like home and fill it with personality. Adding your personal touch to your surroundings is a great way to warm up the space and make you more comfortable. Here are some simple ways to personalize your suite:

Personalize Your Suite with a Piece of Furniture That Brings You Joy

Bringing along a cherished piece of furniture is a great way to bring memories of home with you on your new journey. These pieces act as anchors of familiarity, easing the transition and helping you feel rooted in your new environment. At Trico LivingWell, we work with local companies that specialize in relocation and downsizing to help our residents bring beloved items with them in a stress-free way.

Personalize Your Suite By Hanging Artwork and Photos

Personal photos, artwork, and crafts can transform a plain space into a vibrant collection of stories. These displays are the perfect reminder of the joyful moments in life and great conversation starters when getting to know your neighbours. When choosing artwork to personalize your space, different colour combinations can set the tone for the environment you are looking to achieve.

For a more soothing space, consider soft pastels. If you’re looking to energize the space, consider bolder hues. Be sure to check with the community you are living in on the rules around how you are able to hang things on the walls. During the holidays, you can also personalize your front door with festive décor to bring the cheer to your neighbours.

Personalize Your Suite By Adding a Touch of Nature

What better way to make your space flourish than with some lush greenery! Besides being beautiful, plants have a wealth of health benefits, especially when we live in close quarters with them. Plants are known to absorb pollutants and purify the air, as well as regulate humidity and reduce noise. Not only do they benefit our physical health, but our mental health too.

Studies have shown that having a plant around can improve focus, productivity, and mood while decreasing stress and anxiety. Caring for a plant is also a great addition to routine that brings value to our daily lives. If you’re not keen on maintenance, consider opting for artificial plants to elevate your decor. Or, consider joining others in planting their summer gardens. At Trico LivingWell, we have a gardening club that meets to take care of our flowers every summer on our roof top balcony.

Personalize Your Suite By Playing With Lighting

Layering different types of light helps cater to the different activities we partake in throughout the day. Ambient lighting (such as ceiling lights that are already installed in your suite) is good for overall brightness, while task lighting, such as a desk lamp, is important for when you are focused on reading or hobbies. Accent lighting is a great way to highlight your favourite spots or pieces in a room.

Keep it Safe and Comfortable

Personalizing your suite in a retirement community is not just about decoration, it’s about creating a comfortable, safe, and inviting space that reflects who you are. Many retirement communities have built suites with safety in mind, so that you feel truly at peace in your new home. At Trico LivingWell, all of our suites have been designed with safety features to make them as accessible as possible.

This includes wide doorways, comfort height toilets, and grab bars in our spacious bathrooms. Ensure that your new décor allows for easy mobility. You can do so through small adjustments, such as securing rugs to prevent slips and making sure lighting is adequate for visibility. Keep pathways clear for when you navigate your space.

Interested in learning more about the suite and building features at Trico LivingWell? Visit https://tricolivingwell.com/building-features/

In the digital age, scams targeting seniors have become all too common, exploiting their trust and unfamiliarity with constantly evolving digital platforms. Here are some practical tips to help seniors identify and avoid digital scams.

Know The Common Scams

In 2024, the following scams targeting seniors are common:

Government Impersonation Scams:
With this tactic, scammers pretend to be from a government agency like Medicare or the CRA and will call claiming that they need account information or that there are unpaid taxes that require immediate attention.
Tech Support Scams:
In this scenario, a scammer may impersonate tech support from a well-known company like Microsoft, or a telecommunications company. They may offer to fix computer problems for free and ask to remote into your computer to gain access to your personal information.
Phishing Scams:
These scams involve sending emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as a bank or a familiar service provider. The messages urge the recipient to click on a link or download an attachment, which can lead to malware installation or direct them to a fake website designed to steal personal and financial information.
Grandparents Scam
In this scam, a grandparent will receive a phone call from a con-artist who will pose as one of their grandchildren in a precarious situation, such as being in jail, in the hospital, or financial need. The con-artist will then ask for the grandparent to transfer money.

Think Before You Click

Scam emails are written to look like they come from legitimate sources, such as your bank or a service provider. These emails will often have a link in them that they urge you to click. To be safe, make sure to verify the authenticity of the message by contacting the organization directly using a phone or email you trust, not the contact in the email.

Beware of Urgency

Scammers will try to create a sense of urgency to make you panic and act quickly. Be skeptical of any communication that urges immediate action, especially if it involves providing personal information or making a payment.

Protect Your Personal Information

Legitimate organizations will never ask you for sensitive information through insecure methods, like over an email or phone. Never share personal details like Social Security numbers, banking information, or credit card numbers if this information is requested unexpectedly. Contact the organization using confirmed contact information to figure out the best way to confirm personal details.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

When creating your password, try to avoid using phrases or names of people, places or things relevant to your personal life that could be identifiable online. Instead, opt for a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Try to use different passwords across sites. You can use a password manager to help you remember these.

By staying informed and cautious, seniors can better protect themselves from the digital dangers that lurk online. Remember, staying safe online is about staying informed and connected with trusted resources and communities. At Trico LivingWell, we offer our residents tech support programs to ensure they stay up to date in the digital world.

For more resources and to learn how to spot and stop senior scams, visit https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm