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:

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:

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:

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.

At Trico LivingWell, community and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. As we approach the holiday season, our commitment to supporting and uplifting our community grows even stronger. This year, we are honoured to partner with Seniors Secret Services to sponsor six local seniors in need. With this partnership, we’re working to ensure that these valued community members feel supported, celebrated, and truly cared for during a season that can sometimes feel isolating.

 How Trico LivingWell Is Making a Difference

At Trico LivingWell, we believe every senior deserves a season filled with warmth, companionship, and joy. Our sponsorship with Seniors Secret Services allows us to connect directly with seniors who could benefit from additional support. These six seniors, each with unique stories and individual needs, will receive personalized assistance through this program. From essential items to thoughtful gifts, our goal is to help brighten their holidays and offer the reassurance that their community is here for them.

But we can’t do this alone—and that’s where you come in! We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Growing Smiles Fundraising, a platform that allows individuals to shop for high-quality plants, greenery, and seasonal gifts. When you make a purchase through Growing Smiles, you’re not only adding beauty to your own home or gifting a friend—you’re also directly contributing to our mission of supporting these seniors in need.

Join Us In Making A Difference:
    1. Visit the Growing Smiles website here and browse their seasonal selection.

 

    1. Choose your favourite items—whether it’s a bright poinsettia, a lush wreath, or a decorative planter.
    2. Complete your purchase, knowing that all proceeds will support our mission with Seniors Secret Services to make this holiday season brighter for six local seniors.

 

Your purchase goes beyond products; it’s an act of compassion and generosity that will make a difference in the lives of seniors who truly deserve to feel the warmth and joy of the season.

Making the Holiday Season Bright:

At Trico LivingWell, we’ve seen firsthand the difference that community involvement makes. Our residents, families, and staff all contribute to our culture of care and generosity, and together, we can make a real change in the lives of seniors who need a little extra support this season.

From all of us at Trico LivingWell, thank you for your generosity and kindness. Let’s make this holiday season truly special.

At the end of September, Trico LivingWell was invited to participate in a fact-finding mission to the Netherlands led by Monica Schagen, the Counselor for Health, Welfare and Sport, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This initiative aimed to explore innovative practices in senior care, with Trico LivingWell’s very own Cathy Lockhart, Director of Nursing, representing our commitment to excellence in the care and support of older adults.

The Canadian delegation was a diverse group of experts from various sectors, including home care, senior care, and research. This rich mix allowed for meaningful conversations about emerging technologies and collaborative approaches to enhance senior care across Canada.

Senior Care at Trico LivingWell 

At Trico LivingWell, we offer three categories of living that provide our residents with the services they need: independent living, assisted living and memory care. We were excited to have the opportunity to gain insight from this fact-finding mission that could be used to enhance the living options we provide our community.

Our independent living services are designed for older adults that wish to downsize and live independently in a social community with amenities and services close by. For seniors looking for a little more support, assisted and memory care offer a wide range of support.

Trico LivingWell’s assisted living rental suites include daily living hospitality services and wellness programming with access to personalized care and supportive services. Convenient amenities are housed in the same building, encouraging residents to remain active and do the things they enjoy.

Our memory care services are designed for older adults living with dementia and other cognitive conditions. Trico LivingWell’s Memory Care Program focuses on supporting the resident’s needs, interests, skills and strengths through purposeful programming and wellness living within small intimate groups.

Key Observations

The mission took Cathy and the other delegates through several cities, including Den Haag, Amsterdam, and Utrecht, where they gained insights and toured care concepts that gave a first-hand look at the Dutch healthcare system’s strengths. Notably, the Netherlands boasts a remarkably low senior poverty rate of 1.5% and prioritizes community-based support for seniors, with a focus on person-centered care.

Innovative Models

Hogeweyk and tanteLouise were standout examples of how to create dementia-friendly environments. Hogeweyk is designed as a village for those with advanced dementia, where residents can engage in daily activities in a familiar, home-like setting. Similarly, tanteLouise employs cutting-edge technology, such as GPS-enabled wristbands, to allow residents the freedom to roam safely.

Buurtzorg, a groundbreaking home healthcare model, employs self-organized teams that build close relationships with local communities, ensuring personalized and trustworthy care. This model emphasizes that effective healthcare must involve more than just treatment; it requires a holistic approach to well-being.

Embracing Technology

The use of technology in Dutch senior care is inspiring. Innovations like hip airbags and smart monitoring systems demonstrate how emerging technologies can enhance safety while maintaining residents’ independence. Organizations like Nictiz are at the forefront of developing digital solutions that improve healthcare information management, paving the way for a more connected and efficient care experience.

Key Takeaways

The mission underscored several key takeaways:

  1. Person-Centered Care: Ensuring dignity and autonomy for all seniors, especially in dementia care.
  2. Community Engagement: Building trust through localized care models
  3. Legislative Support: Comprehensive policies provide a strong foundation for sustainable care.
  4. Collaboration: Partnerships between government, healthcare providers, and community organizations are essential for effective senior care.
 Moving Forward

As we reflect on this trip to the Netherlands, it’s clear that there’s much we can learn from the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approaches to aging. By sharing knowledge and embracing new ideas, we can work towards a future where senior care is not only compassionate and efficient but also sustainable. At Trico LivingWell, we are committed to applying these insights to enhance the lives of our residents, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care.

 

The Work of a Healthcare Aide: A Vital Role

As a part of Alberta Health Care Aide Day, we’d like to highlight the crucial role our Health Care Aides (HCAs) play on the Trico LivingWell team. HCAs not only provide a variety of hygiene, mobility, and nutrition services to their patients, but also emotional and social support.

As members of our team on the front lines, HCAs are some of the first people to notice a change in health behaviours, requiring them to think quickly to solve problems that might arise and provide solutions and comfort for the residents and families involved. HCAs help our residents feel valued and supported, bringing their empathy and compassion to work each and every day. These skills enable HCAs to provide both comprehensive and compassionate care, making them an integral part of the team.

Meet Judia, Trico LivingWell Health Care Aide

Trico LivingWell Health Care Aide, Judia.

For Trico LivingWell Health Care Aide Judia, the most rewarding part of her role is using her expertise to help residents find purpose.

“The most fulfilling part of my job is truly being able to become a trusted part of the support network providing care for new residents and their families. It is heartwarming to know that they have faith in us to provide the best care and knowledge towards their goal of a better quality of life,” she says.

Joining the team in August of 2023, Judia notes that her role often extends beyond strictly care.

“Many of our residents come to Trico LivingWell for different reasons. Regardless of their reason, moving to a new home is a big adjustment. We form close connections with each resident based on mutual respect that helps them and their families feel safe and empowered during this transition,” she says.

Despite being such a crucial role, stereotypes can undermine the importance of this work, contributing to the challenges HCAs face in gaining the recognition they deserve in the industry.

“Being a Health Care Aide extends past physical care to include mental and spiritual care as well. Our care services are specifically personalized for each resident, and as a result, we spend a lot of time learning about each resident’s life and sharing laughs and memories (sometimes over a coffee),” Judia notes.

“Health Care Aides dedicate a lot of passion, love, and strength to their role. While this can be demanding, knowing we are making a difference in so many lives is incredibly rewarding.”

Celebrating Alberta Health Care Aide Day

Today and every day, take the time to appreciate and show your love for the Health Care Aides in your life – they work around the clock to provide care and support! Take the time to learn more about this crucial role, and how it influences your daily activities. Thank you to all the Health Care Aides at Trico LivingWell who make our community an amazing place to be!

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 we welcome the crisp, cool air and changing leaves of the fall season, our culinary team would like to share the perfect indulgent dessert for you to enjoy. With its delicious seasonal ingredients, fall apple cake is a charming combination of flavours and textures for you to savour. With its golden hues and glossy caramel glaze, this recipe is also a festive addition to any gathering that’s guaranteed to impress. Why not try it out as part of your next Thanksgiving dinner?

INGREDIENTS – Serves 15

For the Apple Cake:

For the Caramel Glaze:

Preheating and Pan Preparation: 

  1. Begin by preheating the oven to 325°F . Grease and flour the pan.
  2. Mixing the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking oil, granulated sugar, vanilla and eggs. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is creamy.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  5. Fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent texture and flavour in every slice.

Baking the Cake: 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. At around the 50-minute mark, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, continue baking.

Preparing The Caramel Glaze:

  1. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil over low heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and continue to stir constantly.
  3. Allow the mixture to boil for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the glaze cool slightly.
  5. Once the cake is slightly cooled and the glaze is the right consistency, pour the caramel glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top.

Looking for other delicious recipes from the Trico LivingWell Culinary Team? Check out our Maple Apple Bacon Holiday Stuffing or Strawberry Lemonade.

You can learn more about Fine Dining at Trico LivingWell here.

Sponsored Story – Read on the Calgary Herald Website

Emphasis on quality dining is one of many factors that sets Trico LivingWell apart

By Cindy Stephen @2024 Postmedia Network Inc.

 

The goal at Trico LivingWell is to elevate the dining experience to be more in line with the kind of fine dining quality found in broader community.

Show suites open! Book a tour with us by clicking here.

Liana Robberecht, executive chef at Trico LivingWell, was stunned the day someone asked how she enjoyed working in retirement living. After decades overseeing Calgary’s storied Petroleum Club, the award-winning chef regarded her work in an active older adult community as being no different.

“Elevating the dining experience to be more in line with fine dining in the broader community is exactly what the retirement industry needs,” she says. “The older adults we have coming to retirement living simply won’t stand for the quality of food from 10 or 20 years ago.”  

Don Driscoll, a longtime Petroleum Club board member, was overjoyed to learn Robberecht, who he’s known for 25 years, was at Trico LivingWell. She was a primary reason why he and his 82-year-old wife Marlene moved there in April.

“The magnet was Liana, and then we saw the rest of it. We couldn’t be happier. It’s like living on a cruise ship that doesn’t leave the dock,” says the 84-year-old. The Driscolls frequently invite friends for lunch or book the private dining room for family dinners.

“Part of enjoying your home is entertaining, and we can entertain here,” Driscoll says.

Trico LivingWell executive chef Liana Robberecht previously oversaw cuisine at Calgary’s storied Petroleum Club.

Robberecht gives full credit to the kitchen team in bringing her vision to life. Their approach to the dining experience at Trico LivingWell starts with flexibility. At Trico LivingWell, residents are empowered to embrace independence, and dining is no different – residents dine whenever they wish, sit with whomever they wish and eat whatever they wish. The menu has two daily features and an entire page of any-time items. The dining room is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can enjoy a quick snack at the bistro, or grab-and-go items at their leisure.

Food preferences, allergies and cultural requirements are accommodated in Robberecht’s kitchen. Sauces are gluten-free by default. Even residents restricted to a soft or puréed menu will enjoy mouth-watering meal presentations, perhaps garnished with locally grown edible flowers.

Trico LivingWell is Canada’s first retirement community pursuing WELL v2 Certification from the International WELL Building Institute. One of the 10 categories falling under this certification is nourishment, encouraging the creation of food environments where the healthiest choice is the easiest choice. Building materials, air quality and resident well-being through mental and physical health initiatives are a few of the other standards that must be met.

With her deep experience, nourishment is a standard Robberecht can meet easily. Everything is made from scratch from fresh ingredients with an emphasis on quality proteins. Monk fruit sugar is used in baking. Fresh herbs mean there’s less reliance on salt for flavour. Instead of high sugar content juice or pop in the bistro, residents can choose from a selection of healthy local drinks.

Don and Marlene Driscoll choose Trico LivingWell for several reasons, but the fine dining was at the top of their list.

The career transition to active older adult living has set her on a path to challenge the status quo in the senior living industry.

“I’ve really learned about ageism and food. Assuming a style of menu or food based on age without self-agency is food ageism,” she says. “There is no definition of food ageism in the dictionary – but it exists. We need to start a food revolution, and it will be delicious.”

To learn more about Trico LivingWell, please visit the website at tricolivingwell.com.

This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Trico LivingWell.