“The period between age 50 and elderly is best described as three overlapping periods, not defined by age.” – Dr. George Schofield, professor and author of How Do I Get There From Here?
While we tend to think of our lives as defined by age, that can be misleading – just as defining every young person as a teenager is misleading when there is a wide range of maturity between 13 and 19. In fact, a recent study found that people generally decide to move into an older adult community in their 80s. But that generalization is too broad.
In his book How Do I Get There From Here? Dr. Schofield argues that, “It’s an uninformed and inaccurate assumption to think about the period between age 50 and elderly as one single period. It’s as naïve as assuming all boomers are alike, needing and wanting the same things at the same time. It is naïve because it sets us up to be surprised and less adaptable when change —voluntary and involuntary —arrives. I also think the period between age 50 and elderly is best described as three overlapping periods, not defined by age. They are defined by life situation, and different people arrive at them at different ages and from different circumstances.”
He describes the overlapping stages as New Freedom, which begins at around 50 when the children have left. New Horizons, which begins after New Freedom, but is not defined by age, and lastly the New Simplicity stage of life.
“Making a decision to move into an older adult community shouldn’t be viewed as failure, or giving in to old age,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “Rather, those who are independent and who want a high quality of life can use such as move as a choice that takes advantage of good health and the desire to be free from the mundane day-to-day activities that the family home requires.”
While the 80s may be a typical time when people think about moving, the real motivation may be a decline in health. For those who are independent and in good health, it’s all about moving away from caring for the family home, cooking and cleaning and the desire for social engagement.
“We often find that residents who used to attend the Calgary Philharmonic, for example, now find the time to attend again, or they can pursue other interests such as painting, sculpting or writing that took a back seat when raising a family,” said Gail. “These things aren’t dependent on age, but rather the stage a person is at when they decide to move into one of our communities.”
The best time to research an older adult community either for yourself or a parent is when you don’t need one. Time is on your side, and the pros and cons can be weighed without the stress of a time constraint. Searching when your health takes a turn not only limits your choices, but decisions can easily be made in haste without a thorough consideration for the results.
“I’ve seen families who have waited too long,” said Gail. “It’s laudable to want to keep a parent at home, especially if they continue to be independent. But it’s heartbreaking when a family comes to us after the person’s health has deteriorated. What a difference it would have made if they had started their search earlier.”
Where do you start? Have a look at our article, five questions to ask yourself when looking for an older adult community.
“Quality of life should be the deciding factor, not age,” said Gail. “When an older adult needs constant support, can no longer go out and becomes lonely, depressed and withdrawn, it should be obvious to the family that quality of life is deteriorating, and that’s where we can make a real difference. But the key is to focus on maintaining an independent lifestyle rather than waiting.
“People are living longer, and it’s important that we retain a high quality of life in our later years,” said Gail. “Don’t wait until health pushes a parent out of their home. That’s leaving the decision too late. If you are thinking about moving, then it’s likely a decision that should have been made a year ago. Talk to us while there is still plenty of time to ensure you or your parent finds the right community and lifestyle that will keep them active and engaged.”
Later life is a journey with a number of surprises along the way. As Dr. Schofield so aptly puts it, “There will always be straightaways and surprise curves on our life’s roadway, sometimes a hairpin turn and sometimes a switchback and sometimes a road so straight and clear that it’s obvious why no speed limit is required. Like it or not, we’re all in a transition. We’re all pioneers.”
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
United and Calgary Civic Symphony (CCS) have renewed their partnership, giving residents access to the symphony on stage as well as bringing performances into United’s two communities.
“We are one of the best kept secrets in Calgary,” said symphony executive director David Wartman. “By being responsive to the needs of the community, and through partnerships such as the one with United, we become better known.”
“When we come into one of United’s communities with small groups of musicians, the residents are very appreciative. That in turn makes the time we spend with them that much more fulfilling,” said Craig Hutchenreuther, concertmaster at CCS. “I think it’s the intimacy of the surroundings. We are performing right there with the audience and there is a real exchange of energy.”
Craig Hutchenreuther, top left, with the Calgary Civic Symphony quartet
Craig and three other musicians performed for residents in the Fish Creek community theatre, playing four pieces by Bach, Mozart and Tchaikovsky – the latter providing the opportunity for the quartet to add a little humour. Tchaikovsky’s 1812 was written to be performed by a full orchestra. But to the delight of the residents, the smaller performance introduced a humorous approach.
“Since we have a quartet, the musicians did double duty as vocalists for part of the piece, and we enlisted the help of the audience to fill in the sound effects of cannons and church bells, which appear at the end,” said Craig.
“The participation of the audience is something that works very well in a small, intimate surrounding such as the United theatre,” said Craig. “We can see them moving with the music, which we can’t necessarily see in a large theatre, so it was the perfect opportunity to engage with the audience and give them a more personal experience.”
John Miles, a resident of Fish Creek noted, “Often when you go to a concert, there is a serious atmosphere about the performance, but this was much lighter and more comfortable.”
“The nice thing about today’s performance was the sense of humour. It was clever. It shows that classical music can be fun!” said Fish Creek resident Ray Waldock.
“It’s performances like these that really speak highly of our partnership with Calgary Civic Symphony,” said Jill LaForty, United’s music director, and audience conductor for the 1812 performance. Having access to musicians who really want to make a difference is a real benefit to residents, especially for those who have difficulty going out to concert venues.”
Residents will be attending several of the Calgary Civic Symphony concerts this year including “Oh Canada!” a celebration of Canadian music at the end of October.
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
Residents at United’s two communities have the best of both worlds. Through partnerships with Calgary’s best musical organizations they go out to performances, but also have performers come into the communities for intimate concerts. Honens, the Calgary Philharmonic, Calgary Pro Musica, Calgary Opera and Calgary Civic Symphony have all renewed their partnerships with United Active Living. Several other partnership agreements are in the works.
“The partnerships we have with Calgary’s finest music and educational organizations make a wealth of musical talent available to our residents,” said Jill LaForty, music director at United. “These are great for our residents. They get preferred seating when attending performances, and these groups also bring their top talents to United’s two communities, giving our residents a much more intimate contact with the musicians.”
Luca Buratto at Garrison Green
A popular event last year brought 2015 Honen’s Prize Laureate Luca Buratto into Garrison Green. He played to a full house and afterwards mingled with residents.
The non-profit organization has brought in world-renowned chamber ensembles to perform in the Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall in the University of Calgary’s Rozsa Centre.
The New Orford String Quartet
In April, they brought in the New Orford String Quartet, who won a Juno Award this year for “Best Solo or Chamber Recording”.
The musicians are part of Pro Musica’s Dick Matthews Young Artists Development Program, which was created to discover, nurture and promote young Calgary musicians. The program was named for the late philanthropist who was a long-time patron of the arts in Calgary.
“The concerts, whether at the Rozsa Centre or in our communities, enables our music lovers, and music-curious residents to hear a wide variety of the highest-level Canadian and international chamber music,” said Jill.
“My friend and I had season’s tickets to Calgary Pro Musica for many years,” said Garrison Green resident Doris Bingham. “Now I go out to hear them and to other concerts with the residents here, and I always go to see them and the other performers when they perform at Garrison Green. Hearing them again brings back fond memories of when I used to attend their concerts.”
CPO resident conductor Karl Hirzer at Garrison Green
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra has been a cornerstone of the city’s arts community since 1955. From the classics to rock and roll, to broadway favourites, the CPO entertains Calgarians with a range of music to satisfy every musical taste.
“That wide range of styles is a big reason why the CPO is a good fit as a United Active Living partner,” said Jill. “The beauty of the CPO is that they have programming that appeals to every musical taste, and our residents, who also have varying tastes have been able to benefit from that range.
“Our residents are able to attend the dress rehearsals the CPO holds prior to their performances,” said Jill. “We’ve arranged for some of the conductors and performers to come to our communities to perform some of the music, and to discuss the music and its history with the residents. This is something that would not normally be available, and many are very interested and engaged in the discussion.”
We’ll talk more about the rest of the partnerships in future articles.
United has partnerships with six musical organizations and two universities that provide our residents with a wide range of musical and higher learning opportunities.
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the mountains, parks and gardens that Calgary and area have to offer.
Residents of the two United communities have a wide range of choices for getting out and about to enjoy the sunshine. Last weekend, residents at Fish Creek were busy planting herbs and flowers in the spacious community courtyard.
But there are a large number of programs and activities that take residents out to enjoy concerts, lectures, the mountains and parks. United’s seasonal guides to programs and activities at its two communities (June 1 – Aug. 31) are now available for download or viewing online (see below for the links).
The guides showcase the opportunities that United’s unique partnerships give residents. Music, drawing, painting, dance, pottery, sculpture – and those are just some of the ongoing programs that are offered throughout the year. When you combine those with programs inspired by United’s community partners, the list is even more impressive.
Musicians from Calgary Pro Musica perform at Garrison Green
“By partnering with some of the best cultural and educational organizations in Calgary, we can ensure there is a wide variety of entertaining and educational experiences that our residents can use to continue to learn and expand their horizons,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “These partnerships give residents an opportunity to attend concerts and lectures, but also allow us to bring musicians and professors into our communities for intimate concerts and interaction with professionals that would otherwise not be available to them.”
At the same time, performers get to know their audiences, and residents get to mingle one-on-one with some of the most talented performers in Calgary.
United isn’t your average older adult community. With a focus on the arts, creativity and socialization with others to keep the mind active, United’s extensive list of programs and activities ensures there is ample opportunity for ongoing learning and creative expression.
Along with the partnerships, United’s professional artists help residents find their creative side with the help of fully stocked art studios plus one-of-a-kind art galleries to display resident artworks as well as show professional work.
The focus is on building a community where everyone has a choice, where residents are active, learning new things and participating in community events that they find interesting and stimulating.
Both lists are available as printable PDFs at these links:
The program lists are constantly evolving, so check with the monthly calendars that are sent out to each resident for any additions and changes.
“While the partnerships provide us with a number of one-of-a-kind opportunities, it’s often the residents who suggest programs or activities they would like us to put together,” said Gail. “That’s why the list of programs is so varied. It’s as varied as the people who live here. And that’s a definite benefit of living in a United community. There’s always something new and the programs are changing and evolving all the time based on what the residents want.”
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
Older adults who have been living in the family home for many years may want to reassess their lifestyle by asking some basic questions. Does my home fit the lifestyle I would like to have? Is my house just a big to-do list? Is there too much house to look after?
At some point in home ownership, we often consider downsizing to a condo or moving to an older adult community where almost everything is looked after. So you should ask yourself, “If not now, when?” The best time to think about making your life easier is when you can take the time to weigh your options. Is a condo the right move? Will you know your neighbours and are there others in your age group to make friends with?
Consider a better alternative. United Active Living’s Fish Creek West, which gives you a unique way to live your life without downsizing your lifestyle.
Fish Creek West is the first of its kind in Calgary. It provides you with the choice of elegant one bedroom, one bedroom plus den and two bedroom suites, some as large as 1,300 sq. ft. with many features beyond your expectations. No maintenance, no worries, everything is taken care of. Plus, your monthly lifestyle fee provides a new world of opportunity in the adjacent 30,000 sq. ft. of high quality amenities. Fine dining, a casual bistro, theatre, art studio and a stunning outdoor courtyard dotted with sculptures, a water feature, orchard, bocce ball court and putting green are all available to you.
Last summer, United invited the artists who crafted the courtyard sculptures to talk about their art and the process of creativity.
Join an exercise, music or dance class for core stability, yoga, Tai Chi, a walking group or use one of the exercise machines. Afterwards, relax in the spa tub or enjoy the many health benefits of the infrared sauna. Most importantly, your monthly fee provides unlimited access to exercise and lifelong learning programs, art workshops, outings to galleries and a lot more.
United’s signature Arts and Culture program features robust partnerships with leading arts organizations in the city. These partnerships not only bring residents to concerts and lectures outside of the Fish Creek community, but bring artists into the community for special concerts and workshops. You can attend art classes guided by professional artists, hear lectures from visiting professors, choose from a variety of fitness programs or attend a concert by a world-renowned musician.
“Today’s older adults have higher expectations about where they will live in their later years,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “What we have come to expect in a traditional nursing home has been replaced by communities that offer more. While the common expectation is that older adults will ‘age in place’, often the home a person has lived in for many years is no longer the best option for them. Instead, the focus should be on ‘aging in community’ where there is more support to ensure that a person ages well.”
One thing we often don’t think about when we are healthy and active, is a possible future event in your later years that requires an unforeseen level of care. As a resident of Fish Creek West you can access services when you need them. Housekeeping, full meal service, nursing care – all are available when needed.
You also need to be aware of costs, and if the need for extra care should mount, the last thing you want to worry about is outliving your financial resources. Our exclusive Life Lease program helps you to ensure that future, unexpected needs can be met.
United’s Life Lease is a good option for many people. In many cases, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the family home covers the entrance fee, which then reduces the monthly lifestyle fees for the chosen suite.
“The big difference between the United Life Lease and others in the marketplace is the flexibility we offer to use the entrance fee to cover future unforeseen health care costs, and even the monthly fees should that be necessary,” said Gail. “By allowing residents to use the entrance fee in this way, the common concern about outliving your money is removed, giving residents peace of mind as they progress through their later years.”
“It’s important to us that residents feel at home,” said Gail. “As such, our Life Lease program, our lifestyle programs and activities, our five-star dining options with complete dining flexibility really promote that feeling of home, where the residents are in control. Don’t feel like cooking tonight? Pop into the bistro or dining room for a chef-inspired meal, or arrange takeout from the deli and enjoy the meal in your suite. Your monthly fee includes a dining credit. And there’s no tipping!”
Tours of Fish Creek are available, and there’s no waiting list. Simply click the “get in touch” link below, and we would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
For many, the common perception is that a move to an older adult community is synonymous with a move into assisted living. That idea is changing. Today’s older adults want more in their later years, and United Active Living communities deliver.
In particular, United’s Fish Creek community offers independence, an active lifestyle and affordability. Fish Creek West combines the benefits of living in an active community while maintaining an independent lifestyle.
Gordon and Jeanne Schnell both 84, and their dog Briggs moved into Fish Creek West from Sidney, B.C. “We retired there 11 years ago, but our family is in Calgary so that was an important consideration in our decision to move back,” said Gordon.
“Many of our residents are moving from a community where they have raised children and grandchildren, growing roots for decades,” said active living coordinator Adrienne Wedding. “The connections they have made and that sense of belonging is something that builds gradually over time. United Active Living’s Fish Creek West building offers the independent lifestyle for the independent senior, yet the opportunity to engage in a community is at your fingertips. United communities are designed to physically bring people together. Connected by an indoor walkway, our independent living residents have access to amenities that were built with well-being, comfort and safety in mind.”
Gordon and Jean were attracted by United’s unique Life Lease program that offers affordability and financial peace of mind. “I’ve done a lot of research into life leases, and United’s had a number of advantages that appealed to us,” said Gordon. “Everything is covered in the monthly fee, and the fee was priced right. When we compared it to what we would pay in a house or condo, the costs were about the same. Plus we have access to all the activities, music programs and the art studio. We were attracted to it right from the beginning.”
The Fish Creek community is a place where residents can grow and thrive. “Thinking about the future, our Fish Creek West residents have access to specialized health care and cognitive support as part of our community should the time come. Planting your roots with United, you may never have to move again,” said Adrienne.
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
“When I came here, I was looking for a community. Then I realized I was helping to create one.” – Unknown
What does community mean? Depending on your perspective, community can mean simply a building, its activities or the people in it. Or could be defined in a larger perspective to include friends and family in the greater community.
“It depends on the context that you bring to a community like this one,” said Ray Waldock, a resident of United’s Fish Creek community. “What we see here is a community that is working to redefine the psychology of aging. You can live here and plan to do nothing for the rest of your life, or you can see this as an opportunity to see yourself in a new context that has lots of possibilities.”
Ray knows about possibilities. Ray and his wife LaVerne, who recently passed away, spent a lifetime involved in their church. This gave them the opportunity to travel – 10 years in India, another five in Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) in Africa. Along the way Ray learned two languages (French and Swahili), earned degrees in philosophy and theology and eventually a PhD in theology from the University of Montreal.
Ray and LaVerne first moved into United’s Garrison Green community a few years ago, but when Laverne’s dementia progressed, she and Ray became two of the first residents at United’s Fish Creek community in 2016. Eventually, LaVerne transferred to long-term care at the nearby Father Lacombe Care Centre while Ray remained at Fish Creek so he could visit her regularly.
Ray Waldock on the putting green at United’s Fish Creek community
“Garrison Green became our community because of the people in it. We have friends there, and I still see them regularly,” said Ray. “My community extends beyond Fish Creek to Garrison Green and to my friends from our church, so community to me extends well beyond these four walls.”
Ray says that moving into an older adult community doesn’t signal the end of life. He prefers to see his home as a new opportunity.
“Our travels helped us learn that home is wherever you are at the moment. We see that life in the present is based on our experiences in the past. My experiences living overseas, learning new languages, and experiencing other cultures opened the door to new possibilities here. And this place accepts those changes,” said Ray.
Ray is particularly pleased with how the staff and residents interact. “It’s not a ‘them or us’ mentality that you might find at other places. Instead, there is a free and easy attitude. The staff and residents depend on each other, and that creates a supportive environment that encourages new opportunities.”
Ray recognizes that not everyone is comfortable with change, so when new residents arrive, or someone is simply checking out the community, Ray likes to meet them and make them feel welcome. “This is their new home, or likely could be, so I want to be sure they are comfortable.”
In many ways, Ray is extending his personal community each time he meets a prospective resident and sits down over a cup of coffee with them.
“I see life as possibility. I’m 88, but I still see a lot of open doors ahead of me.”
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
“Working at United requires a different mindset than what you would find at any other older adult community,” said United’s Human Resources director Kelly Johansson. “We are looking for people who are open to our philosophy, see aging as a time of opportunity and growth and view all of our residents as assets.”
Kelly receives several hundred applications each week from people interested in a range of jobs from housekeeping and food preparation to Health Care Aides and Licensed Practical Nurses.
“We spend a lot of time in interviews listening to how an applicant replies to questions, and the language they use,” said Kelly. “Body language is another indicator for us. When we tell an applicant that we don’t put people with dementia on segregated floors, there can be an immediate reaction, either positive or negative. That’s an important consideration for us because we want to ensure we find employees who embrace our culture. Our culture and vision underlies everything we do. In fact, we believe culture is just as important as technical skills.
Creative facilitator Cailey Massey gets a few guitar technique tips from resident Jim Dolph.
“Because we operate off of a social model of care we see building relationships and getting to know residents as paramount. Our staff are encouraged to get to know the residents, their histories and families so they can provide the best quality support and services. For us, sitting down and having a chat with a resident is just as important a task as distributing medication or cleaning a suite. Our residents are the experts; they tell us how they want to live. Task and service delivery is organized according to their lifestyles and rhythms not for the convenience of staff.”
Kelly suggests applicants spend time looking on the United website to appreciate the philosophy that United has created. “Our culture and our approach to aging is so critical to what we do,” she said.
A staff member helps a resident to a table in the Bistro
United’s two communities – at Garrison Green and Fish Creek – together employ about 160 staff who take part in regular in-house training programs that reinforce United’s unique culture. The care to ensure the right people are hired is evident in the reaction of residents.
“Every staff member contributes to the well-being of residents. Housekeepers, servers and creative facilitators regularly interact with residents, who appreciate the effort the staff put in to make their days interesting and rewarding,” said Kelly.
Resident Mary Fenwick worked with MRU English student Monica Schmidt to write one of Mary’s life stories.
United has partnerships with a number of organizations, including Mount Royal University and St. Mary’s University. Students from the Nursing and English programs regularly work with residents at the two communities, initially to gain experience, but learn so much more while there.
“Bringing students in is a highlight for residents,” said Kelly. “Some come in with pre-conceived ideas about older adults and leave with a completely changed perspective. Often we find the students develop close friendships with the residents and visit them even after the school term is over. This is particularly evident with Mount Royal’s English students who create writing projects with residents.”
United’s approach is unique, as is its approach to hiring the right staff. “Working at United is a very rewarding experience. It’s worth our investment in the time and training even if staff move on in their careers. The experience they gain while here gives them a new perspective should they work with older adults again,” said Kelly.
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
United Active Living and St. Mary’s University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the two work collaboratively on programs that will benefit the University’s students and the residents of United’s Fish Creek community.
President Gail Hinchliffe, centre, with Bob Hann, VP Student Services and Dr. Tara Hyland-Russell, VP Academics & Dean
“One of the cornerstones of United’s philosophy is community – an active community within our four walls, but also involvement in the larger community,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “St. Mary’s is very much involved in the greater community, and we have already been involved with them in a student-in-residence program that is proving very beneficial. The MoU opens the door to an even deeper partnership in such areas as learning, the arts and research.”
The agreement outlines cooperation in the areas of:
Students-in- residence
Research
Use of space
Joint clubs and activities
Joint scientific or academic conferences
Continuing education
“We’re particularly interested in the opportunities around research into aging and how United’s innovative social approach benefits older adults,” said Bob Hann, VP Student Services, St. Mary’s University. “Dr. Alisa McArthur is an associate professor of psychology at the University who has a deep interest in cognition and aging, who will be teaching courses at United’s Fish Creek community and invite residents to participate. As well, this partnership will continue the innovative student-in-residence program and possibly a writer-in-residence program that will further connect our two communities.”
St. Mary’s student Bryanne Kennedy
St. Mary’s student Bryanne Kennedy is currently living and working alongside Fish Creek residents in the student-in-residence program. She moved into the community in August, and will stay until the semester ends next spring. You can read about this unique program here.
“The research side of this partnership is intriguing because our whole philosophy is based on socialization rather than on a medical focus,” said Gail. “Research is showing that older adults thrive and their well-being improves when they are actively involved in creativity such as the arts, music, writing and dance. Much of the research on aging is based in medicine. But people are more than that. We think there is much more that can be learned on the social side and how that affects wellness.”
Why wait? Call today to arrange a tour!
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
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Does your current home fit the lifestyle you would like to have? Is your house just a big to-do list? Is there too much house to look after? At some point in home ownership, we often consider downsizing or moving to an older adult community where almost everything is looked after. So you ask yourself, “If not now, when?” The best time to think about making your life easier is when you aren’t facing a crisis; when you can take the time to weigh your options. And here is one to consider. United Active Living’s Fish Creek West, which gives you a unique way to live your life that you may not have considered yet.
Fish Creek West is the first of its kind in Calgary. It provides you with the choice of elegant one bedroom, one bedroom plus den and two bedroom suites, some as large as 1,300 sq. ft. with many features beyond your expectations. No maintenance, no worries, everything is taken care of. Plus, your monthly lifestyle fee provides a new world of opportunity in the adjacent 30,000 sq. ft. of high quality amenities. Fine dining, a casual bistro, theatre, art studio and a stunning outdoor courtyard dotted with sculptures, a water feature, orchard, bocce ball court and putting green are all available to you.
Bella Concert Hall at the Mount Royal Conservatory
Most importantly, your monthly fee provides unlimited access to exercise programs, lifelong learning programs, art workshops, outings to galleries and a lot more. United’s signature Arts and Culture program features robust partnerships with leading arts organizations in the city. These partnerships not only bring residents to concerts and lectures outside of the Fish Creek community, but bring artists into the community theatre for special concerts and workshops – attend art classes guided by professional artists, hear lectures from visiting professors, choose from a variety of fitness programs or attend a concert by a world-renowned conductor.
Join an exercise, music or dance class for core stability, yoga, Tai Chi, a walking group or use one of the exercise machines. Afterwards, relax in the spa tub or enjoy the many health benefits of the infrared sauna.
The activities and programs available to you are endless.
One thing we often don’t think about when we are healthy and active, is a possible future event in your later years that requires an unforeseen level of care. As a resident of Fish Creek West you can access services when you need them. Housekeeping, full meal service, nursing care – all are available when needed.
You also need to be aware of costs, and if the need for extra care should mount, the last thing you want to worry about is outliving your financial resources. Our exclusive Life Lease program helps you to ensure that future, unexpected needs can be met.
United’s Life Lease is a good option for many people. In many cases, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the family home covers the entrance fee, which then reduces the monthly lifestyle fees for the chosen suite.
“The big difference between the United Life Lease and others in the marketplace is the flexibility we offer to use the entrance fee to cover future unforeseen health care costs, and even the monthly fees should that be necessary,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president. “By allowing residents to use the entrance fee in this way, the common concern about outliving your money is removed, giving residents peace of mind as they progress through their later years.”
Watch Gail and life lease expert Kate Mancer describe the benefits of United’s Life Lease.
“It’s important to us that residents feel at home,” said Gail. “As such, our Life Lease program, our lifestyle programs and activities, our five-star dining options with complete dining flexibility really promote that feeling of home, where the residents are in control. Don’t feel like cooking tonight? Pop into the bistro or dining room for a chef-inspired meal, or arrange takeout from the deli and enjoy the meal in your suite. Your monthly fee includes a dining credit. And there’s no tipping!”
Liberate your life and transform the experience of aging.
Tours of Fish Creek West are available, and because it’s a new building, suites are available today. Simply click the “get in touch” link below, and we would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Imagine! Flex your creative side. Fine dining. New friends. Luxurious suites. Live the lifestyle you deserve at one of our United Active Living communities. Click the button on the right to arrange a tour at Garrison Green or Fish Creek
While we tend to think of our lives as defined by age, that can be misleading – just as defining every young person as a teenager is misleading when there is a wide range of maturity between 13 and 19. In fact, a recent study found that people generally decide to move into an older adult community in their 80s. But that generalization is too broad.
“We often find that residents who used to attend the Calgary Philharmonic, for example, now find the time to attend again, or they can pursue other interests such as painting, sculpting or writing that took a back seat when raising a family,” said Gail. “These things aren’t dependent on age, but rather the stage a person is at when they decide to move into one of our communities.”
“Quality of life should be the deciding factor, not age,” said Gail. “When an older adult needs constant support, can no longer go out and becomes lonely, depressed and withdrawn, it should be obvious to the family that quality of life is deteriorating, and that’s where we can make a real difference. But the key is to focus on maintaining an independent lifestyle rather than waiting.
“The participation of the audience is something that works very well in a small, intimate surrounding such as the United theatre,” said Craig. “We can see them moving with the music, which we can’t necessarily see in a large theatre, so it was the perfect opportunity to engage with the audience and give them a more personal experience.”
“My friend and I had season’s tickets to Calgary Pro Musica for many years,” said Garrison Green resident Doris Bingham. “Now I go out to hear them and to other concerts with the residents here, and I always go to see them and the other performers when they perform at Garrison Green. Hearing them again brings back fond memories of when I used to attend their concerts.”
Residents of the two United communities have a wide range of choices for getting out and about to enjoy the sunshine. Last weekend, residents at Fish Creek were busy planting herbs and flowers in the spacious community courtyard.
Along with the partnerships, 
United’s signature Arts and Culture program features 
“It’s important to us that residents feel at home,” said Gail. “As such, our Life Lease program, our lifestyle programs and activities, our five-star dining options with complete dining flexibility really promote that feeling of home, where the residents are in control. Don’t feel like cooking 
Gordon and Jeanne Schnell both 84, and their dog Briggs moved into Fish Creek West from Sidney, B.C. “We retired there 11 years ago, but our family is in Calgary so that was an important consideration in our decision to move back,” said Gordon.
Gordon and Jean were attracted by United’s unique 
“It depends on the context that you bring to a community like this one,” said Ray Waldock, a resident of United’s 
Does your current home fit the lifestyle you would like to have? Is your house just a big to-do list? Is there too much house to look after? At some point in home ownership, we often consider downsizing or moving to an older adult community where almost everything is looked after. So you ask yourself, “If not now, when?” The best time to think about making your life easier is when you aren’t facing a crisis; when you can take the time to weigh your options. And here is one to consider. United Active Living’s Fish Creek West, which gives you a unique way to live your life that you may not have considered yet.
“It’s important to us that residents feel at home,” said Gail. “As such, our Life Lease program, our lifestyle programs and activities, our five-star dining options with complete dining flexibility really promote that feeling of home, where the residents are in control. Don’t feel like cooking