Four Top Questions at our Open House
Open houses are a great way to see a community such as United Active Living first hand, have a tour and ask questions. Open houses at our Garrison Green and Fish Creek communities last weekend generated a lot of interest in floor plans and amenities, United’s unique programming, dementia care and, of course, the meals.
Where you live and ease of movement is paramount when it comes to choosing the right suite. Are you independent, or do you need a little extra assistance?
Tell Me About Your Floor Plans
“United offers some of the largest suites in the market, some up to 1,300 sq. ft.,” said Daphne Reid, active living advisor, Fish Creek. “The suites come in a variety of styles from one bedroom, to one bedroom plus den to two bedroom floor plans. Each suite in Fish Creek West comes with full kitchens and washers and dryers, plus residents have access to our full dining options and our programming.”
United’s Fish Creek North offers suites more suited to support assisted living and memory care options. They come with kitchenettes, washers and dryers and full access to dining and programming.
“Garrison Green floor plans offer a range of lifestyle options to support your desire to live an independent life even if you need a little extra assistance,” said Tim Hinton, active living advisor, Garrison Green. “Many of the people who came to the open house remarked on the size of the suites and the ease of movement from the suites to the dining and programming areas.”
A Big Attraction for me is your Programming
Choosing a spacious suite is one part of the equation. The other is living well, among friends. This removes the concern about isolation. United’s philosophy reflects a growing demand for more in our later years. United supports the whole person, so the communities and programming are developed around a social perspective rather than a medical one. Friends and family are very important in developing programs. In fact, programs are based on what the residents want, which creates a rich and varied list of programs that promotes the well-being and interests of our residents.
“United’s unique programming attracted a lot of attention at our open house,” said Kim Coulter, Fish Creek program development coordinator and creative expressions manager. “Mark DeJong and Mark Limacher brought their jazz impressions to residents and visitors at Fish Creek. This kind of high calibre performance is typical of the programming we have at both communities. Many performances are in conjunction with our arts and culture partners in the community.”
United’s partnerships include the Calgary Philharmonic, Honens, Calgary Opera, Calgary Jazz Orchestra, Mount Royal University, St. Mary’s University and many others.
These partnerships not only bring residents to concerts and lectures outside of the community, but bring artists into the community for 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.
The activities and programs offer a wide variety of entertainment and educational options to residents, many arranged at the request and support of residents.
“Many of our residents have chosen United because of the variety of programs whether it’s music or our professional art studios,” said Kim. “As one resident said recently, ‘United is heaven for artists!‘, so whether prospective residents are looking for support for an existing talent, or are interested in pursuing an interest that’s been on the back burner while raising a family, living in a United community is the place to expand your creativity.”
Tell Me About Your Dining Options
When United Active Living opened Garrison Green more than a decade ago, it introduced an innovation in older adult dining – flexible meal times, an all-day menu and no assigned seating. “United’s approach to serving nutritious meals makes perfect sense,” said Ryan Bourquin, United’s food services manager. “Our residents are attracted to United because of the lifestyle, the community, the social aspect, the activities and programs. Healthy, nutritious meals go hand-in-hand with the lifestyle.”
One of the attractions of living at United is the flexible mealtimes and all-day menu. The kitchen is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and features a menu that is available throughout the day.
Residents can choose what to eat, when to eat, and with whom to eat. Plus, the all-day menu gives residents flexibility should they arrive back home after an outing and want a meal or snack.
United has also created a new dining experience leader position in its two Calgary communities to enhance the dining experience for residents and their guests throughout the day. The implementation of this new position raises the dining experience to a new level.
What About Your Approach to Dementia Care?
Some visitors at the open house wanted to know more about United’s groundbreaking approach to dementia care. Unlike other older adult communities that segregate residents based on their cognitive or physical abilities, United chooses not to. Residents with dementia live on the same floors as everyone else, they eat in the same spaces and attend the same programs. Importantly, couples stay together even if they have differing needs.
“In our United Minds program, we focus on who the person is and build a relationship with them,” said Amy McDonough, United Minds manager. “We focus on including people with dementia in our community. There is more to someone than their diagnosis. The person with dementia isn’t lost; they are still there. Our job as caregivers is to find out who they are. It’s a relationship-centred approach. We truly get to know them, what’s important to them.” That approach recently earned the support of two major advocates of inclusive community living.
Ask us about our short-term respite stays and other short-stay options.
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!
To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.
Or, to find out more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.
