Fish Creek Open House – A New Approach to Active Aging

“A very beautiful place.”

“What a stunning courtyard!”

“This is what I’ve been waiting for!”

Those are just a sampling of comments from visitors to the open house at United Active Living’s Fish Creek community yesterday. We opened the doors to the public to show them a new vision of what aging well can mean. United’s radical new approach to active aging is based on what is called a social model. While medical care is available, the emphasis is on encouraging socialization and creativity to keep the mind and body strong.

Learn more about United’s unique approach to aging by clicking here.

Older adults and their adult children came out to tour the community, see the suites, learn about United’s unique Life Lease plan and enjoy the entertainment.

“Today’s older adults have higher expectations about where they will live in their later years,” said Richard Gotfried, who attended with his mother-in-law. “Gone are the post-war nursing homes and in their place are communities that offer more. I was very impressed with the choices that United’s Fish Creek community offers, both in the size and variety of suites, and in the amenities.”

Richard, who is also the area MLA, said that 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 in ensuring that a person ages well. He was impressed with the United concept that allows a seamless transition from independent living to assisted living within the community as the need for more health care arises.

“We were very excited to see the reaction that older adults have to this community and our philosophy,” said president Gail Hinchliffe. “Many times I saw people walk into the building and a smile appeared on their faces. The first impression a person gets is that this is a warm, inviting place to be, and as they walked around through the courtyard, the art gallery, the dining room and the suites, the reactions were the same – this is a model for what an active, older adult community should be.”

 

A highlight of the day was the official opening of an art exhibit by Garrison Green resident Carlo Romano. Since moving to Garrison, Carlo has become a prolific artist with several hundred paintings and sculptures to his credit. You can read more about Carlo and his work here.

If you missed the open house, connect with the United team by using the link below to set up a visit.

 

 

Have a question about United Active Living’s unique approach to aging?

Contact us! We are happy to help!

Tell us what you think? Join the conversation by commenting below!

Did you like this article? Sign up for our weekly blog using the form above!