Cover_HousingDirectory 2012-13.indd - Kerby Centre

Seniors find companionship and a sense
of belonging at Millrise Place
Seniors’ assisted living accommodation provides a welcoming home that seniors call their own. By Neil Bousquet
Canada’s seniors are living longer than ever before, a
trend that has also allowed them to remain in their
homes with the support of family members. However,
as aging parents require more assistance, their support
network can be challenged and hampered with family and
work related commitments. This situation can add stress to
families who already feel guilty about not spending enough
quality time supporting their parents. On the flip side, it also
deprives the grandparents of the ability to regularly see their
children and grand children.
“We see this all the time,” says Colleen Baxter, Millrise’s
Marketing and Resident Relations Manager. “When families
start to think about a seniors’ residence for their mom or
dad, it’s often too late for assisted living accommodation
like we offer at Millrise Place. By the time families make
this decision, their loved ones may develop significant
health or mobility issues that require hospitalization and in
some cases specialized, long-term care.”
“What some family support networks routinely overlook
is the quality of life that their parents could potentially
experience in assisted living. The benefit of an assisted living
environment is that residents can get on with living their
life instead of taking care of a home. Some people think
that assisted living residences will limit their independence.
Nothing could be further from the truth. We have residents
that still drive their vehicles and are constantly on the go
outside of our premises. If anything — it frees seniors to
meet new friends and feel that they belong to a community
of like-minded individuals.”
“We often see seniors’ spirits lifted after they move out
The Millrise bus keeps residents on the go.
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of their home into our residence — because they feel
wanted and needed — they find companionship with others
and feel like they belong here — that Millrise Place is their
home. Our residents develop personal bonds with many of
our staff from the receptionist through to nursing, housekeeping
and food service staff.”
Residents appreciate the privacy and peacefulness of Millrise Place’s
outdoor garden courtyard and gazebo.
Adds Baxter, “It’s really apartment style living with
many added services (e.g. care, security, meals, housekeeping
and activities) that are managed by professional staff in
a nurturing and compassionate environment where each
resident is respected and treated with dignity. Then there are
many value added features too, such an in-residence
hairdresser, underground heated parking, beautiful
outdoor garden courtyard, and we’re very close to public
transportation and shopping.”
“The upside is that it’s often a win-win for both our
residents and their family network. Residents are happier
surrounded by like-minded seniors and a friendly support
team of skilled caregivers. Once a resident settles in,
receives proper medical care and nutrition, meets new friends,
and participates in activities, we regularly see great improvement
in their overall outlook and health. One comment
we hear regularly, is ‘why didn’t I move here sooner’”
“Family members also benefit. They are more
relaxed and relieved with the knowledge that their loved one
is safe and secure. When they visit, they can spend quality
time with them instead of doing chores to maintain or fix the
house. Some family members are genuinely surprised to
learn that their loved one has an active social life both inside
and outside of the residence and are often on the go.”
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Kerby Centre Housing Directory • 2012/13 ©
www.kerbycentre.com