When Teresa visits her mom at in 91原创, she rarely finds her in her room.
鈥淪he鈥檚 often out for a walk or chatting with friends in the living room,鈥� Teresa says.
Teresa鈥檚 mom has dementia, so it鈥檚 impressive that she鈥檚 able to maintain that level of independence, but The Village is well equipped to support her. Inspired by similar communities in the Netherlands and the U.S., it offers cottage-style living on five acres of secure grounds.
鈥淪he really does appreciate all the landscaping and walking paths. Residents are welcome to plant in the garden, but at this stage of her life my mum is happy to get outside and appreciate the landscaping other people are doing.鈥�
Support to continue living a purposeful and meaningful life
Until 2019, both of Teresa鈥檚 parents lived together in an Independent Living community. Teresa鈥檚 dad had physical limitations due to Parkinson鈥檚 Disease, but cognitively he was very capable.
鈥淏etween the two of them they could make it work, but my dad did have 24-hour care coming into the Independent Living community before he passed away,鈥� Teresa says.
Teresa鈥檚 mom was able to continue living independently for about a year, but after an accident with a cyclist her care became more complicated. She鈥檇 been prescribed pain medication to take as-needed, and remembering it was available (and when she鈥檇 last taken it) was challenging. Pharmacies can support people with memory challenges by providing medication dispensers and reminders, but Teresa鈥檚 mother鈥檚 needed more direct assistance.
鈥淲e used all sorts of strategies to give her the support she needed, but this was a new challenge,鈥� says Teresa, who works professionally as a nurse. 鈥淪ometimes you鈥檙e at a 鈥榶鈥� in the road, and if you do nothing, things could get a lot worse. Or you can take the other path and put in supports to continue living well.鈥�
Now in , Teresa鈥檚 mom gets the support she needs so she can continue living a purposeful and meaningful life. She connects with other residents at meals and during the many enriching activities, or relaxes in her private room with her cat. Care staff are eager to follow the lead of residents when it comes to building community, whether that鈥檚 enjoying a glass of wine in the kitchen, or bringing in horses and other animals for a resident who used to live on a ranch.
鈥淲henever you move it can be hard to connect with a new community. But The Village has a really great community of caregivers.鈥�
Let鈥檚 Talk! Free seminar for caregivers
Verve Senior Living and The Village is hosting a free seminar on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dementia Consultant, educator and author , CPCA, CDCP will be sharing her knowledge in a presentation called Caregiver Survival Tips and Caring for You.
Reserve your seat by calling 604-427-3755! The event takes place at The Village, , 91原创.
Learn more about inspired senior living at .
