Aging Well in the City

From independent living to assisted care and memory care, as well as innovative health solutions, older adults and their families have options to ensure they find the best lifestyle for them. Read on to discover some of the ways seniors can live well in the city.

Better Vision for Healthier Aging

Mitchell Eye Centre’s intraocular lenses offer patients, especially seniors, a new lease on life with better vision that lasts a lifetime.

As we age, our vision declines. Because of this, many stop driving at night, read less and may experience an increased risk of falls and accidents. But it doesn’t have to be this way — there are rapidly improving solutions that can slow, or even stop, the decline in vision associated with aging. Specifically, intraocular lenses (IOLs).

IOLs are small lenses placed inside the eyes to replace the natural lens after cataract surgery or a vision correction procedure where the lens is removed. The new lenses restore clear vision, and thanks to new advances, the improved sight can last a lifetime.

IOLs have been around for a long time — first used in 1948 by Dr. Harold Ridley. Since then, they have steadily improved thanks to new technologies, such as computerized eye measurements before surgery, allowing for customized lenses to perfectly fit a patient’s eye. The result? Patients now have excellent distance and reading vision that lasts a lifetime. With the modern evolution of the procedure, patients will no longer experience vision decline as they age, unless it is due to other conditions.

Patients can drive well into their later years, have fewer falls, and the resulting clearer vision may reduce the risk of dementia. “The elderly benefit from this new technology,” says Dr. Robert Mitchell, ophthalmologist at Mitchell Eye Centre. “But the greatest beneficiaries will be those who today are in their 50s and 60s, who will be able to keep their good vision for life.”

Mitchell Eye Centre uses the latest, most innovative technology, including the advanced science of IOLs, ensuring patients thrive with clear vision at all stages of life.

To learn more, visit mitchelleyecentre.com.

A Journey to Belonging

Riverwalk Retirement Residence’s 90-Day Program provides structure and support to help residents feel truly at home.

Moving to a new home can be difficult, and the first few months are a pivotal time in the transition. At Verve Senior Living’s Mission location, Riverwalk Retirement Residence, the team works collaboratively to ensure every resident feels heard, valued and supported, especially during those early days, thanks to Verve’s 90-Day Program.

A significant part of the 90-Day program is family involvement — both the resident and their families are involved at every step of the way. “Families often know their loved ones best; their routines, preferences and what brings them comfort. By incorporating these insights from the very beginning, we can personalize each resident’s experience,” says Crystal Finnamore, community relations manager at Riverwalk.

Seven days before the move, the team meets with future residents and their families to coordinate logistics and curate a transition plan that works best for everyone. Within the first month of moving in, the Riverwalk team checks in to make sure residents are finding their rhythm and make any required adjustments. After 60 days at the residence, Riverwalk follows up for any necessary fine tuning and also arranges a family-inclusive housewarming event to deepen the sense of belonging. At 90 days, it hosts a special celebration with family and friends to mark the 90-day milestone. Monthly family check-ins follow.

“Ultimately, the 90-Day Program lays the foundation for a successful, fulfilling and positive experience at Riverwalk, ensuring residents feel truly at home both emotionally and socially,” says Finnamore.

Riverwalk’s resident-centric philosophy guides its care — staff take an invested interest in individual needs and well-being, ensuring a real sense of belonging right from the beginning.

To learn more, visit verveseniorliving.com/riverwalk.

Exceptional Care in Retirement Living

Discover the reasons why families trust Aspira.

For seniors who wish to remain in charge of their lives, Aspira is a trusted leader in providing exceptional care along with a choice of lifestyles, including assisted or supportive living, and memory care.

“Our goal is for residents and families to feel connected, engaged, supported and valued,” says Meg Tuason, general manager of Aspira Britannia, Calgary’s Aspira location, nestled between Elbow Drive and Macleod Trail.

Here’s why families trust the care at Aspira.

Personalized care

Whether they’d like help getting ready in the morning, managing their medications or more, Aspira residents feel supported with care that’s respectful to their personal wishes and schedules.

Prioritized wellness

Aspira’s holistic approach to wellness includes enriching activities, cultural excursions and a vibrant social atmosphere, all designed to support each senior’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive health.

Flexible support

As each senior’s needs change, so does their care. The professional staff at Aspira Britannia will provide the care and support each resident needs so they don’t have to worry about moving again.

Certified staff

The health and well-being of every resident is overseen by a director of wellness, a registered nurse with specialized training in working with seniors. An LPN is also on duty 24/7, with emergency response pendants monitored on site.

To learn more about senior living at Aspira Britannia, visit aspiralife.ca.

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