Parkland retirement communities are committed to serving residents and their loved ones by Leading the Way to Better Living and providing exceptional accommodations, services and care.
Mary Ann Bunker, a Lifestyle Consultant with Parkland, knows that quality care is just one component of what makes Parkland a retirement living community of choice.
“As an organization, we are compassionate, honest, professional and safe,” she says. “We listen and encourage feedback, we put residents first, and our teams do everything we can to create quality of life for those who call our communities home.”
A LIFESTYLE CONTINUUM
Every Parkland community provides a mix of Independent and Supportive Lifestyle Options with increasing levels of service and care. For those who want to experience the Parkland lifestyle on a short-term basis, trial or respite stays are also available—perfect for those who wish to put away the shovel during the colder months!
According to Bunker, selecting a lifestyle isn’t always clear, so flexibility is important. “Each community has a Lifestyle Consultant who gets to know residents and their families before pairing them with the space, services and social connections to create a life they look forward to each and every day,” she says.
“We see every resident as bringing a full life, unique history, interests and preferences to our community.”
The benefit of aging in place with the support of a lifestyle continuum means that, as your needs or preferences change over time, you can simply add what you need to live as independently as possible while having access to conveniences, care and a range of hospitality and healthcare professionals.
INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLES
There are many reasons why fully independent and active adults in the 55+ age category are considering a shift to a carefree, convenient lifestyle. On top of annual home and property maintenance, many homeowners are evaluating the short- and long-term impact of interest rates, food costs, property taxes and home maintenance. Imagine a financial ‘easy button’ with one monthly bill, the ability to purchase a la carte services such as laundry or housekeeping, and enjoying a meal when you don’t want to cook.
That’s the experience for residents in one of Parkland’s Lifestyle Apartments — designed to be the first step in downsizing and a foray into the Parkland experience while having the full benefit of belonging to a community of life-stage peers.
In addition to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, residents enjoy premium spaces, social programming and a long list of amenities such as a bowling alley, games room and in-house theatre. Highlights on the monthly calendar are fitness classes, pub nights, coffee socials, guest speakers, book club, and continuing connections with charitable and community groups.
“We bring fitness, fun, and opportunities to keep learning,” says Bunker. “Here, residents make new friends, reunite with former neighbours and have a feeling of community—it’s what sets us apart from a typical apartment building.”
For independent residents who wish to live life to the fullest, an All-Inclusive Lifestyle offers daily restaurant-style meals prepared by the in-house culinary team, housekeeping services, and the option to select a la carte supports from the Parkland Plus menu of additional services. This carefree experience invites residents to spend more time doing what they love, leaving the rest up to us.
SUPPORTIVE LIFESTYLES
For residents who require assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating and personal care, Parkland has developed three Supportive Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care and Enriched Care. Assisted Living is common across all communities whereas Memory Care and Enriched Care are specialized options in select Parkland communities.
The largest difference with supportive living environments is the 24/7 presence of licensed nursing professionals.
“It comes back to safety,” says Bunker. “Families look to us as a trusted partner in the care and wellbeing of their loved ones. Having licensed staff on site provides peace of mind.”
Assisted Living is best suited for residents who need light to moderate assistance on top of the meals, housekeeping and social programming included in an all-inclusive lifestyle. This includes access to a dedicated dining room, medication administration and a suite designed for accessibility.
For individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, Memory Care neighbourhoods provide residents assistance in a secure environment with individualized care planning, a centrally located nursing station and programming based on leading practices.
When residents require full support and a high level of comprehensive skilled nursing services, Parkland’s Enriched Care Lifestyle Option works closely with families to ensure care and comfort is provided in a secure, home-like environment.
TRANSITIONING WITH EASE
The team at Parkland strives to make the transition and move-in process as smooth as possible, recognizing everyone’s journey is unique and not always easy.
“We want them to know we’ll be here for them as their needs change over time,” says Bunker. “No matter where someone starts in the continuum, the beauty of Parkland is that we do it all and help residents age in place among friends living their best life.”
In the case a resident must transition from one lifestyle to another, Bunker notes it often involves a move to another floor or building to ensure they have access to the team best aligned with their care needs.
“This move is supported by team members with minimal disruption to resident routines and preferences,” she says. “This is especially true when the resident is part of a couple with varying levels of care – we focus on keeping them together while at the same time meeting their individual needs.”
Bunker also points out that even when a community is full and waitlisted, a current resident needing additional care is always given priority access when a suite becomes available.
THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION
When it comes to the most popular question faced by Lifestyle Consultants today, Bunker says it’s overwhelmingly about cost.
“There is a belief that retirement communities are not affordable and only for the wealthy, but if people are honest about their living expenses, the value of living at Parkland is clear, compelling and comparable,” she says.
“We focus on quality, service, choice, community and inspiring a passion for life. You just can’t put a price tag on happiness.”
To compare your current costs with a Parkland community near you, take ten minutes and explore our Cost Calculator on ExperienceParkland.com.
To learn more about Parkland or to schedule a tour, visit: experienceparkland.com/request-a-tour