'First of its kind' in Winnipeg

Though it might not be immediately apparent, aging can be a rather complicated process. That’s because seniors tend to go through different lifestyle stages as they age.

From, say, age 65 to 75 (even 80), a senior or senior couple might be able to live an independent, active life with no need for outside assistance.

Then, they might need a certain degree of assisted living while remaining relatively active.

Finally, a senior might require assisted, secure living in a safe environment as their health and/or memory declines.

Or, one member of a couple might be able to remain active, while the other — due to an assortment of health challenges — might need more comprehensive care.

With these challenges in mind, All Seniors Care conceived The Neighbourhoods of River Ridge (River Ridge I & II), retirement residences that take an innovative, multi-dimensional approach to retirement living, a refreshing departure from the standard one-style-fits-all approach.

"This facility is the first of its kind — there’s nothing else like it in Winnipeg," says Tricia Charles, All Seniors Care’s vice-president for Manitoba. "River Ridge I and II are all about taking care of seniors, and providing them with a good quality of life in a setting that’s been designed to adapt to their changing needs as they age, to allow them to age in place gracefully."

All Seniors Care’s regional marketing director, Bruce Lillie, says that the concept behind River Ridge I and II is deceptively ingenious.

"They provide living in place and lifestyle options and services within a single planned community, based on a traditional ‘campus of care’ model," he explains. "By combining the advantages of other care models and overcoming the disadvantages, at the Neighbourhoods of River Ridge, a couple can stay together even though one’s care needs might exceed the other’s.

"And living in a community with people who share interests helps seniors stay healthier, happier and active longer."

With seniors’ varying lifestyle needs in mind, there are essentially three residential components interwoven into the Neighbourhoods of River Ridge: Apartments on the Red, River Court Suites and The Boulevard North.

"Apartments on the Red are for independent, active seniors," Charles says. "People are able to live independently within a community of peers and may participate in meals and group activities at their discretion. The apartments are bright and spacious, and feature full kitchens and in-suite laundry. Seniors can take part in daily exercise classes, and enjoy delicious meals in a beautiful dining room that faces the river."

Next are the River Court Suites, which have been designed for seniors who remain active, but require assistance in navigating day-to-day life.

"The suites have kitchenettes, and residents go to dining rooms for meals. Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) homecare is integrated within this increased care model, while hospitality staff provides housekeeping, responds to emergencies and organizes in-house activities such as continuing education, fitness classes and off-site trips to the theatre or museum," she says.

Last but not least is The Boulevard North, the third component in River Ridge’s multi-dimensional seniors-care approach.

"River Ridge’s designers have created a luxury secure living area (with seven separate, self-contained pods with suites with name plaques outside each door, along with dining rooms and whirlpool rooms) that exceeds expectations for care and support," Charles says. "Whether helping new residents adjust, assisting with personal grooming or going for a walk, staff members are committed to providing a supportive family environment."

At the same time, River Ridge’s highly personalized care philosophy enables them to design customized care plans tailored to the needs of each resident.

"Our person-centred philosophy allows us to identify each resident’s unique attributes, values and history, enabling us to create individualized levels of programming that are flexible to changing health needs," she says. "Residents (in The Boulevard North) have access to personal health- care aides around the clock, meals are served in a small, elegant dining room and can participate in planned activities and events, all within the Neighbourhood."

Charles says that the flexible, multi-faceted care model also yields another key benefit. "Unlike in other facilities, couples (who might have different care needs) can remain together in a beautiful community."

And the Neighbourhoods of River Ridge are true communities.

There are common areas where residents can intermingle, elegant dining rooms with river views, bistro/games rooms where they can shoot a game of pool, fitness centres, craft rooms, salons, a theatre, accessible laundry rooms, even rooms to store scooters safely out of the way until they’re needed.

There are even private dining rooms where residents can sit down with family to celebrate special occasions in a private, elegant setting.

"River Ridge is a safe, beautiful neighbourhood that offers seniors gracious living, while providing peace of mind for families," Charles says. "They know their loved ones are looked after in a beautiful building that offers a vibrant and creative lifestyle within peaceful, elegant surroundings. There’s nothing else like this in Winnipeg."

The Neighbourhoods of River Ridge — River Ridge I and II are located at 50 Ridgecrest Ave. and 2701 Scotia St., respectively — offers residents a diverse cross-section of accommodations (180 one or two-bedroom) suites in total) on month-to-month leases.

To find out more about River Ridge’s innovative, flexible approach to retirement living, visit allseniorscare.com or call (204) 589-2273 for River Ridge I, or (204) 586-2273 for River Ridge II.

lewys@mymts.net