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Lorena Smalley

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS – SEE IT FOR YOURSELF!

We are very excited to announce WESeniors is partnering with a number of senior residences to hold Open Houses from April 14 – 17, 2025.  Whether you’re seeking housing for yourself, a loved one, or helping others navigate the process, this event will provide valuable insights and practical resources on seniors housing.

Our goals…

  • To give you the opportunity to see what the different buildings have to offer.
  • Provide you with a checklist so you know what questions to ask, compare the different options, and have a good idea of what kind of senior residence will best meet your needs in the future.

 

Here’s the schedule of Open Houses:

Monday, April 14 | 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. | The Waterford of Summerlea

Monday, April 14 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Optima Living Lewis Estates

Tuesday, April 15 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Optima Living Wild Rose

Wednesday, April 16 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Optima Living Laurel Heights

Wednesday, April 16 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Optima Living Rutherford Heights

Wednesday, April 16 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Optima Living MacTaggart Place

Thursday, April 17 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Chartwell Hawthorn

 

Important: RSVP Required!

To ensure the best experience for everyone, and to help the seniors residences prepare for the number of visitors, we kindly ask that you RSVP if you plan to attend any of these Open Houses. Please call our Front Desk at 780 483 1209 to reserve your spot.

Our Awesome Trip to Check Out Seniors Housing!

 

First Stop: The Waterford of Summerlea – Super Welcoming! | APRIL 14 – 10:00 a.m.

First up, we headed to The Waterford of Summerlea, and Trevor Ducherer, the General Manager, gave us a big welcome right in the lobby. To make it easier to see everything, we split into smaller groups. What was really cool is that Bill and Dot, the incredibly welcoming couple who actually live at The Waterford,  volunteered to show us around and tell us about their firsthand experiences! We also had the pleasure of chatting with residents Gerry, Joan P, and Sherry in the lobby over lemonade and cookies.

We got to peek inside some of the one and two-bedroom suites and check out all the neat stuff the building has, like the different hangout spots and things they offer. Our members had lots of good, thoughtful questions, and the staff there did a great job of answering everything.

After the tour, they gave us these info packs with brochures, their business cards, a sample of their monthly menu, activity calendars, and how much things cost. Plus, they had a draw to win a Sunday brunch for two – fingers crossed for everyone who entered!

We heard some really nice things from our members. One person said, “I am impressed!” and another mentioned, “This was a really well-planned open house, and we got all our questions answered!” Sounds like The Waterford of Summerlea made a great impression on a lot of folks.

 

Next Up: Optima Living Lewis Estates – Lots to See with a Great Crew! | APRIL 14 – 1:00 p.m.

In the afternoon, we went over to Optima Living Lewis Estates and met the super friendly team there: Tanya DeGrace (the General Manager), Trish McKay (who helps with Community Relations), and Jennifer Harbour (from the main Optima Living office). They were all really enthusiastic about showing us around!

We broke into groups again to see the model suites and all the cool amenities they have, like a hair salon, a swimming pool, and even a rooftop balcony where everyone can hang out. After our tour, the team at Optima Living Lewis Estates kindly treated us to some refreshments in their games room, which looked like a fun and social space for residents.

They also invited us to their Spring Tea event in their restaurant, and there was a classically trained singer performing! It sounded like a lovely occasion and a great way for residents to enjoy the community and some beautiful music.

Our members got some brochures and little goodie bags, and they also had a chance to win a door prize.

Active Aging Series: Seniors Housing 101 (SOLD OUT!)

  • Thursday, April 10, 2025
  • 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Westend Seniors Activity Centre
  • Games Room
  • Admission: $3.00 (pay at the door, includes coffee and treats)

HOW TO REGISTER

1:30 p.m. – Greetings & Find Your Spot For The Afternoon!

Sign in and grab a loot bag before you meet the speakers, grab a beverage & snack, and get seated.

1:45 p.m. – Independent vs Assisted Living in Retirement Residences: Knowing the difference
Presented by Trevor Ducherer General Manager, – The Waterford of Summerlea

The terms used in retirement living—like independent living, assisted living, and supportive living—can be confusing. Join us as we explain what they mean, how different types of care work, and what to expect when transitioning from one stage to another. This session will help you understand your options so you can plan with confidence.

2:30 p.m. – 20 Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Retirement Home
Presented by Optima Living

Join us as experts from Optima Living share what to consider when looking for the right retirement residence. We’ll talk about important topics like location, cost, services, healthcare, safety, and what makes a place feel like home. This session will help individuals and families ask the right questions, making the decision easier and more informed. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable lifestyle.

3:15 p.m. – Navigating Subsidized Housing
Presented by Tegler Foundation

Discover the ins and outs of subsidized housing. We’ll walk you through the process of applying and moving into your new home. Learn about costs, what they provide, and how to compare housing options. Get a realistic perspective on wait times and costs. This presentation is designed to help you understand subsidized housing and your options