In Canadian medical history, few individuals have had such a meaningful and influential life as Dr. Robert O'Dowda Stephens or “Dr Bob” as he is more affectionately known.
In the charming community of Harvest Crossing, a story unfolded that reminds us how ageless love is. It’s a tale of second chances and the joy of rediscovering love, even in the golden years.
These days West Park Crossing resident Ann Speirs enjoys a fulfilling life in retirement living. Before making the move into the vibrant Moosejaw residence, Ann was married to the love of her life, Arnold Speirs.
In the serene, welcoming environment of Lynde Creek Gardens, Harold Hoskings shared a life story that mirrors the depth and complexity of his impressive landscape artworks.
Mike Fisher's life story is one of passion, adaptability, and community. His journey from a small town in northern England to the vibrant community at Island View retirement home encapsulates a life rich in experiences and achievements.
In the golden years of life, every day is a chance to relive cherished passions and reignite old flames. For two women residents at Harvest Crossing, a recent outing to see the Toronto Blue Jays in action at the Rogers Centre was not just an evening of baseball; it was an example of the excitement a life in a retirement community can bring.
In the serene surroundings of Saskatoon’s Hunter Village retirement community, an extraordinary family story unfolds. Lyle Poley, an 80-year-old former farmer and his centenarian mother Esther Poley call the residence home.
Local military cadets recently organized a Remembrance Day assembly at Aspira Island Park. Corp 2777 Northumberland in Campbellford spent their Commanding Officer Parade night with the residents and held a ceremony to honour and acknowledge the sacrifices of our war veterans.
The Aspira Astoria Retirement residence in the center of Port Coquitlam is not just an emblem of premium senior living, it is also a beacon of community spirit and kindness.
Every July 1, Canadians around the country and those scattered across the globe unite in a grand celebration of Canada Day - a tribute to the country’s rich history and diversity.
After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legacy Memory Project found a new lease of life this year, drawing participation from 19 students from Grades 11 and 12 at Campbellford District High School (CDHS).
In a heartwarming display of intergenerational bonding, Aspira Kensington Place retirement home recently hosted a “Prom Night” as part of their flourishing pen-pal program.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the early 1940s, Vivian Klinck’s journey to becoming a respected artist wasn’t straightforward. Her relationship with her craft started from a young age and she graduated from Michigan State University with a minor in art ...
It started at Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens as a compassionate gesture for Thanksgiving. Today it is slowly blossoming into a new Sienna tradition known as Sienna Supper.
Being a centenarian is an exceptional and somewhat rare feat. The odds of any of us making it to dizzying heights of 100 years old are slim, about 5,000 to one in fact. So it’s no surprise ....
Gail Bissett grew up on a farm 40 miles from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The self-proclaimed “prairie farm girl” made the move to Saskatoon in 1964 where she earned a degree in nursing.
Gary Gullickson has lived, and continues to live, a very full life. He is a doer, someone who is constantly busy it seems, and whose life is dotted with incredible awards.
Joy Green, 72, is a smart, articulate woman happily residing at Aspira Mayfair Terrace in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. A third-generation Japanese-Canadian, she was born in Manitoba ...
It’s February again so love is in the air. People across many walks of life are currently planning a romantic surprise for their significant other on February 14th.
Willi Stork’s German accent appears to be as strong as ever. It’s hard to believe he’s spent the vast majority of his life living in Canada. Born in Germany in 1934, Stork grew up during WW2.
When you see them spending time together it’s obvious that Jim and Evelyn Andreas love to laugh. The Saskatchewan couple have been married for 72 years ...
On a Sunday afternoon late last June I decided to go for a walk in Ferris Park by the way of the suspension bridge. My wife Ann - always the keeper of the welfare of her family - asked me where I was going.
Andrew Mathuik, 90, has enjoyed his four years at Aspira, he holds the staff in very high regard, is an active member of the Residents Council and has reignited his love of art.
An avid reader, Joanne Perschick has a passion for books so it’s no surprise that her favourite thing about Aspira Quinte Gardens is the library. She even volunteers there.
These days 85-year-old Ron Fox loves nothing more than gardening in the sun at his retirement home. I guess the popular Belleville community is called Aspira Quinte Gardens for a reason.
For Bearbrook resident Betty and her Yorkshire Terrier Nikki, finding a truly pet-friendly retirement residence was high on the priority list. Read about Betty and Nikki's special bond, as well as the many benefits of owning a pet in retirement.
Helen Tonus, 89, has profiled about 120 team members at Villa Da Vinci Retirement Residence in Vaughan, ON, where she lives. Helen has lived at Villa for 21 years, and began profiling team members about 10 years ago.
Each month, we’re pausing to recognize some of the outstanding team members who work with us. Thank you for the work you do each day. You are all truly heroes.
Known for her bubbly personality, Eva (Eve) Dalzell was nominated for the 2021 LEAP Award by the BC Senior Living Association in honour of the positive atmosphere she helps to create for her fellow residents at The Shores Retirement Residence in...
Each month, we’re pausing to recognize some of the outstanding team members who work with us. Thank you for the work you do each day. You are all truly heroes.
Residents and team members at Rosewood Retirement Residence in Kingston, ON enjoyed a sushi demonstration by Brandon Gray, a PSW student who learned to make sushi while traveling with a professional chef in Japan.
Each month, we’re pausing to recognize some of the outstanding team members who work with us. Thank you for the work you do each day. You are all truly heroes.
When Amanda was a child, spending the weekend with her Grampa Bill was something she always looked forward to. Thanks to the support of the team at Weston Terrace Care Community in Toronto, he was able to see her in her wedding dress.
Hillary, a recreation therapy assistant, recently received a 500-word note of endearment from a resident’s family. What makes her so special to those she serves? Read more to find out!
Our new Ultimate Guide to Senior Living Blog covers all aspects of senior living and is designed to put power back in the hands of seniors and their families.
Residents and team members are engaging in educational events and actives surrounding National Indigenous Peoples Day. Find out how we’re deepening our understanding of Indigenous history.
Lieutenant Colonel John Beswick celebrated his 102 birthday at Carolina Retirement Residence with family and special visits from the fire department and Towne Crier.
40 years ago, Mary Jane Watson joined the Creedan Valley team as a nurse’s aide. Today she’s the director of resident programs and admissions — how did she get there? Read more to find out!
Residents and team members at Lincoln Park took 10,787 steps, and raised $4,000, in support of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara. One step for each person living with dementia in the Niagara region.
Pickle parties, carnivals, and impromptu kayaking trips are a regular occurrence for residents at Peninsula Retirement Residence. But how does that all come together? Meet Diane Toth, Queen of Fun.
Vaccines are being rolled out across the country, and many people have questions. We’d like to answer them and take a moment to thank the team members at Sienna who have already been vaccinated.
Ironman Triathlon participants cover over 226 km in under 17 hours. Michele, lifestyle consultant at Cherry Park Retirement Residence, has competed in this race 10 times — and she’s not done yet.
We’d like to take a moment to pay tribute to the resilience and dedication of the over 12,000 Sienna team members who have been working out on the frontlines of the pandemic. You are all heroes.
“When you pick a bomb up you never know if it will go off, because it’s already armed,” said Don, who removed and disarmed faulty shells during the Korean War.
As a mechanic in the air force, Carl had to go up on test flights every few months. At the time, mechanics never tested the planes they worked on. It was fine, until the landing gear didn’t work.
When a bomb dropped in England, Joan wasn’t far behind it. Racing out on the back of a military jeep with her crew, Joan said the life of a military firefighter in WWII was filled with excitement.
It’s more than just food. For Ari, the head chef at Kensington Place Retirement Residence, residents’ meals should speak to their tradition and culture.
As a way of giving back the larger community, Heatherwood Retirement Residence donated over $430 towards the Niagara Health Foundation for the purchase of a respirator.
101-year-old Eddie served in the navy during WWII, worked as a draftsman and art duplicator, and saw a British Queen. Through it all, he’s kept his sense of humour.
The Kleinbergs met shortly after the British Army liberated the infamous Nazi death camp Bergen-Belsen. Nancy saved Howard’s life. Then, they lost contact. How were they reunited? Read to find out.
This Seniors’ Month, we’re proud to pay tribute to the incredible seniors living with us, and around the world, who inspire us all with their unending strength and wisdom.
In partnership with Recreational Respite, Red Oak Retirement Residence is proud to offer a new Day Program to residents and seniors in the wider community.
Good food and outstanding company is what we’re most proud of. Savour fresh eats from our Farm-to-Table program, or go on an outing to the nearby beach.
Today, Fatima and Vishal are happily engaged, but they may never have dated at all if a resident at Weston Terrace Care Community hadn’t given them a push.
“The love in this building has no comparison,” Denise Kavin said about Cheltenham CareCommunity, where she lives. Denise has lived on 3 continents, and extends her compassion to everyoneshe meets.
Laughter, joy, and inspiration should be a part of every day. From delicious food, fresh from our Farm-to-Table program, to outstanding programs and outings, we strive to infuse every day with wonder.
Residents and team members celebrated the new year with sparkling drinks, noise makers, andlaughter! Look inside to see some of our favourite pictures of the events.
Kindness may be the most precious gift of all. For Eric Wesling, the nephew of a resident at Glenmore Lodge, it was a gift to be given freely and often.
Giovanna, a resident at Villa Da Vinci Retirement Residence, has been cooking since she was 12 years old. Her demonstrations and tastings always draw a crowd.
Remember how food used to taste – back when pies were fresh from the oven, milk was delivered to your door, and chickens ran free? Well so do we. That’s why we started Farm to Table.
Sitting as an air gunner on a bombing plane in WWII, it was not uncommon for the open air turrets to reach -40 degrees Celsius. To make matters worse, it was impossible to go use the washroom on these 8-hour flights.
During the cold war, Ronald ferried supplies through the desert between Egypt and Israel. For him, Remembrance Day is an important reminder of all the freedoms we have today.
Bill Hopkins spent his entire life around horses. His wish was to be around them again, and thanks to the Warminster Horse Sanctuary, it’s a dream that came true.
Seven Sienna long-term care communities came together for a fun-filled day of soccer, competition, and to raise funds for seniors in need in the local community.
Kawartha Lakes is proud to celebrate the rich heritage of Bobcaygeon, and the adventurous spirit of the seniors living with them, by donating a paddle to the Vibrant Village project.
For Michelle, her wedding just wouldn’t be the same without her grandmother there. So they brought the wedding to her, with an intimate ceremony at Woodbridge Vista Care Community.
“It makes me feel good to discover the life story of a resident,” said Erin, an RPN at Trillium. “It’s a privilege to be an ally for someone at one of the most challenging times in their lives.”
As an opera singer and actress, Cleone Duncan performed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Over her years as a performer, she met Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, the Queen, and Prince Phillip. Her voice is absolutely beautiful.
In a way, Ruth’s career started when she was only 8 years old. Today, she’s the Executive Director of Waters Edge Care Community, which she has been involved with since she was a child.
For Pierre and Veronique, one wedding just wasn’t enough. Follow them as they voyage across poverty-stricken post WWII Europe in search of greener pastures.
“The most satisfying part… [is] the resident interaction. [Being a nurse] is different than any other profession, with much more of a personal touch.” ~ Amanda McCarthy, two-time nominee of the BC Care Provider of the Year Award.
The Quality Work Life Committee at Sienna spreads joy to team members through fun activities and events. They’re an essential part of everything we do.
Despite his overwhelming talent, “Are you joking? No,” was Silvano’s response when asked if he’d ever been to art school. So how did he develop his talent? The answer will surprise you.
During the D-Day invasions, The Queen’s Own Rifles suffered more casualties than any other battalion, but as Ivor always says, “Once in the Queen’s Own, Always in the Queen’s Own.”
As a prisoner of war in a Nazi concentration camp, when Vitaliano heard the Americans were coming he managed to escape. How did he survive? Read on and find out!
“I have some strong views about war,” said George Carlyle, WWII veteran. From exploding artillery to stepping in as best man at a wedding, George has seen just about everything.
Residents and team members at Kensington Court Retirement Residence had a lot of fun putting together this music video for One Republic's hit song "I Lived".
The new Resident Ambassador Program at Court at Laurelwood Retirement Residence has brought everyone together, strengthening connections and filling the residence with warmth.
Martindale Gardens Retirement Residence met their goal of raising $3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Look inside to see some photos of their achievement!
Food has always been a way to connect people, and a culinary initiative at The Shores Retirement Residence in Kamloops, B.C., is doing just that and then some.