CHESTERMERE – For local seniors who are concerned about how long they will be able to remain living comfortably in their own homes, or for those who might want more information for relatives in these situations, an “Aging in Place” seminar will be hosted in Chestermere at the end of the month.
BMO Mortgage Specialist and local resident Patricia Virk, said that it is beneficial that this seminar is making a stop in Chestermere.
“Over the past few years I have witnessed several families have to send their aging parents to Calgary to move to an assisted living facility,” she said. “They have to downsize out of Chestermere due to the lack of senior friendly homes, normally because of their health deteriorating, to be close to medical facilities, because they have lost a spouse or just want to downsize.
“Either way, our seniors are moving out of Chestermere because their homes are no longer suited to their physical needs, or they need assistance that they just cannot find here.”
Virk said that because a medical centre is on the way, Chestermere seniors will hopefully find it easier to meet their medical needs while maintaining their residence in the community.
“So that leaves the question of housing,” she said. “For many baby boomers, we have seen them tear down homes and build a new home which is more suited to their needs either on the same lot or in the same neighborhood.
“We have also seen homes all over Chestermere being customized and renovated. These are excellent options to keep our senior in our community and continue to “Age in Place”.”
Virk has collaborated with Marianne Rogerson, Chair of Studies in Aging at Mount Royal University, renovator/builder Paul Klassen of Pinnacle Homes and Kathy Yuen, Architect and owner of Phase One Design to put together a seminar to provide information to local seniors about how to “age in place” in Chestermere.
It will be hosted by the Whitecappers on Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. until noon. The seminar is open to anyone looking to renovate their home or to build a new one, and covers everything from the building process from planning an infill build, to “aging in place” renovation ideas to help keep seniors in the current homes.
“Keeping our elders close by ensures our future generations lives are enriched by having their grandparents as an active part of their lives,” Virk said. “To my generation it often means more than having an emergency babysitter for the kids or a short drive if Mom and Dad need some help shovelling the walk, it means having their guidance and wisdom close by, having a family dinner more often than just on holidays, and ensuring future generations are enriched by their stories and experiences.
“There is no need to have to move away from family and neighbours they have known for years, as a few custom renovations can allow seniors to age gracefully in Chestermere, where they have lived and flourished for years.”
The “Aging in Place” seminar is free, however registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Patricia Virk at 403-204-3628 or patricia.virk@bmo.com.
