CARLTON HOUSE NEWS

fall 2013
Carlton House of Oak Bay | 2080 Oak Bay Avenue | Victoria BC | 250-595-1914 | www.carltonhouse.ca

Whats happening at Carlton House this summer

Circle Tour trip
Well be hitting the open road this September on a two-night trip that will take us from Victoria to Port Renfrew and on to Cowichan Lake and Duncan via the stunning Pacific Marine Circle Route.

stay social, stay healthy!

ARABIAN NIGHTS DINNER

A colourful night to remember, our Arabian Nights dinner will include elaborate costumes, exquisite Middle Eastern cuisine and one very special belly dancing performance!

Zumba!
New to Carlton House this fall, Zumba combines Latin and International music with fun and effective aerobic dance moves. Well be trying out Zumba Gold, a lower-impact version for older adults.

Victorian fashion show

Come enjoy tea and learn about Victoria fashions and social customs from the ladies at Victoria Vogue.

The relationship between diet, exercise and well-being is almost universally acknowledged, but there is a mounting case that social engagement is just as if not more important to healthy aging. While socialization is critical for all people, regardless of age, older adults can be especially susceptible to isolation. Social networks often diminish as we leave the workforce, watch our children grow and move away, and face the loss of close friends or a spouse. At the same time, changes in our health can lead to decreased energy, communication and mobility challenges, meaning that even though we may have more free time on our hands, simply getting out of the house to be with other people can be difficult. According to a 2012 report

by Statistics Canada, more than a quarter of Canadian seniors would like to participate in more social activities. It found that the greater the number of frequent social activities seniors took part in, the better their self-perceived health and life satisfaction. There are more tangible benefits to maintaining an active social life as well researchers have found that socializing actually adds years to your life, as well as reducing stress, staving off Alzheimers and boosting the immune system. So how do you stay socially connected later in life? Many seniors have family members and caregivers who periodically interact with them, but to really reap the benefits of socialization, seniors need to consistently engage

with others, primarily their peers. Joining clubs, groups and volunteer organizations are all good options. There are senior centres that host activities and events that are great for seniors hoping to make new friends and try new things. Retirement communities like Carlton House are a ready-made solution, providing a wealth of opportunities for residents to interact, get to know each other and participate in activities that improve physical, mental and emotional health. It may take a little extra effort, but the benefits of getting out and socializing with others reach well into the future. Think of it the same way you do physical activity when it comes to social skills, use it or lose it definitely applies.

Thank you
to everyone who attended our second annual Summer Garden Party on August 10, 2013. We loved seeing you all in your delightful hats, gloves and finery, and we hope that you enjoyed the delicious treats cooked up by our very own Carlton House chefs and the elegant entertainment, provided by some very talented musicians from the Royal Victoria Conservatory of Music.

CONNECT WITH C A R LTO N H O U S E ! Follow us on Twitter: @CarltonHouseOB Or look us up on Facebook!

Hope to see you again next year!

the upside of downsizing: a How-to Guide

Whether youre empty nesters moving from a house to a condo or a senior preparing to move to a retirement living residence to be closer to family, downsizing an entire lifes worth of possessions can seem like a horrendous undertaking. You have rooms upon rooms, closets upon closets, drawers upon drawers filled to the brim with furniture and memorabilia accumulated over the years, and absolutely no clue where to start. The task of sifting, sorting, donating, disposing and packing your belongings many of them filled with meaning and memories overwhelms you, and you feel ready to throw in the towel before you even start. Dont. Downsizing can be a stressful and emotional time, but it can also be an enjoyable, reflective and even a liberating one. Follow the suggestions below on how to get started, what to do with what you have, and stay sane throughout it all. that because your neighbour purged and de-cluttered her home in two weekends, youll be able to do the same. Take stock of your resources (who can help, who might want to adopt some of your stuff) and determine what you can realistically accomplish in a given timeframe. Know your goal. If you already know the dimensions of your new space, great! Make a floor plan and dont keep anything that doesnt fit comfortably in it. Be realistic about the space that youre aiming for if youre moving into a 1-bedroom suite in a retirement residence, theres no sense in hanging onto your guest bedroom suite and your dining room table. better decisions if you take regular breaks and give yourself the time to adjust to the changes youre making. Limit the amount of space youre willing or able to give each type of item. For instance, if youre only going to have one bookshelf in your new space, only allow yourself to pack as many books as will fit on that bookshelf, or as many kitchen gadgets as will fit in that drawer. reasonably need. With the exception of recent tax and property documents, shred old paperwork and start anew.

Keep calm and carry on

Divide things peacefully by creating a system to determine who gets what. Have family members take turns choosing what items they would like to have and talking through any disputes in a rational, compassionate way. Maintain some perspective. Its easy to get swept away in the memories and emotions of your stuff, but at the end of the day, it is just that stuff. The important experiences and memories you will carry with you always, so take a mental snapshot and get rid of the item itself. Bring in the professionals the Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists (CRTS). If youre short on time, energy, personal resources, or just feeling burnt-out by the downsizing process, look into having a specialist ease your workload and stress level. They can help navigate the scary, overwhelming tasks of downsizing and even help you design and set up your new space. Have patience. Moving is hard, especially for seniors who may be leaving a home where theyve spent decades raising a family. Its okay to be sad about parting with things, but remember that the goal is not to rid yourself of all material possessions just to simplify and improve. Acknowledging the emotional component of downsizing and moving gives closure to the memories of the house youre leaving and opens you up to meeting new friends and opportunities in your new home.

What to do with all the stuff

Consider bequeathing items now. There will inevitably be things that you want to keep, but you no longer use or cannot fit in your new space. Set aside these items and think about who you would like to have them. Perhaps you were already planning on bequeathing your china to your granddaughter why not do it now instead? You will likely get more pleasure out of seeing her use it at the next family gathering than having it boxed up in the back of your closet. Keep the things you treasure most. Make a list (one page only!) of items you refuse to part with for sentimental reasons and keep it in sight as you sort through other possessions. If its chipped, broken, stained, out-of-style or just never used, get rid of it. If its something youd forgotten you owned, you dont need it. If its something that is good-as-new and simply not suited to your lifestyle, have an auctioneering agency come to your home to catalogue and appraise your possessions. Shred, shred, shred. Most people hang on to far more important papers than they

Really getting started

Start with the rooms you use the least. People with large family homes typically only end up truly living in about half the rooms in their house kitchens, bedrooms and dens with places like guest rooms, basements and even living rooms getting much rarer use. Start the process in these lesser used areas to avoid cluttering the other more regularly used rooms. Develop a sorting system. Decide what to keep, what to discard, and what to give to friends, family or charity. There is no maybe pile here once something is in a pile, thats where it stays! Stick to a schedule. Downsizing takes its toll, mentally and physically. Even the fittest and most enthusiastic person should not sort, box and catalogue for more than two hours at a time. You will feel less overwhelmed and make

Getting started
Realize that you can live with less and commit to making it happen. Its just stuff, after all. If you dont use it, enjoy it, or have a particular sentimental attachment to it get rid of it. Know that you are not alone. According to a 2010 study conducted by the University of Michigan, more than 60 per cent of seniors said they had more than they needed, leading to increased stress and anxiety over how they would unload it all. Downsizing is as normal a life transition as buying your first house. Create a timeline that is realistic for you. Dont be too ambitious nor too relaxed, and dont think

Understanding the levels of care

When faced with the task of finding a retirement residence for yourself or a senior loved one, the first question to ask is What level of care do I/ they need? Youll be relieved to know that there are now many levels of senior care available, and with a bit of thoughtful consideration and research, you will no doubt find the perfect arrangement to suit you and your familys needs. What follows is a brief description of each type of residence.

Independent Living
Housing and hospitality services for seniors who are capable of directing their own care Generally, arrangement includes suite rental with additional non-medical supports including meals, housekeeping and activities Residents must be independently ambulatory and cognitively alert Not licensed to provide medical care; no nursing staff on-site Possibility of engaging outside home care agencies for extra support if required

Assisted living
Offer accommodation and assistance to seniors who can live independently but require regular help with daily activities Support includes housing, meals and hospitality services, as well as assistance with activities like eating, dressing, bathing, grooming and managing medications On-site nursing team and medical supervision Different residences cater to different needs and levels of assistance eg. Memory care

Long-term/Complex care
Provide accommodation, care and supervision for seniors who are no longer capable of directing their own day-to-day activities Typically provide a housing and hospitality services, as well as most extensive support services Settings include intermediate care facilities, extended care hospitals and private hospitals and include extended care, special care, palliative care and respite care.

Family testimonial: Richard McAlary

When it comes to retirement residences, Richard McAlary believes hes seen it all. Son of now Carlton House resident David McAlary, Richard spent months scouring websites, making phone calls and touring residences around Victoria, Vancouver, and even Australia, where he himself now lives. He recalls drab interiors, bored residents, and locations far from local amenities and entertainment. Sometimes, Id call from the parking lot to cancel my appointment, Richard says. I just couldnt see Dad living in these places. With Richard living and working abroad, and his father dealing with a set of health problems compounded by the recent loss of his spouse, leaving Dad to fend for himself in the family home was not an option. He had to find a place where he could feel confident in knowing that his father was not only safe, but physically, socially and intellectually stimulated. Based on what he calls extensive analytical research, Richard made the decision to move his father to Carlton House in June 2011. Being able to walk everywhere was very important to us, he says. Carlton House has the perfect location. Everything you could possibly need is close-by, and Oak Bay is just beautiful. The quality of staff, food and activities also factored heavily in their decision with Carlton House coming out on top in every category. Some people end up here because its close to home and because they know the place; others end up here because

Some people end up here because its close to home and they know the place; others end up here because theyve done their research and determined that Carlton House is simply head and shoulders above the rest.

Richard McAlary theyve done their research and determined that Carlton House is simply head and shoulders above the rest. As an urban economist and

retired member of the Canadian Housing Design Council, Richards praise is grounded in both personal and professional experience. Its one of the finest facilities of its kind in North America, probably the world, he says. Its every bit as good as the brochures say. Two years after moving in, both father and son couldnt be happier with the change of address and lifestyle. Though his move was accompanied by the usual reservations and anxieties of any major life transition, Richard says his father is now younger in spirit, healthier in body, and altogether happier than he has been in decades. If hes happy, Im happy, says Richard. I still worry sometimes, when Im far off in Australia, but then I come to visit, and I get to talk to all of the staff and residents, and I just see what a great place this is all over again.

Carlton House of Oak Bay 2080 Oak Bay Avenue Victoria BC V8R 6w2

Postage

Carlton House of Oak Bay is one of the most sought after retirement homes in western Canada. Centred in the highly desirable community of Oak Bay, near downtown Victoria, Carlton House combines quiet elegance and unparalleled amenities in a secure and supportive environment. Built in 2005, the residence features 87 private apartments, many with balconies overlooking manicured gardens and a courtyard. Living at Carlton House also includes a complete package of services ranging from weekly housekeeping to nutritious meals to exercise classes and even an in-house hair salon! Call Alanna Hardinge-Rooney, Community Relations to learn more and book your tour. 250-595-1914