Getting the Whole Picture

Retirement Living: What is behind the ADVERTISING?

The major purpose of a good commercial or advertisement is to address a need; and then attempt to show how the product, service, or organization being advertised meets that need. One of the reasons we are drawn to certain advertising messages is because we identify or connect with that need on an intellectual, physical, spiritual or emotional basis. When touring a Retirement community for the first time, it is easy to be influenced by what you see and hear; however, what more is there to see and hear? What happens behind the scenes or that first approach?

Finding the ideal Retirement Community for yourself or your loved one is vital in ensuring that the next chapter of life has meaning and purpose. 'Home is where the heart is', and it is no different in finding the right Retirement home.

I, Carrie O'Neill would like to share a personal story about this:

After my mom's passing, I began to witness a slow decline in my father's physical and mental health. The only daily interaction my father had was with his furry friend, Max, an elderly spaniel cross. I soon discovered that in my mom's absence, the overall standards of the home began to decline, and his capacity to make healthy meals for himself was minimal.

As the only child living nearby, I would help out as much as I could and drop in for visits, but it seemed that it just wasn't enough support. After breaking two hips one year apart from the other, my father's mobility endured great challenges, and a walker and outdoor scooter became necessary to keep him safe.

It became apparent that my father needed a retirement home that provided services. Despite his resistance to this concept, I accompanied him and supplemented his questions with questions that I thought were meaningful in assisting him in choosing the 'right' community. In short, I wanted to be his sounding board as well as his advocate.

On reflection, the home that he was drawn to was the one where he was able to experience a meal served with a glass of white wine and appeared to offer up every amenity conceivable, all this at a seemingly reasonable price. In making his choice, my Dad seemed to focus only on a couple of things he enjoyed and missed the elements that did not reflect the lifestyle that he led or the interests that he had. Within five months of admission, he no longer wanted to be there. He felt alone and out of place, and this is where I could have done a better job for him. I ought to have spent more time emphasizing the things that contribute to having a sense of purpose and belonging. The questions I could have found for him were: 'Who are the residents that live in this home? What did they do in their lifetime? What lifestyle did they lead? Will he have anything in common with them? What is the vibe of the key support staff? Will they go out of their way to help make this transition easier? Can this feel like home?'

In choosing the next home, all of these questions were answered for my Dad.

So, experience always teaches, and what a valuable lesson we both learned.

My role at Heaton Place Retirement Residence in Armstrong, allows me the opportunity to engage with families and seniors that are looking for the right home for the next chapter of their lives. It is my heart's work to ensure that they are fully empowered with all the vital information they need, to make sure that they will transition smoothly, and that they will be connected with other seniors that will have some common life experiences. It is my intention always to impart compassion, empathy, and concern for the well-being of each resident that chooses to call Heaton Place home. For after all, home is where the heart is.

As far as Dad goes, well, he is on his way to a small hunting and logging town where I know it won't be long before I get a phone call and will hear my Dad say, "Kid, I found my people, I found my home".

If you are looking for a small farming town community and would like to know more of what we have to offer, please call me at 250-546-3353, Ext 506. I would love to meet you and answer ALL your questions.

With Care and Gratitude

Carrie O'Neill