Some decisions are more difficult than others.
After a lifetime of routines, memories, good times, speedbumps and solving problems, choosing “the next chapter” of senior living is often a challenging, complex and personal decision.
Undeniably, the natural flow of demographics is the key factor for the surging need and demand for Edmonton senior living options. According to the most recent Canadian Census, although Edmonton’s median age is 36.4 years old, specific stats and trends track that Edmonton’s senior demographic is surging and growing faster than other age groups.
In the past 10 years or so, seniors (65 and older) increased from 12 per cent to 16 per cent of Alberta’s total population. By 2051, projections show that one in five Albertans will be a senior.
While there are increasing Edmonton options for senior living, demand is also increasing and often difficult decisions must be made because it is an indisputable fact: today’s seniors are living longer and are relatively healthy.
It is a challenging essential to do homework about the types and the availability of senior housing. Researching. Asking questions. Investigating. In the region, and throughout Alberta, the provincial system defines five main categories: independent living, aging-in-place, assisted living, nursing homes and designated supportive living (DSL).
“Contemporary seniors are not looking to retire from life—they are looking to redesign it,” says the upbeat Heidi Hadubiak, CEO of Edmonton’s Canterbury Foundation, the popular and well-established assisted senior living community dedicated to upgrading the quality of life for seniors. “Today’s seniors want many of the same things they have always wanted: independence, dignity, choice, meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose. However, their expectations around senior living have changed dramatically. They don’t want to feel as though they are moving into care. They want to feel as though they are moving into a community.
“Seniors want efficient, comfortable private spaces, excellent food, opportunities to stay active, access to wellness and recreation and the ability to continue making their own choices about how they spend their days. They want to be surrounded by people, but they also want privacy. They want support available when they need it, without having independence taken away when they don’t.”
According to Tracy Adolf at McConachie Gardens Retirement Living, which provides private, personal living space and personal care for adults and seniors, as well as support for adults with a wide range of health issues, “Edmonton seniors are looking for a variety of services and amenities that meet their wants, needs and expectations. A place where they can feel safe, independent, connected, comfortable and at home—with the freedom to spend more time doing the things they enjoy and less time managing the responsibilities of a home.
“Many seniors are looking for more opportunities for social interaction, meaningful connections and friendships and an important priority is access to good, nutritious meals without the responsibility of planning, shopping, preparing and cooking every day. Dining is also an enjoyable opportunity to socialize with friends.”
Hadubiak explains that today’s seniors want to be surrounded by people, but they also seek privacy.
“They want support available when they need it, without having independence taken away when they don’t. There is a fine balance between privacy and socializing. The difference is between doing things for someone and doing things with someone. Contemporary seniors want to retain their agency. Our role is to provide the environment, relationships and support that allow them to do exactly that.”
Increasingly, flexibility is essential. A senior may be completely independent today but wants the confidence of knowing that additional support is available if their circumstances change.
“The goal of senior living isn’t simply to find somewhere to live only today. It is to create an environment where someone can continue to live well, as their needs evolve,” she explains.
No doubt about it! The options for senior living are a huge change and an often difficult, big decision—for the senior and their family.
“Even the language used matters enormously,” she continues, “For many seniors, moving isn’t simply a change of address. It’s an emotional transition. They’re potentially leaving the family home where they raised their children, built memories, celebrated milestones and perhaps lived for decades. So, when we say, ‘It’s time for you to move,’ what a parent may hear is, ‘Your old life is over.’ It’s important to reframe that conversation. Moving to senior living isn’t about giving something up. It’s about gaining something.”
Adolf emphasizes that the decision often means an enormous, personal change.
“The change holds a lifetime of memories, meaningful possessions, and familiar routines. The thought of downsizing can feel overwhelming. Seniors wonder: what can I bring with me? Where will my treasured belongings go? Will I be able to sell my home?
“Moving into a new environment can also bring uncertainty. New surroundings, new routines and meeting new people can feel intimidating. Seniors may wonder if they will make new friends, feel comfortable in their new home and enjoy being part of their new community. These concerns are completely natural.”
She adds that choosing senior living is not simply about moving to a new home. It is about finding a new place to call home while honouring the life, memories, belongings and connections that have shaped who we are.
Issy McLean is a personable resident in the independent living area of Canterbury Manor.
“The decision to go into a senior home will always be difficult. I was looking for a residence that is affordable, clean and well managed and a place that would be my new home to enjoy the rest of my life. My life is good at Canterbury.”
She adds, “We have entertainment every day of the week, except Sunday, which is family day. I have a large, clean, bright senior apartment and if I don’t feel like cooking, I go to the diner. I enjoy the people. We are a family here and we get along. Of course, each person is an individual,” she smiles, “and has different reasons to come to a senior home. But I suggest that they do it now and not later.”
Pat and Morley Becker just celebrated their 71st anniversary and are enjoying life in the assisted living area of Canterbury Heights.
“Making the transition can be challenging, and it’s mostly personal,” they point out. “The main needs, wants and priorities for seniors considering a transition to senior living are location and amenities. Choosing a comfortable facility in a familiar area is vital. We have weekly shuttles to banks, grocery stores and pharmacies and having an on-site shop for small items is very convenient.”
“What we enjoy most about senior living is the welcoming environment and the wonderful people we’ve met,” Pat says with positivity. “On a personal note, I thoroughly enjoy no longer having to cook three meals a day or worry about cleaning and vacuuming!”