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2010 and 2011 Consumer Choice Award for Retirement Home in the City of Saskatoon
For seniors looking for a balance of security and independence, Riverside Terrace is the ideal choice.
Kelly Peevers, housing manager of Riverside Terrace, which is managed by LutherCare Communities of Saskatoon, says part of what makes this seniors’ home stand apart from others is its beautiful location on Saskatchewan Crescent along the river, but also because the type of services offered are in between what other homes offer.
“Not all meals are included in the monthly rent, so they still have kitchens in their suite that they’re able to do their own cooking they might want to do, but there are still a number of things that are included that make it a social time, too.”
There is something for everyone with card games such as crib, bridge, canasta and kaiser; exercise classes and chair yoga; entertainment groups; pancake breakfasts; wine and cheese socials; bingo and movie nights; scrabble; worship service as well as more informal coffee and visits. In the summer, residents also make trips to city events or locations like the Berry Barn.
All of the meals are made on site, and homemade soups are cooked daily. In addition to meals, housekeeping is also provided along with transportation to medical appointments and scheduled shopping trips. There is a hair salon in the building, and a nurse comes in for two half days a week.
Peevers compares it to condo living but with more of a sense of community.
“Some condos, you might not get to know many of your neighbours. Here, with the social events that go on, with the meals that are offered, it offers a better opportunity to socialize and get to know everybody, and almost become a small town or a community.... And people do better if they eat balanced meals and have social stimulation. It’s just a better lifestyle.”
Peevers points to Saskatoon’s blizzard in 2007 that left many people in the city feeling isolated or concerned about family with the city shutting down. He says at Riverside Terrace, residents were calmly gathered together.
“They were joking and laughing by the fireplace on ‘what a great blizzard, haven’t seen one in such a long time,’ but there was that sense of security, the community, they didn’t feel isolated. They didn’t worry about it. It was another day, and it was a great thing to see.”
Riverside Terrace offers a wide variety of floor plans with 22, and suites range in size from 508 to 1318 square feet. Some of the larger suites have waiting lists while a few one-bedrooms are currently available.
Peevers says the building provides a sense of community and security to not only the residents, but their families as well.
“When they come now, they can come and visit, not come to shovel snow or to cut the grass or to look after the place or fix the furnace that’s gone down. It’s more of a come to visit and have more of a social time than a work time.”
Peevers stated that he has had families come to him and say, “I used to have to come over all the time to deal with different things when she was in her own home, now I have to make an appointment to see her because she is always on the go. It is great to see mom so happy and content.”
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