The developer, Statesman Corporation, is well known for its exclusive sixty plus independent living manors – they have four in Calgary, but Stay Well Manor Village is the first of its kind in Canada. This elegant Manor located in the vibrant milieu of Garrison Woods essentially offers three different lifestyles: independent living, independent living with assistance and a memory care component for those residents experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

“The beauty of this environment is that residents can start out in independent living  and as their health care requirements change over time, they can move into assisted living, which is designed for those who might need a little more TLC within the privacy of their own suite – whether it is medication or bathing assistance or nightly assurance checks,” explains Nicole Blais, VP Operation for Statesman Corporation.

Residents have a choice of floor plans ranging from just under 600 square feet to over 900 square feet, and have the option to lease or buy. Suites are spacious with large walk-in closets and bathrooms that boast all of the extras like heat lamps, shower benches and support bars. Kitchens are complete with a full sized fridge and microwave. McAuley says that full kitchens really aren’t required because of the three dining rooms in the facility.

“Our meal plans are flexible. Many residents like to enjoy breakfast in their suite and then take advantage of the gourmet meals in the dining room for lunch and dinner,” she says while noting that residents are encouraged to invite family and friends to dine with them.

The Manor boasts a full arts and crafts center with a kitchen so Christmas baking is a snap! There is more than enough room for the girls to get together and whip up a yummy batch of shortbread. “This is quite a social building and all of the main spaces are really an extension of the residents’ living rooms,” says McAuley.

Throughout the building you will find games tables, shuffleboard tables, pool tables, computer stations, a library and a theatre room. Residents can kick back in a comfy wing back chair by the fire and listen to a pianist tinkle the ivories on the baby grand piano in the lobby’s Fireside Lounge. In the morning, the Garden Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a steaming cup of java while reading the daily news. The manor also features three gourmet restaurants  - all boasting floor to ceiling rock faced fireplaces and views of the mountains.  If residents are not feeling well, full tray service is available to their suite.

Themed around wellness, the Manor offers a full wellness center with therapeutic tub and exercise area. A recreational therapist is on staff, as is a geriatric doctor, who visits three times per week.  Nursing stations are located on all floors except for the independent living areas and emergency pull cords are found in every bedroom and at various locations through out the building. For extra peace of mind, each resident also wears an emergency pin.

Homes start in the 160,000s.  “Based on Garrison Woods prices, homes are very affordable and we have a guaranteed repurchase protection program so it makes ownership care free for the residents and their families,”  says Nicole Blais. Monthly fees include all meals, towel and sheet service, weekly housekeeping and health care. “It is wonderful to be able to offer this lifestyle to our seniors.  They really deserve it,” says McAuley.   CL