CARLTON HOUSE NEWS

winter 2014
Carlton House of Oak Bay | 2080 Oak Bay Avenue | Victoria BC | 250-595-1914 | www.carltonhouse.ca

Whats happening at Carlton House this winter

robbie burns dinner
True Scots or not, well be donning our kilts, toasting our haggis and practicing our poetry in celebration of the legendary Scottish bards birthday.

our leisure services program

Life at Carlton House is Whether its a new book Residents can also take adrich with opportunity feel club, an outing to see a local the- vantage of our fitness room and like loosening up with a yoga atre production, an ice cream weekly guided walks in and class? How about developing social or a tour of Victoria in an around Victoria. your knowledge in an area amphibious vehicle (yes, we did We also strongly believe in thats always interested you? that!) theres always something to the value of life-long learning, Or just catching up with some look forward to on the Carlton and as such, Carlton House offriends over tea? All of fers ongoing intellecit is possible here with tual opportunities, our varied leisure proincluding lectures grams tailored to meet and presentations the physical, social and by local profesintellectual needs of our sors and educators. residents. Theres also an exOur leisure sertensive collection of vices director Rowena books in our library has been with Carlton and computers with House for the last six high-speed Internet years, and considers access to keep our herself fortunate to have residents up-to-date The Carlton House walking group takes to the streets and a job that is so varied with friends, family paths of Greater Victoria every Thursday morning. and enjoyable. and the goings-on Rowena runs a resident- House activity calendar. of the world. driven program and is always Health and wellness is a key Remember, well be taking receptive to residents sugges- component of the leisure ser- care of all the household chores, tions for what theyd like to do vices program, with eight fitness so forget about the dusting and and where theyd like to go. classes on offer each week. do something fun instead!

history lectures
Following a break from our program in December, our knowledgeable lecturers return in January to discuss such topics as the causes of the First World War and early trading on the West Coast.

cocos fashions
Shopping right here in Carlton House! Residents will have the opportunity to browse the racks of Cocos Fashions and make sure theyre well-outfitted for the new year.

wildlife photography
We will be visiting the Royal BC Museum to view this years collection of the worlds best wildlife and nature images -- a striking exhibition from the Natural History Museum in London.

Valentines Day tea and tour

Find out why so many are making Carlton House their home
Please join us Saturday February 15th at 2:00pm for Valentines tea and treats in our conservatory. All are welcome to indulge in afternoon tea followed by a guided tour of our residence and suites. There are limited spots available so be sure to call and book yours as soon as possible. RSVP: 250-595-1914

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

Healthy habits for seniors in 2014

Try a new physical activity
Keeping active doesnt have to mean joining a gym or religiously trudging to the pool twice a week it can be as simple as a daily morning walk with a neighbour or friend. If the winter weather has you wanting to stay indoors, try the local community centre and see what types of yoga, tai chi or aerobics classes are on offer.

Exercise your brain

Mental sharpness is just as important as physical fitness as we age, but unfortunately, it is an aspect of health that is often overlooked. Keep your mind active and engaged by completing crossword puzzles, playing cards, joining a book club or attending some public lectures at a university, library or seniors centre.

The final few months of 2013 were busy ones at Carlton House our calendar filled with outings and entertainment and all sorts of fun. In September, at the suggestion of some itchy-footed residents, we took to the open road on a two-night trip that took us from Victoria to Port Renfrew, Cowichan Lake and Duncan via the stunning Pacific Marine Circle Route. October saw Carlton House converted into a creepy castle draped in orange and black, inhabited by witches and demons and infested with spiders. We had more trick-or-treaters than ever before, and we delighted in seeing the little ones dressed up in their creative costumes, pillow cases heavy with loot.

carlton fall/winter recap

In November, we hosted two annual events: a community Remembrance Day service and a fall fashion show in collaboration with the Monterey Merry Widows and Country Life Fashions. For those that couldnt make it to the cenotaph, Carlton House offered a warmer alternative, with a reception afterwards where veterans shared their wartime memorabilia and stories. Our fashion show November 16 was once again a big hit tickets sold out in less than two weeks! It was a lovely afternoon of food, fashions and fun, thanks to our beautiful volunteer models, Country Life Fashions in the Oak Bay Village, and our very talented Carlton

House chefs. We rounded out the year in style with a number of Christmas events throughout the month of December. Carlton House owners, staff and friends spent hours decking the halls in green, red and gold for the holiday season. Residents lent a hand trimming the tree, and we welcomed the community to sing carols and indulge in some special holiday treats. At our Christmas gala, residents were treated to an evening of socializing, eating, drinking and dancing by the Carlton House owners. Thank you to all of our residents, staff and community members who made 2013 such a success we cant wait to see what 2014 has in store!

Eat more fresh foods

Just because its winter doesnt mean that you cant eat fresh. Markets stock all kinds of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables right through the colder months, so dedicate yourself to eating fresh and notice the difference in the way you look and feel.

Schedule regular check-ups

With age comes an increased risk of illness and other health complications. Making sure that youre up-to-date with your appointments can improve your chances of early detection and prevention, meaning a longer, healthier, happier life.

Top five reasons seniors prefer living in retirement communities to living alone
Senior communities today are not your grandmas nursing home. Sterile, overcrowded and institutional, the homes and hospitals of yesteryear have little in common with the luxurious, vibrant and bustling retirement residences of today. With so many amenities and friends all around, many seniors report that they prefer living in a community to living alone. Here are some common reasons why: ten become isolated after they leave the workforce a dangerous thing for both physical and psychological health. Retirement communities provide a wealth of social opportunities, and people are quick to become cherished friends.

3. engaging activities
Theres always something going on at a senior community whether you like to play bridge, discuss literature, exercise or travel, there really is something for everyone. Most residences have a leisure services director who organizes both on-site activities and outings in the community. Some even do multi-night travel - leave the planning and logistics to them!

in suites, as well as front desk security all help senior home residents (not to mention their families) feel safe and relaxed.

5. delicious, nutritious food

When people live alone, often there is little incentive to cook and eat balanced meals. In senior residences, not only do they get the nutrients they need, but the food actually tastes great. No more cheese sandwiches and canned soup! Plus, you can forget about meal planning, grocery shopping and clean-up - think of all the time youll have to do the things you truly enjoy!

2. no more yard & home maintenance

Maintaining a home is hard work, especially as you get older. When you move to a retirement community, choreslike mowing the lawn, shovelling snow, polishing floors and vacuuming all become things of the past how nice does that sound?

1. new friends!
New friendships are at the top of everyones lists when asked what they love about their new home. Seniors of-

4. peace of mind
Residents can rest easy knowing that someone is always there to help if they need it. Emergency response systems

Resident Testimonial: dora arneil

Oak Bay is home for Dora Arneil, though her thick Scottish accent might lead you to believe otherwise. Born in Northern Scotland, Dora married a young doctor and moved to Canada following the Second World War. The first few years were characterized by a series of crosscountry moves her husbands career in public health landed them first in Prince Rupert, then Halifax, Nelson, Chilliwack and Victoria. The Arneils first home in Oak Bay was just off Beach Drive and had stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Trial Islands. They raised three children there, all of whom attended Oak Bay High and went on to study at UVic. Always an avid walker, Dora recalls many walks to Willows Beach, the Marina and Oak Bay Village. She can tell you the past life of almost every business on the Avenue, from the long-gone green grocer to the still-thriving Pennyfarthing Pub. Of course, she can also tell you the history of Carlton House, from its early days battling for approval at City Hall, to its construction and eventual opening in 2005. She knew several peo- Dora Arneil at Halloween ple who moved in then, but So when a south-facing it wasnt until her husband one-bedroom suite came passed away in 2011, and she available last January, Dora came down with a nasty flu knew the timing was right, sometime later, that she re- and with the help of her chilally started to consider Carlton dren, she made the move to House for herself. Carlton House. Looking after a garden, It does take a bit of getlooking after a house, just be- ting used to going from livcame too much, she says of ing alone or with a partner to the home on Monterey Avenue being one of 90, she admits, where she and her husband but now that shes settled, lived for 25 years. Dora has nothing but praise

Ive never seen such a willingness to listen, such an ability to help.

for Carlton House, its management and staff. If there was ever a saint its Beverley, she laughs, referring to our daytime receptionist. Ive never seen such a willingness to listen, such an ability to help. Shes met new people over dinner, tried new things and been new places with our leisure services director Rowena, and gained peace-of-mind she didnt have before by being part of a community where someone is always aware of how she is doing. As much as life has changed since Dora moved to Carlton House a year ago, some things remain the same: she still enjoys meals with her family, she still enjoys a good book, and she still enjoys her daily walks around Oak Bay a place that has no doubt changed since she first arrived 60 years ago, but a place that will always be her home.

untreated hearing loss can hurt seniors social life and self-worth
In a study conducted by Statistics Canada in 2006, more than one million people reported difficulties hearing however experts say that number is likely much higher due to under-reporting. The psychological impact of hearing loss can be devastating for seniors, who can be seen by others as uncommunicative, uncooperative, and even mentally incapacitated. Understandably, seniors often begin to withdraw from social interaction as they experience difficulty communicating, resulting in a heightened risk of depression. Family members, friends and caregivers need to take proactive steps to reduce the negative impact of hearing loss on seniors notably by learning to recognize the first signs of auditory difficulties. These can include speaking louder than is necessary, difficulty carrying a telephone conversation and zoning out during group interactions.

The psychological impact of hearing loss can be devastating for seniors.

If you think you or a loved one has a hearing problem, make an appointment with an audiologist, hearing specialist or ENT (ears nose and throat) doctor for an assessment. Technological advances in hearing

A common affliction in older adults, hearing loss is actually the fastest growing chronic condition facing Canadians today, and its one that can have a serious impact on a seniors health and quality of life if left untreated.

aids and assistive devices in recent years have dramatically improved communication and quality of life for people living with hearing loss. The National Council on the Aging in the U.S. recently conducted a survey of new hearing aid users and found that 56 per cent of respondents reported improved social relations, and 50 per cent felt better about themselves than they did before they got their hearing aid. With help available and an ever-increasing number of options on the market, theres no reason to suffer the damaging physical, social and psychological effects of hearing loss!

Located in the heart of Oak Bay, Victoria, just steps away from local amenities, Carlton House is an ideal place for seniors looking to enrich their lives through community living, improve their general wellbeing and relax in beautiful surroundings, free from daily chores. With 87 comfortable suites, beautifully landscaped gardens and elegant common areas, Carlton House satisfies expectations for a physically-attractive, well-maintained and secure home, while also fostering a supportive community of enjoyment, camaraderie and pride. Whether its the access to heath, education and community programming you seek, the peace of mind of 24-hour security and round-the-clock staffing, or the joy of being part of a thriving community, youll find it here. Call Alanna Hardinge-Rooney, Community Relations to learn more and book your tour. 250 - 595-1914