Senior living as a new beginning:
What many people do not expect but often discover
Starting a conversation about senior living can feel emotional and uncertain. You may be wondering if now is the right time, if senior living will change your lifestyle, or if it is even the right choice at all. For families, the discussion is often rooted in love and concern. For seniors, it can bring a mix of hesitation, curiosity, hope, and reflection. What is important to understand is this. Choosing senior living is not about giving something up. For many people, it becomes an opportunity to regain time, energy, and peace of mind while discovering new ways to live well and feel supported.
At Optima Living, home is found in the moments we share. A Taste of Togetherness brings our communities to life through the familiar comfort of food, conversation, and connection. From laughter over coffee to meals shared around the table, these everyday moments create a true sense of belonging.
Join us for our Spring Open House on Saturday, April 18 from 1 pm to 4 pm and experience a community where warmth is felt, friendships grow, and every welcome feels genuine.
We invite you to bring your friends to our open house to discover senior living that truly feels like home.
Optima Living TV is coming soon with a fresh new format. Hosted by Principal Ali Shivji, this edition will take on a more conversational, podcast-style approach, offering deeper insight into the people and ideas shaping life at Optima Living.
In the upcoming episode, Ali will sit down with Chief Operating Officer Angela Grottoli and Regional Operations Manager Samantha Stewart to explore what leadership means within our communities and how it empowers team members to make thoughtful decisions that enrich the lives of both residents and team members. From mentoring new leaders to creating meaningful programs, the conversation will highlight how leadership influences everyday life across Optima Living communities. You’ll also hear stories of initiative in action, including a team member stepping into the kitchen to make
pancakes for nearly 200 residents. Stay tuned next month for more details!
In the meantime, visit our Youtube Channel for more content on senior living, lifestyle tips, and more!
We are announcing the acquisition of Seasons Olds, a 41-suite seniors living and care community within a 65-unit condominium complex, from Seasons Retirement. With the transaction completed, we have renamed the community to Harvest House. Located just south of the Olds Hospital & Care Centre and close to the town of Olds, Alberta, the community offers Independent Living as well as continuing care suites.
We are looking forward to the freshness and energy of spring! The season brings a sense of renewal, encouraging residents to try new experiences and embrace activities that bring fulfillment and happiness to their days. Every day offers an opportunity to refresh and recharge – you can spend a sunny afternoon outdoors, share laughter with friends, or explore a new hobby. Spring is more than just a season – it’s a chance to celebrate life, and the little moments that make each day special.
Passport to Paradise brought the very best of Italy right to Aster Gardens’ dining room. Stunning decorations, an incredible spread of food, and so much laughter shared between the residents and team.
Wisteria Place welcomed the Lunar Year of the Horse in the most unforgettable way. A real pony stopped by to bring good luck to their residents and team members. 🐴✨ The celebration brought their community together, creating joyful moments and lasting memories.
Wisteria Place residents are enjoying la dolce vita (sweet life) every day. Their residents were transported to Italy, experiencing stunning decorations and a delicious feast. Bellissimo (very beautiful) describes the celebration perfectly, but words still fall short.
Wisteria Place residents have had their boarding passes stamped! Passport to Paradise transported them straight to France, and the dining room has never looked so
magnifique. From elegant plating to the delicious flavors, their kitchen team brought the heart of French cuisine to life. Au revoir (goodbye/until we see each other again) for
now, though we have a feeling their residents are already looking forward to the next destination.
Wisteria Place proudly hosted a vibrant lion dance, celebrating cultural traditions and bringing their community together. Residents and team members enjoyed a festive afternoon, complete with delicious food. The community wishes you a year of prosperity, happiness, and good health.
Delicious food, great company, and a wonderful evening out — Silver Slate Steakhouse never disappoints. Cottonwood Village’s Supper Club enjoyed another fantastic night filled with laughter, great conversation, and a memorable meal. It’s always a hit and the perfect reason to spend an evening out together.
Cottonwood Village opened its doors to host a cultural presentation on Mexico. Residents learned about the country’s rich traditions and customs before enjoying a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, including tamales, refried beans, and Mexican coffee. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore a vibrant culture while sharing great food.
Creativity and culture came together beautifully as our residents painted traditional Ukrainian dolls! Each brushstroke was filled with care, and a touch of magic. So wonderful to see our residents expressing themselves and sharing such joyful moments together!
Our Holi celebration was bursting with joy! Our residents dove right into the fun, with faces covered in vibrant colours and smiles all around. The delicious Indian snacks
were a sweet hit as well!
Everitt Gardens residents embarked on a delightful journey to France, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and tastes of a true French experience. From elegant decorations to a sumptuous feast, residents and team members shared unforgettable moments together. Vive la France!
MacTaggart Place residents took a little trip to France. They enjoyed crêpes, thoughtfully paired wines, live entertainment, and a delicious dinner that had many going back for seconds (Beef Bourguignon, anyone?). Moments like these are what make Mactaggart Place so special. Good food, good people, and good times.
Rutherford Heights residents enjoyed a journey through Italy, exploring Rome’s history, the elegance of Florence and Tuscany, and the lively spirit of Venice. An Italian-inspired lunch followed the morning travelogue, bringing the flavours of the day’s journey to life. The celebration continued with an afternoon social where residents gathered to connect, share stories, and enjoy time together.
Rutherford Heights residents also embarked on an exciting cultural adventure, exploring destinations from across the world. Highlights included Paris and the French Riviera, followed by coffee, tea, chocolate-filled pastry, and macarons. It was a wonderful afternoon!
Passport to Paradise took Parkwood Place residents to Paris for a Valentine’s Tea. They enjoyed a Parisian-style tea accompanied by the elegant sounds of harp and flute, performed by Voice of the Heart. Previously, residents also traveled to Tuscany for a delightful Sunday afternoon Tuscan Tea.
The culinary team at Oakwood Manor crafted an exquisite Valentine’s Day meal, creating a truly memorable dining experience for the residents. The beautifully prepared menu, paired with a warm and inviting atmosphere, made the occasion feel extra special. It was a wonderful evening filled with appreciation, connection, and a little extra sweetness for the holiday.
The Kensington’s chef created an exquisite France-themed supper, bringing the flavours and charm of Paris straight to the dining room. Each beautifully prepared dish celebrated the rich traditions of French cuisine, delighting residents with every bite. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with delicious food, warm conversation,
and a festive atmosphere.
Aspen Ridge residents traveled straight to the heart of France! The dining room was transformed with French-inspired décor, and residents enjoyed a delicious meal while sharing memorable moments. Every detail brought the warmth and charm of a French afternoon right to their community.
Italy came to life at Aspen Ridge thanks to an incredible culinary team that poured their hearts into making every moment special. The menu featured Italian Wedding Soup, Prosciutto-Wrapped Melons, Basil Pesto Linguine with Lemon Shrimp, Italian Loaf, and Tiramisu to finish it all beautifully.
Inglewood residents journeyed to the heart of Paris during their latest Passport to Paradise experience. With charming Parisian décor setting the scene and a selection of delightful French-inspired bites to enjoy, the afternoon felt like a stroll along the boulevards of France.
Inglewood’s very own pizzeria brought a delicious taste of Italy right to their residents! They started with Italian Wedding Soup and a fresh Italian salad before moving on to the star of the show: a Build-Your-Own Pasta Bar featuring penne, spaghetti, or linguine paired with tomato, cream, or butter sauce. Bowls were then topped with fresh vegetables and delicious options like braised beef, chicken, or shrimp.
Residents of The Hamlets at Red Deer gathered for an afternoon of fun! The excitement began with a lively game of Mega Bingo, filled with laughter. Tasty treats accompanied residents as they explored more of Italy. To capture the memories, residents also created a scrapbook of their Italian adventure—a wonderful keepsake they can treasure for years to come.
Italy came alive at Deer Park Village when the Culinary Chef and Recreation Manager showcased their skills, making fresh pasta from scratch for all the residents to enjoy! It was a fun-filled afternoon full of laughter, aromas, and a true taste of Italy!
Residents of The Hamlets at Duncan traveled to France without ever leaving the building. Through a variety of engaging activities, they explored French culture from around the world, enjoying music, delicious treats, and lively traditions. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience something new together and share special moments.
Residents had a great time playing darts and watching the women’s gold medal hockey game with members of the Cowichan Valley Capitals. It was a fun and memorable afternoon filled with excitement, and the community truly appreciated the players joining them.
The Hamlets at Penticton traveled to France, and they’re still talking about it! What an incredible afternoon! The food, the atmosphere, the smiles… it was one of those days you just do not forget.
We have suites available across our various communities, and we’d love to show you around. To get a feel for what living in our communities is like and to meet some of our residents and team members, you can book a private tour. Click the link below to schedule your visit. We hope to see you soon!
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
― Marcel Proust