Residents of The Manor at Gardens on Tenth in Altona are fully enjoying recently updated and accessible suites.
Related stories:
- Gardens on Tenth launches 60th anniversary fundraising campaign
- Gardens on Tenth residents enjoying suite updates in The Manor
After two years and $400,000 in community-raised funds, all of the units now feature walk-in showers, raised toilets, updated cabinets and induction cook tops for safety, as well as widened doorways, and new lighting and flooring.
"When I came here, and the sun was shining so beautifully in the window that day, something inside me said, 'you're at the right place'," explained Enns.
Trudy Enns moved into a renovated suite last June.
"It was just beautiful. It even had the curtains. I added a little bit, but it had everything. It was very complete," she said, reflecting on the day she toured her new home, adding she knew right away that this was the place for her. "It had a warm feeling about it. The colours were so warm. It had a south window. I hadn't had a south window since I moved to the farm."
"When I came here, and the sun was shining so beautifully in the window that day, something inside me said, 'you're at the right place'," explained Enns. "It was almost like the voice of God. It was in my heart. I knew I'd have to do some adjusting (but) I can't say it was a hard adjustment."
With these updates, Gardens on Tenth was also able to expand its assisted living program, Pathways.
Enns accesses some of those services and says the biggest thing for her was accepting that she couldn't do it all on her own anymore.
While the up-to-date suite helped in that transition, Enns says it was the staff that made the biggest impact, allowing her to make the change with dignity.
"I know I needed help. I didn't want to be totally dependent on anybody, and I got that total freedom. They are always there for you. They never force me into thinking maybe it's time I do this is or that. That is the thing that made my adjustment very, very easy because I have an independent nature."
And Enns certainly takes advantage of the opportunity to maintain her independence by using the facility's communal stove to bake easter bread for her neighbours, and even takes on a mentorship role in the Gardens' baking program.
Related stories:
- Municipality of Rhineland throws support behind major renovation at Gardens on Tenth
- Support continues for accessible upgrades at The Manor in Altona
- Access Credit Union throws support behind renovation project at Gardens on Tenth
Life is what you make it
For Enns, it isn't where you live that makes your life.
"I think you can, and I did, live in a shack (because) I grew up in a very poor situation. I think the place helps, and it's wonderful to have such a nice room, but I think it's the people that are around you."
At the end of the day, she believes every community should have an assisted living facility or program to help its seniors age gracefully.
"Because you don't give up everything at one time. It's all done in stages," she said.