Think of it as an “aging-in” place, or a home with as much care as you need – even none at all.
That’s how Charlene Rivard describes Aspira West Park Crossing Retirement Living in Moose Jaw. Built just eight years ago, the seniors community offers everything from individual, well-appointed apartments for independent living to complete-care suites for residents requiring assistance with memory loss. Meals and snacks are available to all, and indoor activities and off-site excursions are designed to foster interaction, exercise and enjoyment.
“It’s nice that you can come here and progress with age,” says Rivard, sales advisor at West Park Crossing. “You can come and live independently, and over time you can transition to additional care as you need it. I like to say it’s ‘complete care’ or ‘aging in place’.”
It’s also the full package.
Residents have their three meals per day, as well as snacks, as dietary considerations are always respected. Breakfasts have hot and cold options, there are two choices for lunch, and supper is a hot meal and typically includes soup, which Rivard says the residents love.
Nutrition is vitally important to life at West Park Crossing, as is exercise and communal activities.
“Every morning starts off with exercise right after breakfast,” Rivard explains. “Residents can go for a walk or have a guided, low-impact exercise in their chair. We also have live entertainment every Friday, and on Thursdays, there’s an outing by bus that lasts between two and three hours. They go somewhere new every week.”
Of course, families are always welcome to visit. West Park Crossing is their loved one’s home, after all, and families help make it feel even more like one. They can take their loved one out for a meal, another event or just because, and they can visit and participate in activities inside the community as well.
At present, there are only five one-bedroom suites available, and a further five dedicated to residents needing memory care. As Rivard points out, there are a number of lifestyle levels designed to accommodate the lifestyle preferences and care requirements of the residents at West Park Crossing.
“Level 1 starts with independent living for senior citizens who may no longer want to cook meals, or have been living alone in their homes,” she says, adding that provided meals and social activities are the attractions for this level of resident.
“Level 2 is assisted living where a resident may need help with their medications, with bathing or with mobility issues,” she says. “Level 3 just increases that care with more assistance, maybe to four, five or six times per day instead of one or two.”
Then there is the specialized care for residents experiencing Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss and dementia. More personalized care means an increased staff ratio of about three to one, and caregivers provide inventive activities.
Mindful of the unique needs of its residents, West Park Crossing employs RNs, LPNs and other medical professionals full-time, and there’s always staff available 24/7 to provide emergency help if required.
Overall, West Park Crossing exists to provide the people of Moose Jaw and the surrounding area an active, dignified, safe and comfortable seniors living solution.
“We really want to help our community,” says Rivard. “We just want Moose Jaw to know that we’re here for senior citizens and their families, and that we’re always here for you.”
Rivard invites prospective residents and their families or caregivers to take a tour of the community, which she herself provides Monday-Friday during business hours. Anyone needing after-hour tours will be accommodated as well. Lunch will be provided for those taking tours in the morning or early afternoon.
Tours can be booked, and more information is available, by calling (306) 694-4744. Aspira West Park Crossing Retirement Living is located at 1801 Meier Dr in Moose Jaw. Further details regarding suites, meals, activities, lifestyle, families and other matters can be found on their website.