How Assisted Living Helps Seniors Maintain Independence With Support

Many older adults want to maintain their routines, preferences, and sense of self as they age. Modern assisted living communities make this possible by offering support that enhances not replaces personal independence. Seniors can continue enjoying daily life while receiving just the right amount of help when needed.

Encouraging Confidence Through Personalized Support

Seniors thrive when they feel capable, secure, and valued. Through thoughtfully designed assisted living services and spaces, residents receive assistance with daily tasks like grooming, medication reminders, and meal preparation. This tailored approach ensures individuals stay engaged and active while maintaining control over their day-to-day decisions. Even those seeking assisted senior living options benefit from the increased sense of autonomy that comes from having a supportive, responsive environment.

Creating Connection Through Community Living

Isolation can significantly impact well-being, but an engaging and active senior community fosters connection. Whether participating in local outings in Edmonton, AB, joining group fitness classes, or sharing meals with neighbours, seniors enjoy meaningful social interaction every day. These opportunities strengthen emotional wellness and help residents stay involved in the activities they love.

Supportive Environments That Feel Like Home

A well-designed retirement home for assisted living offers a comfortable, safe space where seniors can move freely and confidently. Living spaces are adapted to reduce risk and increase accessibility, allowing residents to stay independent longer. Even those transitioning into senior assisted living often find relief in knowing that help is always available without feeling intrusive.

At the heart of this supportive lifestyle is a commitment to maintaining dignity, enhancing independence, and ensuring comfort. Canterbury Foundation is proud to offer compassionate care to seniors and families seeking trusted options.

FAQs

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a supportive housing option providing help with daily tasks while promoting independence.

How does assisted living support independence?

By offering only the level of assistance needed, seniors can continue doing many things on their own. At Canterbury, we have lovingly been meeting our residents' needs, as they arise, whatever that looks like, since 1974.

Who benefits most from assisted living?

Seniors who need mild to moderate support but still wish to live independently.

Is assisted living the same as a nursing home?

No. Assisted living focuses on supported independence, while nursing homes provide medical-based care.

Do seniors have privacy in assisted living?

There are many seniors' communities that offer private suites, however, not all. At Canterbury, all of our resident suites, from Independent through to private Long Term and Palliative Care are private.

Are social activities available?

Most seniors' communities offer group events, outings, and programs to encourage socialization. At Canterbury, we offer a robust and complimentary activities calendar that includes a wide variety of daily events and activities, ranging from morning chair Yoga to musical performances, to Cruise Weeks, to Happy Hours. All residents of Canterbury, and their loved ones, are encouraged and welcome to take part in as many of activities as they like.

Can couples live together?

There are many seniors’residences that offer suites suitable for couples, however, not all communities have the care model available to keep couples together, if their care needs are different. At Canterbury, we actively, and very purposefully, work to ensure that couples remain together even if they have very differing support and care needs.

What safety features are included?

Communities may include emergency call systems, grab bars, secure layouts, and staff on-site. At Canterbury, resident safety is of the utmost importance. All suites in our assisted living, memory care, long term and palliative care are equipped with call bells throughout the suite, and all areas of Canterbury, including Independent Living, have access to our onsite care team that includes two Registered Nurses, LPNs and Health Care Aides. Our Health Services team, including RN, are onsite 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Is transportation provided?

Many assisted living residences offer scheduled transportation for appointments and shopping. At Canterbury, we have a coach that is used to take residents on a variety of different outings. From weekly shopping visits to Meadowlark Shopping Centre, to trips down Candy Cane Lane during the holiday season, residents can enjoy coach outings, free of charge.

How do families stay involved?

Families are encouraged to visit, participate in events, and stay engaged in their loved one's care. At Canterbury, we view families as, and strongly encourage them to be, "partners in care" when it comes to care and support of our residents. We believe in a wholistic approach to health and wellness - from physical, emotional, mental and spiritual - and resident families play an important role as a partner in sharing personal history, preferences, and meaningful insights that help us provide individualized, person-centred care. Through open communication, mutual respect, and shared commitment, we work together to support the dignity, comfort, and overall quality of life of every resident who calls our community home.