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Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- The advantages of moving into an independent living home
- What to consider when choosing a retirement home
- Moving to British Columbia from out of the area
Independent living homes are designed for self-sufficient, well, and, active seniors. They often include wellness programs onsite, and there will also be hobby rooms, games, activities, and and other features that create a wonderful community. Communal areas in these residences increase your social life and open up new activities and opportunities for growth. Homes may also have nurses on staff, especially if there are other care options on the site, such as assisted living care.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSIndependent living in British Columbia
FEATURED
Chelsea Park
1968 East 19th Avenue, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5N 5K3
A boutique residence with a homelike ambience where you can enjoy your independence while receiving quality hospitality services. Offering intimate, well designed, comfortable and affordable living for Seniors.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
FEATURED
Tapestry at Arbutus Walk
2799 Yew Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6K 4W2
Tapestry at Arbutus Walk is an active aging community that offers residents unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
Tapestry at Victoria Harbour
777 Belleville St., Victoria,
British Columbia, V8V OB6
Tapestry is an active aging seniors community promoting an active and vibrant lifestyle in a safe and supportive environment. Enjoy the wellness offerings and Restaurant and pub at your leisure.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
FEATURED
Tapestry at Wesbrook Village
3338 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6S 0A6
Tapestry at Wesbrook VIllage is an active aging community that offers residents unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Chartwell Ridgepointe Retirement Residence
1789 Primrose Court, Kamloops,
British Columbia, V1S 0B7
Enjoy a flexible, independent retirement lifestyle surrounded by nature with the convenience of Downtown Kamloops."
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
Sunnyside Manor
15340 17th Avenue, Surrey,
British Columbia, V4A 1T9
Step into Sunnyside Manor where you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a place where connections are made and friendships flourish. Enjoy freshly prepared meals and ease of living with our all-inclusive services.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Orchard Gardens Seniors Community
295 Gerstmar Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1X 7W9
At Orchard Gardens Seniors Community, we offer quality services and a variety of amenities. Choose from a studio or one-bedroom suite with independent living monthly packages.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
The Florentine
4100 Belshaw Street, Merritt,
British Columbia, V1K 0A5
The Florentine is a cozy retirement community offering home-style meals, spacious apartments with stunning Nicola Valley views, and amenities like a pub, game room, gyms, and a movie theatre. Live comfortably and thrive!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Cedar Springs PARC
3633 Mount Seymour Pkwy, North Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7H 0A9
Located near Mt. Seymour in Vancouver's North Shore, Cedar Springs PARC offers retirement living within a beautiful natural environment. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Wisteria Place
4388 Garry Street, Richmond,
British Columbia, V7E 2V2
Wisteria Place, beckons to active seniors seeking vibrant and satisfying daily life. Majestic views, park greenery, a Zen garden and Koi pond, bring nature, beauty, and peace. Let us welcome you home to life in harmony.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick On The Park
60 Whiteshield Crescent, South Kamloops,
British Columbia, V2E 2S9
Nestled on the hillside, Berwick on the Park offers stunning panoramic mountain, valley and river views and flexible retirement lifestyles, including independent living and assisted living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Summerhill PARC
135 West 15th Street, North Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7M 1R7
Summerhill PARC near the heart of Lonsdale and 15th Avenue in beautiful North Vancouver offers a highly social retirement community living experience. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick House
4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8N 3E6
Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Amica West Vancouver
659 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7T 1C8
Tucked away between the North Shore Mountains and Pacific Ocean, our residence offers the best of West Vancouver. Enjoy access to trails and shopping—a comfortable yet sophisticated lifestyle at Amica West Vancouver.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Arbourside Court
13751 - 74th Avenue, Surrey,
British Columbia, V3W 1A8
Welcome to Arbourside Court, a retirement home in the heart of Surrey, BC. Proudly serving our senior residents since 2001. Many activities to enjoy and new friendships to be made, we are always bustling with laughter.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Wedgwood House
256 Government Street, Duncan,
British Columbia, V9L 1A4
Very wonderful group of friendly residents who love to do things together. Residents Group arrange entertainment, winemaking and wine & cheese parties each month. They are helpful and welcoming. Wedgwood feels like home!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living
7051 Moffat Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V6Y 3W2
Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
The Wexford
1737 56 Street, Tsawwassen BC,
British Columbia, V4L 0A5
The Wexford offers all-inclusive, independent senior living one km from Tsawwassen town centre. Bright and spacious suites and costal-inspired living areas are beautifully accented by a rooftop garden and courtyard.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living
4088 Blundell Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V7C 5V1
Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Sandalwood Retirement Resort
580 Yates Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 2M3
Life at Sandalwood means your needs are taken care of: dining, linen, housekeeping, transportation & 24 hour security. Enriching activities & events will engage you. Choose from bright spacious 1 & 2 bedroom suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick On The Lake
3201 Ross Road, Nanaimo,
British Columbia, V9T 6L9
At Berwick on the Lake, residents enjoy red seal chef prepared meals in their choice of 3 dining rooms. Beyond our beautiful amenities, our residents also enjoy a full wellness program. Resort style living at it's best!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick by the Sea
Berwick by the Sea 1353 16th Ave., Campbell River,,
British Columbia, V9W 0C4
Berwick by the Sea offers you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you love most. Every area of the community has been carefully designed to offer something for everyone. Come join us on your next adventure!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Parksville
180 Jensen Ave East, Parksville,
British Columbia, V9P 0G9
At Berwick Parksville, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our Residents to live their best life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Qualicum Beach
120 First Ave W, Qualicum Beach,
British Columbia, V9K 0B4
Berwick Qualicum Beach offers an array of amenities and engaging programs in our beautifully appointed community. Join our vibrant community today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
3235 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton,
British Columbia, V2A 6G5
The Concorde has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable dining & excellent views of the mountains, along with extensive program activities; The Concorde is perfect for an active living & entertaining lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Royal Oak
4680 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8Z 0B4
Luxurious, Resort-Style Retirement Living where you can age in place; You’re Home at Last at Berwick Royal Oak on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, BC.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Hawthorne Place
750 Memorial Avenue, Qualicum Beach,
British Columbia, V9K 2P6
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Heritage - Verve Senior Living
3630 Brown Rd, West Kelowna,
British Columbia, V4T7Y9
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Sunstone Apartments
10775 Delsom Crescent, Delta,
British Columbia, V4C 0A8
Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
OPAL Vancouver
438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5Y 05M
438 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 0M5 Opal offers a full continuum of support from Independent Living to Complex Care/Dementia Care/Long Term Care. Allowing the opportunity for aging in place.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Waterford
1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen,
British Columbia, V4L 2P9
Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Sherwood House
280 Government Street, Duncan,
British Columbia, V9L 0B5
At Sherwood House we offer active adult independent retirement living, pet friendly, featuring delicious homemade meals, daily activities, weekly housekeeping, safely connected in the heart of Duncan, Vancouver Island
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick Comox Valley
1700 Comox Avenue, Comox,
British Columbia, V9M 4H4
Berwick Comox Valley offers a resort-style retirement residence in a convenient downtown setting. This is West Coast living at its finest, truly affordable luxury.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Mulberry PARC
7230 Acorn Avenue, Burnaby,
British Columbia, V5E 4N9
Mulberry PARC is a welcoming home and community in the heart of Burnaby, BC with the largest 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom retirement home suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Residence at Orchards Walk
#100 3300 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops,
British Columbia, V2C 0G9
The Residence offers service-oriented living at its finest. With a shopping plaza and stunning views, Orchards Walk is Kamloops’ premier new neighbourhood. Choose between spacious studios and one or two bedroom suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Oceana PARC
1575 George St, White Rock,
British Columbia, V4B 0B6
At Oceana PARC, our residents thrive with access to physical and mental fitness programming, social activities, chef-prepared meals, transportation and more. Come discover why life is better at our new residence.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Greystone Manor Retirement Residence
11657 Ritchie Avenue, Maple Ridge,
British Columbia, V2X 8X3
Named one of the top 3 retirement communities in Maple Ridge, Greystone is a premier Park Place residence, with the comfort and services you need to maintain your active lifestyle in a warm and welcoming community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Sunridge Gardens
22301 Fraser Highway, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 4H5
An upscale and contemporary senior living community in the historic Murrayville neighbourhood of Langley. Featuring spacious open-concept suites, a beautiful courtyard garden and a wide variety of amenities.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Westerleigh PARC
725 - 22nd Street, West Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7V 0B3
Westerleigh PARC offers refined independent living in one of West Vancouver's most sought after addresses. Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
649 8th Avenue, New Westminster,
British Columbia, V3M 2R2
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Camelot
455 Kingston Street, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8V 1V8
The Camelot offers Boutique Independent Retirement Living with Supportive Services. With fresh homemade meals, caring staff, fun activities in the exquisite and peaceful James Bay neighbourhood.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living
1550 West 49th Avenue,, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6M 0B3
Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Cristalina PARC
3101 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1W 1 J5
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The advantages of moving into an independent living home
Let's consider how an independent living home is a better option than aging in your own home.
Many seniors try to remain in a home that was not built with seniors in mind. Many homes built in the mid to late 20th century will have a variety of problems that make them less than accessible. Stairs may have old railings, counters and other such household items may be designed under very old standards. Familiar furniture items like rocking chairs and other items can become hazardous. Common household amenities like floor mats and carpeting can also become hazards as you age.
TOOLS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE
Contemporary independent senior living homes are designed with safety and security in mind. Accessible features are everywhere, including ramps, handrails, adequate lighting, flat floors and many other modern design features. All of this works together to create a community of people with the same needs as you. Many people find that life is so much better than it is living alone in your own home; as they say, there’s nothing more independent than life in an independent seniors’ living home.
These homes offer a social aspect that cannot be appreciated until you go in and look at what it's like. This often has a way of reviving seniors' enthusiasm and giving them new life. One senior in Vancouver, Jean, says her move into a retirement home there, opened her up to community activities. "I'm not just sitting around, here. It seems like I'm getting out and meeting new people all the time." Improvements in well-being created by the lean, well-appointed independent living residences cannot be measured.
Other newly moved seniors proclaim a renewed joy of living. Jeannine moved into a North Vancouver retirement home and tells Comfort Life how glad she is to have moved there. "I hope to stay for ages… Friends, safety, my own place, good food and lots to do…. this is home."
Common features of independent living homes automatically make your life better. Communal dining rooms mean that you no longer have to prepare your own food (or even buy your own groceries), eat alone or clean up dishes when you are done. It's far more enjoyable to share a meal with peers and to have a good time while you are eating; some homes have outdoor dining areas where you can enjoy the natural environment while you eat. Housekeeping and other mundane tasks are also taken care of. Homes are designed for optimal comfort, both in communal areas and in your suite. All of this works together to improve your life immensely over living on your own.
What to consider when choosing a retirement home
Check out our checklist of things to look for in a retirement home. Here's a brief overview of things to consider.
- How much of my own furniture can I bring?
- What, if any, hidden costs does the home have?
- Does it have a good reputation? What do reviews of the home say? Do residents seem happy?
- What are the qualifications of management and staff?
- Has it been well maintained? How old are the buildings and/or homes?
- Do the services and amenities the community offers appeal to you?
- How many people live there?
- What is included in the cost? Are there any extra costs (i.e. laundry service, maintenance)?
Be sure to speak to a home’s administrators, staff, residents, and even residents’ family members for a complete profile of a given independent living home.
Of course, you will want to consider several options. Use the checklist to compare several homes; it's a great resource that will remind you of many aspects to look at, that you may not have thought of on your own. Make a list of your own personal preferences, must-haves and nice-to-haves then compare and contrast what individual homes offer.
Download The Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist. It will remind you of things you may not think of on your own, with a comprehensive list of things to note. It's a personal guidebook to make your tour more focused and enjoyable, and the note-taking process much easier.
Moving to British Columbia from out of the area
If you are considering homes here from out of the province, B.C. is a particularly great place to live in your retirement.There is certainly a lot to do in British Columbia! Its two largest cities, Vancouver and Victoria, are full of cultural diversity, lively streets, and great shopping. And, its seemingly ubiquitous natural riches are great for hiking or if you merely want to be in a soothing atmosphere.
Further interior cities such as Kamloops, Chilliwack and even homes in towns as far north as Thornhill, offer lower cost real estate and all the beauty and relaxation you could want. Many of the residences listed here very appropriately brag about the spectacular views of local scenery you will have. BC's temperate climate also has beneficial effects for seniors and those suffering from ailments such as heart disease and lung problems.
