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Do you assume, as you get older, that your best days are behind you? Drop that assumption, says Karen Kotanko of Verve Senior Living. "We really want to make every day a great day," says Kotanko, Verve's Director of Sales & Marketing. "That should mean that today will be a great day, and tomorrow and the next day after that." The best times in anyone's life are lived in an environment ideally tailored to the person you are, surrounded by people you like and love. And that's what Verve delivers.
We really want to make every day a great day. That should mean that today will be a great day, and tomorrow and the next day after that.
Verve is an established leader in the senior care industry, and Canadian families moving loved ones into a Verve Senior Living community can be confident that their family member will find great days ahead. Moving into a retirement community can indeed be a time for seniors to shine anew. "Our ideal," says Kotanko, "is to provide opportunities for people to live every day the way they want to live it." Thanks to life at Verve, seniors find the energy and joy to take up renewed interest in life.
Every day can be a great experience!
Take the transformation of eating, for example. For many people who live alone, mealtime has been reduced to a series of mundane chores. There's no rule that says that this is a trajectory life has to take. "Dining should be much more than a meal," says Kotanko. "At our communities, we believe that it can be a wonderful experience every time." Nutrition and food are such an important part of life and of anyone's health, and in the environment of a Verve community, dining becomes a joyful experience again.
When you find joy in everyday things, there's room for renewed enthusiasm in other parts of your day. Thanks to life with Verve, people take up renewed interest in onsite sports like golf or swimming. You'll also find new interests and even new adventures, no matter your age.
Perhaps the real root of this renewal – the aspect of Verve that most people highlight when they talk about life here – is the care and professionalism of staff in these communities. The name Verve means "spirited effort," and this is seen most strongly, perhaps, in the care provided by staff in its communities. This theme comes up frequently in comments and testimonials from people in Verve's care. Margaret is just one example, an adult child who moved her mother into Courtyard Gardens in Richmond, BC. "Staff showed wonderful patience," she says. And the best evidence of care her mother was getting was the way she "really began to thrive again."
This singling out of care staff for praise is seen in Verve communities across the country:
- Brenda's mother moved into Prince of Peace in Calgary over a year ago, and Brenda says, "it's the people here who really make it extra awesome" for her mother. "They made her feel special."
- At Stouffville Creek (in Stouffville, Ontario), Don says, "The staff is something to behold. Everyone is so nice. Being served under such elegant circumstances is a delight."
- In the town of Courtice, east of the GTA, June Carson's mom lives at White Cliffe Terrace. June, too, praises staff for being "loving and caring and very aware of my Mom’s needs. They provide support for me at difficult times and are available readily. My Mom is safe and well cared for at White Cliffe giving me peace of mind knowing she is there."
- "This is the tops in Toronto," says Bert at Hazelton Place in Toronto. "It's more like a five star hotel. And the staff make you feel right at home.
A spirited effort to achieve excellence
Kindness, compassion, helpfulness and attentiveness are not things you can be taught in a classroom in nursing college. But indeed, they seem to be qualities that Verve is able to find or cultivate in staff members. In 2015, when the company took on the name Verve, John Carnella (President and CEO) put it this way: "Essentially, the name is just catching up to who we already are. Verve means spirited effort, so it fits perfectly with what makes us unique – our passion for service excellence. We have won numerous awards for the service excellence delivered by our valued staff." Indeed, Verve is a five-time winner of the Canada Award for Excellence, from Excellence Canada.
A "unique passion for service excellence" is not just words from head office. It's a sentiment echoed by residents of Verve properties across the country. You'll find echoes everywhere, but here's just one, from Gwendolyn in White Cliffe Terrace: "If I was the Queen I couldn't be treated better."
IN-DEPTH REPORTSVerve Senior Living retirement communities
Trinity Lodge - Verve Senior Living
Trinity Lodge Retirement Residence combines the elegance & style of a fine traditional hotel, with the security & warmth associated with senior living. Homecare staff is available 24/7 to give you support when needed.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence offers full service including meals, housekeeping, active adult, independent and assisted living. Our focus is on maintaining good health, great food, new friends & lots of laughter!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living
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
Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living
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 Heritage - Verve Senior Living
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
Lake Bonavista Village - Verve Senior Living
Lake Bonavista Village Retirement Residence is the perfect place for seniors to retire. You can choose from a variety of suite sizes in the main building or one of our unique cottages.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Evergreen Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
Stylish Mississauga retirement home offering independent, full-service and assisted living lifestyles, featuring a hair salon, onsite bistro and much more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Four Elms Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Four Elms is an elegant Retirement Residence offering the finest in Senior Living. Choose a suite style that is perfect for you and enjoy an active lifestyle, fine dining and the company of good friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
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
Stouffville Creek Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Stouffville Creek is a cozy & comfortable place to call home. Everyone is on a first name basis, and the food is exceptional. A short drive north of Toronto, close to major highways, shops, stores & nature trails.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Dr. Hemstock Retirement Residence and Hearthstone Place Verve Senior Living
At Dr. Hemstock Residence & Hearthstone Place, our highly-skilled group of health care professionals and qualified staff are here to do whatever we can to ensure that all your needs are taken care of.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Lodge at Valley Ridge - Verve Senior Living
At The Lodge at Valley Ridge, you'll enjoy spacious suites, impressive cuisine, and exceptional services. We have recently renovated. We welcome the opportunity to show you our great community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Port Credit Residences - Verve Senior Living
Port Credit Residence situated in the Mississauga area offers seniors a luxurious resort-inspired lifestyle. Enjoy an oversized pool, wellness centre, onsite physiotherapy, a movie theatre, library, spa/salon and more!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Palermo Village - Verve Senior Living
Palermo Village is a luxurious 6-storey condo style residence that offers you the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant & active social life, while our chefs and skilled health care team focuses on your nutrition & well being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Verve Aspen Woods
Located in one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods, with the Rocky Mountains outside and beautifully appointed amenities within, Verve Aspen Woods offers the perfect setting for your active enjoyment of life.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
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
White Cliffe Terrace - Verve Senior Living
This award winning Oshawa retirement home is near parks and shopping, offering spacious seniors' suites and the option of assisted living care. Readers Choice Award Winner for Retirement living from 2016 2019.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Roxborough Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
You'll feel warmth as soon as you walk through the door. The Roxborough Retirement Residence is both elegant and cozy with a dedicated and caring staff that go above and beyond for your well-being and happiness.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Canterbury Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Canterbury Place offers a variety of suites styles in an elegant condo-like building for active adults & those needing assistance. We offer a unique healthcare program for our residents including palliative care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Credit River - Verve Senior Living
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
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
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Luxury and quality is in every corner of Hazelton from its lobby to its inviting Bistro & Bar. Offering amenities and services, Hazelton makes it easy for you to define and enjoy your lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Richmond Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
The Richmond, combines an affordable lifestyle with comfort, security and friendly full service. You will feel a sense of warmth and know you are home the minute you walk in the door.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living
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