Our perspective
Verve Senior Living brings unparalleled expertise in senior living to the coveted neighbourhood of Don Mills, in this brand-new senior living residence. For starters, this community is located on Green Belt Drive, living up to its name with lots of nearby parkland (including Moccasin Trail Park) in a peaceful neighbourhood. The building itself is a beautifully state-of-the-art retirement residence rich with contemporary features and peopled by exceptionally professional staff.
In initial impressions, you’ll be impressed with the responsiveness and enthusiasm of staff. The real heart of seniors’ new life here, though, is the lifestyle change of moving into a community of peers where every day is made with your needs top-of-mind. The amenities here speak to that, with social activities and sharing in food and drink leading the way.
The activity calendar is filled with everything from movies to lawn bowling to walking clubs to Tai Chi to Sunday worship time to meditation. You may not think you need all these daily activities but you’ll join the chorus of people who praise living here because “there’s something to do every day!” There are also trips to Toronto attractions like museums, galleries, theatres, and other entertainment. In-house TED Talks and discussion groups feature speakers on topics like health, education, technology, and politics. You can also expect live entertainment from musicians and other entertainers. Meet Me at the MoMA is a favourite among seniors. You can also join in a game of cards (there are clubs for Euchre, Bridge, and Rummy) and make new friends that way. And for all that, your suite is a calm respite where you simply have your own space.
The exercise room is another hub of activity and shared fun. You’ll be surprised by the number of people who join in. Find out for yourself how much fun things like chair yoga and other “age-friendly” exercise groups are when you’re surrounded by people your own age who make exercising together enjoyable. Classes include Walk Fit, Drum Fit, Go4Life and dance classes.
Of course, food and drinks are really the best way to make friends, and the bar/bistro is a great meeting place where people chat over coffee or an alcoholic beverage. Dining is elegant in the carpeted dining room looking out on Green Belt Drive. The menu is full of elegant selections that include a la carte items.
Amenities are not just socially- or fun-oriented. They look after the whole self here, with things like a hair salon and spa, worship center, and a library and computer lounge rounding out the list of features. It’s really up to you to make a great life at Don Mills but it’s easy with all those amenities. You’re encouraged to join in monthly meetings where residents express themselves about dining, activities ideas, and anything else.
Suites are spacious, with those on higher floors offering a view of the local parkland. There’s also a sunlit outdoor courtyard on the fourth floor. The community also offers a continuum of care from independent living to assisted living to memory care, ideal for those with a mind to aging in place and for couples who have different care requirements.
All of this comes from an organization whose people are infused with a holistic view of senior living and compassion-driven care focused on “making every day great.” That comes through in staff who truly love what they do, meeting seniors’ every need. If you’re even remotely intrigued by the possibilities of senior living we recommend that you don’t wait too long to take a closer look at Don Mills Retirement Residence.
