There’s no place like home.
Whether you’re just starting your family, are an empty-nester, or perhaps beginning the process of downsizing for retirement, there truly is no place like home.
That’s why making an informed decision on where you’re going to live as you age gracefully is so important.
Moving from a single-family dwelling can be a positive experience, and those who have made that decision may have discovered that their lifestyle improves tremendously and their new residence quickly becomes their new home.
Jody Kehler, executive director of Rotary Villas at Crocus Gardens, said it doesn’t take long for new residents to feel right at home in the safe, secure and comfortable environment Rotary Villas provides. But what’s even more rewarding is to see how their lifestyle changes.
“We do everything we can to make Rotary Villas feel like home,” said Kehler, who also has a nursing background. “Before long, residents are socializing and taking part in different activities. Moving from a home that you’ve lived in for many, many years can be emotionally draining, but it can also be uplifting and can relieve a lot of stress. You don’t have to worry about little things like cleaning the gutters or shoveling the driveway. You can just relax and focus on the things that you enjoy.”
Rotary Villas is Brandon’s newest retirement complex. It’s meant for those who are 55-plus and offers an array of services and amenities to ensure residents can enjoy a carefree and very independent lifestyle.

The chef displays some delicious food prepared in the Kitchen at Rotary Villas

With tantalizing and delicious meals carefully prepared with local flair by a Red Seal chef, residents look forward to meeting their friends for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the beautiful on-site dining room. There is also light housekeeping, weekly linen service, 24-hour on-site staff, and a la carte healthcare services.
While there are many benefits to living in a retirement home, the added features for socializing and taking part in other activities at Rotary Villas only make it that much more welcoming. The complex offers a healthy living centre, games and sitting room, billiard lounge, plus a library that is supported by the Rotary Club of Brandon.
“It’s important to think of your parents and encourage them to live their best life at any age,” Kehler said. “We all want to help our parents find a place that is comfortable, safe and convenient, but we also want them to develop friendships and not feel lonely. At Rotary Villas, we can make that happen.”
While there are a number of retirement communities in Brandon, Rotary Villas boasts several features that sets them apart.
“Our security system is one-of-a-kind, we have an open, spacious environment, and we have a very active community – those are all things that makes us unique,” Kehler said.
Rotary Villas also has a full-time shuttle service that allows residents to get to their next bridge game, to medical appointments or to meet their friends for coffee.
The complex is also home to Gingersnips Salon, Flatland Drugs, Dr. Meredith’s Medical Clinic and Camelot Personal Care.The Rotary Villas shuttle bus is wheelchair and scooter friendly.

The three-storey building has 12 different layouts within the 108 suites, including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. As well, some of the two-bedroom villas have an additional three-season room. Rotary Villas is 100 per cent locally owned and operated, and is an integral part of the community.
“We are proud to be locally owned and operated – our staff and our residents are from Brandon and the surrounding areas – plus we make an effort to buy most of our products locally,” Kehler said. “Supporting the community that we live and work in is as important as developing our own community within Rotary Villas.”
Without a doubt, Rotary Villas offers a carefree, convenient and comfortable environment so that residents can enjoy retirement living the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.

»Brandon Sun

October 25, 2018