ALL SENIORS CARE VOLUNTEERS ARE TERRIFIC!

A wave of heartfelt gratitude will sweep through the All Seniors Care Residences this week, as buildings host many exciting Volunteer Appreciation events; with this year’s special theme being, “Did anyone tell you today, you’re terrific!” 

In Manitoba alone, over 350 volunteers are being celebrated by staff and tenants alike. From the youngest at 13, to the eldest in her 90s, each volunteer at every residence will be reminded how terrific they are. Among the many acknowledgements, special recognition will be given to those who have volunteered at an All Seniors Care Residence for more than five years.

Volunteerism is an essential element for healthy communities, and All Seniors Care actively supports and greatly encourages it in all of its beautiful residences; especially since a family-like atmosphere is one of the hallmarks of an All Seniors Care community. “It’s so nice to see so many young people come out and give of their time the way they do,” is how one tenant at Sturgeon Creek I describes her appreciation of the volunteers.

“We try continuously, but especially during National Volunteer Week, to acknowledge, thank, and appreciate the many individuals who contribute their time, talent and skills in our residences,” states Heather Mutcheson, Vice President of Manitoba Region for All Seniors Care. “Our seniors experience greater social interaction through the sharing of wisdom, values, experiences and resources with our volunteers.”

Anyone committed to volunteer service to seniors is always valued and appreciated in an All Seniors Care building. “The list of opportunities is endless!” adds Anna Dell’Acqua, Regional Volunteer Coordinator. “Computer coaches, pet walkers, entertainers, readers, bocce score keepers, Wii games assistants, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy…and our tenants so appreciate it.”

About All Seniors Care Living Centres

All Seniors Care is dedicated to creating and operating the best senior’s facilities in Canada, while providing the highest level of care to our residents. Residents and their families enjoy enhanced independence, greater peace of mind, and a higher quality of life throughout the years at every one of our beautiful facilities. Our Manitoba Residences are: Shaftesbury Park, Seine River, Sturgeon Creek I & II and River Ridge in Winnipeg, and Victoria Landing in Brandon.

For more information, please visit our website at www.allseniorscare.com

Retirement Age rises from 65 to 67

Thursday's announcement appears to have solidified all the talk about raising the retirement age. For all individuals under the age of 54, collecting Old Age Security will begin at 67, up from 65. What do you think?

See an excerpt from a CBC article below.

* * * * *

Budget makes late retirement the new normal

By Kazi Stastna, CBC News

The news was not unexpected, and for those of Generation X age or younger, it was simply more confirmation of what they've been told most of their lives: expect to work longer and retire poorer than your parents.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced in Thursday's federal budget that the government is raising the age of eligibility for Old Age Securityfrom 65 to 67. The government had already hinted it would do so earlier this year, but made it official in the budget, saying it will phase in the changes over six years starting in April 2023 and won't apply the new rules to anyone born before April 1,1958.

See the rest of the CBC article here.

Source URL: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/taxseason/story/2012/03/29/f-budget-old-age-security--interview-woolley.html

LET THE SENIORS GAMES BEGIN

Welcome to the 2012 All Seniors Care Games

For the third straight year, All Seniors Care launched the All Seniors Care Seniors Games at 16 Retirement Residences across the country. The Games are part of the All Seniors Care commitment to providing seniors with innovative ways to develop and maintain an active lifestyle.

Day 1 of the Games kicked off with a bang and a piper! Excitement and anticipation was in the air as music played, guests were welcomed and the Queen was toasted at the Opening Ceremonies in residences across Canada. In Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Brandon, Winnipeg, Stratford, Ottawa and Gatineau-Aylmer, bagpipers piped in dignitaries and athletes alike, and the Games were officially declared open by the Chefs de Mission.

The Chef de Mission at Sturgeon Creek I in Winnipeg kept the smiles wide and the energy high. “The Games inspire people to unite. It’s so good for people to come together and keep active,” explains Jack Blowers. “It gives us all something to do, to look forward to…plus my wife loves it!”

Ceremonies were opened with letters of Congratulations from the Lieutenant Governor, Governor General, Prime Minister, and Premiers of each province. Participants were cheered on and accompanied by local celebrities, MLAs, city councilors, volunteers, families and friends.

“I have nothing but praise for these Games and All Seniors Care,” states volunteer Fran Rowlin. “My mom lived in [an All Seniors Care Residence] for 6 years. She recently passed away at 105. Volunteering is my way of giving back to the place where she had so much care.”

Since Feb. 6^th coincides with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, during the Opening Ceremony, residents and guests also participated in a singing of “God Save the Queen” followed by a special toast, given by the Chef de Mission.

Later in the day, athletes walked and wheeled their way to fun and better health. An inspiring 1,000+ walkers wheeled, strolled, paraded, and even danced through the hallways, going as far as they could and having endless fun. Throughout the course, walkers chatted with volunteers, encouraged each other on, and read quotes from Her Majesty about Canada. 98 year old Cecil Southgate truly embodies what it means to be an athlete at these Games, “I may be one of the oldest walkers here,” he proudly states. “But I’m still doing it!”

From Alberta to Quebec, hundreds of seniors across Canada will be taking part in the Games this week. The Games run until Feb. 10^th and any spectators and participants are welcome!

For further information, please visit our website at www.allseniorscare.com or contact:Joshua Kuhl, Senior Executive Vice-President of Operations
e-mail: jkuhl@allseniorscare.com or call 416.929.1328