For many older adults, moving into a senior residence doesn’t necessarily mean leaving behind the neighbourhood they know and love. It can mean finding a home that offers more support while staying close to familiar places and the people who matter most. For seniors living near Springfield Road and throughout Northeast Winnipeg, choosing a residence on Molson Street makes it possible to maintain daily routines, remain connected with family, and continue enjoying the community they have been part of for years.

Why Staying Near Springfield Feels Like Home

The Springfield Road corridor has long been an important part of everyday life for many Northeast Winnipeg residents. From familiar streets and local businesses to nearby parks and neighbourhood services, the area offers a strong sense of comfort and belonging that develops over decades.

Remaining close to Springfield Road allows seniors to continue visiting familiar places without feeling disconnected from their community. Family members can easily stop by after work or on weekends, while long-time friends and neighbours can continue regular visits without travelling across the city.

Staying within Northeast Winnipeg also helps preserve routines that contribute to overall well-being. Whether it's recognizing the surrounding neighbourhood, staying close to healthcare providers, and/or remaining near community services, familiar surroundings often make the transition to senior living much easier for both residents and their families.

A Convenient Location For Families Across Northeast Winnipeg

Molson Street provides an accessible location for families living throughout Northeast Winnipeg. Situated near Springfield Road, Lagimodiere Boulevard, and Gateway Road, Bergen Gardens is easy to reach from several established neighbourhoods.

For families in Transcona, visiting loved ones can fit naturally into busy schedules thanks to convenient driving routes. Those coming from North Kildonan also benefit from straightforward access without navigating lengthy cross-city trips.

Our location remains practical throughout Winnipeg's changing seasons. During winter, having direct connections to major roads helps simplify travel when road conditions become more challenging. This convenient setting encourages more frequent family visits, helping seniors maintain meaningful relationships while making it easier for loved ones to stay involved in everyday life.

Being close to familiar neighbourhoods also makes attending appointments, welcoming visitors, or enjoying outings around Northeast Winnipeg much more convenient than relocating to a distant part of the city.

How Bergen Gardens Makes Everyday Living Easier

Daily life becomes simpler when routine responsibilities are taken care of by experienced staff. At Bergen Gardens, residents can enjoy comfortable accommodations while spending less time worrying about household chores and home maintenance.

This senior community offers supportive services designed to make each day easier. Residents can enjoy nutritious meals, housekeeping, and maintenance-free living that removes many of the responsibilities associated with owning a home. Safety features and supportive staff provide additional reassurance for both residents and their families.

Beyond practical support, the residence creates opportunities for social connection through organized activities and welcoming shared spaces. Whether participating in events, sharing meals with neighbours, or simply enjoying conversations with friends, residents can remain active and engaged within a supportive environment.

For many families, knowing their loved one has access to assistance when needed provides valuable peace of mind while allowing seniors to maintain their independence in a comfortable, welcoming setting.

Take The Next Step Without Leaving The Community You Know

Choosing senior living doesn't have to mean leaving behind the neighbourhood that has been home for so many years. Staying near Springfield Road allows seniors to remain close to familiar surroundings, maintain important family connections, and continue being part of the Northeast Winnipeg community they know best.

If you're exploring senior living options that combine supportive care with an excellent Northeast Winnipeg location, consider scheduling a tour to experience our residence firsthand. Visit Bergen Gardens online to learn more, explore available accommodations, and discover how you or your loved one can enjoy comfortable senior living without leaving the community that feels like home.

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The studio suite and assisted living package includes all utilities. The package also includes Wi-Fi, 2 meals a day (lunch and supper), bi-weekly light housekeeping, and quarterly health assessments. Studio suites also come with access to Bergen Gardens’ amenities and life enrichment activities, including unique culinary experiences, cinema screenings, access to the Serenity Spa & Salon, and more.

“We care deeply about every member of our community, and we want to make life a little bit more affordable at a time when many people are looking for financial stability,” said Kim McMillan, Executive Director at Bergen Gardens. “Everything is included in this discounted package: Meals, housekeeping, wellness, utilities, and more, all for a predictable monthly price. That makes budgeting easier for our community members.”

The discounted Studio Suite package starts at $2845, all included. Several different layouts are available, with suites reaching up to 465 square feet. Each suite features 9-foot exposed timber ceilings, luxury vinyl flooring, ample natural light from windows, stainless steel appliances, and wheelchair accessibility and walk-in showers to support aging in place.

Bergen Gardens is also offering a promotion on one bedroom suites. The one-bedroom suite promotion includes a discount of $300 a month that applies to the first 6 months, for a total of $1800. With this promotion, a one-bedroom suite, with all of the amenities included in the studio package, starts at $3845 a month. 

Bergen Gardens is a state-of-the-art assisted living facility in Winnipeg. Designed by architects to make the facilities as comfortable and easy to navigate as possible, with features like circadian rhythm lighting and amenities like a spa, a theatre, a wellness centre, and an art studio. The community is modelled on a person-centred care approach, fostering collaboration between community members and staff to create a more welcoming and enjoyable place to live for all residents. Bergen Gardens currently has vacancies and is accepting applications for new residents.

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Introduction To Innovative Memory Care Therapies

Caring for individuals with memory loss, especially those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, requires a compassionate and multifaceted approach. While traditional methods like medication and structured routines are important, innovative memory care treatments are proving to be transformative. These modern techniques go beyond conventional approaches by promoting sensory engagement, emotional well-being, and cognitive stimulation, all of which are essential in improving the quality of life for those affected by dementia. In Winnipeg and surrounding communities such as Elmwood, Munroe, and St. Boniface, families are increasingly seeking forward-thinking memory care environments like Bergen Gardens that integrate these approaches. Let's explore how these cutting-edge therapies are enhancing the lives of residents at Bergen Gardens:

The Power of Music Therapy In Memory Care

One of the most profound forms of innovative memory care is music therapy. Music has the unique ability to connect with deep memories, even for individuals in advanced stages of dementia. Personalizing playlists with songs from a resident’s past can spark emotional responses and help stimulate cognitive function. Research has shown that musical therapy can reduce agitation, improve mood, and encourage social interaction, helping residents feel more connected and at ease. This form of therapy fosters a sense of joy and enhances overall well-being by evoking positive memories, which is especially meaningful for families across Winnipeg neighbourhoods including Elmwood and St. Boniface who are supporting loved ones in care.

Virtual Reality Can Help Both Patients And Caregivers

Virtual reality (VR) therapy is another groundbreaking approach in memory care. This therapy immerses individuals in familiar or calming virtual environments, helping to alleviate anxiety and reduce agitation. For example, a person with dementia could virtually revisit a cherished childhood home, triggering emotional responses and cognitive engagement. It also provides caregivers with valuable insight into the sensory challenges faced by their loved ones, fostering empathy and improving the overall approach to dementia care within Winnipeg communities like Munroe and surrounding areas.

The Role Of Art Therapy In Cognitive Stimulation

Art therapy serves as a powerful tool for innovative memory care. Creative activities like painting, drawing, and sculpting offer residents an opportunity to express themselves, even when words are no longer effective. These non-verbal forms of communication not only stimulate cognitive function but also enhance fine motor skills and promote emotional healing. Through art, individuals can experience a sense of accomplishment and relaxation, which is essential for those in the later stages of memory loss.

Sensory Stimulation And Aromatherapy Can Promote Calm And Well-Being

Integrative therapies like aromatherapy and sensory stimulation are particularly effective in creating a calming and soothing atmosphere. Essential oils such as lavender and peppermint are known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In addition, gentle tactile experiences like hand massages or textured materials provide physical comfort and grounding. Sensory stimulation can also include nature sounds, soft lighting, and even pet therapy, all of which contribute to a serene environment that enhances emotional well-being and supports cognitive function.

Innovative Memory Care Techniques Can Be Life-Changing

The adoption of innovative memory care therapies is life-changing for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s. By focusing on emotional connections, sensory engagement, and cognitive stimulation, these therapies significantly improve quality of life and well-being. As research continues to uncover new techniques, the future of memory care looks promising. With a growing understanding of the benefits of music therapy, virtual reality interventions, and art-based therapies, caregivers can create a more enriching and compassionate environment for those in assisted living in Winnipeg and surrounding communities such as Elmwood, Munroe, and St. Boniface.

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At Bergen Gardens, we recognize the numerous benefits that gardening can provide to the residents. Gardening is an integral activity that we offer, and all residents are encouraged to use the communal garden at the front of the building. This garden provides a range of opportunities for the residents, whether they want to plant food, spices, or just plants, it is all designed to improve residents' well-being. In Winnipeg and surrounding communities such as Elmwood, Munroe, and St. Boniface, interest in therapeutic and community-based senior activities like gardening continues to grow.

Gardening at Bergen Gardens provides benefits that exceed just being a hobby. Gardening allows residents to engage in social interaction and create a sense of community. The communal garden provides a space for residents to interact and share their gardening ideas and experiences, which fosters a supportive environment. One way residents can do this is through the gardening club that meets weekly. 

Physical Health Benefits

Staying Active Through Gardening

Gardening provides Bergen Gardens residents with an exciting way to engage in physical activity. Gardening activities like planting, watering, and harvesting can promote improved health and mobility. In general, gardening can increase strength, endurance, and flexibility, all while not putting much strain on the body. 

Boosting Immune Health

It is important for Bergen Gardens residents to spend time outdoors—lots of the activities that occur at Bergen are indoors—and gardening provides residents with the opportunity to get fresh air and interact with nature. Receiving fresh air and sunlight can strengthen the immune system which is important for seniors to maintain good health. 

Mental & Emotional Well-Being

Stress Relief & Relaxation

Gardening can provide aid in the release of stress and the promotion of relaxation. The action of tending to plants while being outside in fresh air is a fantastic way to find peace and relaxation. At Bergen Gardens, residents express their excitement for continuing to watch their plants grow and the peace and joy they receive from tending to them. 

Combatting Depression & Anxiety

Watching the progress and growth of your plants throughout the summer can be a powerful tool for boosting a resident's mood. The excitement they have when they go outside and see how much their plants have grown gives them something to continually look forward to. This continued excitement has been proven to lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The act of tending to a garden and the joy associated with it can help shift the resident's focus away from negative thoughts to a more positive outlook. 

Cognitive Benefits

Enhancing Cognitive Function

Tending to a garden and the planning and maintaining aspects associated with it help stimulate cognitive functions. The act of gardening requires residents to plan, organize, problem-solve, and memorize, which can all be attributed to increased cognitive function. This is an excellent mental exercise for residents looking to maintain and improve their cognitive health. 

Therapeutic Gardening For Memory Care

Gardening can be especially beneficial for the residents that are in Memory Care, as it can be used as a form of therapy. The act of gardening and the tasks associated with it can support Memory Care residents with their cognitive function and provide sensory stimulation. Gardening can help Memory Care residents feel accomplished and connected with the environment. 

Social & Community Engagement

Building Social Connections

Gardening has numerous social benefits too as it is a powerful tool for residents to create social connections. There are numerous ways that gardening can foster social connections, whether it is through our weekly gardening club meetings, joint gardening projects, or just casual conversations in and around the garden. Residents have the opportunity to connect and develop relationships with other residents through a mutual interest. Social interaction is crucial for residents developing and maintaining a sense of community and not feeling isolated. 

Group Gardening Projects

At Bergen Gardens, residents have the opportunity to collaborate with other residents on group gardening projects. Group gardening projects can create an environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and shared achievement. Residents can watch their projects grow together, which increases social connection and the overall well-being of the Bergen Gardens community. 

Personalized Gardening Experiences

Customizable Gardening Options 

At Bergen Gardens, residents can personalize their gardening experience to their liking: residents can plant a variety of different crops whether vegetables, herbs, or just plants to keep around their residence. This summer, residents have planted things like tomatoes, rhubarb, basil, and much more.

Support & Resources

Bergen Gardens offers all the support and resources for residents to have a successful gardening experience, including all the tools necessary, a constant water supply, and educational resources. Gardening has extensive therapeutic, physical, and social benefits and it is important that residents are given the best gardening experience possible. 

Conclusion: Embrace The Joy Of Gardening At Bergen Gardens

Gardening offers numerous long-term benefits for seniors, including improvements in mental, physical, and social well-being. At Bergen Gardens, we invite you to explore our vibrant gardening community and experience the joy and advantages of gardening firsthand. In Winnipeg and nearby communities such as Elmwood, Munroe, and St. Boniface, families are increasingly seeking senior living environments that offer meaningful, hands-on activities like gardening.

One of the other ways Bergen Gardens helps improve residents’ lives is with its town square attractions. Come for a tour! For assisted living in Winnipeg, contact us at Bergen Gardens today! 

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Pet-Safe Garden Practices

Safety should be the number one priority when designing a pet-friendly garden. Planting plants that are toxic to pets should be avoided, these include lilies, azaleas, and certain types of ivy. Alternatively, plants like marigolds and sunflowers are pet-friendly options you can opt for instead. These plants can liven up your garden while your pet can roam freely without any worry.

When creating a pet-friendly garden, it is important to designate specific areas for your pets. Common ways to achieve this include the use of fencing and hedges, which can aid in blocking off areas your pet cannot access.

The use of water features can be a wonderful addition to your garden. Installing a shallow pond or a small fountain can improve the look of your garden while also providing your pets with a hydration source. Maintaining the water source regularly to ensure clean drinking water is crucial for the health of your pets.

Optimizing For A Beautiful Yard & City Garden

Creating a pet-friendly garden doesn’t come at the expense of beauty. There are many ways to create a beautiful yard all while keeping it pet-friendly, using aspects like walkways lined with pet-friendly plants, trees, pergolas, and designated areas for your pet to play safely can enhance the look of your yard. Using gravel or mulch instead of traditional paving can also be an effective way to safely enhance the look of your garden.

Choosing Pet-Friendly Plants For Winnipeg Gardens

Because of the unique climate in Winnipeg, it is crucial to select the appropriate plants that will allow your garden to thrive year-round. Low-maintenance grasses like buffalo grass or fescue succeed in harsher climates because of their ability to withstand weather and foot traffic—all while being safe for your pets to play in. Consider adding plants like catmint, echinacea, and lavender as they are pet-friendly and also aid in maintaining a healthy garden because of their ability to attract beneficial insects.

Choosing Water Features That Your Dog Will Love

Water features can add enjoyment to your garden for both pets and owners. Fountains and ponds are effective features that can allow pets to cool off and play. Water features must be safely designed for pets, minimizing all risks, with shallow water, entry and exit points, and clean, regularly maintained water. Water plants like duckweed can help enhance a water feature by adding beauty and functionality.

Conclusion

Designing a pet-friendly garden in Winnipeg requires careful planning and consideration of both your pet’s needs and the local climate. By implementing pet-safe practices, selecting appropriate plants, and incorporating enjoyable water features, you can create a garden that enhances your outdoor living space while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for your pets. Whether it’s lounging in the sun, exploring lush foliage, or splashing in a refreshing fountain, your pets will thank you for creating a garden that they can truly call their own. Bergen Gardens provides the opportunity for residents to have pets in their homes and tend to their gardens in the summer.

Bergen Gardens provides the opportunity for residents to have pets in their homes and tend to their gardens in the summer, offering a lifestyle that reflects the same pet-friendly values seen in communities across Winnipeg, including Elmwood, Munroe, and St. Boniface.

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When it comes to ensuring the well-being and quality of life for our elderly loved ones, choosing the right assisted living community is paramount. In this guide, we'll explore the factors to consider, how to research and evaluate potential communities and offer insights into making a smooth transition.

What Is an Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted living communities are residential settings that provide support for seniors who may need assistance with daily activities but wish to maintain a level of independence. Choosing the right community is crucial for their overall happiness and health.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Community

Location: Proximity to family, friends, and medical facilities is vital. Being close to a familiar support system can significantly impact the well-being of the elderly.

Size: Some seniors prefer the intimacy of a small community, while others thrive in larger, more bustling environments. Consider the individual preferences of your loved one.

Staffing: Evaluate the qualifications and experience of the staff. Making sure there are skilled professionals who can provide the necessary care is essential.

Services and Amenities: Understand what services and amenities are included, such as housekeeping, transportation, meals, fitness facilities, and more. Tailor your choice to the specific needs and desires of your loved one.

Specialized Care: If your elderly family member requires specialized care, such as memory care, ensure that the community has the expertise and facilities to provide it. (Link to relevant posts on specialized care)

Cost: Explore different payment options, ranging from monthly rent to all-inclusive packages. Clarify any potential hidden costs and ensure transparency in financial matters.

Certifications: Be aware of any certifications that the community holds. Certifications can indicate a commitment to quality care and services.

Researching and Evaluating Potential Communities

Online Resources: Use online platforms to discover assisted living communities in the desired location. Websites, directories, and reviews can provide valuable insights.

Visit and Ask Questions: Schedule visits to potential communities and ask important questions about their policies, staff turnover, health and safety measures, and any concerns you might have.

Observe the Environment: Pay attention to cleanliness, accessibility, and the overall atmosphere. A positive and well-maintained environment is crucial for the residents' comfort.

Making the Transition to Assisted Living

Prepare the Elderly Person: Discuss the move with the elderly person involved. Sensitively prepare them for the transition and involve them in the decision-making process.

Make the New Space Feel Like Home: Offer tips on personalizing their living space to make it feel comfortable and familiar.

Stay in Touch: Emphasize the importance of maintaining social connections. Encourage visits from family and friends to ease the adjustment.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the right assisted living community requires careful consideration of factors such as location, size, staffing, services, and cost. Researching and evaluating potential communities, along with effectively managing the transition, ensures a positive experience for the elderly. Take your time, involve your loved one in the decision-making process, and prioritize their well-being.

This guide is just the beginning. Explore additional resources and support, such as local senior centres and support groups, to make informed decisions and provide the best care for your elderly family members. Bergen Gardens can help answer all your questions.

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Benefits of Deaf Retirement Communities

Social Benefits

Deaf retirement communities offer a supportive and inclusive environment for deaf seniors to connect with others who share similar experiences. These communities often organize social activities, clubs, and events designed to foster a sense of belonging and combat the potential isolation that can come with hearing loss. Building meaningful relationships with fellow residents who understand the unique challenges of deafness can be a significant source of comfort and joy.

Health Benefits

Deaf assisted living facilities prioritize the overall well-being of their residents. Trained staff members are proficient in sign language and are attuned to the specific needs of deaf adults. This specialized care ensures that residents receive proper medical attention, nutrition, and assistance with daily living tasks, which can lead to improved physical health and longevity.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Living in a community of peers who understand their experiences can have a positive impact on the mental and emotional health of deaf seniors. It can alleviate loneliness and depression while providing a supportive atmosphere where residents can share their concerns and triumphs with like-minded individuals. This emotional support contributes to a higher quality of life in senior years.

Types of Senior Living for Hard-of-Hearing Adults

Minor Hearing Loss

For those with minor hearing loss, independent living facilities designed for deaf adults can be an excellent option. These facilities offer a community atmosphere where residents can enjoy their independence while receiving support when needed. They typically provide visual communication tools and accessible emergency systems to ensure safety and convenience.

Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss

Seniors with moderate to severe hearing loss may benefit from more comprehensive care in assisted living facilities. These facilities have staff experienced in deaf communication and can cater to a range of needs, from daily tasks to medical care. Deaf senior living communities for those with more pronounced hearing loss offer a higher level of assistance and support.

Key Amenities in Deaf Senior Living

Visual Communication Tools

Deaf assisted living facilities are equipped with a variety of visual communication tools, such as video phones and sign language interpreters, to facilitate effective communication among residents and with staff. These tools help ensure that deaf seniors can communicate their needs and preferences comfortably.

Accessible Emergency Systems

Safety is paramount in deaf senior living. These communities are equipped with accessible emergency systems, including visual and vibrating alarms, to ensure that residents are promptly alerted in case of emergencies. Such systems are essential for the peace of mind of both residents and their families.

Choosing the Right Facility

Assessing Individual Needs

When selecting a deaf senior living facility, it's crucial to assess the individual needs and preferences of the senior in question. Consider the level of hearing loss, the need for specific services, and the desire for social engagement. Consult with the senior's healthcare provider to gain insights into the most suitable options.

Touring Senior Living

Facilities Before making a decision, schedule tours of potential senior living facilities. Pay close attention to the amenities, staff qualifications, and overall atmosphere. Make sure the facility aligns with the senior's unique needs and offers the level of care and support required.

Consulting With a Senior Living Advisor

Navigating the various options for deaf senior living can be overwhelming. To simplify the process and make informed choices, consider consulting with a senior living advisor. They have the expertise to guide you through the selection process, ensuring that the chosen facility meets the senior's needs and preferences.

Finding Deaf Senior Living Near You

Researching Available Facilities

Start your search for deaf senior living facilities by researching what's available in your area. Online resources, senior living directories, and referrals from healthcare professionals can all be valuable sources of information. Compile a list of potential facilities to explore further.

Utilizing Online Resources

The internet offers a wealth of information when it comes to finding suitable deaf senior living options. Websites like A Place for Mom (https://www.aplaceformom.com) provide directories and reviews of assisted living facilities, including those catering to the needs of deaf adults. Use these resources to narrow down your choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, assisted living for adults who are deaf, or deaf senior living, is a vital and specialized service for those who are hard of hearing as they age. The benefits of such communities extend beyond physical care and encompass the emotional and social well-being of their residents.Choosing the right facility is a decision that deserves careful consideration, and there are many resources available to help you make an informed choice. The importance of finding the right deaf senior living facility cannot be overstated. It can provide a safe and engaging environment where deaf seniors can thrive, find companionship, and enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. The benefits extend to improved mental and emotional health, which is a priceless gift for both the residents and their families. If you're seeking the best possible care and support for a deaf senior in your life, do your research, consult with experts, and take the time to find the perfect place for their unique needs.

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Within a few minutes, Connie Sworyk can hit the cinema, the pub and the salon.

So, too, can her neighbours with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Sworyk is an early adopter of Bergen Gardens, a first of its kind (for Manitoba) seniors’ residence.

Edison Properties, which manages apartments across Winnipeg, launched Bergen Gardens as its first assisted living site. It touts itself as the only Manitoba facility with a Level 3 personal care home designation — Level 4 personal care homes accept people with maximum dependence needs.

“Well, tomorrow, we’ve started canasta — and there’s six of us,” Sworyk said, walking to the residency’s community board, where — sure enough — a canasta sign-up sheet hung.

It’s between the theatre and the dining hall. Sworyk can choose when she eats; there isn’t a set time.

Both community and independence are emphasized in the facility, Edison Properties’ president noted.

Sworyk became one of the first in the 149 assisted living suites; she moved in last April. On Tuesday, she ate cake during Bergen Gardens’ official launch party.

A podium stood a short walk from a memory care “cottage” — there are four within Bergen Gardens, each containing 12 suites and common areas for people with dementia and similar illnesses.

“The whole aim is to keep life as normal as possible for the residents,” said Frank Koch-Schulte, president of Edison Properties.

Architects reviewed 175 environmental aspects and how the building could affect tenants, including those with dementia.

The result: circadian rhythm lighting, options for seniors to partake in meal preparation, spaces for people with dementia to mingle with seniors in assisted living. There’s a spa, an art studio, nurses dressed in casual clothing, an enclosed patio with a fire pit.

“A lot of senior care facilities can tend to, out of necessity, feel like a hospital,” Koch-Schulte said. “We’ve put as much effort as we can… to make it feel more like a home than a medical facility.”

Bergen Gardens was “a logical next step for Edison Properties,” Koch-Schulte continued.

The company’s senior population peaked a few years ago. Then, it dropped as tenants moved to care homes, Koch-Schulte said.

The migration pushed developers to begin Bergen Gardens — an idea that had percolated for years, according to Koch-Schulte.

It planned the North Kildonan residency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world event led to the creation of a visitation room and more frequent hand sanitizer stations.

Edison Properties spent around $65 to $70 million on the new site, Koch-Schulte estimated.

It adopted new security measures, including artificial intelligence-powered cameras tracking falls.

“We’ve had a lot of positive reviews on that,” said Koch-Schulte.

The cameras alert caregivers and provide information on the type of fall. Staff can relay details instead of calling with vague news of “an incident,” Koch-Schulte stated.

Bergen Gardens’ security system also locks doors if someone from a memory care suite tries to leave when they aren’t supposed to, Koch-Schulte said.

“There’s essentially 24-hour assistance provided,” he said.

Assisted living and memory care packages start at $3,500 and $6,390 per month, respectively.

“We didn’t want to add an unnecessary constraint, financial constraint, on the project,” Koch-Schulte said.

The prices are needed to provide quality care, he added.

“We did try to keep those as appropriately priced as we could,” Koch-Schulte said. “(This is) a difficult market to get into — Edison feels it’s an important one to get right.”

It’s undetermined whether the company will erect more seniors’ facilities, Koch-Schulte said, adding Edison Properties is focused on Bergen Gardens.

The 1475 Molson St. building has roughly a quarter of its suites leased, according to Koch-Schulte.

“This facility helps break the stigma that dementia marks an end,” Jacob Ahiaegbe, director of the Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba, told a crowd Tuesday.

It “advances the true concept of quality of life,” he stated.

Genevieve Thompson, a University of Manitoba nursing professor who specializes in long-term care, toured Bergen Gardens weeks ago.

“I was blown away, actually, by the thoughtfulness of the design,” she said. “When I walked in (I) was like, ‘I’m in the Netherlands.’”

The European country — along with others — are far ahead of Manitoba in long-term care models, Thompson said.

She applauded Bergen Gardens’ homey atmosphere, and the connection its memory care cottages have to spaces like the pub and movie theatre.

“I don’t think any of us want to say ‘I’m never going to have another glass of wine or go to the movies or feel the snow on my face because I have… dementia,’” Thompson said.

Bergen Gardens’ cost can be prohibitive, she noted.

“We need to think about, ‘How can we do this within the public system?’” Thompson said. “This should be a model that’s available to anyone.”

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