A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
The Vineyards Residence vs. The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

The Vineyards is a thoroughly modern addition to retirement living options in Kelowna. Striking features of this community include expert care available, and the sense of spaciousness and newness that pervades this development. For Kelowna-area residents facing a need for some additional help with daily care, or families dealing with the progressive effects of dementia, this offers exemplary care and community.

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

One of the most notable aspects of this community is the combination of professionalism and personal warmth exhibited by staff. You might see an example of that the moment you walk in the door, where you're likely to see staff working closely with seniors or simply engaged in friendly conversation. The company behind this community, Verve Senior Living, is committed to rethinking senior care, as exemplified in this attention to honouring the uniqueness of each senior in their care.

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

My dad recently moved into Assisted Living at The Vineyards Residence after living independently his whole life. As my dad is 101 years old, I thought it would be a challenging transition. Thanks to the wonderful staff and variety of activities to keep the residents engaged and connected, my dad is thriving. I hear no complaints about the food, and the staff at The Vineyards ensures that my dad is living in a safe, supportive, and caring community.

My mother-in-law moved into The Vineyards in 2022, first on the Assisted Living floor and later in Memory Care. This facility is beautifully designed and maintained and the staff are endlessly caring and friendly. The nursing staff and management were always available and ready to listen and help in any way possible. My mother-in-law’s room was comfortable and felt like a home rather than a care facility and the recreational team kept her engaged and happy in their many activities. During her recent decline and palliative care the nurses, care aides, housekeeping staff and management could not have been kinder or more attentive. Thanks so much to all the staff who helped make Erika’s last days peaceful and full of loving care.

In Oct of 2022 my father, with Parkinson's and Vascular Dementia, ended up in Kelowna General Hospital. Due to upsetting circumstances, the medical system considered my father assisted living when he needed full care and support. We did not qualify for a funded bed or full care and our alternatives were to send my father back home, which was no longer safe for him, or to look into private care. This led me to look into different private facilities that would be safe and supportive for him. We wanted something that would take into consideration his dementia/parkinsons but still allow for some freedom with support (ex. he could come to dinner if he wanted but would get a reminder for dinner since he didn't know timeframes most of the time due to his brain failure). I met with Jenelle who gave me a tour, listened to my story, and showed such graciousness and compassion. I knew pretty much immediately that I wanted my dad there and we secured a spot for him. Unfortunately, he passed away in hospital shortly before he was planned to move and even then the Vineyards was wonderful to work with in cancelation and moving out of all my dad's things. I'm so grateful for the peace of mind and the details that were handled even though my dad didn't have the pleasure of living there in the end. Jenelle showed her support to my husband, my sisters, and me through words, tears, and in showing up to my father's memorial even though she hadn't met him. If you want a residence and manager (Jenelle) that really cares about the families and your loved ones, I highly recommend looking into the Vineyards.

We moved my father into the Vineyards 2 months ago when he was in the end stages of his 7 year battle with Prostate Cancer. He was requiring 24/7 care and TLC and was starting to deal with memory loss and confusion. Jenelle made the intake process seamless and the team on the third floor were amazing. Many of the staff are quite young and we weren't sure how it would go, but there is a kind and compassionate group of workers on that floor that loved on Dad and cared for him as well or better than we could at home. From our experience I would highly recommend putting your family in their care.

This community is a must see! The Residence is state-of-the-art, clean and safe. The team at the Residence is absolutely wonderful. Hands down, an amazing place to be!

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

First class! Their spring open house in Penticton was tremendous. Exceptional food, entertainment and tours. Very welcoming staff and residents, and managed expertly by Sharon. Well done!

Everything is beautiful and clean. People are friendly and professional. The food is great and I highly recommend this facility.

My mom-in-law was here and loved it. I'm now looking [on behalf of] my mom.

Managers and staff are great to work with; residents are treated like family!

My mother is a resident at the Concorde and we have nothing but the very best things to say about her experience there. Moving to the Concorde meant a significant increase in her quality of life - healthier eating, cleaner and safer living space, and a wonderful social network. The staff are excellent and always patient with my Mom and with us. We hope she continues to reside there for a happy long time!

Sharon Lusch, management

Joan Morgan, resident (2024)

Rose Marie Soullier, resident (2024)

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

At The Vineyards Residence, Kelowna’s premiere retirement living option, our approach to Assisted Living & Memory Care will delight you. Our beautiful residence, with a focus on wellness & purposeful living, allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Experienced staff provide professional assistance with the activities of daily living, as well as exceptional dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Enjoy a beautiful suite, including in-suite kitchenette and washer/dryer, and delicious meals. The Vineyards Residence - Life’s Better Here.

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Awarded the Best of the South Okanagan (2023, 2024) and the Seal of Approval Award in recognition of achieving 10 years of the highest standards in safety, security & services, The Concorde Retirement Community is dedicated to excellence in senior living options. Professionally managed with a true family vibe, our Community promotes independent living with alternatives for residents to age in place & for couples to remain together as long as possible. Designed with comfortable living spaces, featuring large windows for plenty of natural light & amenities which include a resident garden with raised garden boxes, The Concorde Retirement Community is your perfect lifestyle choice for socialization, entertainment, friendship, and peace of mind.

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

At The Vineyards Residence, we embrace a multigenerational approach welcoming post-secondary, high school, and elementary students to engage with our residents.
Grade 2 and 3 local elementary students visit weekly to practice their reading with seniors and to teach/partake in an art activity.

High school students earn volunteer hours supporting residents in a variety of ways such as portering, assisting with activities, and spending quality one-on-one time.
Post-secondary students are living, volunteering and working in the residence.
The Vineyards Residence is a practicum site for various colleges and universities training healthcare professionals through co-operative education.

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

The Concorde offers homemade delicious meals freshly prepared onsite, with an a ‘la carte menu including monthly buffets. The true family vibe and resident involvement in daily programs and activities creates a warm and friendly home. The Concorde offers programs and activities 7 days a week, exercise / strength & fitness classes 3 times a week, art and culture and a wide variety of opportunities for social interaction. Residents feel very safe knowing there is 24/care staff onsite along with a Health and Wellness Manager.

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

A welcome gift awaits new residents when they move into The Vineyards Residence. Members of the Leadership Team eagerly look forward to meeting with residents to personally welcome them and the Resident Handbook covers many frequently asked questions. A friendly current resident may welcome newcomers to join them for meals or activities as they establish themselves in their new home. Meals preferences are reviewed with the Chef and all assisted living residents are encouraged to attend the monthly Assisted Living Resident Council meetings to hear the latest news and contribute to the lifestyle at The Vineyards Residence.

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

As residents age in place and assisted living services are required, the Concorde can provide services as follows: Bath Assistance, Medication Assistance, Nurse Administration i.e. Lab collection/injections/Swabs etc., door Alarm monitoring, daily care assistance, wellness check, vital sign check, medi-alert non-emergency call, meal escort, daily meal reminder phone call, Ted Stockings off /on, resident safety check, 1:1 Companion Care (Based on Availability), 1/1 Care Aide (Based on Availability), Daily Meal Reminder Phone Calls, Catheter / Ostomy Care weekly.

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

As a resident’s needs change, we support them by reassessments to understand the changing needs. Follow up with the doctor and family. We have a dietician, occupational therapists and social workers on site if required for more support.

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At The Concorde, residents can transition between independent living and assisted living as their needs evolve. Our team works closely with residents and families to assess changing circumstances and arrange additional support when needed. This approach allows residents to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving more assistance with daily living, health, and wellness. If a resident eventually requires nursing care, our team will guide the family as they work with The Ministry of Health for assessment and placement in long-term care.

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

If there are aggressive behaviours or more complex needs outside Alzheimer’s and Dementia (such as feeding tube or brittle diabetes where more one on one nursing is required).

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Someone seeking a completely independent apartment lifestyle with minimal services or community interaction may find another type of setting more aligned with their expectations. The Concorde tends to appeal to seniors who appreciate an active retirement lifestyle with dining, amenities, and opportunities to connect with others. Residents here enjoy shared spaces, programs, and a supportive environment that encourages community engagement.

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

Residents and their families are delighted with the multi-generational interactions.

The Vineyards Residence offers a phased-in approach to care where residents can age in place. A resident may require assisted living initially and can transition, as needed, by increasing care support to full memory care or long-term care.

The recreation calendar offers opportunities beyond bingo and movie nights. You can also find events such as “Painting and Pinot”, brain games using the Tovertafel Table, and organized outings to the places like the Aviation Museum, the Symphony and cheering on the UBCO Men’s Basketball Team!

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We have a good mix of 27 men and women of various ages including eight couples. Residents are active and involved and even lead many of the day-to-day activities. We have raised garden beds in our community garden for the residents to enjoy. We offer weekly bus outing that include winery tours, back road country drives, Christmas light tours, animal farms such as the GotaGoat, Kangaroo farm, Aviation Center/Classic Cars, Farmers Markets etc.,

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

We will continue to grow and support our residents and in the next five years our phase two of independent living apartments will be completed to allow a more aged in place lifestyle of living.

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

In the coming years, The Concorde will continue building on the qualities residents already value, attentive service, strong wellness programming, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The focus will remain on enhancing services that support residents’ independence while ensuring additional support can be arranged as needs evolve. The goal is to continue offering a comfortable and engaging retirement lifestyle for residents and their families.

THE VINEYARDS RESIDENCE

• The Vineyards Residence offers Assisted Living, Memory Care and Enhanced Care.
• Pets are welcome and our Pet Therapy Program is popular with therapy dogs visiting almost every day. Recently, Memory Care Residents enjoyed hatching & nurturing chicks.
• Be sure to say hello to our post-secondary students who live in the building, volunteer with residents, and are also part-time employees.
• Service packages are customized to what you need.
• Tours are available weekdays and Saturdays. Call our Community Relations Manager at 236-420-4400 to arrange your personal tour today!

THE CONCORDE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We are not a Nursing Home. We provide Assisted Living Services for those that may require a little extra care as they age in place. Residents that require Assisted Living stay in their same suite and services are brought to them into their suite.