Interview with The Heritage - Verve Senior Living resident, Denise Bergevin

So far, so good. We moved in late March 2024, and my husband has severe COPD, and we are feeling very comfortable. The reason why we chose The Heritage was because they have care. So if we should need care, it is available to us. So far, we are enjoying it. Yes, we have such good people.

I really do enjoy the activities. I like the craft and the art. TJ is so kind, so helpful. He brings a relaxing atmosphere when he comes into the activities, and he is excellent with the exercise. Lots of nice music, and it’s nice and cheerful.

We also enjoy the music. There is a lot of music entertainment that we enjoy. My husband is not able to take part in too many things, but he tries hard.

The Heritage is excellent.

Oh my goodness, the staff is unreal. The staff was so helpful when we moved in. Our family did a lot for us, and also, we had Haley and Kevin chip in with pushing the buggies, and also Connie. She saw me downstairs, and she was just like, "Oh, let me help you bring this up." The staff made us really feel good in our move. We certainly did.

I also have to give kudos to the dining room staff. I especially like Alec. He comes in, and he keeps the room calm, and he is always so helpful, pushes your chair, and if you need your walker, he goes for it. I don’t have a walker, but I see the people around who need his help, and he’s so willing to help all the time.

My husband and I did a lot of searching with the help of our family, and there were two places that we had chosen. Our daughter-in-law, who is also in the healthcare business, felt that this would be a better place for my husband and me because he is ill, and they provide care whenever you feel that you need it. They're available to call, and they will be right there to help. So this is why we chose The Heritage.

When we were visiting, the receptionist, her name was Karen, and she was so loving. She would always offer us, “Would you like a tea? Would you like some coffee?” Then please sit and enjoy your little time waiting for Haley or Kevin to come around. Yes, it was very warm, very welcoming

The process of moving went well, with the help of Haley and Kevin. Haley helped us with the little moving company, and they were great. Our apartment was nice and tidy, nice and clean. So there were no issues there. I feel that it went well.

It took me a while because I wasn’t really good with the directions. A couple of times, I got lost. I would say it took us about four weeks.

The kitchen staff was so nice because they invited all our helpers in to have dinner with us for the first evening, and that was very, very nice. It felt like, okay, we’re home now. Let’s get with it.

I tell people The Heritage is a great place. We have lots to do. You can be as busy as you wish. If you feel like you’re not able to do things, they don’t push. They recommend and encourage you, invite you. I would say to them, "Come on in, come on in."

I would recommend that they do their homework. My husband and I and our daughter-in-law, who is in healthcare, did all the homes in Kelowna and West Kelowna. As I said before, there were two of them on the list. But the other one, the waiting list was 2.5 years, and my husband didn’t feel that we were able to wait for that time. She recommended that this place would be good for him because of the care that is available for us at any time.

The caregivers at The Heritage are so, so helpful. If they don’t see you, they come and check on you. If you have a question, they’re willing to answer. The staff is great. I love the staff. The reception desk ladies are very nice. The staff is so willing to help anyone. They are great. They’re amazing.