Winkler Opens Village West, A New Community Concept

For more than two years, the second floor at the new Buhler Active Living Centre remained dark and dormant, but no longer.

"This is a very good day... we've been waiting for this for years," Buhler Active Living Centre Board Chair George Klassen explains. "We as a board were determined that until we had the right fit we wouldn't open. Once we open up we want to be permanent, and we believe we have the right company to look after this. It's a good fit."

The Villages opened with its first residents Saturday with Steinbach-based Silver Lining Care, allowing older adults to age in place rather than seeing families separated and sent to different communities because of a lack of supportive-housing spaces.

The floor boasts 24 private rooms that provide full meal services with a focus on community. Meals are taken in a central dining room while large lounge areas provide space for recreation and games. Residents also have access to an outdoor garden terrace.

Meanwhile, caregivers on site provide companionship, assist with exercise, cooking meals, laundry, bathing and all activities of daily living, facilitated by a Care Coordinator through Silver Lining Care.

The unique small home concept is becoming popular in the U.S, and Silver Lining Care President and CEO Carolyn Peters says she's excited to bring the model to Manitoba. "We are on the leading edge," she says.

While caregivers provide daily support, overnight care, and check-ins, they also provide activities and socialization.

"This is a place families will come to truly live, and live on their terms," she says, adding it's not only about physical needs, but helping residents continue to do the things they love. The Winkler Senior Centre is also conveniently located on the building's main floor.

She notes they're made it a priority to hire local caregivers, adding staff will provide daily reports to family members.

Costs for residents include $1,100 a month for room rental and $450 a month for three meals a day.  Silver Lining Care costs would be covered by Homecare allowances from the Province, but Peters says their individualized care means every case varies.

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder explains The Villages is a dream he and many others have held for more than ten years.

"It is a cumulative effort that has made this place the one it is today," Harder says. "I couldn’t be prouder."

"This truly is a place where you come to live."

The Buhler Active Living Centre officially opened in 2016.