At Tapestry, our holistic approach to wellness creates an environment where people can thrive and focus on staying healthy, active and engaged. We believe that by being active, and by having opportunity and easy access to things that can keep you physically and mentally fit, seniors can remain independent as Tapestry residents.

We also know that as people age, their needs and abilities can change. While our communities are designed for independent living, when our residents need a little extra assistance, we are more than happy to provide that.

In fact, we are licensed at both of our Vancouver locations* – Tapestry at Wesbrook Village and Tapestry at Arbutus Walk – to provide assisted living services. “We can provide support that is tailored to your needs, so you can continue to live independently in your Tapestry suite,” says Natasha Lyons, Director of Health and Wellness.

This customized support could include assistance with showering, taking medications and getting dressed (for example if you have trouble with buttons due to arthritis, or putting on compression stockings). The services are overseen by Natasha, who is a Registered Nurse, and all our Resident Assistants are fully qualified and certified Health Care Assistants.

In addition to helping with these daily tasks, our Resident Assistants are part of the network of Tapestry employees who provide emergency response services. Residents have the option of an in-house pendant alarm system with 24/7/365 on-site emergency response, if needed. All residents also have peace of mind from Tapestry’s daily morning check-in routine.

Resident Assistants also help to lead wellness activities in our Vancouver communities, and they participate with residents in activities and excursions, something which is unique to Tapestry.

“All of our caring employees get to know our residents and keep an eye out for any changes in wellness,” says Natasha. “This is one of the benefits of living in a Tapestry community,” she adds. “If one of our employees sees a change in one of our residents, they will flag it to the health team for follow up.”

Romella Ariles, a 14-year Tapestry employee, is one of the caring Resident Assistants working at Tapestry at Wesbrook Village. “I love interacting with the residents every day. I love the knowledge and wisdom that the residents share with me about their lives, their professions, and their families – you pick up valuable lessons from them,” she says.

Romella says that even when a resident experiences a big change in their life or their health – for example when a spouse passes away – with a little extra help from her or one of her colleagues, they can continue to live in their Tapestry suite. “Sometimes it’s just about helping them start their day by taking their medications or getting dressed, and then they can go on with their day,” she says.

Tapestry offers a set list of services under the scope of its assisted living services, and the beauty of the offering is that it can be completely customized to the individual resident – they only receive, and are charged, for the services they need.

Residents may also only require additional help for a short period of time, for example following an injury or surgery, and this can also be accommodated.

“People in our communities who are receiving assisted living services are always very thankful and appreciative, and they know that it’s extending their stay with us and allowing them to continue to live independently,” says Natasha.

Independent living doesn’t mean you have to live alone – you can continue to live independently in one of our Tapestry communities. If you are looking for a vibrant and active retirement living community, and you think now might be the right time for a move, please contact us and we would be pleased to host you for lunch and a tour.

*Tapestry at Victoria Harbour supports health requirements through access to third-party health providers.