Don and Sharon Murphy enjoying the fitness facilities at Bowmanville Creek
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Don & Sharon MurphyResidentsAfter Don had a number of falls at their Ottawa home, he and his wife Sharon began thinking about their health and their future. They decided to be proactive and that they wanted to enjoy the “quality of life offered by a retirement community.”
When they heard about Bowmanville Creek, they became excited about moving to a “brand-new retirement community, right in the centre of town.” Don wanted the sense of security and peace of mind knowing that the Bowmanville Wellness team is there to help if he has another fall. The extensive amenity spaces and activity programs appealed to Sharon. She loves movie nights and exercise classes. Sharon is happy to say that “Don has joined the exercise class at Bowmanville Creek and already I see a definite difference in his movement when he is walking. He is not as unsure of himself. He is walking with a purpose and he loves the pool.” Most of all, Sharon enjoys the camaraderie and the fact that there are always people around. “We are building a community here,” she says. |
Elisabeth Barleben (right) with her son Paul in the Fireplace Lounge
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Paul BarlebenSon of Elisabeth Barleben (resident)“Dad passed away last year and it wasn’t long after that Mom said she couldn’t keep up with the house anymore. She has bad knees and the stairs in her home were becoming increasingly difficult for her to manage so she made the decision to move,” says Paul Barleben, whose mom lives in Bowmanville Creek.
“We were lucky that the construction of Bowmanville Creek had begun. We visited the Presentation Centre and Mom loved what she saw and reserved a suite right away. It’s a beautiful, cozy building and it’s so reassuring to know she is here and doesn’t have to worry about maintain the house or navigating stairs any more. Mom’s meeting new friends and the activities are great. She can use the pool or the activity areas and play Scrabble whenever she wants. “We looked at other retirement communities but Mom was really happy that Bowmanville Creek was brand-new. The suites are bigger, the rates are cheaper and the location is amazing. Mom loves the downtown area of Bowmanville and especially enjoys the views from her suite!” |
Ruth Girardi in the Demonstration Kitchen where residents can share their favourite recipes and show off their culinary skills.
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Ruth GirardiResident“I have lived in Bowmanville all my life. My Dad went to high school on this site, I went to high school on this site, my children went to senior public school on this site. It’s almost like coming home.
“My husband died seven years ago and I have cared for many different family members throughout my life. I did not want to put my family through the worry of having to care for me. I decided that I would make the decision to move into a retirement community myself, while I was still able. “I was tired of worrying about the maintenance of my home and all the bills. I could have stayed in my home for a couple more years, but I wanted to make the move while I was still able to enjoy it. “I went for a tour of Bowmanville Creek and I loved the layout of the suites. I chose a beautiful one-bedroom suite. I am enjoying the meals and the fact I don’t have to eat alone anymore. I did a lot of cooking in my life, but when you are living alone there is no fun in cooking meals. “There is just about everything that I could ever need at Bowmanville Creek. If I wish to go out, they have a bus that will take me wherever I want to go. I think they’ve got just about everything covered here!” |
Marjorie Choles posing for a photo in the Library before settling in with a good book.
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Marjorie CholesResident“I have lived in Mississauga for 75 years. My husband passed away 17 years ago and over the past few years I was not able to get out as much. I couldn’t drive and I was afraid to go out alone, so I became very lonely. I decided that maybe it would be a good idea to move into a retirement residence because I was so lonely. I knew people that had moved into one but I had never seen one for myself.
“My daughter lives in Bowmanville and she told me about a brand-new retirement residence being built on Queen Street. I wanted to move to be closer to my daughter and live somewhere that I would not be alone all the time. I hoped to meet people and enjoy my life. “I love my new life at Bowmanville Creek. Everyone I have met here is so friendly and it felt like home when I moved in. I often get hugs from the staff when I get off the elevator. I love getting hugs! I have joined in so many activities. Today I went to exercise class and yesterday I played bingo and euchre with three other residents. “I was happy to know that I would have a doctor at Bowmanville Creek and that the Wellness staff would be available 24 hours a day should I have an emergency. Once I set off my emergency response button by accident and the nurse was in my suite a minute later asking if I was ok. It is a relief to know I am not alone anymore.” |
