By Andrew Trinder, Director of Operations, VRS Communities Seniors Living, (Kelowna)
In my previous life, now feeling like a lifetime ago, I used to operate high-end hotels, clubs and resorts. I was happy, I thoroughly enjoyed my chosen career which started in London, moved to obscurity for a while in Andorra, then followed the high life in Bermuda for more years than I should have, surrounded by turquoise waters, wealth and fame (others, not me).
I escaped and moved to Victoria in 2007, initially to run the Aerie Resort and Spa, before I was hired by VRS communities to operate Ross Place Seniors Community. Honestly, I did not know if it would be a good fit for me, but decided to try.
From the moment I walked through the door, I loved it. I was surrounded by wonderful people and felt a sense of worth. Right then, I knew I would never be going back to hotels. That was 10 years ago and I asked myself the question: 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœWhy didn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t I make this move years ago?91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ
Stepping out into something new, whether it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s a new career or a new senior living residence, is full of possibilities.
Having now welcomed and gotten to know thousands of seniors who have chosen to move from their home into a community living setting, whether Independent or Assisted Living, I now recognize they are all faced with similar questions (albeit more important than a career choice).
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœDo I want to change my lifestyle?91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœDo I want to live in a community?91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœWill I like the other people living there?91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœDo I want someone else to cook my meals, and will it be to my taste?91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœWill I be interested in attending all these activities they91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™re telling me about?91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ
My best advice is this 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ we never know what life has to offer if we stay within our comfort zone. Stepping out into something new, whether it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s a new career or residence, can bring an even better future than you imagined. You just have to give it a try.
Ten years later, what I hear from so many of our residents is the same response I had, 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœWhy didn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t I make this move years ago?91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ
For more information about seniors living in Kelowna visit .