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Man with visual impairment finds new lease on life at Westview Town Suites
© Silvera For Seniors
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Maurice McAtamney views the caring staff of Westview and fellow residents as his extended family and friends.
When 79-year-old Maurice McAtamney lost his eyesight four years ago after heart surgery, the passionate golfer continued to live independently and play golf with the help of his best friend Bud.
But in early 2023, McAtamney’s hemoglobin levels dropped so low that he could barely move. Bud and a concerned neighbour suggested he move to Silvera for Seniors’ Westview Town Suites. There, he wouldn’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning and would have access to a 24/7 emergency call system.
“A lot of people don’t want to move but they’re at risk,” says Carrie Larose, senior manager of Silvera’s mixed-market housing portfolio.
“What they find here is that it’s not the end of life, but a chance to make life easier and better. You have the freedom to pursue what you didn’t before.”
The 92-unit Westview Town Suites in southwest Glamorgan offers affordable market-rent studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units starting at $2,900 per month, including utilities. The 65-plus supportive living community boasts superior amenities, including three daily meals, weekly housekeeping, activity and event outings, plus on-site lifestyle, leisure and learning activities. Each unit has a Lifeline emergency call system connected to 24/7 on-site staff.
Moving into a smaller space required understanding the functionality of his suite. To achieve this, McAtamney and Bud created a cardboard cutout of his new apartment to determine which furniture he needed to bring or buy. Maurice then memorized the layout, and unneeded possessions were donated to charities, including a women’s shelter.
McAtamney admits he wasn’t fully aware of the social impact and isolation of his previous living situation until he moved to Westview in March 2023. There, the caring staff and fellow residents have become his extended family and friends.
In this supportive environment, music has taken on even greater significance in McAtamney’s life. As a guitar player and dedicated member of the Calgary Burns Club, he attends practice every Saturday and performs at various venues. Since moving to Westview, he has also embraced new activities, including weekly instructor-led yoga classes and trips on side-by-side bicycles with his friend Patty, who lives in nearby Westview Residence West.
Freed from the worry of meal preparation, McAtamney now enjoys a selection of three chef inspired daily offerings, including two main options and a la carte choices. He
says he relishes the camaraderie of happy friends during Sunday brunches and monthly fine dining events.
This newfound ease has allowed McAtamney to engage more deeply in other aspects of Westview’s vibrant community. For instance, having recently returned from a trip to Scotland, he shared a presentation on his birthplace’s traditions with fellow residents. This cultural exchange highlights just one of the many expansive leisure opportunities at Westview, which also include art classes, university courses, fashion shows and exercise sessions.
While circumstances forced his decision to move, McAtamney says he is now “very happy and comfortable. This is home.”
To find out more information, please visit westviewtownsuites.silvera.ca.
Southwest Glamorgan retirement community supports seniors with nurturing care and activities
Barbara Livingstone, Postmedia Content Works
Originally published on July 24, 2024 in the Calgary Herald and July 25, 2024 in the Calgary Sun