Retirement home sweet home

From the moment Phyllis and Clem Steffler walked into Evanston Summit, they knew it was destined to be their new home. “Phyllis was ready to move in the next day,” laughs Clem. Retired and living in Airdrie, the couple was seeking greater ease in their lives, without the worry of maintaining a home and cooking their meals. They’d been looking at options when Judy, from Covenant Living’s Evanston Summit, met them at their local church and invited them to a BBQ. They walked in and immediately loved the welcoming, attractive front entrance.

Their instinct was confirmed several months later when their daughter, a public health nurse in Toronto, was in town. “We took her to several retirement residences,” Phyllis recalls. When they got to Evanston Summit, she turned to her parents and said, “Dad and Mom, this is the place for you.” The couple moved in on July 18, 2018.

Seven months later and they are completely settled and content in their two-bedroom suite. The staff are kind, generous, and thoughtful, “just like Judy,” they say. Friendships are borne over home-cooked meals served in a common dining room, and there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. They especially enjoy the Tuesday afternoon spiritual discussion where readings are the foundation to delve into questions that help them better know each other and themselves. “Opening up to one another makes for a closer-knit community,” says Clem. The couple appreciates the weekly outings that are organized by the residence and the convenience of walking from their home to several amenities including a drug store, hair salon, doctor’s offices, grocery stores, and banks.
 
Phyllis and Clem chose a life lease, selling their house and investing the funds into the cost of their suite at Evanston Summit, paying only a monthly amount that covers meals and amenities. Those funds are in a trust, and they are guaranteed a 99% return when the suite is vacated. The life lease model offers three levels that reduce monthly fees and generates a return on investment that is over 5%, which is better than what is offered at banks. Renting suites is also an option.
 
“This works right out for us,” says Phyllis. “We are happy, and our children are happy that we are in such a wonderful place.

​Written by Salima Bandali

Phillys and Clem Steffler

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Covenant Living is part of the Covenant family of three non-profit Catholic organizations. Rooted in a 150-year legacy, the Covenant families are leaders and innovators in their fields, being of greater service and transforming the health system to create vibrant communities of health and healing.
http://covenantcare.ca

World Day of the Sick 2019 Resources: 

• Letter from Bishop McGrattan re: Catholic Healthcare - Download 
• Pope's Message for the 2019 World Day of the Sick - Download 
• Reflection for World Day of the Sick from Dr. Moira McQueen - Download
• Covenant Care & Covenant Living Poster - Download 
• Diocesan World Day of the Sick | Poster | Prayer Card

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