February is Recreation Therapy Month
We proudly celebrate the incredible impact our Recreation Team has on the health, well-being, and quality of life of the residents we serve.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – January
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share reliable information about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia affects not only individuals living with the condition, but also the families, friends, caregivers, and care teams who support them every day.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday activities.
Although age is a risk factor, many people live full and meaningful lives for years after diagnosis with the right supports in place. Early recognition, compassionate care, and informed support can significantly improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia and for their families.
Supporting a Person Living with Dementia
Small, thoughtful approaches can make a significant difference in quality of life. Helpful strategies include:
- Focusing on abilities, not limitations
- Using clear, calm, and respectful communication
- Maintaining familiar routines and environments
- Recognizing behaviour as a form of communication
- Supporting dignity, choice, and independence wherever possible
For families and friends, learning about the disease can help reduce stress, improve communication, and strengthen relationships over time. Caring for someone living with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. Seeking information, peer support, and professional guidance is an important part of maintaining caregiver well-being.
If you are a caregiver, remember that asking for help is a strength—not a weakness.
Our Commitment
At Menno Place, we are committed to dignity for residents, through person-centred care and by supporting residents, families, and staff through education and evidence-based practices.
Together, we continue to create a community where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued.
Trusted Resources & Helpful Links
Below are credible, evidence-based resources for learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia care, and caregiver support:
Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
A leading source of education, support groups, and caregiver resources in BC.
Website: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en
Government of Canada – Dementia Information
National, evidence-based information on dementia and aging. Caregiving information
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html
Dementia Friends Canada
A national initiative focused on reducing stigma and building understanding. Short learning modules for the public
Website: https://alzheimer.ca/en/get-involved/become-dementia-friendly/dementia-friendly-canada
MEMO: Bus Trips
MEMO
Date: October 31, 2025
To: Apartments Residents
Re: Bus Trips
____
Dear Residents of Menno Apartments,
We are informing you of an important update regarding our bus trips.
Starting November 1st, a 72-hour cancellation policy will be in effect. This means the following:
- If you cancel your reservation more than 72 hours in advance, there will be no charge.
- If you cancel your reservation less than 72 hours before the trip, you will be charged the trip fee.
- You may transfer your spot to another resident if you are unable to attend.
This change is intended to reduce last-minute cancellations and ensure trips have enough participants. Please continue to sign up for any bus trips as soon as possible. Each trip requires a minimum number of participants. If we don’t meet that number, we will cancel the trip 48 hours before the scheduled departure. In this case, you will not be charged.
Our recreation team organizes these trips and welcomes your ideas and suggestions. Feel free to speak with any team member or contact Linda Weatherly, Manager of Recreation, at 604-851-1352.
If you’ve never joined a bus trip before, we encourage you to give it a try!
Leonard Klassen,
Manager of Community Enrichment – Life Enrichment Team 604-851-4004
Staying Cool & Safe in Hot Weather
The following memo was distributed to apartment residents on July 5.
Date: July 5, 2024
To: All Apartment Residents: Independent & Assisted Living
Re: Staying cool and safe in hot weather
________________________________________________________________________
Dear Residents,
It’s going to be hot for the next couple of days. Make sure you know how to stay cool and safe and watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion. Your safety is important.
How to keep your body cool and comfortable:
- Drink lots of fluids – water is available in each building – see reverse for details
- Stay in a cool space
- Wet a facecloth with cold water and put it on the back of your neck
- Dress in loose fitting, light colored and breathable fabrics
- Pay attention to how you feel and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion
How to keep your apartment cool and comfortable:
- Make sure the heat is turned off
- Keep your doors and windows closed during the day (you can open them overnight)
- Close your blinds or curtains
- Limit outside walks to the early morning
- Cool off in the air-conditioned common areas of your building
Watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion:
If you experience any of the following symptoms move to cool space immediately and let someone know you are not feeling well: skin rash, heavy sweating, headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeat and breathing, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, and/or dark urine or decreased urination.
Portable air-conditioning units are allowed in the apartments.
If you have a unit installed, please use it. If you want to get a unit, contact the Life Enrichment Team at 604-851-4004 for details and our maintenance team will install.
Leonard Klassen, Manager of Community Enrichment
________________________________________________________________________
Water Locations in Menno Apartments
Please note that our Dining Experience Team is providing cold water in all our buildings. Staying hydrated is crucial, so we want to ensure that everyone has easy access to filtered drinking water.
Please contact either the Dietary or Life Enrichment Team if the bottles in the dispenser are empty.
Primrose Gardens
Water is available in the juice dispensing machine in the Bistro.
Water is in the dispenser in the 1st floor activity room.
Terrace East and Terrace West
Water is in the dispenser in the 1st floor lobby of Terrace East.
Water is available in the juice dispensing machine in the TW Bistro.
Pavilion
Water is in the dispenser in the dining room.
Please remember to bring your own reusable cups or water bottles to minimize waste and support our sustainability efforts.
Concerts in Care – Oct 25th
The next Concert in Care is Oct 25 at 10:30in the Menno Hospital chapel featuring Domagoj Ivanovic on violin and Karen Lee-Morlang on piano. All are welcome to join us.
In-Person Chapel Returns Sept 17!
We are thrilled to announce that in-person chapel is returning to the Menno Place campus starting Sunday September 17th 2-3pm! This service will take place once a month in the Menno Hospital chapel.
Everyone is welcome:
1. Residents who are able to come on their own may do so.
2. Residents who need assistance must have a family member or friend bring them or designate someone to do so. We are not able to provide staff to porter residents at this time.
Gathering in person for worship is a significant part of one’s faith experience. We want to provide this opportunity. Thank you for participating with your loved one to make it possible.
Volunteers Needed! Not every resident who needs assistance has family members or friends who are available to help. If you or someone you know would like to facilitate an in-person worship experience for those who need it please contact one of the Menno Place chaplains – Andy (Andy.Capesinio@mennoplace.ca), Ann (Ann.Thakker@mennoplace.ca) or Kerry (Kerry.Dyck@mennoplace.ca) . Thank you!
Staying Cool in Hot Weather
It’s going to be hot for the next couple of days. Make sure you know how to stay cool and safe and watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion.
How to keep your body cool and comfortable:
- Drink lots of fluids
- Stay in a cool space
- Wet a facecloth with cold water and put it on the back of your neck
- Dress in loose fitting, light colored and breathable fabrics
- Pay attention to how you feel and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion
How to keep your apartment cool and comfortable:
- Make sure the heat is turned off
- Keep your doors and windows closed during the day (you can open them overnight)
- Close your blinds or curtains
- Limit outside walks to the early morning
- Cool off in the air-conditioned common areas of your building
Watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion:
If you experience any of the following symptoms move to cool space immediately and let someone know you are not feeling well: skin rash, heavy sweating, headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeat and breathing, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, and/or dark urine or decreased urination.
Leonard Klassen
Interim Manager of Independent and Supportive Living
If you have any questions please contact reception – 604-851-4004 (Terrace East and Terrace West) or 604-851-4000 (Primrose Gardens and Pavilion).
Primrose Gardens Community Meeting – May 29 2023
Greetings from Trish, Community Enrichment Manager
Fire Safety protocol with Dave Janzen, Building Systems & Emergency Response Coordinator
In case of fire:
-
- Do not use the elevator
- If it is safe to do so, stay in your suite. Keep your door closed & put a towel under the door the help keep smoke out
- Call 911
- If there’s a fire in your suite, leave immediately & pull the closest fire alarm
- If you need to evacuate the building, the designated meeting place Is Living Water Gardens or Terrace Dining Room
Safety Items to consider:
-
- Power bars with Surge Protector are best
- Multi-outlet plugs can be a fire hazard, please avoid using these
- When cooking try to remember to make sure everything is turned off before leaving your suite
- Keep your suite clean & tidy, clutter can be fuel for a fire
- Candles are not permitted, but battery operated candles are
How to use a fire extinguisher:
-
- Turn the pin like a key to break the plastic then pull the pin out
- Aim the hose at the bottom of the fire & pull the trigger
- Extinguishers are meant to put out small fires only
Updates from Leonard Klassen, Life Enrichment Coordinator
Landscaping – Landscapers have been working hard to remove a lot of the dead growth. More plants are coming this week. Landscapers will be on campus every Tuesday, & possibly more depending on the work that needs to be done.
Power washing – the job has been completed for PG but the washers will be returning for some touch ups.
Heat – In extreme heat, it’s important to remain cool & hydrated. Common areas such as the Bistro or Dining Room have air conditioning & water jugs are located in the Activity Room & Wellness Center.
Wildlife – Do not feed the animals on campus. This includes squirrels, possums, raccoons, bunnies, birds, or cats. Hummingbird feeders are permitted.
Security – Reminder to not let people in the building. They can use the enter phone & call the person they wish to visit. Report any suspicious behavior to staff or call the building emergency line if it’s after hours-604-217-4418. Do not intervene. Your safety is important to us. Please remember to lock your doors. This is a smart task to remember even if you are just going to lunch. Even if you are home, it’s encouraged to lock your door.
Annual Rent Increase – The process for rent increases will be changing. Effective this year, the rent increase will be on a rolling basis. Example, if you moved here on August 1 2022, you will receive a rent increase for August 2023.
New Apartments Chaplain – Kerry is transitioning into his role here at the Apartments. His office will be located where Leonard’s current office is, and Leonard will be moving behind Angela in Reception.
Recreation summer update from Linda Weatherly Recreation manager
- Butterfly Release on Friday, June 16th. Butterflies are available to purchase online or at Reception for $25.
- Canada Day event on Friday, June 30th. This will include entertainment by Patsy Cline, vintage cars, & Food.
- Summer Beach Party in July. There will be food, games, & music by Elvis.
- Camping Theme event in August. More details to come.
- Grandparents Day on Saturday, September 9th. This will include entertainment for the whole family with games, fun & food.
- Concert in Care is once a month in the Menno Hospital Chapel. The next concert is on June 28th.
- Bus Trips Price Increase the cost of the bus trips have been raised to $10. This is a very reasonable & fair price.
June Bus trips update from Timea Derbyshire, Recreation Aide for Apartments. Some of the trips included are to Save on Foods, White Rock, Walmart, & the Westminster Abbey in Mission.
Fact from Trish- Studies show that the more socially isolated you are, the higher your frailty is. So be active, be social & participate!
Archway Services – offers a range of services that can be beneficial to residents. Some included are, Community Van, Meals on Wheels, Better at Home, & Senior Services. If you would like more information on this see Angela at Reception for pamphlets.
Closing with Kerry Dyck, Apartments Chaplain. Fun Fact- He hates olives. Kerry looks forward to starting his new role at Menno & getting to know all the residents.
Temporary Changes to Dining for Terrace East Residents
2nd Update March 27: The dining room will remain closed to Terrace East residents for Monday and Tuesday March 27 & 28th. The number of cases is trending down and we hope to be back in the dining room soon.
Due to the spread of GI (similar to stomach flu) in Terrace East we have made a couple of temporary changes:
- The dining room is temporarily closed to Terrace East residents. Meals and morning break will be delivered to each apartment for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (March 15 – 17).
We hope to be back in the dining room on Saturday. - Terrace West residents will still eat in the dining room.
- Morning break for Terrace West residents has been moved to the Terrace West bistro area.
We are NOT in lockdown. All residents who are feeling well can move about the building, go outside, and run errands. Residents who are feeling sick are asked to please stay home until you feel better. Terrace East residents who start to experience symptoms (vomiting and/or diarrhea) should press their pendant so care staff can assist them.
All residents can still have visitors. If you are coming into the Terrace East building please be aware that GI is highly contagious and be extra careful if you or someone in your household is immunocompromised.
Recreation activities are being split by building. Terrace West residents will get updates in the lunch time announcements each day. For Terrace East most recreation activities are paused except for bingo which will still happen at 1:15 on Thursday. Terrace East bingo players will meet in the first floor lounge. Terrace West will play in the Terrace West bistro.
There are no changes for Primrose Gardens or the Pavilion at this time.
Income Tax Preparation for Apartment Residents
We are pleased to provide income tax preparation services completed by a volunteer accountant, working in conjunction with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). The CVITP partners with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to provide volunteers who prepare tax returns for those who have a modest income and a simple tax solution.
Eligibility:
- Individuals with income up to $35,000
- Couples with income up to $45,000
- Simple tax solution
To access this service please see Claire or Angela at reception to get a form. Return the completed form to reception no later than April 14th. Reception will set up a phone appointment for you with the accountant.
Appointments will be by phone on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons throughout March and April. There are a couple of in-person appointments available as well.
For family members:
Family members are welcome to be on the call with the resident if they choose. For family members who have a current POA agreement, you can choose to take the call instead of the resident with permission from the resident. Please contact Claire 604-851-4004 to arrange this.
