Top Five Places to Retire in the Okanagan

The Okanagan Valley offers several wonderful places to retire, each with its own unique charm and appeal.

“Alongside wine tasting, festivals, and farmers-market hopping, popular pursuits include cycling the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and boating on Okanagan Lake. Sunny and hot with fragrant sage, lavender fields, and vineyards spanning the hillsides, the valley is a hub for food and drink and long, luxurious days on the water” HelloBC.

The best place to retire in the Okanagan ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Here are a few popular retirement destinations within the Okanagan Valley:

Kelowna City Park boardwalk

  1. Retire in Kelowna

    • As the largest city in the Okanagan, Kelowna offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. It has a vibrant cultural scene, numerous restaurants, shopping centers, and excellent healthcare facilities. The city is located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, providing stunning lakefront views and plenty of recreational opportunities.

  1. Retire in Penticton

    • This picturesque town is situated at the south end of Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. Penticton offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for retirees. The city boasts beautiful beaches, a thriving arts community, and various outdoor activities, including cycling and hiking.

  1. Retire in Vernon

    • Nestled between three lakes (Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan), Vernon is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and mild climate. The town offers a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural events, and shopping opportunities. It’s an ideal location for retirees who enjoy a quieter, laid-back lifestyle.

  1. Retire in Summerland

    • This charming town is known for its orchards, vineyards, and stunning lake views. Summerland is a close-knit community that provides a peaceful and tranquil setting for retirees. It offers a range of recreational activities and cultural events, perfect for those seeking a slower-paced lifestyle.

  1. Retire in Osoyoos

    • If you prefer a warmer climate and desert-like landscapes, Osoyoos might be the perfect fit. Situated near the U.S. border, Osoyoos is famous for its vineyards, wineries, and Canada’s warmest lake. The town’s relaxed atmosphere and abundance of outdoor activities make it a popular retirement destination.

Ultimately, the best place to retire in the Okanagan depends on your lifestyle preferences, budget, proximity to family and friends, and the type of environment you desire. Before making a decision, it’s advisable to visit the different locations, explore the local amenities, and consider what aspects of retirement life are most important to you. Consulting with a real estate agent familiar with the area can also provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect retirement spot in the Okanagan Valley. Three real estate agents we suggest are Ali Mazzei, Roma Neissen, and Gerry Fraser.

Understanding the Difference Between Independent and Assisted Living

As individuals age, it’s natural to consider alternative living arrangements that cater to changing needs and lifestyles. Two popular options that provide supportive environments for seniors are independent living and assisted living. While both aim to enhance quality of life for older adults, there are distinct differences between these two types of housing. In this blog post, we will explore the contrasting features of independent and assisted living, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances or the needs of your loved ones.

Independent Living:

Independent living communities like Regency Retirement Resorts in Kelowna are designed for active, self-sufficient seniors who desire a maintenance-free and enriched lifestyle. These communities typically offer a range of amenities, such as private apartments or cottages, common areas, recreational facilities, and social activities. Here are some key characteristics of independent living:

Autonomy and Privacy: Independent living allows seniors to maintain their independence, living in their own private residences, usually with full kitchens and separate living spaces.

Minimal Assistance: Residents in independent living communities are generally healthy and require minimal assistance with daily activities. They can take care of their personal care needs, cooking, cleaning, and transportation independently.

Social Engagement: Independent living communities like that of Regency Retirement Resorts encourages an active social life, with planned activities, events, and outings to foster a sense of community and companionship among residents. This environment promotes friendships and social connections, helping to combat feelings of isolation “and loneliness,” which according to Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna, “[increases] their vulnerability to depression and disability.”

Optional Services: While residents can enjoy the freedom of independent living, many communities offer additional services like housekeeping, laundry, meal plans, and transportation to make life more convenient and comfortable.

Assisted Living:

Assisted living facilities throughout the Okanagan are ideal for seniors who need a greater level of assistance with daily activities but still desire a degree of independence. Assisted living communities provide a supportive environment while promoting autonomy and social interaction. Here are the key characteristics of assisted living:

Personalized Care: Assisted living communities have trained staff members available 24/7 to assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility support. The level of care is tailored to individual needs, ensuring residents receive the appropriate assistance while maintaining dignity and privacy. The Vineyards, an assisted living facility in Kelowna states, “There are no cookie cutters here. We work with you to design your service package to suit your lifestyle” confirming that your needs will be of the utmost importance and you will be well kept.

Safe and Secure Environment: Assisted living facilities prioritize the safety and security of their residents. They offer features such as emergency call systems, secure entryways, and trained staff who can respond to any potential medical or safety concerns promptly.

Nutritious Meals and Services: Assisted living communities generally provide regular meals tailored to specific dietary needs and preferences. Additionally, they often offer housekeeping, laundry services, transportation assistance, and planned activities to ensure a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.

Social Engagement and Support: Assisted living facilities promote socialization through planned activities, events, and common areas where residents can interact with peers. The supportive community setting fosters a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Choosing the Right Option:

When considering independent living or assisted living within the Okanagan, it’s crucial to assess the specific needs and preferences of the individual. Here are a few factors to consider when making a decision:

Level of Assistance: Evaluate the current and potential future care needs of the individual. If they require minimal assistance and prefer a more independent lifestyle, independent living may be suitable. However, if they need assistance with ADLs or medical management, assisted living may be a better fit.

Socialization and Support: Consider the importance of social engagement and companionship. Independent living communities offer more opportunities for social interaction, while assisted living facilities provide a structured environment for enhanced support and care.

 

Budget and Location: Compare the costs and location of independent living and assisted living options, ensuring they align with the individual’s financial situation and desired location. To help you do so, here is a link to Edward Jones, the Estate Planners we invite into our resorts to aid our residents in ensuring their financial future.

Conclusion:

Independent living and assisted living provide distinct living arrangements for older adults seeking supportive environments. Independent living allows for a maintenance-free, socially active lifestyle for self-sufficient individuals, while assisted living offers personalized care and assistance for those requiring help with daily activities. By considering the specific needs and preferences of the individual, you can make an informed decision that ensures a comfortable and fulfilling living situation during the golden years of life.

BC Senior’s Week Schedule

Senior’s Week Schedule

What Separates Us From 55+ Apartments and Care?

You Can Build a Community

Want to create a community of friends with common interests? Our robust activities calendar will give you plenty of opportunities to introduce yourself to fellow residents and find new interests you may not even know you had. Our dedicated Fun Force Directors tend to your happiness and your fun. Not interested in activities? No problem. Show up whenever you want and enjoy leisure your way. Various events are planned throughout the month to suit the needs of all our residents. From card games to parties and happy hours, our residents have many options to choose from to enrich their retirement lifestyle and feel the freedom they deserve.

Cleaning Done for You

We offer bi-weekly linen and housekeeping service. You won’t even need to be in your room; take a load off and head to our country kitchen for a vanilla latte while we take care of your suite. From bathrooms to floors, the Regency housekeepers ensure your spaces are taken care of so that you can focus on your retirement and embrace what enriches you.

Experience Excellent Staff

Our front desk/ administration staff and management are always there to help with whatever needs you have. From ordering taxis to engaging in casual conversation, the people manning the front desk know how best to serve our residents. There to answer questions, be a friend, and help you manage the day-to-day stressors, those of the management team are here for you.

Superb Dining That Suits You

Are you tired of cooking and all the cleanup your meals entail? We understand. We can cook your meals too. Regency offers various meal options from eggs to pancakes to a simple fruit salad. You can choose how much or how little you eat at each meal. Want only half a piece of lasagna? No trouble, we can do that too. Never feel overwhelmed by cooking again; Regency’s got you covered. With a full kitchen staff, we ensure our residents are nourished and happy. Want something added to the menu? Culinary meetings are added to our activities calendar to better please our residents.

Many Welcoming Spaces

Nothing says luxury like having all of your needs taken care of in one building. A library, pool table, and puzzle room adorn each building making for a relaxed common space for residents to drink a coffee, play a game of crib, or get that 8-ball rolling. A gym for games like curling and fitness ensures your health is at the top of your mind. Like wine? Woodworking? You’ll have a place to facilitate your hobbies either solo or with friends. Not interested in any of the above? Our Regency Theaters are great for you and your family. Showing different movies every week, experience the quality of a cinema experience with the added benefit of being with your friends in your own home. Our common recreation areas set us apart and allow our residents to facilitate their community and create a vibrant life in whatever way they wish.

Services Brought to You

Want to get your hair done? Would you like to get your walker adjusted? We bring in specialists to best serve you. Get your hair done in our in-house salon with a hairstylist you can get to know. Or enjoy a hearing aid clinic to help you improve one of your most vital senses. Regency knows that life can get overwhelming with everything you must do daily, but we have created our service to alleviate this pressure during retirement. When Regency takes care of the everyday tasks, how will you embrace life’s enriching moments?

Whatever your needs are Regency Retirement Resorts is here for you. We have combined beautiful living environments with extensive lifestyle amenities and caring personal service to offer seniors the utmost in enjoyable and enriched retirement living. As their name implies, they are true resorts! So, are you ready to embrace enrichment?

How to Celebrate the Regency Way

Regency Retirement Resorts, home to hundreds of retirees throughout the Okanagan, is decking the halls this holiday season. Regency makes it our mission to provide the most welcoming and festive holiday season possible. While some of our residents will go to their families during the holidays, others will stay at home on the big day, and we like to make our resorts feel like family. Our holiday season is made wondrous by using a three-pronged approach featuring festive events, warm food and holiday snacks, and cozy décor.

 

Events

During events and performances from guest entertainers, residents are always welcome to sing along and join in the caroling fun, but the most notable opportunity is the Regency Resident Appreciation. During this event, the staff will carol for the residents, and the residents are welcome to join. We spend an evening appreciating another great year collaborating alongside each other and wish one another a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays!

Throughout December, choirs come in and serenade the residents. These harmonic songs fill the halls and bring a warm and cozy feeling to the hearts of all. The turnout for entertainers like these is positive and increases companionship and belonging during the holiday season. Sitting with a group of peers and enjoying music creates a connection. Regency ensures everyone feels joy during the holiday season.

 Food

Regency always prepares a delicious Christmas and holiday dinner. With turkey and potatoes, stuffing, and veg, your holidays will feel like they did at home. Our amazing staff work on Christmas day to make you feel as pampered as any other day. Not only is there a hearty Christmas dinner, but we cook a luxurious New Year’s Eve meal, often with steak and champagne

Eggnog Shortbread and Gingerbread Cookies: During the holiday seasons, our chefs try to bring a little festive cheer into their desserts, namely their cookies. With flavors like Eggnog Shortbread and Ginger Snap, residents are welcome to these treats at almost all points of the day. These cookies may be small compared to larger festive food endeavors, but a bite of Christmas sure tastes better than an oatmeal raisin. 

Décor

A twelve-foot tree graces the dining room of the resort. Westwood’s tree is fit with a train while others are set in front of several windows which create wonderous reflections.

Residents are more than welcome to decorate their shelves throughout the year, but during December an annual ledge decorative competition takes place wherein the most festive décor wins a prize during the Resident Appreciation Party. Residents get out their Christmas and winter best to showcase how spirited they truly are. A walk down the halls feels like you’re in your own little Candy Cane Lane.

While to most, it’s the outdoor lights that matter most, Regency also likes to ensure that the Christmas lights indoors are just as wonderful. In some buildings, lights are strewn across the dining room, while in others the lights illuminate the three Christmas trees found in the dining room.

Garland staircases and fireplaces alike will be decked out in holiday cheer this December. This cute added touch makes the room look cozy and decorates frequently attended areas.

Santa, of course! What would the holidays look like without the big man? Whether Santa arrives on Christmas day or just for Resident Appreciation, his presence is found throughout all the resorts.

 

Our mission is to make the holiday experience feel warm and welcoming in the best way we know how. This holiday season, come in and experience a warm and welcoming retirement resort and see what makes Regency so enriching.

Westwood’s October Calendar

5 Fall Events Happening Throughout the Okanagan.

 

Fall may slow some of us down, but our residents will be bringing their busy summer schedules into the autumn season and you can too with these fun festive fall activities. Here is a list of five fall events throughout the Okanagan as stated on their website.

 

  1. Scarecrow Festival

September 25th | 11am-4pm

Just picture the leaves around you, the smell of the straw, and the feeling of autumn without having to leave the city! Everybody is welcome to come and try their hand at creating their own unique Scarecrow to be entered into our contest for prizes. Come out and shop your local favorites, listen to some live music, and join in all the activities we have to offer!

 

  1. Peachland Fall Fair

September 10th | 1-6pm

September 11 | 10am-4pm

With the atmosphere and content of an old-fashioned country fair, right in the heart of beautiful downtown Peachland, this is a September event not to be missed. Now is your opportunity to bake or preserve something, plant some seeds to nurture, crochet or knit something, quilt, carve or build, and take photographs. You might even win a prize!

 

  1. The Great Spallumcheen Farm and Food Festival

September 25 | 10am-3pm

Experience the tastes of food and beverages produced and/or processed by local vendors. Take a stroll into the field adjacent to our mill to take in the ploughing competition or take a step back in time to enjoy the vintage tractor display and demonstrations, an antique threshing machine at work, or treats from the clay bake oven.

 

  1. Penticton Community Market

September 3rd-24th | 8:30am-1:30pm

The Downtown Penticton Association hosts the weekly Downtown Community Market, located along Main and Front Streets and Backstreet Boulevard. Rain or shine (May to mid-October) the Downtown Community Market brings Penticton to life each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until the early afternoon. Each season Penticton’s regular marketeers and visitors alike are delighted with the hundreds of vendors who feature handmade goods including clothing, food, and jewelry, collectibles, antiques and furniture, as well as the weekly food vendors, live music and entertainment that combine to create a fabulous downtown vibe.

 

  1. Corn Maze at O’Keefe Ranch

Now until October 30th

As of July 21st, our corn maze is up and running! Bring your family, friends, and guests to traverse the maze together or challenge yourself to see how fast you can finish it! Each year the maze changes so don’t expect to be an expert just yet. Admission to the maze is $5/person and you may complete it multiple times in the same day!

Not only are Fun things happening all over the Okanagan, but our residents will have their hands full this fall with a packed activities schedule. Below are the fun things enriched retirees living in Regency have to look forward to in these next few months:

  1. Oktoberfest, celebrated every year between September 17th and October 3, will be a fun event for Residents to enjoy with their peers and families. Resorts all over the Okanagan are set to celebrate beer and the Bavarian culture together. Fit with pretzels and cheese dip, you too can make this Oktoberfest one to remember!
  2. Halloween is done in a big way throughout Regency. Across the Okanagan, residents dress up in their spookiest, whackiest, or downright cutest costumes and show up to fun parties and gatherings. Elementary school students normally stop in and show off their costumes while trick-or-treating and singing. Halloween is a wonderful time to celebrate with fellow residents and staff alike.
  3. While some residents will go away for the Thanksgiving holiday, others choose to stay in the resort, either inviting their families to join them or eating their festive feast with their Regency family. Regency does thanksgiving in a big way with a LARGE holiday meal fit for an amazing finish to the long weekend.
  4. Each resort will be featuring various events across their individual activities calendars this fall. Happy hours are always a common occurrence with some resorts adding evening concerts into the mix. Other fun events residents can look forward to are the exciting trips to wineries, farmers’ markets, orchards, and many more fun places. Stop in and see us enjoy a fun fall event and see what enriched retirement is all about.

Fall may slow some of us down, but our residents sure are going to be bringing their busy summer schedules into the autumn season and you can too with these fun festive fall activities. Stop in and see us enjoy a fun fall event and see what enriched retirement is all about.

September Calendar

Regency’s Guide to the Perfect Summer Salad

We know that summer days are hot and the last thing on your agenda is to go home and spend time cooking on the hot stove. Salads are a great meal to add to your summer rotation and help you feel refreshed during those hotter days. We’ve provided you with the recipe for some great salads to add to your menu.

Chef’s Salad

Ingredients:

  • Lettuce
  • Hard-boiled Egg
  • Ham
  • Chicken
  • Avocado
  • Blue Cheese
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Tomato
  • Cucumber
  1. We suggest washing all the vegetables before you begin cutting them for your meal.
  2. Then take a large bowl and chop the lettuce into 1-inch ribbons
  3. Place the lettuce in the large bowl.
  4. Cut the cucumber, tomato, and avocado into ½-inch matchsticks. Place these in the bowl. We suggest you do so artfully so you may Instagram the salad later.
  5. If you need to boil your egg or cook your ham or chicken, we suggest you do so. (Good substitutes include pre-pulled chicken from Maple Leaf, Back Bacon, or any assortment of deli meats). Cut all these ingredients into bite-size pieces. Add them to your salad in an artful manner.
  6. Finally, Crumble Blue cheese onto your salad and use the ranch to dress (or use a blue cheese dressing)
  7. Take a picture of your #saladgoals and enjoy!

Waldorf Salad

  • Grapes
  • Walnuts
  • Lettuce
  • Celery
  • Chicken
  • Lemon zest
  • Apples
  • Sweet cream mayo
  1. Wash all the fruit and vegetables before beginning the assembly process.
  2. Then take a large bowl and chop the lettuce into 1-inch ribbons
  3. Place the lettuce in the large bowl.
  4. Cut grapes in ½ lengthwise and place them in the bowl
  5. Cut celery into ½-inch slices and huck them in the salad
  6. Cut up your apples into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them into the mixture
  7. Cut or pull apart chicken and add it to the salad
  8. Sprinkle walnuts over the salad
  9. Add the zest of lemon to your tasty creation
  10. Lastly, add a sweet cream mayo and stir until combined
  11. Bring that salad to your next great BBQ and be the talk of the town.

Taco Salad

  • Avocado
  • Lettuce
  • Cheese
  • Ground Beef
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Red onions
  • Salsa
  • Sour Cream
  • Small strips of tortilla chips
  1. Wash all the fruit and vegetables before beginning the assembly process.
  2. Then take a large bowl and chop the lettuce into 1-inch ribbons
  3. Place the lettuce in the large bowl.
  4. Grate cheese and add to your bed of lettuce
  5. Cut tomatoes, bell peppers, 1/2 a red onion, and an avocado into bite-sized pieces
  6. Cook and season ground beef with taco seasoning
  7. Add tomatoes, avocado, onion, bell pepper, and beef to the salad bowl
  8. Dress in sour cream and salsa
  9. Mix
  10. Sprinkle each bowl of salad with strips of tortilla chips

 

Our residents enjoy these salads and more on both our wonderful salad bars and within our menu options, all of which would not be possible without the help of our wonderful kitchen staff.

We are expanding our team. Join the culinary team at Northwood or Westwood and you will discover why so many great people from the culinary industry chose to work in a retirement home! As we provide excellent service to retirees, we are experiencing a need to expand our kitchen team. As a cook, you will oversee prepping and cleaning items such as vegetables and fruits, preparing salads and desserts, and preparing meats and fish. You will be supported in this undertaking by excellent kitchen staff headed by our Chef. At Regency, we support an excellent work-life balance. In this role, you must be able to work weekends, and being comfortable working in a fast-paced professional Kitchen is essential to your success at the Regency. All services in the organization are designed to meet the needs and well-being of residents. Come create and play with flavors, textures, and presentations to make a positive impact on our resident’s life!

Go to our Careers page and send us an email

or

Visit our Indeed page and see what job suits you best!

7 Local Places to Go in Kelowna

If you are just coming to Kelowna to visit, are moving to town for school, or have lived here your whole life, Kelowna has some wonderful local stores to shop and eat at. We’ve compiled a list of great places to visit in your time here.


Funktional

A downtown staple specializing in home decor, accessories, and little hidden gems, Funktional has a wide variety of goodies to look at and choose from.

Photo: Funktional Instagram

Sprout

A coffee shop nestled in a quaint avenue near the casino, Sprout makes wonderful coffee and even better bread and baked goods. Their open and inviting décor allows you to sit and enjoy a coffee while staring out at the street beyond or just listening to the bustle of the shop.

Photo: Sprout Bread Shop Instagram

Parlour Ice Cream

One of downtown Kelowna’s ice cream shops, Parlour is known for its vegan and dairy homemade ice creams. While the line to order may be long in the summer, this delectable treat is worth the wait.

Photo: Parlour Ice Cream Instagram

OKGN Lifestyle

Who doesn’t want to represent their home region with stylishly designed apparel and accessories? OKGN Lifestyle has been in Kelowna for many years and has established itself as a trendy and quality brand. Located right next to Sprout, these make for a wonderful fall morning wearing your new sweater and sipping a latte.

Photo: Okanagan Lifestyle Instagram

Mosaic Books

One of our local bookstores, Mosaic offers a plentiful variety of new and bargain books for readers to peruse. Located right in the downtown core, Mosaic makes for the perfect stop on the way to the beach.

Photo: Mosaic Books Instagram

Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery

For those of us looking to reduce the waste we produce and shop more sustainably, Chickpeace offers a great place to fill your reusable containers or buy sustainable makeup, cleaning products, or utensils. Located near the landmark buildings, Chickpeace is a wonderful alternative to shopping for single-use plastics.

Photo: Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery Instagram

Central

A sleeper hit, Central is in the North End of Kelowna. Their amazing culinary creations will have you returning time and again. With both a great cocktail and food menu as well as vegan alternatives, what more could you ask for?

Photo: Central Kelowna Instagram