From Independent Living to Independent Plus

Finding the right home is often about how it feels—but sometimes it seems like there is more to it—like maybe a sign that this is the right choice for you?

Whenever we contemplate a new home, the mantra is always location, location, location, but there is a lot more to location than just the postal code! While the geographical place is important, location also includes considering amenities and opportunities to enjoy the things you like to do—and that’s why Barbara Tucker put her name down for a suite in our newest building, The Hawthorn.

A sign for now and for the future

Barbara and her husband Robin first moved to Elim Village Garrison Crossing in May 2018—they had lived in many different places before they decided to move into Elim’s Independent Living community at their Chilliwack campus. Robin had resisted the idea at first—just like Barbara had initially resisted moving to Canada from England many years before—until she was given a little sign by a greater power.

Barbara and Robin had sought God’s guidance about a move to a new country—and the answer came when Robin was offered a job in Canada. It was the right choice and the nudge came at the right time. Many years later, the couple decided to put their trust in God again when they were discussing the move to Elim. Robin was set against the idea, remembers Barbara, “He felt a retirement community was a sign of old age—he didn’t admit he was old until he was 99!” She persisted and they booked an appointment. It was when Barbara picked up one of her devotional books and the passage that it opened to read, “You are walking on the road of my desire”—that they knew where they should be.

A home for where you are now

It was the best choice for them—Robin was more than happy, enjoying lots of new friends and activities. Both of them cherished the Christian companionship at Elim. “I felt it was really made for us,” notes Barbara.

Sadly, Robin passed away in December of 2020, and Barbara, now 97, has decided the timing is perfect to move over to The Hawthorn when it opens in a few short months—that way she can stay in the community she loves yet benefit from the many conveniences and amenities with the Hawthorn’s Independent Plus.

It’s truly the best of both worlds—two daily provided meals means no more standing in the kitchen to cook, yet Barbara can still enjoy the luxury of her own private suite. It also means companionship that comes from collective spaces like dining rooms and lounges and sharing time with like-minded people—all in the same great community.

God’s nudge back in 2018 was about more than the immediate—it was a step on the path to a great home for Robin and Barbara as a couple and for Barbara going forward—meeting their needs in the present and for the future.

For more information on Elim’s newest housing type—’Independent Plus’—visit our webpage on The Hawthorn building.