Ep 168 Retirement Living Gluten Free

A Conversation with Mike Rose

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

This week is a delightful and very informative conversation with Mike Rose.  Both Mike and his wife Shirley require a gluten free diet.  They were considering leaving their home to move to a retirement residence when Mike got to work researching and investigating the options available to them.  Mike was a tireless worker for the Canadian Celiac Association for many years and he brought all that knowledge to help him find just the right residence that would be able to provide a good healthy variety of gluten free options to the couple’s meals.  Mike shares how his search went, has suggestions if you’re going to be investigating retirement homes, and now that he is moved in is continuing to both educate and communicate with the chef, servers and management for all those who require a gluten free diet.

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

When I was very young, I accompanied my Mother as she went to our local “old folks home” to volunteer in the tuck shop.  She was the Auxiliary Treasurer and served the community for many years.  As a child I was very comfortable in the presence of old people.  Many in the home were not able to cope on their own.  Later, when I had my first daughter, I approached the management of a similar “old folks home” where I lived to see if there was something I could volunteer to do, and bring my daughter along with me.  To my surprise, they suggested I come and paint the ladies’ nails.  For the first few months, I brought my daughter in her carrier and I was never sure if the ladies wanted their nails done, on just wanted to see the baby.  As Deanna got older and began walking, she delighted the ladies and they soon lined up to “get their nails done”. 

That, of course was more than 25 years ago now.  In that time there has been a complete re-think as to the living requirements of our seniors.  Independence is for many top of their list, then assistance and community.  It was always my parents’ plan to live in a retirement home, once they couldn’t cope on their own.  Then there was my uncle after he’d recovered from a broken hip, and my Mother-in-Law after being at loose ends since my Father-in-Law’s passing.  Retirement homes offered each of them so much. 

After my Mother-in-Law was relocated from her home to the retirement home she chose, we collectively decided she needed a break from the winter cold and I offered to accompany her on a cruise leaving out of Florida.  On our return, she lamented that we should have planned a couple of extra days in the sunshine before swiftly returning home.  The next year, we planned a similar cruise, only this time, once the cruise was over she was anxious to get back to her home.  That’s where she feels safe, and where her friends are. 

After my Father had a stroke and was preparing to leave re-hab, I arranged for my parents to do a short stay at a retirement home very near my house.  For the four weeks they were there, it was just perfect for them.  The right balance of care and independence.  It was a simple choice when my Mother’s health began to fail that this particular residence would be the best option, and it was. 

Most people wait too long to choose a retirement residence.  (pre covid) – Most have hairdressers, gyms, games rooms, some have theatres, plant rooms and even pubs.  There are plenty of activities – I’d never seen my Mother-in-Law play cards, but she’s a regular now and wouldn’t miss it.  There are often buses to shuttle residents to the bank, shopping and doctor appointments, as well as rides in the country to sightsee and participate in local goings-on.

With everything retirement homes have to offer the greatest service is peace of mind to family.  I don’t worry about any of my elders.  There are nurses to check on them, talented chefs to see they eat well, and fun, energetic helpers to keep them engaged.  During covid the staff at the homes have also kept them safe, and for their efforts I am truly grateful.  I’m glad people like Mike are paving the way for the gluten free diet for when I’m ready to move in.  A choice to move to retirement living is the best gift you can give your family – and yourself.