Fran Kary has nothing but praise for her home at Joseph Creek Village, a private assisted living residence in Cranbrook. In order to be with her frail husband, Fran lived in a residential care facility for 10 years. Now a widow, the 84-year-old had the opportunity to move into an assisted living apartment a year and a half ago.

“I actually needed more independence,” said Fran, “and I wanted a place of my own. Now, I can come into my own apartment, make myself a pot of tea, but I can join other seniors in the dining room for meals. I don’t feel like anyone’s telling me what to do. But if I can’t manage, I just push the emergency button and help is there. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Fran says that she feels like a real person again now that she has her own place and can look after herself more. The Cranbrook native has enjoyed buying furniture for her home and welcoming old friends for visits. Her children know that she is well looked after.

An avid reader, Fran enjoys using the library at Joseph Creek Village and also participates in the other activities offered at the development. She plays bocce, bowls, and goes on shopping trips and outings to a nearby casino. “We also do mental aerobics, play Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune,” added Fran. “There is lots of different entertainment and I try to go to just about everything.”

Joseph Creek Village, with 25 rent supplement apartments under the Independent Living BC program, is owned and operated by Golden Life Management, which also has assisted living homes in Castlegar, Trail, Fernie, Invermere and Creston. Rent supplements are available to qualified seniors through the Independent Living BC program.