Legion House opened in January, 2002 to rave reviews, fulfilling a necessary need to compliment our many housing projects. With four projects providing independent living for seniors, it became clear that many of our residents required a type of housing that could give them a little assistance with their everyday needs yet still allow them to remain in their own living environment. Through a great deal of research the idea of Legion House became a reality.

Perhaps you can relate to the following scenarios...

Alice Peet

Alice is a spry 86 years old. Widowed for 14 years she has learned to provide for herself and is quite pleased that she has been able to live independently, making her own choices. As she gets older, Alice is finding it increasingly arduous to maintain this fervent independence. Walking, after her hip operation, is a chore... the daily trip to the grocery store, the weekly visit to the bank, the journey to the drugstore are becoming more difficult, especially during the winter season. Her family is worried that she is not eating correctly, that she just doesn’t cook like she used to. They are also concerned about her personal safety... what if she falls and breaks her hip again...who will know?... will she be able to summon assistance?

A nursing home would break her heart... she’s just not ready for that type of facility. Where can she maintain that independence? If only she had some assistance with her everyday living...

Bob Clarke

Bob, too, was married for a very long time, 57 years. When his good wife Cathy passed away Bob was at a complete loss, not just for his wife, but for his own personal day to day needs. Like most guys, throughout his married life, he had a great job and Cathy was able to stay home and raise their five kids. Cathy took care of everything... Bob, at 77, had never cooked, cleaned or ironed a shirt. With Cathy gone, he was at complete loss and needed help with his daily living requirements. Living with his kids was out of the question... he didn’t want to be a burden and, besides, his kids had their own families. Bob’s kids had their concerns, too. Dad just wasn’t getting out anymore. Driving the car was getting risky. His social life was non-existent and, more and more, Dad was just staying at home and, lately, seemed a bit depressed. What were they to do?... Dad needed a place where he could socialize, get three squares a day,  get some help with his laundry and cleaning but still maintain his independence. 

The Answer:  Legion House

Legion House is the solution for Alice, Bob and their families. The Legion provides the necessary ingredient to provide Alice and Bob with a home that will grant them independence, safe social surroundings, nourishment and assistance with their daily living needs. Even though they will have their own personal living accommodations, staff and a home environment will be just outside their door ensuring that their physical and mental well-being is maintained. 

Where is Legion House?

Legion House is located in a quiet residential area on the west side of Burnett Street adjacent on the south to the Earl Haig facility and only one, level block, by way of a walkway, from Valley Fair Shopping Centre in Maple Ridge, close to London Drugs, Save-On Foods, TD Bank, Vancity Credit Union, Liquor Store, other shops, and bus transportation. Location has been the key ingredient to all of our  properties and Legion House is, again, ideally located. The walkway on the south side of the property ensures easy access to 228^th Street and all the shopping and service amenities.

What is the design of the building?

All suites and services are provided on the main floor. The exterior is a craftsman-style design with mix of brick, rock, and vinyl siding. The dining room, lobby and living room areas  have high ceilings with large patio windows providing warm, natural light.  

What are the suite amenities?

The facility has been carefully planned and provides features that are important to today’s seniors. For example:

• 9 foot ceilings
• large, covered patios outside all suites
• oversize one-piece fiberglass showers and handicap toilet in a huge bathroom
• levers instead of knobs on  plumbing fixtures
• ceiling fan in living room and bedroom areas
• kitchenettes consisting of cupboards,  single stainless sinks,     small refrigerator and shelf for microwave.
• emergency call system in each suite monitored 24 hours a day
• raised panel doors and closet bi-fold doors
• wood baseboards 
• 1” vertical blinds
• cable and telephone outlets in 2 locations
• front door with peephole and deadbolt lock
• individual heat controls in each suite
• individual alarm systems in each suite
•  “Seniors Only” residents

What are the service amenities?

• Three nutritional meals per day (breakfast is continental)
• Weekly bed linen service
• Weekly housekeeping service
• Free use of washer and dryer
• 24 hour staff
• Heat, light and basic cable
• On-site 24 hour resident caretaker

What are the building amenities?

• Spacious dining room
• Personal assistance centre for hair salon services, etc.
• Exercise room
• Computer stations with ADSL high-speed Internet access
• Private bathing room including bath & wheel-in shower
• Personal mail boxes
• Cozy, attractive  Great Room with big screen TV, VCR, DVD player, library, gas fireplace, couches, coffee tables, games tables, reading lamps and more.
• Air conditioned dining room, living room and common hallways.
• One level living for all residents.
• Keyless entry to the building
• Automatic front door opener
• Scooter storage just inside the front door. 

What are the costs?

The monthly rental rates for the one bedroom suites for a single person  range from $1495 to $1595 per month and will include all services. Additional cost for a couple is $400 per month. These rates are more than 25% less than projects providing similar services. The location, size and type of suite determines the monthly fee. Think of the value:

• Every cost for monthly living is included...except your own personal telephone.
• No more annual property taxes
• No annual house insurance
• No hydro or gas bills
• No cable bills
• No more gardening bills
• No maintenance or condo fees
• No monthly house alarm monitoring costs
• No grocery bills
• No landscaping bills (grass cutting, etc.)
• No more worries about something breaking down or requiring  fixing.
• Live within easy walking distance of stores, shops and banks.
• No worry about living alone
• Maintain an independent and social lifestyle but have assistance when required
• With only 19 residents, you receive more individual, personalized service.
• Legion House is a home you can be proud to call your own. The building is nothing short of spectacular.

 Why are the monthly fees so inexpensive when compared to other projects?

The Maple Ridge Legion is a non-profit community organization and strives to provide affordable, supportive housing at reasonable cost. This is accomplished in a number of unique, proven methods:

• The Legion is the owner and the builder, no huge corporate profit
• The Legion is the manager and has a solid handle on all costs associated with Legion House.
• The Legion does all the marketing, no agency fees
• We have the benefit of managerial experience and a proven track record of honesty and integrity
• All administration is carried out at the main office on 224^th St., no need for expensive office space or on-site administrator.
• All fees allow Legion House to operate at a break-even situation.

 What qualifies a person to live at Legion House?

First month rent plus a damage deposit are required at time of occupancy.

Prospective residents must be assessed by the occupancy committee to determine that the resident is physically and mentally capable of independent living.

Our Staff:

Application forms for residency are available online or at the Legion office, 12101 – 224^th Street, Maple Ridge or telephone us at 604-463-5101 for further information. E-mail address is legion88@telus.net

Chairperson of Legion Housing is Jim MacDonald

Legion Gardens : Legion House
Earl Haig : Legion Manor : Legion Towers

©2004 Royal Canadian Legion Maple Ridge #88. All Rights Reserved.