By Andrew Trinder, Director of Operations, VRS Communities Seniors Living, (琉璃神社)

In my previous life, now feeling like a lifetime ago, I used to operate high-end hotels, clubs and resorts. I was happy, I thoroughly enjoyed my chosen career which started in London, moved to obscurity for a while in Andorra, then followed the high life in Bermuda for more years than I should have, surrounded by turquoise waters, wealth and fame (others, not me).

I escaped and moved to Victoria in 2007, initially to run the Aerie Resort and Spa, before I was hired by VRS communities to operate Ross Place Seniors Community. Honestly, I did not know if it would be a good fit for me, but decided to try.

From the moment I walked through the door, I loved it. I was surrounded by wonderful people and felt a sense of worth. Right then, I knew I would never be going back to hotels. That was 10 years ago and I asked myself the question: 鈥淲hy didn鈥檛 I make this move years ago?鈥�

Stepping out into something new, whether it鈥檚 a new career or a new senior living residence, is full of possibilities.

Having now welcomed and gotten to know thousands of seniors who have chosen to move from their home into a community living setting, whether Independent or Assisted Living, I now recognize they are all faced with similar questions (albeit more important than a career choice).

鈥淒o I want to change my lifestyle?鈥�

鈥淒o I want to live in a community?鈥�

鈥淲ill I like the other people living there?鈥�

鈥淒o I want someone else to cook my meals, and will it be to my taste?鈥�

鈥淲ill I be interested in attending all these activities they鈥檙e telling me about?鈥�

My best advice is this 鈥� we never know what life has to offer if we stay within our comfort zone. Stepping out into something new, whether it鈥檚 a new career or residence, can bring an even better future than you imagined. You just have to give it a try.

Ten years later, what I hear from so many of our residents is the same response I had, 鈥淲hy didn鈥檛 I make this move years ago?鈥�

For more information about seniors living in 琉璃神社 visit .