Hope Village independent living adds bistro, exercise machines, and more
As Hope Village continues to grow, the senior independent living community is adding new amenities designed to help residents stay active, connected and engaged.
By Jules Rogers, The Canby Chronicle
As Hope Village continues to grow, the senior independent living community is adding new amenities designed to help residents stay active, connected and engaged.
The community recently installed a Dividat exercise machine, an interactive fitness system designed to improve balance, coordination, and cognitive function through movement-based activities. Residents can use the equipment free of charge in Hope Village's fitness center.
Another major addition is underway: a new bistro that will offer convenient food options for residents as part of an ongoing renovation.
The updates reflect Hope Village's focus on helping adults 62 and older maintain an active, independent lifestyle while building a strong sense of community.
"We're super excited about it," said Tina Schimpf, marketing manager for Hope Village. "It's really good for mind-body coordination, and it's available for anyone who lives here."
Hope Village offers independent living through life-lease cottages and garden homes, as well as affordable apartment options in the Cascade House and Meadows buildings. While Hope Village sits next door to Marquis Hope Village, the two communities operate independently and provide different levels of care.
Hope Village focuses on independent living, with staff maintaining homes, landscaping and community amenities while residents live independently. Marquis provides assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care for seniors who need additional support.
Although the organizations are separate, their proximity offers convenience for residents and families as care needs change.
"If someone needs rehabilitation or skilled nursing after an illness or injury, it's nice that it's just across the parking lot," Schimpf said. "Family members can easily stop by for a visit without having to make a long drive."
Hope Village residents also benefit from on-campus access to Age Strong physical and occupational therapy services, as well as a medical office for eligible patients through their insurance. Physical therapists lead complimentary chair exercise classes three times each week.
Schimpf said one of the biggest misconceptions about independent living is that people wait until they're "old" before making the move.
Instead, many residents choose Hope Village in their early 60s because they're ready to leave behind home maintenance and spend more time enjoying hobbies, travel and social activities.
"I don't have to take care of my home or my yard, and I can go do all the fun things I want to do," Schimpf said, describing the mindset of many new residents.
Community life centers around resident-led activities, from live music performances twice each month to bingo, Bunco, guest speakers, and travel presentations where neighbors share photos and stories from their adventures.
Amenities include a woodworking shop, quilting room, game room with pool tables and ping pong, raised garden beds, a fitness center and organized outings using the community bus.
"The biggest benefit is the community," Schimpf said. "It's the relationships and friendships people build here."
For families considering independent living, Schimpf encourages starting the conversation early — even if a move is still years away.
She recommends touring communities, asking questions, joining waitlists, and beginning the downsizing process well before it's needed.
"People wait too long," she said. "Even if you think you're a year or two away, it's good to start preparing so you're ready when the right opportunity comes along."
Hope Village
1535 Ivy St., Canby
(503) 266-9810
