17 April 2023
In recognition and celebration of our 60th anniversary, Silvera interviewed a variety of individuals to learn more about the remarkable people who make up and contribute to our organization – employees, residents, board members, donors, volunteers, and more. These individuals are true “Silvera Diamonds” – as strong and resilient as our organization over the past six decades. Thank you to each of you who help to make us what we are. Here’s to another 60 years!
After a career in industrial services, real estate and capital development, Paul Taylor semi-retired in 2016 to begin a consultancy. He also began looking for opportunities to volunteer his time. A friend suggested he join one of Silvera’s standing committees and so, in 2020, Paul joined Silvera’s capital development committee before agreeing to become a member of the Board of Directors in early 2022.
“Silvera appealed to me because my family had a terrible experience with a for-profit seniors’ housing organization, and I was interested in serving a non-profit seniors’ organization through governance and oversight,” he says.
Because of his personal background and skillset, Paul has enjoyed being involved in several major projects, working with the team to help guide the decision-making process.
“Working with three levels of government is a real juggling act. It’s been great to help and support Silvera’s capital development team, providing encouragement and suggestions where I can along the way.”
Other highlights have been getting to know Silvera’s senior leadership team and meeting residents and employees in community. “To see what Silvera does to support seniors, to see the people who work every day for this organization, is so inspiring. What they do is so important and it’s rewarding that [the Board is] a little part of that.”
During his time with Silvera, Paul has learned a great deal about the continuum of care in the seniors housing industry. “My knowledge of the sector prior to joining Silvera was limited. My perception was that most seniors are either in their own homes or long-term care. There is so much in between!
“Each interaction I have in a Silvera community provides an additional learning experience that informs my impressions of the whole senior care space, as well as the services residents require,” he says.
In that regard, Paul and the Board are spreading the word about other options available to seniors who may not be able to stay in their own homes but who aren’t ready for long-term care.
“All of us must pressure politicians on the importance of adequately funding the non-health related services seniors need,” he says.
“We must keep cranking up the volume on these messages, advocating for seniors with all levels of government. We cannot assume someone else is going to do it.”
Paul’s sons and young grandsons have inspired him to keep pushing for a better world.
“I want to make sure they know that each of us, if we choose, can contribute to society, making those around us feel better, making them feel good by lending a bit of our own experience gained through the years.”