Extras now seen as vital keys to health and happiness
Ontario retirement homes and communities have undergone a drastic change in the last few years.
Fitness training, pubs, Internet cafés, winemaking facilities and theatre nights are all part of a growing social phenomenon in retirement residences. Once considered "extras," these features are now seen as vital contributions to the health and happiness of seniors in homes across Ontario.
Ontario retirement homes today: driven by senior’s needs
Joe Ger, CEO at Retirement Life Communities Inc., says companies like his strive to combine comfort with security in a move away from "congregate" living (sleeping-quarter spaces with common-area living).
Most Ontario retirement homes now feature comfort and security hand-in-hand, with motion-triggered washroom lights, lever handles, front-operated appliances, and two-way emergency call systems. A range of services, from spas to concierges who will detail residents' cars, are expected standards of senior living.
"We had never encountered an individual who wanted to move to a retirement home, and now that has changed," Ger says. "We're now finding consumers who are making these plans and actively selecting their housing based on a broad range of needs and desires."
Ontario's retirement homes offer improved health through fitness. For example, in some homes, residents are guided through 16 week fitness programs by trainers.
"We've done extensive marketing research. Our residents' occupations, habits, pastimes and lifestyle patterns are all considered in our new constructions," says Elisa Wilson of Amica Homes. "Corporately, it works well for us, too, because when people are happy both emotionally and physically, they stay longer. It creates a stable, happy atmosphere that you can feel when you walk in the door."
Independence is the key to retirement homes today
At Central Park Lodges' 17 residences in the Greater Toronto Area - among 60 Ontario retirement homes owned by Central Park - members enjoy a social base while keeping up their links with the outside community. Family members and friends are often invited to attend events or outings.
Marketing director Diane McKenzie says each residence offers its own program, including efforts at The Kingsway Retirement Residence in Etobicoke to ensure seniors continue their volunteer commitments.
As well, McKenzie says, residents' councils meet regularly to "talk about everything from soup to nuts." It's a process that gives residents control of their lives and environment in residences that offer a range of packages, from independent living through assisted living to daily nursing care.
Independence and social involvement are also key commitments to Lifestyle Retirement Communities' residents in 10 building complexes in the Greater Toronto Area.
"We believe strongly in our residents maintaining their outside activities," says Tracey Pearce, manager of marketing and communications. "We also find that we're moving away from the traditional bridge and carpet-bowling activities and now offer more contemporary things, such as tai chi, fitness equipment and dinner outings."
Check out a broad selection of information on senior care in the province (including care provided inside Ontario retirement homes) in our pages on Ontario senior care.
