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Ontario’s 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’s retirement communities driven by senior’s needs
Joe Gare, 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).
Retirement homes in Ontario 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," Gare 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 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 today’s retirement communities
At Central Park Lodges' 17 residences in the Greater Toronto Area - they are among 60 across Ontario - 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."
Find out more about retirement homes in all of Ontario’s major cities including:
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