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Owen Sound retirement homes

The complete guide to finding a retirement community in the Owen Sound region

Owen Sound is located in Southern Ontario at the mouths of the Pottawatomi and Sydenham Rivers on the shores of Georgian Bay. When it comes to retirement Owen Sound is highly ranked, topping a list of the 10 nicest Canadian cities in which to retire.

Types of senior care in Owen Sound

Retirement homes in Owen Sound and the surrounding Grey County area offer seniors both assisted and independent living options, providing a wide spectrum of care choices. Independent living  packages provide full dining, light cleaning and other services while assisted living is designed for seniors requiring more care and further access to medical staff and services (see image below).

Seniors who choose a retirement home that offers both independent and assisted living enjoy a continuum of care that allows them to remain within their community as they age.

Owen Sound retirement home costs

Located about two and a half hours from Toronto, the Globe and Mail calls Owen Sound an affordable place for seniors to retire with the average house price approximately $190,000 and the average property tax bill about $3,100. A two-bedroom condo starts at $284,900.

As a result, Toronto seniors are choosing to retire in Owen Sound because of the affordable waterfront property. The monthly rent of a retirement home in Owen Sound depends greatly on the type of suite and level of care you choose. Common suite options include studio apartments, one bedroom, one bedroom plus den, and two bedroom layouts.

The average rent in Owen Sound is on par with the provincial average of $3,204 a month for a standard space, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). One of the major factors contributing to this rent increase is the increase in seniors living in new retirement residences. The CMHC also notes, “Retirement homes [which] opened prior to 1990 are subject to guideline rent increases in Ontario and generally charge the lowest rents.”

Retirement savings, pensions, Canadian Pension Plan, Old Age Pension and other income sources like the sale of the family home are the most common ways for seniors to pay for retirement.

For those in financial need, Grey County does offer subsidized housing for seniors and a sustainable housing benefit. For more information visit the region’s website.

Read reviews of central Ontario retirement homes before you commit to any retirement community in Owen Sound.

Medical and safety services for Owen Sound seniors

Owen Sound’s retirement communities are located within close proximity to the downtown area as well as to the Owen Sound General Hospital. However, most Ontario retirement homes provide preventative health care services within their residences. Some examples of health and wellness services provided in independent and assisted living include:

• An on-site doctor, or a doctor who visits residents on a regular basis
• On-site nursing staff, often available 24/7
• An on-site pharmacy and medication assistance services
• Exercise programs with access to a personal trainer
• Physiotherapy
• Preventative wellness programs
• Recuperative programs
• Dietary and nutritional programs
• Assistance with daily living activities including bathing, dressing, nutrition and mobility
• Assistance with lifestyle maintenance including outings, social engagements and pet care
• Continence management programs
• Palliative care services

Seniors with high medical or prescription expenses may want to consider applying to the Trillium Drug Program (TDP). TDP helps seniors who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income. Seniors over the age of 65 years old who live in Ontario and have a valid Ontario health card are able to apply.

Recreation and social activities for the 55+ community

According to Statistic Canada’s 2011 census, approximately 11,830 seniors live in Owen Sound. The area offers a number of services for seniors, most of which are accessible through the Owen Sound and Area Seniors’ Centre. Health and wellness is a key feature for senior residents living in Owen Sound.

Located right on Georgian Bay and the Bruce Trail (which is an 885 km path along the Niagara Escarpment) the nature-rich community has a historic downtown and small town feel and is a great place for seniors to get outside and get active.

The focus for well-run retirement homes is to provide a rich social experience and promote healthy, active living with organized outings to parks, waterfront and boating events, local shopping and restaurants.These retirement homes also provide daily activities and events within the community including concerts, movies, games, gardening and other social activities that interest individual residents. 

Transportation for seniors in Owen Sound

For active, independent seniors who want to get around Owen Sound the community is both walkable and drivable. Owen Sound Transit provides senior tickets and passes for seniors who no longer drive. A specialized transit program is available to seniors who apply and receive approval. Applications and tickets can be obtained at the city’s transit terminal, city hall or public libraries. There are also a number of private companies that offer seniors door-to-door transportation services.

How to choose a retirement home

Many seniors consider moving to a retirement home at a time of crisis – after a fall, illness or loss of a spouse. Making a choice about retirement living during a time of crisis is both stressful and limiting. It’s better to make the move before a crisis occurs because finding the right retirement home requires thought and pre-planning.

For more points to consider and some common questions and concerns about retirement homes, please visit our page for seniors considering a retirement home.

You need to first think about:

• What you want
• What you need
• What you can afford
• Your preferred location

Pre-plan for the future. Ensure your:

• Medical needs are met
• Residence can grow with your needs as your activity, medical and financial circumstances change over time
• Finances are in order. Remember to factor rent and cost of living increases into your calculation

Use our retirement calculator to get an idea of what you’ll be able to afford. Then, use our advanced search  to create a shortlist andarrange meetings and tours with the staff of retirement residences that meet your requirements. Call each and arrange meetings and tours.

Remember to ask about overnight stays - some will let seniors stay overnight to get a better idea of what it’s like to live in the community.

Don’t forget to download our free eBook on the ultimate retirement tour guide for important information and questions to ask during your tour. Contact the residences shown above to get started with your search.

Owen Sound retirement community regulations

Retirement communities across Ontario are subject to the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority (RHRA), which was created under the Retirement Homes Act of Ontario in 2010. In order to be licensed, retirement homes must:

• Receive approval from the RHRA in order to operate
• Undertake ongoing inspections by the RHRA to ensure they continue to comply with licensing requirements and safety standards

Seniors and their families should check the RHRA standing of any retirement home they are considering. Industry experts also recommend considering a retirement residence that is a member of Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), a voluntary association for retirement homes throughout Ontario.