What to know about this topic:
- Types of senior care in Strathroy
- How much does a retirement home in Strathroy cost?
- Medical and safety services
- Recreation and social activities for Strathroy seniors
- Getting around Strathroy
- Availability of retirement homes
- How to choose a retirement home
- Strathroy retirement community regulations
Strathroy, located within the municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, is a large community west of London, Ontario just off of highway 402. Along with retirement community options, they also have several long-term care facilities and health services that provide assistance and programs to seniors in the wider area.
This is your guide to finding the right community and care.
Types of senior care in Strathroy
There are an abundance of independent living and assisted living, as well as residences that offer Alzheimer’s care , with a diverse range of amenities and lifestyle options to suit individual interests and needs.
These types of communities often offer the ability to transfer to more advanced levels of care over time as needs change, with a continuous level of support and involvement so that seniors stay happy and healthy. The encouragement to remain social and active where possible and provide a high level of care and comfort are just a few of the important benefits of a retirement community.
How much does a retirement home in Strathroy cost?
In the 2021, the average rent in Ontario increased by 3.5 per cent to $3,999 a month, according to the CMHC Seniors Housing Survey. The nationwide average ranges anywhere between $1,475 to $6,000 and higher. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, availability is increasing (see below). In Strathroy, the average monthly rent depends on the suite type and service package, with common suite options ranging from studio apartments to one bedroom or one bedroom plus den, and two bedrooms.
Real estate prices and property taxes continue to climb, maintaining running costs for retirement homes. The biggest advantage in the current real estate pricing boon falls to seniors who gain hundreds of thousands of dollar in equity, making lifestyle communities like those listed above more attainable for a wider segment of seniors than ever before.
Read London retirement home reviews (including Strathroy) before you commit to local senior care.
Regarding overall retirement community government funding, long-term care homes in Ontario receive assistance from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), according to the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA). All other Ontario retirement communities do not receiving funding. Residents in long-term care generally provide a co-payment for accommodation and require a referral from your Local Health Integration Network. Those looking to save on retirement costs may consider using their pensions, RRSPs, CPP and other forms of income, such as second careers. They may also combine the profits of selling their homes and contributions from family. Find out more on how to afford a retirement community with our Retirement Cost Calculator.
Medical and safety services
Depending on the degree of care needed, retirement communities offer care package options and services, such as medical administration and supervision, wellness centres, and specialized diets. In general, Strathroy residences provide special dietary options for those who are diabetic, need low salt options or are vegetarian, as well as assistance with housekeeping, personal laundry, and transportation to medical services and pharmacies. Alzheimer’s care, short stay and respite care may also be available.
Along with health care packages, these communities also generally offer additional health services through third party provides and ensure that seniors have access to nearby pharmacies and medical services as needed.
Area hospitals like the Middlesex Hospital Alliance also offer health promotion activities and support programs, such as their Alzheimer Day Away Program, Parkinson’s Support Group, and consultations within the Arthritis Society. Community centres like the Strathroy & Area Seniors Centre, bring together active community members for crafts, clinics and workshops. Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors continues to supply additional health programs and other benefits in place for seniors and their families where and when they need them. Find out more about Ontario's Action Plan for Seniors.
Recreation and social activities for Strathroy seniors
Retirement homes homes offer plenty of activities and programs within the residence and are located close to recreation centers, libraries, continuing education centres and shopping areas to complement these needs in the wider community. Strathroy retirement communities take pride in assisting with seniors’ physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs, including their health and safety, through special services and amenities such as wellness centres, spa services, game rooms, libraries, clubhouses, community gardens, family programs, mini-golf, arts and crafts, various health care packages and special dietary considerations.
Day trips, shopping excursions, volunteering opportunities, religious services and continued education are just some of the other ways residents are able to remain active and engaged in community life, within the retirement residence and in the greater Strathroy community.
Those who are looking for things to do in Strathroy have plenty of arts and culture, museums and heritage sites, and recreation opportunities. The Museum Strathroy-Caradoc has a number of rotating and traveling exhibitions year around, plus remnants and archival documents of local history.
The Strathroy Art Gallery promotes new local artists every month and the Strathroy & District Historical Society hosts monthly guest speakers on a variety of subjects. The Heritage Walking Tour and Discover Mount Brydges offer unique exposure to the area, as well as exploring along the Syndenham River, one of the most biologically diverse areas in Ontario that also offers the chance to experience life of early European settlers.
The Fair Grounds Aquatic Park offers plenty of walking and picnic areas, leisure pool with accessible beach level entry, and concessions. There are also large parks such as Alexandra Park which is close to the Syndenham River and J.W. Oakes Wildlife Sanctuary.
Annual Strathroy festivals include the Turkey Festival, which takes place in June at Alexandra Park. For more seasonal festivals and community events, contact the retirement community of your choice or the Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce.
Getting around Strathroy
While communities in Strathroy work continuously on helping their residents stay active and /mobile within the retirement residence, they also make sure there are opportunities to get out into the wider community as well. Day trips and scheduled group transportation to nearby shopping malls and programs are available.
Availability of retirement homes
Ontario saw an overall increase in vacancy rate in 2021, to 19.6%, in the wake of the pandemic. While the demand decreased, the total supply of seniors’ housing increased by 3.8%. There was a total of 67,399 units available in Ontario for seniors. Middlesex County had a vacancy rate of 20.3% in 2021, according to the CMHC.
How to choose a retirement home
When searching for a retirement home, we encourage seniors and their families to make a list of which factors matter most and what their specific needs and interests are, and make note of any specific questions to ask retirement communities via phone or during a residence visit. Retirement communities work hard to provide ongoing support and assistance as health and personal needs change and always strive to keep their residents’ happiness and wellbeing in mind.
For more points to consider and some common questions and concerns about retirement homes, please visit our page for seniors considering a retirement home.
Discover more about choosing a retirement home , or contact the Strathroy residences shown above for more information.
Strathroy retirement community regulations
In Ontario, retirement homes are regulated by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA), which inspects retirement homes, oversees compliance and enforces the Retirement Homes Act to protect residents. The RHRA has a Public Register available on their website which lists retirement homes that have applied for a license or are already licensees. Many Strathroy retirement homes are members of provincial and national associations, including:
- The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA)
- The Ontario Long-term Care Association (OLTCA)
- AdvantAge Ontario (formerly the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors: OANHSS)
- The Canadian Association of Retired People (CARP)
Source: CMHC Seniors’ Housing Survey 2020-2021
