A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles vs. Shepherd Terrace

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

This seniors' residence is perfect for seniors who have given a lot during their lives and deserve to be pampered in retirement. Walk around and you'll see many more amenities than a typical condo complex. Retiring here means retiring in style! Situated close to the Lake and the Bluffs, McCowan offers an ideal mix of city living with some spectacular nearby greenspace. It's also close to both the Scarborough Hospital and Scarborough Village Recreation Centre. Nearby, there's a great selection of shopping, restaurants, and more.

SHEPHERD TERRACE

Shepherd Terrace is ideal for senior Scarborough (and area) Christians who want to have everything at hand in a loving community. The village-style atmosphere here creates a safe oasis for seniors, where they truly have everything they need or can imagine all in one place. There's a wellness clinic, the swimming pool, a pharmacy, a hair salon, and so much more. With care on hand and conveniences both inside and just outside Shepherd Village, you truly have everything you need here.

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

Nice and clean. Great activities.

My daughters and their friends had the pleasure of performing for the residents. This was my first time in the home, and it was truly wonderful to see the interaction of the staff and the residents. Mary Rafter was instrumental in helping set up the performance. We know Mary from my kids' days at St. Agatha's, as she was a staple at the school, setting up programs for the students. It is nice to see that she has stayed in the community and is now supporting the elderly community with her creativity and programs. The residence itself looked very welcoming and homey!

My mother-in-law had a great time staying at McCowan Retirement Residence. She enjoyed all the recreational activities, including bingo, Christmas sing-along, colouring, and crafts. All the staff were very helpful and attentive to her needs. Although she had a short stay, I can tell she enjoyed this residence!

This place exceeded our expectations in every way. From the friendly and helpful staff to the knowledgeable and attentive caregivers, our experience was nothing short of exceptional, and we are grateful. Our mom's rehab stay was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the entire team. Sandy, her nurse, was a standout – caring, kind, knowledgeable, and professional. We're also grateful for the outstanding care provided by Gayatri, the physiotherapist, and the PSWs who supported our mom's recovery.

Thank you to the staff who are all nice and caring. Sandy, Geraldine, and Ana (to name a few) are great at their jobs, especially when taking care of my mom. I highly recommend this home.

SHEPHERD TERRACE

In April 2018, I became acquainted with Noreen Brooker, the general manager of Shepherd Terrace, a retirement home/assisted living residence of Shepherd Village. Mark Burke was 93 years old. I was his dear friend turned family, caregiver, and overseer of all things. In May 2018, I was scheduled to travel overseas for 34 days. I left knowing Mark would be well cared for and safe under Noreen’s leadership. Noreen is a kind, caring, compassionate, and highly efficient person. Her responsibilities demanded much from her, yet she consistently ensured that her entire team — nurses, PSWs, cleaning staff, activation staff, and others — treated every resident of the Terrace with dignity, respect, kindness, and genuine care. Whenever I had a concern, I knew I could reach out to Noreen. She would listen, investigate thoroughly, and persevere until the desired outcome was achieved. Mark was exceptionally well cared for, greatly respected, and genuinely loved. He often referred to the building as a “high-class hotel,” which always made us smile. Mark passed away in 2023. I will never forget the nurses and PSWs who surrounded his bedside while he was in crisis. They stayed with him, comforting and caring for him until EMS arrived to take him to the hospital. I remain deeply grateful for Noreen’s leadership, compassion, and example, which clearly carried through to her staff and created such a loving and supportive environment. With Noreen’s assistance, I was able to donate and direct half the funding needed to spearhead the creation of the "Games Room" for the residents of the Terrace. Mark loved playing games, especially Trivia, and it brings me joy knowing that others continue to benefit from that special space. Today, I continue to visit the Terrace weekly in an official capacity with my St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog, Chloe. Noreen, Chloe, and I have formed a very special relationship on many levels, and the love, kindness, and respect she has shown us over the years is truly immeasurable. There is a beautiful life after work, and I wish Noreen a retirement filled with joy, travel, relaxation, entertainment, cherished friendships, good health, and long walks with her two beloved furbabies. Noreen, you have left a remarkable legacy and very big shoes to fill. Your Terrace friends will undoubtedly look forward to your visits as you begin this wonderful new chapter in your life.

My mother has been in Shepherd Terrace for 4 years . She is a very old Chinese lady. Despite [the fact that] she doesn’t speak English at all, by her body gestures, she has high respect and care from all the staff. The cleanliness of the facilities is super, and the Social Activity coordinator, Vivian, is trying her best with the programming and always has a smile on her face.

Thank you to the beautiful staff in the Lodge on the 6th floor who took care of my mom. Gloria, Roxanne, Jennifer, Rowena..my heart is so full of gratitude for the kindness, love, patience, and care you showed to my mom. She could not have been in better hands. You all went above and Beyond and exemplified excellence and pride in your wonderful work. May God shine His blessings upon you all

My Mom lived here for over 30 years. She loved it. I was so grateful for the care she had there. She made lots of friends with staff and residents. Grateful for all the support.

The cafe is great. The daily specials are delicious and the burgers they serve are the best anywhere. They even have Starbucks!

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

Come home to McCowan Retirement Residence, a lovely home in the heart of Scarborough. Enjoy chef-prepared meals, listen to in-house live music, or host your friends and family in our private dining room. Our residence offers accommodation and care packages for independent living, assisted living and dementia care. Many of our staff have been with us for well over a decade!

SHEPHERD TERRACE

Shepherd Terrace is a welcoming and professionally staffed retirement residence The residence offers both independent living, for those wanting modest support, and assisted living for seniors wanting support with daily living activities. Enjoy many services and amenities onsite including membership in our Health & Fitness Centre, indoor salt water pool, pharmacy, hair salon and spa, church services, immaculately maintained grounds, dynamic recreation programming and much more. Shepherd Terrace is part of Shepherd Village, Toronto’s largest not-for-profit seniors community and dedicated to the well-being of seniors since 1961. Call today for your private tour.

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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SHEPHERD TERRACE

Shepherd Terrace is part of Shepherd Village, a caring Christian and Toronto’s largest not-for-profit seniors’ community.

Shepherd Terrace conducted a resident satisfaction survey in March 2023 and asked, “What do you like best about living at Shepherd Terrace?” The top response was that it is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We also asked, “Do you feel safe living here?” and “Are you satisfied with your suite?” We’re pleased to report that 100% of respondents answered YES to both questions.

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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SHEPHERD TERRACE

New residents at Shepherd Terrace are a part of our Welcome Program which provides:
• A meet and greet with existing residents and department heads such as Recreation, Nursing, Dining, and Spiritual Life
• Resident Handbook helping to answer any questions about services and support
• Personalized welcome gift
• Reserved meal seating with residents of similar interests
• Welcome package from the General Manager and Leadership Team
We look forward to welcoming you home!

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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SHEPHERD TERRACE

At Shepherd Terrace, we understand that the needs of our residents can evolve over time. To ensure they continue to receive the care and support they need, we offer a range of additional à-la-carte services that can be easily integrated into their personalized care plans. Whether it's occasional help or more comprehensive care, Shepherd Terrace offers services designed to meet evolving needs with compassion and respect.

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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SHEPHERD TERRACE

We strive to provide a supportive and welcoming environment where residents can thrive, but there are certain situations where our retirement residence, Shepherd Terrace, may not be the best fit. If a potential resident is actively exit-seeking, requires a two-person assist for mobility, or is no longer weight-bearing, we may advise that a care setting with more advanced support is better suited to their needs.

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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SHEPHERD TERRACE

Residents are delighted to discover just how much there is to do at Shepherd Village. There are many different groups and activities to participate in, and extensive amenities including a saltwater pool and fitness centre. The dedicated Chapel is welcoming both residents and our community plus our Spiritual Life team available 7 days a week offering pastoral care. Our Courtyard Cafe provides a chance to catch up with friends and family over a coffee or meal together, and the beautiful gardens and walkways are perfect to enjoy a stroll or relaxing visit. There’s something to relish in every single day.

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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SHEPHERD TERRACE

In the next five years, Shepherd Village will continue to grow and evolve to better serve our residents. We’re excited to be adding another life lease building to our property, providing more opportunities for individuals to join our community. Additionally, we’re exploring more dementia care options to ensure we can meet the needs of residents with varying levels of cognitive care. We’ll also be welcoming a new medical office, which will provide onsite doctors and a variety of medical services, making it even easier for residents to access the healthcare they need right here at Shepherd Village. As we grow, we remain committed to maintaining the high standards of care that have always defined us.

MCCOWAN RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - METTA LIFESTYLES

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SHEPHERD TERRACE

• Shepherd Terrace is a 140-suite retirement residence offering independent and assisted living.
• Welcome to village life! Shepherd Terrace is part of Shepherd Village, Toronto’s largest not-for-profit seniors’ community.
• Shepherd Village is a Caring Christian Seniors’ Community welcoming people of all faiths. Our Spiritual Life Team serves people of all denominations 7 days a week. You choose how, or if, to participate.
• Our range of amenities will impress you! There’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy!
• Professional and dedicated nursing staff work with assisted living residents, and their families, to develop a detailed plan of care to ensure residents are cared for according to their unique needs.