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Trenton retirement homes

The complete guide to finding a retirement community in the Trenton area

Trenton retirement homes include independent living and active living communities in the municipality of Quinte West. Located on the Bay of Quinte in Southern Ontario, Trenton is the starting point for the Trent-Severn Waterway, which continues to Peterborough and Port Severn on Georgian Bay.

Care levels found in retirement communities in Trenton

Independent and assisted living retirement homes in the Trenton area offer seniors a continuum of care that covers the full spectrum of care (see image below).

Active, healthy seniors looking for help with cooking, cleaning and one-off medical services may choose an independent living package. For seniors with greater health demands an assisted living suite will provide additional medical care and dedicated staff who assist with health and other personal needs. Choosing a retirement home with independent and assisted living options allows seniors to remain within a familiar community as they age and their needs change.

How much does a retirement home in Trenton cost?

The cost of a retirement home in Trenton depends greatly on the type of suite and level of care you choose. The average rent in Trenton is approximately $1,700 – $2,400 per month, which is slightly less than the provincial average of $3,204 a month for a standard care unit. Geared to income housing became available to Trenton seniors in 2010. Seniors pay approximately 30% of their total gross household income and there is often a waiting list. Contact Hastings County Housing Services for more information. The most common ways for seniors to pay for retirement care include:

• Retirement savings
• Pension
• CPP
• OAP
• Other income sources like the sale of the family home

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 who live in Ontario and have a valid Ontario health card are able to apply.

Medical and safety services for Trenton seniors

Modern retirement homes make resident wellness their first priority, and no longer have to outsource much of their residents' health care. For seniors with health concerns, Trenton retirement homes are a safe and comfortable place to be and provide a variety of health and wellness programs and services, including:

• 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

Another way that retirement homes keep seniors safe is by ensuring that help is always close by. Many communities equip senior suites with an alarm bell, and sometimes even a personal alarm necklace so that the senior can easily call for help in the case of a fall, heart attack, stroke, or other emergency.

Read reviews of Kingston retirement homes (including Trenton) before you commit to any local senior care. 

Recreation and social activities for seniors in Trenton

According to statistics Canada, in 2011 the percentage of the population aged 65 and over in Quinte West was 16.96%, slightly higher than the national average of 14.8%. Many of Trenton’s seniors live in retirement communities, where they can take advantage of a variety of recreational and fitness facilities and activities. Most retirement homes in the Trenton area are located close to the Trent River and a short distance from downtown Trenton.

There are a number of seniors clubs in the area that provide a variety of social events such as the Trenton Seniors Club 105. Of course, the social advantage of living in a retirement home is a great draw for most residents. Trenton retirement homes provide a variety of social activities for seniors including bus trips, planned outings, and a number of events held within the retirement community including concerts, dinners, card games, movie nights and more.

Getting around Trenton

Quinte Access provides public transit at a reduced rate for seniors. The transit company provides specialized services (https://www.quinteaccess.org/specialized-service) for seniors and other individuals who register ahead of time. This specialized service is available for:

• Medical appointments
• Shopping
• Visiting
• Social events
• Recreation
• Education
• Employment and volunteer commitments

This service operates Monday – Friday, 7am to 6pm with evening, weekend and holiday service available upon request.

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.

How to Choose a Retirement Community from Comfort Life on Vimeo.

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.

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.

Download our eBook on the ultimate retirement tour guide for more information, or contact the residences shown above to get started with your search.

Trenton retirement community regulations

Retirement communities in Trenton are subject to the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority (RHRA), which applies to all retirement homes in Ontario. 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

When choosing a retirement home make sure to check the RHRA standing. Industry experts also recommend considering whether a retirement residence is a member of ORCA. The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) is a voluntary association of retirement homes throughout Ontario.