Trial stays in retirement homes
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Retirement home trial stays offer a glimpse at what your life might be like if you moved. Not all retirement communities offer this, especially if they're full. A short term stay in a community gives seniors a taste of life there. Ideally, the short stay lasts at least a week, though stays of two weeks or longer give you a full feel for life there. During this time, you'll discover how much of a relief the community gives from all the bothers of remaining in your own home. You'll also learn how enjoyable it can be to live in community, and the benefits of regular housekeeping, prepared meals, and other perks of retirement homes like those below.
Retirement communities with trial stays
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Tapestry at Village Gate West
15 Summerland Terrace, Toronto,
Ontario, M9A 0B5
A uniquely luxurious retirement living complex in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Tapestry Village in Etobicoke lets seniors live as they please.
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Wildpine Retirement Residence
10 Wildpine Court, Stittsville,
Ontario, K2S 1C6
At Wildpine, our staff ensure you get the highest level of care and service possible. We strive to provide the best service at the lowest prices, because money shouldn't stand in the way of worry free retirement!
Tapestry at Wesbrook Village
3338 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6S 0A6
This beautiful Vancouver seniors' community offers a variety of private suites, along with community services including dining, wellness activities and more.
Tapestry at Arbutus Walk
2799 Yew Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6K 4W2
A senior living community in Vancouver, BC offering luxurious seniors' apartments in an active community, along with assisted living and other options.
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0A2
Guelph retirement home offers Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care, includes 24 hour onsite nursing staff and features its own Town Square.
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
Mississauga's unique continuum of care concept featuring Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Wintergreene Estates
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Symphony Senior Living Orleans
6419 Lumberman Way, Orleans,
Ontario, K1C 6E8
At this park-like setting, seniors are offered the choice between studio, 1 or 2 bedroom suites. Bring along pets while enjoying a variety of customizable options, including a varied menu and recreational programs.
Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans,
Ontario, K4A 0N2
With so much to do nearby, it’s easy to forget why you might want to stay home, but with its exceptional dining, impeccable design, and fun activities, you’ll find Promenade has many attractions of its own!
Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence
5781 Dunn Street, Niagara Falls,
Ontario, L2G 2N9
Cavendish Manor is within walking distance to the Majestic Niagara Falls, the vibrancy of which can be felt within the walls of our charming retirement home, where a friendly community of seniors live in harmony.
McCowan Retirement Residence
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Delmanor Wynford
187 Wynford Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 0C7
A well appointed retirement home in Toronto features extensive common areas, a rooftop putting green and a variety of other amenities catering to today's seniors.
Parkland on the Glen
1665 The Collegeway, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5L 0A9
Parkland is located at Mississauga and The Collegeway next to the Glenerin Inn. We are surrounded by beautiful green space. For the past 6 years we've been awarded one of the top 3 Retirement Communities in Mississauga.
Balmoral Place
8 & 10 Harbour Street West, Collingwood,
Ontario, L9Y 5B4
Balmoral Place offers a wide variety of programs, amenities and suite types to meet the needs of both independent residents as well as those individuals requiring additional assistance.
Aster Gardens - Optima Living
7 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park,
Alberta, T8A5L2
Aster Gardens, coming Fall 2020, is Sherwood Parks’ newest residence that will transform the way seniors live. Every part of the building has been designed from the perspective of the resident. Let Us Welcome You Home.
Metta Lifestyles Queens Estate Retirement
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lake Bonavista Village
11800 Lake Fraser Drive, Calgary,
Alberta, T2J7G8
Lake Bonavista Village Retirement Residence is the perfect place for seniors to retire. You can choose from a variety of suite sizes in the main building or one of our unique cottages.
Prince of Peace
285030 Luther Rose Blvd NE, Calgary,
Alberta, T1X 1M9
Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs.
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002.
The Richmond Retirement Residence
175 North Front Street, Belleville,
Ontario, K8P 4Y8
The Richmond, combines an affordable lifestyle with comfort, security and friendly full service. You will feel a sense of warmth and know you are home the minute you walk in the door.
Manotick Place Retirement Community
1145 Bridge Street, Manotick,
Ontario, K4MOG8
Manotick Place is situated in the heart of picturesque Manotick right on the Rideau River. We are an ideal choice for individuals who wants to embrace all that life has to offer.
Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, you can access them all in one location at Park Place. We are a vibrant, social community surrounded by parks and close to many amenities.
Delmanor Prince Edward
4180 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M8X 1X8
Situated in a treed ravine setting overlooking the Humber River, Delmanor Prince Edward provides vistas that vary from the serenity of the adjacent valley to the resplendence of the Toronto downtown skyline!
Trinity Lodge
1111 Glenmore Trail SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2V 4C9
Trinity Lodge Retirement Residence combines the elegance & style of a fine traditional hotel, with the security & warmth associated with senior living. Homecare staff is available 24/7 to give you support when needed.
Sifton - Richmond Woods
200 North Centre Road, London,
Ontario, N5X 0B1
A desirable retirement residence in London, Ontario, with 130 suites plus a variety of extensive amenities designed to provide the ultimate in retirement living.
Stouffville Creek Retirement Residence
40 Freel Lane, Stouffville,
Ontario, L4A 0P5
Stouffville Creek is 118 suite retirement residence, just a short drive north of Toronto, conveniently close to major highways, shops and stores and features a fitness centre and more amenities.
Granville Gardens
1550 West 49th Avenue,, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6M 0B3
Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.
Westerleigh PARC
725 - 22nd Street, West Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7V 0B3
Westerleigh PARC offers refined retirement living in one of West Vancouver's most sought after addresses. Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Cottonwood - Optima Living
4224 8th st west, claresholm,
Alberta, T0L0T0
Cottonwood Village was thoughtfully designed to deliver the best lifestyle rural Alberta has to offer. Located in Claresholm in the heart of the foothills. Let Us Welcome You Home
Oceana PARC
1575 George St, White Rock,
British Columbia, V4B 0B6
At Oceana PARC, our residents thrive with access to physical and mental fitness programming, social activities, chef-prepared meals, transportation and more. Come discover why life is better at our new residence.
Allandale Station Retirement Residence
357 Yonge St, Barrie,
Ontario, L4N 4K3
Located on Yonge St. just minutes from downtown Barrie, you can be the first to choose the suite style that's right for you. Retire in a comfortable & supportive community with superior services & outstanding amenities.
V!VA Oakville
1 Sixteen Mile Drive, Oakville,
Ontario, L6M 1P3
Now Open! Exclusive membership meets all-inclusive living at Oakville's newest retirement community. V!VA Oakville elevates retirement living to new heights with unmatched amenities, services and style. Tour today!
Oakcrossing Retirement Living
1238 Oakcrossing Road, London,
Ontario, N6H 0K2
Welcome to Oakcrossing Retirement Living, where we have a fresh perspective on senior living. Offering a large variety of studios, one- and two-bedroom suites with both retirement and assisted living services available.
Gilmore Gardens
4088 Blundell Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V7C 5V1
Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.
V!VA Barrhaven
275 Tartan Drive, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2J 0V2
Ottawa's newest all-inclusive retirement community simply includes more! From a saltwater pool to an incredible golf simulator, our impressive amenities are only matched by our commitment to exceptional care & service.
Courtyard Gardens
7051 Moffat Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V6Y 3W2
Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.
Seacliff Manor Retirement Residence
30 Seacliff Drive East, Leamington,
Ontario, N8H 0E5
At Seacliff Manor, we provide a vibrant, supportive retirement lifestyle complete with restaurant style dining and social events and activities. Choose from independent living, assisted living, and memory care options.
Shepherd Terrace
3758 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1T 3K9
Shepherd Terrace offers a variety of independent and assisted living suites within the renowned Shepherd Village. With its long history of providing caring service you’ll love the amenities and the excellent services.
Bowmanville Creek
105 Queen Street, Bowmanville,
Ontario, L1C 0T3
Bowmanville Creek offers Independent and Assisted Living programs. Tastefully designed spacious accommodations include a variety of suites ranging from roomy studios to large two bedrooms.
Symphony Senior Living Kanata
27 Weaver Crescent, Kanata,
Ontario, K2K 2Z8
Enjoy the natural setting of the surrounding Kanata Lakes with access to shopping, parks and churches at Symphony Senior Living Kanata. This pet friendly community offers a variety of service packages and suites to fulfill your unique needs.
Summerhill PARC
135 West 15th Street, North Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7M 1R7
Summerhill PARC near the heart of Lonsdale and 15th Avenue in beautiful North Vancouver offers a highly social retirement community living experience. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Kingsbridge Retirement Community
950 Centennial Drive, KINGSTON,
Ontario, K7M 0G8
Experience vibrant senior’s living - a world of choices, beautiful architecture, caring people and a diverse program of activities and services. Choose Kingsbridge Retirement Community. See how great life can be!
Port Credit Residences
33 Hurontario Street, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5G 3G8
Port Credit Residence situated in the Mississauga area offers seniors a luxurious resort-inspired lifestyle. Enjoy an oversized pool, wellness centre, onsite physiotherapy, a movie theatre, library, spa/salon and more!
The Elden of Bradford
3131 8th Line, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H2
The Elden is now open, bringing a fresh approach to retirement living. This beautiful residence is tailored for the “young-at-heart” senior. In fact, we like to think of it as UN-Retirement Living.
Sifton - Longworth
600 Longworth Road, London,
Ontario, N6K 4X9
Voted London's Best Retirement Residence seven years running! We promote our passion for seniors living well by offering choices for an active, wellness focused lifestyle with the security of knowing help is at hand.
Sifton - The Westhill
25 Westhill Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2T 0B6
The Westhill is an inviting atmosphere of new friends and great times, with personalized support services for better living. The Westhill is conveniently located in Waterloo, near The Boardwalk shopping area.
Thornebridge Gardens
649 8th Avenue, New Westminster,
British Columbia, V3M 2R2
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Scarborough Retirement Centre
148 Markham Road, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1M 2Z8
Scarborough Retirement Centre offers a variety of suites and apartments, with a library, pharmacy, seniors' centre, shopping, theatre and more nearby.
Forestview Retirement Residence
Forestview Retirement Residence, Toronto,
Ontario, M2R 0A8
Forestview Retirement Residence is North York's newest seniors' residence, set to open in March of 2018, we will offer Full Service Lifestyles & Assisted Living (on as secure floor). Call to reserve your suite today!
The Meadowlands Retirement Residence
1248 Mohawk Road, Ancaster,
Ontario, L9K 1P5
The number one retirement community in the Ancaster and Hamilton Area. The Meadowlands offers personal choice in living accommodations, dining, recreation, social and personal services. Make the most of your retirement years at The Meadowlands Retirement Residence.
Harmony Hill Retirement Community
1335 Benson Street, Oshawa,
Ontario, L1K 0W6
Harmony Hill offers comfort, security, and friendship, as well as the full range of amenities and services that you expect from a premier, active-living community.
Carp Commons Retirement Village
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Evergreen Retirement Community
820 Scollard Court, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5V 0A1
Stylish Mississauga retirement home offering independent, full-service and assisted living lifestyles, featuring a hair salon, onsite bistro and much more.
The Roxborough Retirement Residence
1 Roxborough Road, Newmarket,
Ontario, L3Y 2P8
You'll feel warmth as soon as you walk through the door. The Roxborough Retirement Residence is both elegant and cozy with a dedicated and caring staff that go above and beyond for your well-being and happiness.
Holland Gardens
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 2H4
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living.
Cedar Springs PARC
3633 Mount Seymour Pkwy, North Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7H 0A9
Located near Mt. Seymour in Vancouver's North Shore, Cedar Springs PARC offers retirement living within a beautiful natural environment. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
From gracious dining to new suites and lounges, residents are enjoying the new management and upgrades found at 1140 Bloor Street West, in the Heart of Bloordale Village.
Sifton - Dorchester Terrace
143 Byron Ave, Dorchester,
Ontario, N0L 1G5
Dorchester Terrace offers area seniors a variety of suite choices, wellness support services, medication administration, housekeeping services, physiotherapy and daily dining in an open restaurant-style dining room.
Mulberry PARC
7230 Acorn Avenue, Burnaby,
British Columbia, V5E 4N9
Mulberry PARC is a welcoming home and community in the heart of Burnaby, BC with the largest 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom retirement home suites available.
Credit River
175 Rutledge Rd., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 0X7
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them.
Sifton - The Erinview
2132 Dundas Street West, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5K 2K7
Located in the heart of Mississauga, The Erinview offers an atmosphere of worry-free, comfortable living with personalized support in the presence of good friends.
V!VA Pickering
1880 Glengrove Road, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0C6
V!VA Pickering is Durham's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community! Enjoy large suites, great amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great for you and your family! Book your tour today!
Dr. James Hemstock
4202 54 Ave, Lloydminster,
Alberta, T9V 2Z3
At Dr. Hemstock Residence & Hearthstone Place, our highly-skilled group of health care professionals and qualified staff are here to do whatever we can to ensure that all your needs are taken care of.
Queenston Place Residence
6440 Valley Way, Niagara Falls,
Ontario, L2E 7E3
This Niagara Falls retirement home features local activities and scenery in a luxury environment offering a comfortable lifestyle, care and peace of mind.
Riverbend Crossing by Esprit Lifestyle Communities
2235 Heseltine Rd, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4V 2Y7
Riverbend Crossing is a memory care community located in Regina, Saskatchewan, specializing in caring for those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of cognitive or memory impairment.
Retirement Suites By The Lake
2121 Kingston Road, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1N 1T5
Part of Scarborough history - located in the Bluffs/Beaches neighbourhood, where the White Castle Inn used to stand. Respite recovery, trial stays and winter retreats are all available, to help meet your wants and needs!
Forest Valley Terrace
1510 St. Joseph Boulevard, Orleans,
Ontario, K1C 7L1
Forest Valley Terrace is proud to be the only community that is designed & dedicated to accommodate the needs of seniors with all stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory impairment in Ottawa.
Wellings of Picton
15 Wellings Drive, Picton,
Ontario, K0K 2T0
The Wellings of Picton is a vibrant new community for adults 55+, in Prince Edward County. Offering 64,one bedroom plus den and two bedroom apartments with all appliances and outdoor balconies, pub, parking and dog park.
The Lodge at Valley Ridge
11479 Valley Ridge Drive NW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3B5V5
The Lodge at Valley Ridge is the perfect place for seniors to live, who want to maintain an active & entertaining lifestyle. Suites range from studios to 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and balconies.
Delmanor Northtown
5351 Yonge Street, North York,
Ontario, M2N 7L5
Delmanor Northtown is an exceptional hotel-style retirement residence in the heart of North York that offers a variety of well appointed amenities.
Presentation Manor
61 Fairfax Cresent, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1L 1Z7
At Presentation Manor you truly do have an opportunity to be yourself. Share a meal, join a reflection group or volunteer in the community, you’ll have the freedom to meet and interact with others as you please.
Southbrook
400 Ray Lawson Blvd., Brampton,
Ontario, L6Y 4G4
Southbrook is all about choice - the choice to do what you want, when you want. We celebrate independence but we are here to provide assistance whenever you need it. Southbrook....be a part of the family.
Queensview Retirement Community
70 King Edward Street, Paris,
Ontario, N3L 2G8
Queensview Retirement Community is a Globals Award winner for living solutions with care.
We are a fun,vibrant and caring community with homemade meals, friendly staff and residents who make the community a loving home.
Carleton Place Terrace by Symphony
6 Arthur Street, Carleton Place,
Ontario, K7C 4S4
Carleton Place Terrace welcomes pets: offers residents plenty of options with studios and one-bedrooms that may include a kitchenette & / or a walk-out . Activities & chef-prepared meals keep residents healthy & active.
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence
70 Bernard Avenue, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0W7
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence offers full service including meals, housekeeping, active adult, independent and assisted living. Our focus is on maintaining good health, great food, new friends & lots of laughter!
The Heritage
3630 Brown rd, west kelowna,
British Columbia, V4T7Y9
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Origin at Spring Creek
808 Spring Creek Drive, Canmore,
Alberta, T1W0K3
Origin at Spring Creek is Bow Valley’s leading independent, assisted living, & memory care community. Nestled in the luxurious mountain town of Canmore, we empower our residents to remain happy, healthy & active.
Sts. Peter and Paul Residence
221 Milner Avenue, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1S 4P4
Sts. Peter and Paul Residence offers a modern, efficient, and self-sustaining seniors community operated by a professional and compassionate staff.
V!VA Mississauga
5575 Bonnie Street, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 0N8
Mississauga's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community. Enjoy bright, spacious suites, modern amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great! for you and your family! Book your tour today!
The Redwoods Retirement Residence
2604 Draper Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2H 9B1
Redwoods apartment style community offers suite with full kitchens, individual meal plans and valet service. Whether you're meeting friends for a drink, or for a swim, you'll love the social life at The Redwoods.
Bolton Mills by Esprit Lifestyle Communities
100 Morra Avenue, Bolton,
Ontario, L7E4K5
Welcome to something wonderful; Bolton Mills Retirement Community, offering the finest lifestyle options in Retirement and Assisted Living with outstanding amenities and services.
Four Elms Retirement Residence
1500 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill,
Ontario, L4J 4H6
Four Elms is an elegant retirement residence, offering the finest in senior living. Choose a suite style that's right for you and enjoy an active lifestyle, fine dining and the company of good friends.
Lynde Creek Manor by Esprit Lifestyle Communities
50 Paul Burns Way, whitby,
Ontario, L1R 2Y9
Lynde Creek Manor’s dedicated team members are available to support you so you can live your life to the fullest.
Cherish at Central Park
917 Avrill Road, Victoria,
British Columbia, V9B 0T2
Cherish brings a new approach to senior living that has been called innovative and the way of the future. Our Independent Living rental suites and condominiums provide choices for estate preservation and peace of mind.
Villagia in the Glebe
480 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1S 3N6
Villagia is centrally located on the edge of the Glebe, the downtown core and just steps away from the world renowned Rideau Canal.
Crown Ridge Retirement Residence
106 Crown Street, Trenton,
Ontario, K8V 6R3
Located on the east side of Trenton in a quiet neighbourhood. Enjoy beautiful suites of various sizes & layouts with advanced safety features. Elegant dining plus snacks & beverages included.
Bramalea Retirement Residence
30 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton,
Ontario, L6T 4G3
Enjoy the luxury of a new community with the conveniences of home, including 3 freshly prepared meals, medication management, 24 hour supervision and a variety of activities.
Delmanor Glen Abbey
1459 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville,
Ontario, L6M 4W1
Delmanor Glen Abbey is an award winning Oakville retirement community with beautiful walking paths and outdoor amenities.
V!VA Thornhill Woods
9700 Bathurst Street, Vaughan,
Ontario, L6A 4V2
Vaughan's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community! Enjoy bright, spacious suites, modern amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great! for you and your family! Book your tour today!
Metta Lifestyles Greenview Retirement
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
More about short term trial stays
“It’s natural that people want an out, a little window that means they don’t have to stay here,” says Jill Somerville of Credit River in Mississauga. For those who are lukewarm to the idea of living in a retirement home or who have preconceptions about what “nursing homes” are like, a trial stay gives them an inside look at community life with the option of “backing away slowly” or even running away again at any time. The fact that few people do either in many retirement homes is a testament to the quality of life and care in today’s communities.
For many, the clean, bright environments, exceptional dining experiences, caring staff and friendly people are a surprise compared to popular conceptions. “The sense of 'community' here is remarkable,” says Todd Finlayson. “Sit in the lobby for an hour and you’ll have 15 conversations if you just make eye contact with the dozens of residents on the go. First class, active people with great conversation skills for people of any age.” His mom recently took a trial stay at Harmony Hill Retirement Community in Oshawa, and although only in his 50’s, he also spent a short stay in a separate suite while he recovered from hip surgery.
“It is a real eye opener for people to see that this is what they can move into,” says Donna Carlesso of The Meadowlands Retirement Residence in Ancaster. She broadly sweeps her arm around a bright, spacious one bedroom suite the community uses for short stays, including trial stays as well as convalescence or hospitality. “They also get up to 60 minutes of care a day, anything from getting medication to help with getting their day started.”
The trial stay opens people’s eyes but also their imagination, to dream about improving their lives through a move. “It’s a learning opportunity for them, and they get a really good feeling about retirement living,” she says. Trial stays have a high success rate in evangelizing people to the beauty of life in a modern retirement home.
Falling in love takes time
Audrie Sherlock was one successful convert to life at Meadowlands. “I tried it for two weeks and I just found it handy to go back and forth to my house. I learned what I could keep. My mind was already open to the idea, sure, but there were some things I wasn’t comfortable with, especially the idea of selling my home and dealing with all my things. But actually living here really gives you a feel for it and you know that’s how you fall in love, it takes time.”
Somerville agrees that the more time the better. “We feel that a week is not long enough, so we suggest at least two weeks. Some people stay two months or longer. Nothing about the trial stay is written in stone. That’s how you’re really going to get a feel for life in the community. People see how much stress relief they get, they realize they can still see their kids and grandkids. It’s almost 100 percent of people taking a trial stay who decide to move ahead.”
