Kitchener-Waterloo retirement home reviews

The Village of Winston Park

Winston Park is a vibrant community of seniors that (like other Schlegel Villages) creates an idealized small town under one roof. Walk into Winston Park in the middle of the day, or on a Saturday morning, and you will be struck by the amount of activity and interaction among the "villagers." These people know how to live! Inside the "village" you will find a general store, a restaurant, a gift shop, a library and a gym… all of them with signage and separate entrances. People walk from shop to shop, greet friends by name and chat up the local "shopkeepers."

Suites are clean and modern, hallways are wide and clean. The people are happy and friendly, because the environment engenders community and contentment. In keeping with the village theme, discrete care areas are called neighbourhoods.  Winston Park includes a memory care neighbourhood, as well as a long term care ward. Hundreds of residents meet in the village "commons" every day and greet each other with smiles.

Sifton - The Westhill

An exceptional luxury retirement residence that supersedes all expectations of a retirement home. Spacious corridors and shared areas are highlighted by an open concept main area where there's a pub, games room and more. You'll love the thoroughly modern, well-kept interior spaces at the Westhill; it feels new everywhere.

For those requiring care, there are personalized support services onsite, and staff at the ready to handle anything you require. The downstairs pub is a great meeting place, and dining in the bistro is exceptional. One other noteworthy aspect of this Waterloo retirement home is the variety in the suites, which range from studio apartments to 1 bedroom plus a den, to 2 bedroom suites.

Harbour Hill Retirement Community

Harbour Hill offers the finest in seniors' living in Huron County: an exceptionally well-appointed retirement residence that incorporates the highest living standards in a small town setting. The staff and the facilities are the best in terms of professionalism. An onsite feature that clearly demonstrates a commitment to excellence is the Spa and Community Centre; here, there's a therapeutic tub and nail bar, as well as a hair dresser and massage therapist. For the guys, there are games rooms, card games, a movie night and other fun things to do. Fitness and activities are a staple of community life here, and residents love it.

Aside from activity in the residence, you also get to enjoy life in "Canada's prettiest town." Even longtime residents of Huron County may not be aware of the local history, centred in the Huron County Museum. The main beach and Blue Water Beach are just two attractions that make this a place your kids and grandkids will be happy to visit.

The Village of Riverside Glen

Like other Schlegel retirement villages, Riverside Glen focuses on creating a whole environment where every element enhances well-being; this begins with its innovative architecture, laid out like a small town. This unique approach to a seniors-friendly environment includes an indoor café, general store, hairdresser, library and other outlets. The "village" concept extends to the notion of residents living in neighbourhoods, where every hallway or wing is a close community of people with similar care needs. The care continuum here extends from independent living for adults who require minimal assistance, to dementia care and long term care.

Although many retirement homes listed at Comfort Life feature excellent staff, the care staff at Riverside Glen demonstrates an above-and-beyond attitude apparent to outsiders. The Village newsletter, a monthly publication, demonstrates a deep, rich understanding of residents, and shows care and attention extended to all seniors here. Care is enhanced by the latest research into enhancing senior lifestyle and caring for those with special assistance requirements, from Schlegel's close association with the Research Institute for Aging.

The Village of Arbour Trails

Arbour Trails is another excellent example of the village concept, from Schlegel Villages. The innovative layout of the community focuses on a centralized town square, where residents meet or mingle. Here, you'll find a pub, a library, a theatre, a gift shop and other village outlets. There is also a very scenic pond on the grounds. This residence is centrally located in Guelph, near the Arboretum and some of Guelph University's outlying features.

Exceptional care is available here, with many onsite personal service workers, housekeeping staff, etc. The vibrancy of the community extends to staff, who show their love for the work through avidly extolling the value of the Arbour Trails community.

The Village at University Gates

This new 230 suite development opens an exciting opportunity for Waterloo-Wellington and area seniors seeking to get in on the ground floor of a great community. You’ll be onsite at University of Waterloo, benefiting from the expertise of Schlegel Villages and their work with the Research Institute for Aging.

Other Schlegel Villages in the area offer a glimpse of what life will be like here. Walk into any other location, and you’ll find friends interacting happily, supported by the village design and layout (featuring a Town Square and more). With this being close to the campus at UW, as well as Laurel Creek Conservation, you’ll have nature, learning and friends all just outside the door.