# **Where are you watching the Masters this week?**  
If you're picturing your living room couch or the local clubhouse, think bigger. At some retirement homes in Ontario you can bring the Masters experience to a whole new level-with golf simulators, on-site pubs, and big screens perfect for following every shot at Augusta while taking a few swings of your own..

At Parkland Ajax, residents there aren't just watching the Masters - they can step up to the tee themselves thanks to the golf simulator inside the pub. Shannon’s Pub, in the heart of the community, also features billiards, poker, and cozy spots to watch every shot from Augusta.

## Retirement Living in Ontario Is Changing

Forget the outdated image of retirement homes. Across Ontario, retirement residences are redefining senior living. These communities are active, social, and designed for people who want to keep enjoying the things they love - whether it's golf, gardening, fitness, food, puzzles, or pub nights.


```
https://youtube.com/shorts/H30sFVnt7AA?si=jFpQ7HGR1I0Sg7Yv
```

## Are Golf Simulators Common in Ontario Retirement Homes?

Not every retirement home has a golf simulator, but more and more Ontario retirement communities are embracing active living. From on-site movie theatres to indoor gyms and even rooftop putting greens, seniors now have access to amenities that reflect their interests and lifestyles.

At Elderado, we make it easy to explore these options. You can search and compare retirement homes across Ontario based on the features that matter to you to find the right home for your needs.

## Looking for an Active Ontario Retirement Community?

If you're a golfer—or just someone who enjoys a good pint and great company—there’s a retirement home in Ontario that fits your lifestyle. Elderado is a free resource to help families find and compare retirement homes across the province. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a more urgent transition, we’re here to help.

Start your search today, and discover a new side of retirement living.

👉 [Search Retirement Homes in Ontario](https://www.elderado.ca/get-started)


Watching the Masters in Style: Ontario Retirement Homes with Golf Simulators and Sports Lounges


# National Caregiver Day 2025: We're by your side

April 1, 2025 is **National Caregiver Day** in Canada - a day to recognize the caregivers who provide vital support to aging parents, spouses, friends, and family.

Whether you're helping a parent with dementia, supporting a spouse through illness, or coordinating care for a grandparent, your work matters. **Unpaid caregivers keep our healthcare system afloat in Ontario** and across the country. Without their energy, love, and sacrifice our healthcare system simply wouldn't function.

---

## Support for Caregivers in Ontario

At **Elderado**, we work every day to make elder care easier to navigate. That includes supporting the people who provide care - often without pay, training, or time to rest.

Caregiving is always going to be hard. But there's things things we can fix - and that's what we're trying to do. We believe it should be straightforward for families to be able to nagivate and compare elder care options, and be confident they found the best care for their care needs, preferences, and budget.

---

## A Free Coffee for 100 Caregivers ☕

To celebrate **National Caregiver Day 2025**, we're buying a coffee for **100 caregivers** in Ontario.

If you’re caring for a parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, friend or other family member - formally or informally - fill out the form below. We’ll send you a **Tim Hortons gift card** and a note of thanks.

👉 [**Click here to claim your free Tim’s Card.**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmAR7I97NQivmzFHWgYH8R3nkQAH2cOxDLcNcmSL6K7CwfxA/viewform?usp=header)

You deserve a break, and a coffee on us.

---

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/d8MMTlOtmfg?si=AlGeBX9ZCaHRVc28
```

## Why National Caregiver Day Matters

In Canada, **millions of people are unpaid caregivers** - supporting loved ones through aging, illness, or disability. But so much if this work is invisible, and undervalued.

- **Over 1 in 4 Canadians** aged 15+ provide unpaid care to a family member or friend.
- Many caregivers juggle full-time jobs, parenting, and caregiving responsibilities.
- Caregiving is emotionally and physically demanding, with real impacts on mental health.

Today is about more than gratitude - it's about visibility, recognition, and change.

---

## Tools to Make Elder Care Easier

If you're navigating elder care in Ontario, **Elderado can help**. We’ve built a free platform to:

- Compare retirement homes and long-term care options  
- Filter by location, care services, language of care, or starting prices  
- Video inspection reports, ratings, video tours, sample menus, and more  

👉 [**Start your search at Elderado.ca**](https://www.elderado.ca)

---

## Caregivers, We See You

Whether you're helping someone bathe, keeping track of meds, or just showing up every day - you are doing important work.

We aren't able to join you for a coffee this time, but know that we're with you by your side.

Thank you for all you do.

National Caregiver Day 2025: We Are With You

The senior care industry in Ontario wouldn’t function without the dedication, skill, and compassion of women. Across long-term care and retirement homes, women are the backbone of the sector, making up the majority of personal support workers (PSWs), nurses, and social workers who provide daily care and life-enhancing services to older adults.  

**Did you know?**  
- **96% of personal support workers** in Ontario are women.  
- **91% of nurses** in the province are women.  
- **87% of social workers**—who provide crucial emotional and practical support—are women.  

These professionals don’t just show up for work; they show up with empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of seniors.  

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/LR56r3NrhW4?si=C83WQ7Pe5dcrYhBl
```

---

## **Beyond Caregiving: Women Driving Innovation in Senior Care**  

While frontline caregiving is essential, women are also the visionaries behind transformative initiatives in the senior care space. They are leading innovations that improve the quality of life for older adults in Ontario:  

🔹 **[Tina Mavriyannakis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-mavriyannakis-134a7683/), Founder of The Smile Room** – A champion for senior oral health, Tina is ensuring thousands of older adults have access to much-needed dental care, preventing pain and serious health complications.  

🔹 **[Mallory McGrath](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorymcgrath/), Founder of Viive Planning** – Estate and end-of-life planning can be overwhelming, but Mallory is changing the conversation and approach, making it easier for families to prepare for the future with dignity and clarity.  

🔹 **[Jennifer McCrae](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mccrae-ct-cdcp-089b7b17a/), Founder of Soul Transitions** – Helping families navigate grief and end-of-life transitions, Jennifer provides support and guidance during some of life’s most difficult moments.  

These women are reshaping how we think about aging, caregiving, and the end-of-life journey. Their work ensures that seniors receive the respect, care, and support they deserve.  

---

## **The Strength of Women in Senior Care**  

Despite the progress society has made, one truth remains: when it comes to answering the call for strength, compassion, and leadership in senior care, women step up—again and again.  

From the PSWs providing hands-on care to the entrepreneurs revolutionizing elder services, women continue to drive meaningful change in Ontario’s long-term care and retirement home sectors.  

### **Celebrating Women in Senior Care**  

On this International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to recognize, support, and celebrate the incredible women who are making a difference in the lives of seniors. Their work is not just essential—it’s life-changing.  

Women Leading the Way in Senior Care: The Heart and Strength Behind Ontario’s Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes

## Social workers are like wolves
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/WVgKOREGJTs?si=SczJNOvmg013dUlQ
```

They show up during some of life’s toughest moments—offering support, guidance, and sometimes just a reassuring presence when things feel impossible. And yet, they rarely get the appreciation they deserve. 

Well, we’re here to change that—**one handwritten letter and one Tim Hortons gift card at a time!**

We’re sending **100 handwritten letters**, each with a **Tim Hortons gift card**, to **100 amazing social workers**. And the best part? **YOU get to decide who gets them!**

## How It Works (Super Easy, We Promise!)

If you know a social worker who deserves a little surprise in their mailbox, here’s what to do:

- [**Fill out the form**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKv32FdSJWoWHN8-EzyXEOfx4fkO0dyfWixq8OVNOWsnzTng/viewform?usp=header) with the name of a social worker you want to nominate. 
- Don’t know their name? No stress—just tell us where they work, and we’ll do our best detective work to find them.
- The **first 100 names submitted** will get a handwritten letter and a Tim Hortons gift card. Boom. Instant day-maker! 

[**Nominate a social worker here**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKv32FdSJWoWHN8-EzyXEOfx4fkO0dyfWixq8OVNOWsnzTng/viewform?usp=header).

## Why Are We Doing This? (Because Social Workers Are Awesome!)

Let’s be real—social workers do some of the hardest, most heartwarming, and most emotionally intense jobs out there. They help people through life’s messiest moments, and they do it all with **way too little recognition** (and probably **way too much caffeine** ☕). 

A simple **letter and a cup of coffee** won’t change the world, but it might just brighten someone’s day. And honestly, if there’s anyone who deserves a little surprise appreciation, **it’s a social worker.**

## The Magic of a Little ‘Thank You’

Did you know that feeling appreciated makes people happier, less stressed, and more motivated? True story. And in a field like social work—where burnout is way too common—a little unexpected kindness can go a LONG way. 

That’s why we’re inviting YOU to be part of this mission. **Let’s make sure 100 social workers feel the love!**

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/7j9JjNDD_r4?si=F-V6-CCYUSqe7kn8
```

## Be a Part of This Feel-Good Movement! 🚀

We won’t stop until **100 social workers** have received a well-deserved thank-you. But we need your help to make it happen! 

💙 **Nominate a social worker today:** [CLICK HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKv32FdSJWoWHN8-EzyXEOfx4fkO0dyfWixq8OVNOWsnzTng/viewform?usp=header)

⏳ **Deadline:** Until we reach 100 names or **March 9th, 11:59 PM**  
📢 **Share this post!** Send to a friend, a coworker, or someone who knows a social worker who deserves this surprise.

A small act of kindness can go a long way—so let’s do this! 💌☕



 Let’s Make 100 Social Workers Smile!

On January 17 and 18, Chartwell hosted a National Open House event - and I crashed it!

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/I-a4-Jkpxls?si=SCgOmO4yPptSdQ0w
```

## Friday
I set out to hit as many Chartwell retirement homes as I could.  Along the way I made a video at each home I toured to give you a peek inside, and tell you more about retirement living.

![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/-NZhDpDI6-Screenshot%202025-03-02%20at%208.25.38%20AM.png)

My planned route on Friday started at Chartwell Wynfield in North Oshawa.  From there I'd head east to Chartwell Bowmanville Creek in Bowmanville, before working my way back west.  I'd hit Chartwell Colonial, Chartwell Harwood, and finish my day off at Chartwell Pickering City Centre.  It was an ambitious plan - I'd never toured more than 2 retirement homes in a day, but I figured I could manage.

# Chartwell Wynfield - Options to check out a retirement home
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/-tj8cXXL-lY?si=kD7iqRemYvVWvuYF
```
A bit about *[Chartwell Wynfield](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0081/chartwell-wynfield-retirement-residence)* in Oshawa

- Independent living and assisted living
- Suites start from $4,040/month (at the time of writing)
- Studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a bistro, library, and covered patio

At *Chartwell Wynfield* I talked about the different ways you can check out a retirement home.

If you want to have a look around inside you can:
- check out an open house, like the one I'm at
- schedule a tour *(and if you go on a tour, most homes will offer you lunch so you can try the food - which I highly suggest doing)*

Or if you want to get a feel for retirement homes without visiting each one you can:
- use *[Elderado](https://www.elderado.ca/search?center_lat=43.6532&center_lng=-79.3832&zoom=10&category=rh&page=1)* to review and compare every retirement home
- likely find people from local retirement homes at 55+ events in your neighbourhood
- visit to each retirement home website

# Chartwell Bowmanville Creek - 3 things to lookout for on a retirement home tour
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/MlmrF8QsWNk?si=_cRNY-35uVqNG831
```
A bit about *[Chartwell Bowmanville Creek](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0622/chartwell-bowmanville-creek-retirement-residence)* in Bowmanville.

- Independent living
- Suites start at $4,521/month (at the time of writing)
- Studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom suites
- Amenities include an indoor pool, indoor putting green, demonstration kitchen, and cafe

At *Chartwell Bowmanville Creek* I shared 3 things to keep an eye out for when you're looking at retirement homes:

1. **Do staff acknowledge residents?**  Homes where staff acknowledge the residents when they pass in hallways tend to have a warmer feel and higher resident satisfaction. And bonus points if staff acknowledge residents by name.
2. **Are there spaces outside your room where you can see yourself spending time?**  A lot of residents are downsizing, the transition to a smaller living area is a lot smoother if there's other places in the retirement home where you're comfortable.
3. **Are activity calendars and menus posted throughout the home up to date?**  It's not the end of the world if they're not, but it can be a sign the home lets the details fall through the cracks.

And don't forget to trust your gut.  This is your home, if it doesn't feel right, keep looking - you can always circle back.

# Chartwell Colonial - What is the RHRA?

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/OGU59NDFjf0?si=absi80NUQr-8zda1
```
A bit about *[Chartwell Colonial](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0078/chartwell-colonial-retirement-residence)* in Whitby

- Independent living
- Suites start at $3,021/month (at the time of writing)
- Studio, and one-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a movie theatre, bistro, country kitchen, and renovated patio

At *Chartwell Colonial* I explained what the *[Retirement Home Regulatory Authority](https://www.rhra.ca/en/)*, or RHRA, is.

- The RHRAs responsible for licensing and inspecting retirement homes in Ontario
- If you have a complaint or need to report harm, the RHRAs there to help.
- RHRA inspection reports are public and free to view.
- There are some retirement communities that look like but are NOT retirement homes, and those residents aren't protected by the RHRAs safeguards.
- You'll know a retirement home's licensed because their RHRA licence will be on display, usually near the front door.
- At Elderado we only include licensed retirement homes, as well as long-term care homes.
- You may have virtually no contact with the RHRA, but it's good to know they're there if you need them.

# Chartwell Harwood - How much does it cost to live in a retirement home?
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/BUTtmV90weI?si=2nSKVDUE4a9syqEg
```
Some information about [*Chartwell Harwood*](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0447/chartwell-harwood-retirement-residences) in Ajax.

- Independent living
- Suites starting from $4,226/month (at the time of writing)
- Studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a library, fitness room, pub & lounge, and courtsey van

At *Chartwell Harwood* I tackled one of the most popular topics when it comes to retirement living - PRICE!

- Not all retirement home prices are created equal.
- Some homes have a la carte pricing, while others are all inclusive.
- Typically, as your care needs increase, so does the price.
- You may be able to offset some of these costs if you qualify for free home care from Ontario Health atHome, but that's likely not going to be enough - whether you're in a retirement home or private residence.

I want to give props to Chartwell for including prices on their website.  Only about 1/3 of retirement homes do this.  I think public price transparency should be required across the board.

# Chartwell Pickering - What's in the local area?
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/fBXSytBW8X0?si=nukhj0jT2Asx-w5E

```
Here's some info about [Chartwell Pickering City Centre](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0110/chartwell-pickering-city-centre-retirement-residence) in Pickering.

- Independent living
- Suites starting from $4,227/month (at the time of writing)
- One-bedroom and two-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a games room, fitness studio, movie theatre, and library

## Saturday
On Saturday I started at *Chartwell Barton* in Newmarket, and worked my way south to *Chartwell Park Place* in Aurora.
![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/-90B9oVyj-Screenshot%202025-03-02%20at%2011.13.13%20AM.png)

# Chartwell Barton - Long-term care vs. Retirement homes
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/ndqT-Qweh6s?si=ICkgokO1i3cEkmgH

```
A bit about [*Chartwell Barton*](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0086/chartwell-barton-retirement-residence) in Newmarket.

- Independent living
- Suites start at $3,288/month (at the time of writing)
- Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a library, fitness studio, activities and games room, and a tranquil backyard.

At *Chartwell Barton* I went over the difference between long-term care and retirement homes.

- Long-term care is subsidized by the provincial government and typically cheaper, while retirement homes are private care and costs go up as care needs rise.
- Most long-term care has a sterile feeling, while some retirement homes can rival high end real estate.
- Long-term care has long waitlists, while retirement homes average less than 85% occupancy.

# Alexander Muir - Are you in the same cohort as the other residents?

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/IQu78PAjOH8?si=sJuWnctJyJMqQ0Gk
```
*Chartwell Alexander Muir* has since changed ownership, and it's now *[Venvi Alexander Muir Retirement Residence](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T01929/alexander-muir-retirement-residence)* in Newmarket.

- Independent living
- Studio and one-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a lounge, theatre, billiards room, and patio

At *Alexander Muir* I talked about the importance of being in the same cohort as your fellow residents to get the most out of retirement living.

- Leigh and Lori from Discerning Seniors are big advocates of this, and they were the ones who brought it to my attention.
- If you're active or social, you'll probably have more fun with other active and social residents.  If that's you, you should have a look at an activity calendar and the amenities.  Find something you can see yourself doing if you moved in, and ask the salesperson if you can drop in and take part.  I bet they say yes.  I get it, this can be a little outside our comfort zone, but if you're serious about moving in, it's worth it to get an idea of the neighbours and amenities.

# Chartwell Hollandview Trail - Do you know about the *Residents Bill of Rights*?

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/gRjF8pkwQ4I?si=E3fzzKGEfZFJ_1Cv
```
A bit about *Chartwell Hollandview Trail* in Aurora.

- Independent living and assisted living
- Suites starting from $5,450/month (at the time of writing)
- Studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a country kitchen, a variety of common areas, a grand piano, and movie theatre

At *Chartwell Hollandview Trail* I talked about the [*Residents Bill of Rights*](https://www.rhra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Residents-Bill-of-Rights-Poster.pdf) - it goes hand-in-hand with the *RHRA*.  There's a few rights I think are worth highlighting:

- The right to apply for publicly funded care.
- The right receive care from an external care provider.
- The right to have his or her choice of care services provided by staff who are suitably qualified and trained.
- The right not to be restrained except in accordance with the law.
- The right to have his or her lifestyle and choices respected as long as nobody crosses a reasonable line.

Nothing crazy, but it's important to know your rights.

# Chartwell Park Place - Questions to ask on a retirement home tour
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/bFLUmC9vOMw?si=vvpgF1C95IdFXkeN
```
A bit about [*Chartwell Park Place*](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0104/chartwell-park-place-retirement-residence) in Aurora.

- Independent living
- Suites start at $2,995/month (at the time of writing)
- Studio and one-bedroom suites
- Amenities include a library, movie room, lounge, and pub

At *Chartwell Park Place* I touched on having questions prepared when you tour a retirement home.  It's easy to get caught up in the moment during a tour, so it helps to have questions prepared when you come in for a tour.

- Do I have quality of life questions?  Medical concerns (both in the short term and long run)?

The more open you can be, the better the salesperson can help.  Asking questions is gonna help you find the retirement home that's right for you.

Crashing 9 Chartwell Retirement Home's Open Houses!

On February 22, 2025 I got to attend the *A Night To Remember* Gala hosted by *[A Rose For Grandma](https://aroseforgrandma.com/)*.  There was good food, great people, and my favourite part was the caregivers who shared their stories.  It was both inspiring and humbling to hear so many people share their why!

## Dementia support in the BIPOC community

*[A Rose For Grandma Wellness Hub](https://aroseforgrandma.com/)* is working to improve dementia care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, who often face significant challenges in accessing high-quality care. Barriers such as limited access to healthcare, transportation difficulties, and language differences contribute to delayed diagnosis and reduced access to support. Cultural stigma around dementia can also discourage families from seeking help, while BIPOC communities are often underrepresented in dementia research, limiting the development of culturally appropriate resources and care strategies.

*A Rose For Grandma Wellness Hub* is taking a collaborative approach, working with individuals living with dementia, their families, healthcare providers, governments, and other organizations. The goal is to create culturally responsive care that reflects the unique beliefs and needs of BIPOC communities, while also advocating for better representation in research and improved access to services. By addressing these gaps, the Wellness Hub aims to improve the overall quality of life for people living with dementia and their families.

# Supporting local, community charities

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/Ty1M0P7T7ws?si=pw3hT9eyzqCB1jwF
```

I think the *Alzheimer's Society*, *Heart & Stroke Foundation*, and other big charities do incredible, important work, but we can't overlook local charities in the community that are likely underfunded, but sure can stretch a dollar.

What was clear from *A Night To Remember* was the tangible impact *A Rose For Grandma* is able to have.

There's a million worthy causes.  The next time you are looking for a charity to support, don't shy away from taking a look at smaller, local organizations.  

They might not have the name recognition or the best website, but you may find they're having an oversized impact on a shoestring budget.

A Night To Remember with A Rose For Grandma

# Aspira Retirement Living hosted an open house event yesterday - I checked it out!

Before yesterday I hadn't spent a ton of time in Aspira retirement homes, so I was excited to find out they were hosting a National Open House event on February 22, 2025.  

*But Aspira, I do have to call out that it's got to be easier for people to know you have an open house going on.  If you posted about it on your social media accounts I couldn't find it.*

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/mAFm7szJaa8?si=IpDIxRCJb08HkXrz
```

My original plan was to start at Aspira Douglas Crossing Retirement Living in Uxbridge, and then work my way south, but plans changed when I found out they're under outbreak.  Instead I decided I would start at Aspira Empire Crossing Retirement Living in Port Hope, and then make my way west.

# Aspira Empire Crossing Retirement Living in Port Hope

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/KUQSmvZ78NQ?si=WMV8H6PMVdEABmZh
```

[Aspira Empire Crossing](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0619/aspira-empire-crossing-retirement-living) retirement home in Port Hope, Ontario offers independent living.  Suites start at $3,990/month.

A few notes from my tour:

- Pet friendly
- Every suite has a balcony or walk out
- Smaller, intimate home, with good sized suites
- Small, but engaging activity space
- About 10 year old building
- Independent living - need to be independent, or cognitively and physically able to ask for help

After a quick stop at McDonalds - for whaver reason my guilty pleasure on these big retirement home days, I was off to Aspira Traditions of Durham in Oshawa.

# Aspira Traditions of Durham retirement home in Oshawa

```
https://youtube.com/shorts/9OA7vm-2-1I?si=Mfgtv9XbZmPxMVqf
```
[Aspira Traditions of Durham](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0460/aspira-traditions-of-durham-retirement-living) offers independent living and assisted living. Studio suites in independent living start at $3,425/month.

A few notes from my tour:

- Big spacious dining room
- 2 seatings at meal times
- South facing suites on upper floors have a view of green space and Lake Ontario
- A lot of residents were actively engaged in open house activities
- Wide hallways so 2 people in wheelchairs can easily pass each other
- Spacious bathrooms compared to many retirement homes

## April 1, 2023
On April 1, 2023, a 79 year-old resident died after being locked out of Traditions of Durham overnight.  3 ex-employees and the retirement home itself have been charged with criminal negligence causing death.  This is an incredibly tragic event, and my thoughts are with the deceased and their loved ones.

I don't have any insights into this case beyond what has been widely reported in the news (for example [CBC](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/additional-charges-retirement-home-death-oshawa-resident-1.7452808)).  But my understanding is that there have been widespread changes to the care and management teams.  One of those new team members is Razeea Khan, Sales Advisor at Traditions of Durham. She joined less than a year ago.  Razeea and I have crossed paths a dozen times at networking events.  I would trust my loved one would be safe in a home where Razeea worked.  You need to have a level of trust with any retirement home, long-term care home, or home care provider, and I'd have more trust knowing Razeea is there.  Take that for what you will.
![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/-Aaz2lKF2-IMG_1353.JPG)
_______
My final stop would be [Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens](https://www.elderado.ca/info/T0618/aspira-lynde-creek-gardens-retirement-living) Retirement Living in Whitby.

# Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens retirement home in Whitby
```
https://youtube.com/shorts/vurmslGhF1o?si=5r2-wfCnJG-PP6KA
```
Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens offers independent living. Studio suites start at $2,985/month.

A few notes from my tour:

- Nestled in a private community, surrounded by life lease townhomes
- Coffee shops, grocery stores, and more within a 10-15 minute walk
- Recently renovated with a warm, open aesthetic when you walk in the front doors
- Backs onto a ravine with walking trails close by

## Location, location, location
For me personally, there's a lot Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens has going for it.  I love the location.  If you drive, you could pick up your groceries, drop into the LCBO, grab a coffee, play pickleball, and walk some great trails whenever you want, AND only have to fill your gas tank 4 times a year.  But the even bigger benefit of it is that for as long as I can walk, all that stuff is close enough that I can make a morning out of walking there.  I like the idea of retiring somewhere peaceful, but having most of what I need within a long walk, and in that maner Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens delivers.

## Next Open House Event
I don't know when the next big retirement home open house event will be, I'll keep my ear to the ground.  But if you come across an open house for a retirement home in your area, check it out.  It doesn't hurt to have an idea of what retirement living can look like - it might surprise you.

Aspira Open House Event

The Ministry of Long-Term Care in Ontario is planning to test a new system to help people find spots in long-term care (LTC) homes that match their culture, religion, language, or ethnicity, and there is an open call for comment [HERE](https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=49135&language=en#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Long%2DTerm,religious%20and%20linguistically%20appropriate%20care.). This project, called the Long-Term Care Homes Cultural Pilot Project, will try to make it easier for people to get into homes where they feel more at home culturally.

Some LTC homes in Ontario focus on serving specific cultural or religious groups. But recently, these homes have seen fewer residents who match the culture they aim to support, and fewer spots are available that meet applicants' cultural needs. This makes it harder for these homes to offer the cultural, religious, and language support their residents need.

The current system puts people on a waiting list for LTC homes based on how urgently they need a spot. In this pilot project, the Ministry wants to test a new way of organizing these waitlists for people in crisis (those in category 1). For the homes selected to participate, people on the crisis waiting list who share the culture or religion that the home primarily serves could be prioritized, even if others on the list are also in crisis.

To make this pilot work, the Ministry would change the rules for ranking applicants. In designated homes, people with an urgent need for care would still be ranked first, but if two or more people have the same level of urgency, the applicant who matches the home’s cultural focus would get priority.

The goal is to see if this new ranking system can help improve access to culturally appropriate long-term care for Ontarians.

[CLICK HERE](https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=49135&language=en#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Long%2DTerm,religious%20and%20linguistically%20appropriate%20care.) to read the full proposal or to comment.  Comments are open until November 26.

New Pilot to Prioritize Cultural Matches in Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario

Ontario Health atHome has acknowledged that they are critically short on medical supplies that can have serious implications for seniors receiving home care.  If you or a loved one is dealing with a shortage of medical supplies, Ontario Health atHome has advised you follow these steps:
1. Call you care coordinator. 
2. If your care coordinator is not able to help, call the medical supply escalation hotline at 1-866-377-7567.

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Additionally, Ontario Health atHome has added a reimbursement form for medical supplies to their website [HERE](https://ontariohealthathome.ca/refund/).  If you follow that link you will find the reimbursement form, as well as other contact information.  Ontario Health atHome has stated:

*"Patients, their families and caregivers should not have to incur the cost of purchasing much-needed medical supplies on their own due to delivery issues. That is why we will be reimbursing any patient, caregiver or family member who has paid out of pocket for medical supplies due to delivery issues."*

We hope everyone dealing with the medical supply shortage are able to get the supplies you need.



Ontario Health atHome Medical Supply Shortage update

Rachel Merucci from [TBH Legal](https://tbhlegal.ca/) joined us to answer all our questions about **adult guardianship**.  Adult guardianship in Ontario is a legal mechanism designed to protect individuals who are unable to make certain decisions for themselves due to physical or mental incapacity. It allows a designated guardian to make decisions on behalf of an adult who has been deemed incapable, with the goal of safeguarding the person’s well-being and managing their affairs.  Someone might need an adult guardian instead of a Power of Attorney (POA) if they didn’t establish a POA before becoming mentally or physically incapable.


# What if it's too late to create a Powers of Attorney?
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We all know we should have a Will and Powers of Attorney (POA), but what do we do if we need a POA and don’t have one? That’s what Adult Guardianship is for.


# Powers of Attorney vs. Adult Guardianship
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In general, Powers of Attorney are created by someone when they are mentally capable in case they need it in the future, and they pick who they want to step in to make decisions for them.  An adult guardian is someone who steps up and asks to be picked for the responsibility because their loved one has been proven to be mentally incapable.


# What are the two types of Adult Guardians?

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Adult guardianship appears to be modelled after Powers of Attorney.  There's guardianship of personal care, and personal care of property.


# What age does someone need an Adult Guardian?
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In Ontario as soon as someone is 18 years-old they are assumed to be mentally capable to make their own decisions.  If someone is not mentally capable they could require an adult guardian at 18 years-old.


# Why might you need to be an Adult Guardian?
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Caregivers to incapable adults have to have the legal authority before they can step in to make decisions, apply for benefits, pay bills, etc.


# How do I become an Adult Guardian?
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There are two ways to become an adult guardian - through a judge in court, or through an application process through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.


# What is the process to become Adult Guardian of Property?
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If you are to apply to be an adult guardian of procerty through the application process, the process involved picking a capacity a assessor for your loved one, answering questions about the incapable adults expenses and assets, and reading and understanding the responsibilities of an adult guardian.  Everything is sent to the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, who is responsibile for granting adult guardianship.


# How long does it take to be granted Adult Guardian of Property?
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It usually takes about 1 month to complete the Adult Guardian of Property application, and once the application has been submittied it typically takes 3 weeks to 6 months to be approved.


# Is the process to become an Adult Guardian different at different ages?
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No, it's the same at all ages as long as the incapable adult is at least age 18.

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