You cannot talk about the magic of Alexis Lodge without first talking about its visionary founder and director, Christiana Egi. The unfiltered passion she has for Alexis Lodge is like no other I have encountered. She told me during our conversation that she effectively “eats and breathes dementia,” and that reality quickly became very clear to me. Arriving at Alexis Lodge didn’t feel like walking into a healthcare facility; instead, it felt like I was attending a warm family party in a loved one’s house, with plenty of dancing, laughing, and celebrating. My visit came on the heels of a monthly visit from dancers with Canada’s National Ballet School, and also in attendance were the local Member of Provincial Parliament and other community members. I was immediately welcomed by everyone and encouraged to interact with all the guests. It didn’t take me long to understand that Alexis Lodge is a very special place that prioritizes human connection over clinical protocol.

Beyond the Institution: A Place That Feels Like Home

Alexis Lodge first opened in 1999, and it is a small retirement living home located in Scarborough that is dedicated solely to people living with dementia. It is unlike any of the other homes I have visited, starting with the physical building itself. The residence consists of two houses sitting side by side which are attached but currently not connected on the inside. At one point in their history, they would’ve had families living in them and Alexis Lodge continues that authentic family feeling today. One house accommodates ten residents and the other houses eleven residents.

Each house is similar to a typical family home in that the residents have their own private bedrooms, then there are communal spaces for everyone to enjoy together: one bathroom per one or two residents, a shared kitchen, multiple sitting rooms, and a central dining room. The bedrooms are various sizes, shapes, and styles, and the residents are always welcome and encouraged to decorate them to make them feel like their own. There is also a spacious backyard which I could imagine being a very popular spot in the warmer months for gardening or fresh air, despite it being covered in a thick layer of snow when I visited. Most of the bedrooms are located upstairs; however, there are a limited number of bedrooms on the main floor which would be suitable for residents with mobility restrictions as there is currently no elevator at Alexis Lodge.

Dignity Without Deadlines: A Radical Approach to Care

Alexis Lodge provides specialized Memory Care to all of its residents and the approach to care is truly person-centered. There is no “one size fits all” method of caring for the residents and there are no strict or rigid schedules that must be followed. The pricing structure is such that it is total care for everyone and the care price is completely all-inclusive from day one. The total cost is much less expensive than Memory Care found elsewhere, and once a resident moves in, their monthly fees will never increase for the duration of their stay. This is just one example demonstrating Christiana’s deep passion for meeting the needs of the residents and treating them like family.

There is a dedicated doctor who comes to the home once per month and is also available on call 24 hours per day. For those residents who are accessing care from Ontario Health at Home, Alexis Lodge has a cluster care model whereby there is one PSW from OHH assisting the staff with providing care to the residents. There is a consistent staff presence at all times, including the head cook who has been with Alexis Lodge for almost 20 years! She is responsible for making all the food for the residents with the help of other staff and even some residents, ensuring it is safe and dignified for them to do so. This is a prime example of making sure the residents are stimulated and participating in daily activities that interest them. The staff members speak a wide variety of languages, which makes Alexis Lodge uniquely welcoming for residents of various cultural backgrounds. Of course, the spoken language isn’t the only way they communicate. They also communicate love through everything they do: dance, sharing food, activities, smiles, and physical hugs.

In terms of the activities for the residents, I was very impressed with the flexibility offered. The residents congregate in the shared spaces as they please and are free to come and go into their bedrooms at any time. This approach really caters to the individual needs and whims of the residents. For example, there are set meal times; however, there is flexibility in terms of when people actually eat. If someone wants to sleep in and not come to breakfast right away, then that is completely acceptable and they can have their food whenever they are ready. Christiana and the rest of the staff set the tone in the home with plenty of dancing, games, and laughter, but they never force anyone to participate. It is guided by what the residents want to do – I saw two women sitting at the dining room table together looking at photos, while others were watching TV in the living room and others were simply up and about.

Most of my time at Alexis Lodge was on one side of the house, but when I visited the second side, it also felt like a true home. One resident was napping peacefully on the couch while others were watching television. I had a lovely chat with another who told me about his time as a teacher many years ago, and another resident had written several books. It was a reminder that these are people with interesting and full lives and that we must not let the dementia diagnoses define who they are. 

As care needs increase, Alexis Lodge is able to provide palliative and comfort care, including IV care with support. They have one Hoyer lift for residents with mobility challenges, though they cannot support G-tube feeding. If a resident has to go to the hospital for more acute care, Alexis Lodge is still there for them. Christiana makes daily visits to see the residents in hospital and is always a fierce advocate for them to return home to Alexis Lodge as soon as appropriate. Respite care is also provided at Alexis Lodge when they have a room available, for a minimum of one month.

Overall Impressions of Alexis Lodge: Final Thoughts on a Special Community

I was very fortunate to spend plenty of time with Christiana which allowed me to learn about her background and the long history of Alexis Lodge. Her commitment and passion for caring for people with dementia is truly admirable and rare. She lit up when telling me about past residents and their personal stories, just like she was talking about her own family members. And some of the families have become like family to her now, even long after the resident has passed away. Christiana writes books and speaks at events of her dreams for the future in which this home-like care can be brought to more people. I learned on my visit that Alexis Lodge is also a training ground for new PSWs—this is a testament to the amazing, outside-the-box care that they provide and it’s important for people learning about dementia care to keep an open mind in terms of the approach to care. While Alexis Lodge is very small compared to other retirement homes, the care provided is like none other. As they say on their website, “Small Home. Big Care.” and this is exactly my feeling after visiting Alexis Lodge.

Walking into Scarborough Retirement Residence (SRR) feels like entering a bustling, welcoming family home. From the moment you cross the threshold, the atmosphere is set by the sound of music and the gentle hum of friends chatting in the lobby. Throughout my visit, that feeling of home was reinforced by every architectural detail: the warm wood features, the cozy nooks, and the double-sided aquarium that serves as a tranquil focal point in the dining room. The environment is active yet remarkably calm and there is a palpable sense of community—or more accurately, a sense of family. 

This isn’t accidental; SRR is built on a foundation of multi-generational dedication. Opened in 1988 by Marie-Paula and Fred Lafontaine, the residence has remained family-run for over three decades. Today, their daughter, Marie-Josee Lafontaine, serves as President, carrying forward a legacy that began in 1959 when the family obtained the very first license to operate a long-term care home in Ontario. In a moving testament to their commitment, Fred Lafontaine himself is now a resident at SRR. Seeing the founder choose his own residence for his senior years is perhaps the ultimate endorsement of the care provided here.

Independent Living with “Assistive Services”

The physical layout of SRR is designed to cater to diverse lifestyles, boasting 124 suites with 18 different floor plans. Whether a senior is looking for a compact, efficient studio or a spacious one-bedroom suite with a private balcony, there is a layout to suit their preference. Recognizing that pets are family too, SRR is a pet-friendly community (with some standard restrictions), ensuring that residents don’t have to leave their beloved companions behind.

While many move to SRR for Independent Living, the residence excels in its ability to adapt as care needs evolve. The “Assistive Services” model allows residents to age in place gracefully. Unlike many facilities where a change in health requires a move to a different wing, SRR prioritizes providing care in the privacy and dignity of the resident’s own suite. In addition to the nurses and PSWs on staff 24 hours per day, there is a visiting doctor once per week. SRR is particularly unique in its integration of a Nurse Practitioner (NP) who visits three times per week. Another standout feature is the in-house physiotherapy program, allowing residents to maintain mobility by simply taking the elevator downstairs rather than traveling to an off-site clinic.

The Vitality Score: A Proactive Approach to Health

As is required by all retirement homes in the province, SRR performs health assessments on the residents upon entry and every six months afterwards to ensure their needs are being met. However, SRR goes a step further in their approach. Using a standard frailty scale during these assessments, the residents are given a “Vitality Score.” This score is a proactive way to monitor health trends and determine exactly which additional care services a resident may require to maintain their independence. This score directly informs the “package plus” pricing model used at the residence. The base package varies by suite type and includes standard essentials: all chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, 24-hour café access, social activities, and a fitness room. If the Vitality Score indicates a need for more hands-on help, an additional monthly cost is added based on the total hours of care required, rather than being broken down by individual service fees. For those qualifying for care through Ontario Health at Home, SRR utilizes a “cluster care” model, ensuring consistent PSWs from the same outside agency visit the home for better continuity of care.

Premium Care Suites: Adapting for the Future

As the local population ages and needs become more complex, SRR is adapting its model to fill the gap often left by long-term care waitlists. The suites on the 2nd floor are gradually being transitioned into Premium Care Suites, which include specialized retrofitting such as walk-in showers and resilient flooring designed for safety and mobility aids.

Residents in Premium Care require the highest level of assistance SRR can accommodate, which often includes an increase in nursing oversight and, in some cases, palliative care. The floor is equipped with Hoyer lifts to safely support residents with very limited physical mobility. It is important to note for families that while this provides a high level of clinical support, it is not a secured unit; therefore, SRR cannot accommodate residents with exit-seeking behaviours or those with advanced dementia.

Respite Care: The “Short Stay” Advantage

For families who are hesitant about the transition to retirement living, SRR offers Respite Care, or “short stays.” This is an excellent “try before you buy” option for people who are apprehensive because they don’t quite know what to expect from a retirement community. These stays are also an essential resource for those recovering from surgery who need professional monitoring, or for seniors whose regular family caregivers are temporarily unavailable. With only a two-week minimum commitment (subject to suite availability), it provides a low-pressure way to access the residence’s full suite of amenities and professional care. It allows the senior to integrate into the social fabric of the home, often making the eventual permanent transition much easier.

Unique Offerings and a Resident’s Choice Philosophy

As I toured the grounds with Maureen, the “Resident’s Choice” philosophy was on full display. The Life Enrichment Program is remarkably extensive, featuring unique exercise classes like Drum Fit and Tai Chi. Many of these offerings began as direct suggestions from the residents themselves. One tradition that truly stood out was the annual professional photoshoot. Residents dress up and pose according to a yearly theme, such as “We Are Family” or “A Year at the Movies.” These portraits are later enlarged to adorn the walls of the activity room and hallways, and the community even votes on their favourites to be included in an annual wall calendar.

The dining experience is equally thoughtful. The main dining room accommodates residents in two stages to ensure a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. There is a specific section reserved for Premium Care residents who may require more time or physical assistance with their meals. Safety is integrated even here: if a resident is expected at a meal and doesn’t show up, staff can use the 2-way communication pendant system to connect directly to the resident’s room to check on their well-being. Furthermore, every month features a “Chef’s Table” event for a specific floor, where the chef creates a gourmet meal for a small group in the private dining room, fostering closer bonds between neighbors.

Volunteerism also plays a big role in the culture. Residents run the tuck shop and act as “Floor Ambassadors” to welcome newcomers. In the craft room, I was in awe of the “Milk Bag Project,” where residents repurpose plastic milk bags into waterproof sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness. It’s a beautiful example of how SRR residents remain deeply connected to the broader community.

Overall Impressions

SRR stands out because they truly think outside the box to listen to their residents. The spirit of being family-run is demonstrated in the way staff members treat their roles as more than just a job. For example, Maureen hosts a weekly meetup just to discuss the latest plot twists on Coronation Street, and “Timmie’s Tuesdays” ensures every resident enjoys fresh coffee and baked goods from Tim Hortons once a week. When I mentioned in my opening that I felt a strong sense of family, I hadn’t yet seen their website. I later found the quote “Committed to being more than a community. We are like family” and it confirmed my experience. At SRR, they aren’t just providing a room and care; they are successfully making a true family feeling come alive every single day.

Touring a retirement home may be an exciting lifestyle transition, or it can feel like an overwhelming experience that’s difficult to navigate.  If you find yourself in the latter category, here are 12 questions you might consider asking when you tour a retirement home.

1. What is included in the base rate, and what are some of the most common additional charges for residents?
2. What is your policy if a resident is away for an extended period (in the hospital, on vacation)? Is the monthly rate adjusted?
3. What are some common items that residents are not allowed to have in their suite?
4. Tell me about your favourite moment or event that’s happened here in the past year?
5. How are resident meals prepared? How do you accommodate allergies or cultural diets?
6. Can residents access snacks, coffee, and tea outside of scheduled mealtimes?
7. Will I be able to continue to live here if my care needs increase? What are your hard stops where you can no longer support a resident?
8. How often are care plans reviewed, and how are families involved in updating care goals?
9. Will staff coordinate with external care providers, (physio, OT, foot care, labs)? Is there a fee if staff are involved in coordinating an appointment?
10. What supports do you provide to help new residents adjust socially and emotionally to their new home?
11. What security measures are in place for resident safety (PIN access, cameras, emergency call buttons)?
12. How many staff are on duty overnight, and what roles do they have?

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A Deep Dive into McCowan Retirement Residence – A Retirement Community That Feels Like Home

From the moment I met with my hosts, Lesley and Sandra, it was immediately apparent that McCowan Retirement Residence is a community built on a foundation of genuine human connection. Throughout my visit, I was struck by the profound level of compassion that permeates every aspect of the home. As I toured the home with Lesley, we frequently crossed paths with various team members. In many environments, these encounters might feel routine, but here, the passion was palpable. Whether it was a quick smile in the hallway or a brief chat about a resident’s day, it was clear that the staff doesn’t just work at McCowan but they belong there.

A Seamless Approach to Aging in Place

The foundational philosophy at McCowan is a commitment to aging in place. This approach begins with Independent Living. The residence welcomes those who may not yet require daily medical intervention but are perhaps on the brink of needing support. By moving in early, these seniors can establish their social networks and familiarize themselves with the environment.

What truly impressed me was the “all-eyes-on-board” vigilance of the staff. Beyond the regular formal assessments conducted by the clinical team, every employee is involved in monitoring the residents’ well-being. This collaborative culture is formalized in daily meetings where any team member can contribute. For example, a member of the housekeeping team might notice that a resident hasn’t been taking their medication. By bringing this to the daily meeting, they ensure that a potential health issue is caught early.

Assisted Living and Enhanced Care

The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of the residence are primarily dedicated to Assisted Living, featuring approximately 31 suites per floor. These floors are designed to foster a sense of neighborhood with common areas on each floor. Residents here enjoy their meals at set seatings in the main dining room on the ground floor. Arriving just before the lunch hour provided a window into the daily life of the community. I saw residents gathered in the “congregation area” outside the dining room which is a thoughtful feature that prevents crowding and encourages socializing. For those days when a resident is feeling unwell or is bed-bound, McCowan ensures they are never forgotten; hot, fresh meals are delivered directly to their suites.

The clinical support at McCowan is robust and forward-thinking. Care is provided in the privacy of the residents’ rooms, supported by two nursing stations. One exciting development I learned about is the home’s process of obtaining an on-site mobile X-ray machine. This innovation will provide convenience, allowing for diagnostic imaging without the trauma and exhaustion of a trip to a hospital emergency room or clinic. Furthermore, McCowan has embraced a “cluster care” model for those receiving services from Ontario Health at Home. Instead of a revolving door of different agency staff, services are provided by a consistent team of PSWs who work within the home. This is supplemented by a visiting doctor who arrives weekly, alongside a suite of external providers including dental hygienists, foot care nurses, and hearing aid specialists.

The general pricing model at McCowan Retirement Residence is a Package price plus A La Carte services. The package includes the standard things such as meals, snacks, weekly housekeeping and laundry, daily recreation programs, and a 24 hour health team and emergency call system. For Assisted Living residents there are a few additional services included. For those requiring even more support, the home offers Enhanced Care. Depending on the specific needs of the individual there are Enhanced Care options within all facets of care including medication administration, ambulation, continence, and personal care. The resident can seamlessly move from Assisted Living to Enhanced Care as the additional services can be provided in the same suite. The home has one Hoyer lift per floor so is well equipped to help residents with limited mobility. They are also equipped and experienced in providing palliative care to those residents at end of life. 

The Lifestyles and Engagement Program

A highlight of my tour was meeting Mary, the Lifestyles Manager. Within minutes of chatting, it was obvious that Mary views her role as a calling rather than a job. Her enthusiasm for creating a vibrant life for the residents is infectious. Mary’s programming is notably diverse, ensuring that weekends are just as engaging as weekdays. She is a firm believer in intergenerational connection, frequently bringing students on board and seeking out new community partnerships. One of her most cherished traditions is the creation of a custom wall calendar each year. Using a “collage style” filled with photos of the residents from the previous year, the calendar acts as a community yearbook. It is a tangible celebration of the lives being lived at McCowan, serving as both a functional tool and a cherished memento for the residents.

Memory Care, Memory Lite, and Respite Care

On the 6th floor, McCowan operates a dedicated Memory Care unit for 28 residents. This is a secure environment designed for those who may wander or seek exits, meaning a code or key is required to enter or exit the unit. This level of security prevents residents from leaving on their own, however, they are free to move about within the unit. While the unit is secure, the atmosphere is far from clinical. The common areas are decorated with bright, stimulating colors and imagery of the local community to help with “wayfinding” and cognitive anchoring. The staff on this floor are highly specialized, trained in Gentle Persuasion Approaches (GPA) and other approaches to dementia care. These techniques allow the team to look beyond “sundowning” or challenging expressions to understand the unmet emotional or physical needs driving the behavior.

 During my visit, the common room was a hive of activity. A table of residents was happily engaged in colouring, showing a wide range of abilities and social styles. I spoke with Dev, the recreation staff member on duty, who enthusiastically explained McCowan’s philosophy of mind and body stimulation. While the TV might play a musical show in the background, the real hits are physical comedies like I Love Lucy, which transcend cognitive barriers through slapstick and visual humor. The team also utilizes portable ovens for baking, as the scent of freshly baked items often triggers powerful, positive emotional memories.

For those who have a dementia diagnosis but do not yet require a secure environment, McCowan offers Memory Lite on the 5th floor. This non-secure level of care is a perfect “middle ground,” providing extra cueing and support without the restrictions of a locked unit. Unlike the Memory Care unit on the 6th floor, this unit does not require a code or key for entry/exit. The pricing for Memory and Memory Lite is also a Package plus A La Carte model. Their Memory Lite package includes things that are not part of the Assisted Living package, and the Memory Care package includes even more. At each level, there is the option to add services. 

A truly unique feature is their Respite Care program. Unlike many homes that only offer respite for independent living, McCowan offers short-term stays across all levels, including Memory Care. This is an invaluable resource for family caregivers who need a temporary break.

Overall Impressions

Built in 2004 and housing 155 suites, McCowan Retirement Residence is part of a small Canadian operation, Metta Lifestyles, who own just four homes. In addition to the team members already mentioned, I was struck by my chance meeting with the Food Service Manager, Kwasi. He is new to McCowan Retirement Residence but one thing he clearly understands is that food is a vital form of care. He might be new at McCowan but he is certainly not new to the food world – he was a candidate on MasterChef Canada in 2015! It is clear that he is excited to make his mark at McCowan and bring in his creativity in order to meet the dietary needs and preferences of the residents. To me, Kwasi demonstrated the general feeling I got at McCowan – pay attention to the needs of the residents, treat them with respect, and always be ready to adapt to the needs of the day.