Elderado

Author: Elderado

  • You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: A Guide to Caregiver Support in Canada

    You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: A Guide to Caregiver Support in Canada

    Guest blog by: CarePatrol

    Caring for an aging family member is one of the most profound gifts you can offer. It is a role defined by compassion, but let’s be honest: it is also physically demanding and emotionally taxing. Whether you are juggling a career, raising your own children, or simply trying to maintain your own health, you weren’t meant to do this in isolation. There are resources that can help and they are right around the corner. 

    In Canada, a robust network of services and communities exists to ensure that while you are looking after them, someone is looking after you. Asking for help is a sign of strength and having support is so valuable. 

    Reclaiming Your Energy: Respite and Home Care

    Understanding the professional support available can be the difference between burning out and finding a sustainable rhythm. 

    1. Respite Care: The Essential “Pause”

    Respite care is not a luxury; it is a safety net. It provides short-term relief by having a professional step in for a few hours or even a few weeks.

    • Where: It can happen in your home, at a specialized day center, or within a long-term care facility.
    • Why: Use this time to breathe. Attend your own doctor’s appointments, catch up on sleep, or simply reconnect with yourself. Your loved one remains safe, and you return with renewed patience. You’ll have the ability to provide the best care when you feel recharged. 

    2. Home Care: Comfort Meets Capability

    Home care allows seniors to age in place—where they are most comfortable. However, it’s important to know which type of care your loved one would most benefit from:

    • In-Home Support: Focuses on daily living—meal prep, companionship, and personal hygiene.
    • Home Health Care: Focuses on medical needs—administered by licensed nurses or therapists (e.g., wound care or physical therapy).

    Finding Your People: The Power of Support Groups

    There is a unique type of healing that happens when you speak to someone who truly “gets it.” Support groups offer a judgment-free zone to vent, learn, and laugh. Shared experiences are a powerful link and knowing that you are not alone can bolster your spirit. 

    Choosing the Right Fit

    • In-Person vs. Virtual: If you crave physical presence and local community, look for neighbourhood meetups. If you are a young caregiver, are short on time, or live in a rural area, virtual groups offer high-level support from the comfort of your couch.
    • Peer-Led vs. Professional: Peer-led groups feel like a conversation with friends who have been there. Professionally facilitated groups (led by social workers or counselors) offer expert clinical strategies alongside emotional support. Both are effective in showing you that you are truly not alone and can provide tools to make your experience as a family caregiver easier. Both types of groups will let you know that you are indeed not alone in this journey. 

    The Tangible Benefits

    Joining a group provides more than just a shoulder to cry on; it offers Shared Wisdom. You’ll pick up tools for navigating healthcare, discover local resources you didn’t know existed, and learn coping mechanisms to keep your stress levels in check.

    Leading Caregiver Resources in Canada

    If you’re ready to reach out, these organizations are excellent starting points:

    Organization Best For
    Alzheimer Society of Canada Specialized support and programs for those navigating dementia and memory loss.
    Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence Advocacy and disability-informed resources to help caregivers influence policy and find support.
    Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Essential resources for maintaining your own mental resilience and preventing burnout.

    Taking care of yourself isn’t “selfish”—it’s a prerequisite for being a good caregiver. When you access support, you aren’t just helping yourself; you’re ensuring your loved one receives the best version of you.

    This blog was provided by CarePatrol; ‘your partner in senior care solutions‘.  CarePatrol is a free advisory service for families.  CarePatrol paid by the retirement home when a senior family member moves into their community.   Click here to learn more about CarePatrol.

  • Ontario Announces New Investments to Improve Dementia Care in Long-Term Care Homes

    Ontario Announces New Investments to Improve Dementia Care in Long-Term Care Homes

    Families often worry about how their loved one with dementia will be supported in long-term care. This week, the Ontario government announced new funding and programs aimed at improving dementia care in long-term care homes across the province.

    Here is what you need to know about it:

    Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP)

    The Ontario government has announced a $9 million investment over three years to launch the Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP).

    The program is starting with 17 long-term care homes in 2026, with plans to expand to nearly 50 homes by 2027–28.

    The goal is simple: help staff better support residents living with dementia by focusing on how people feel, not just their medical needs.

    What makes this program different?

    The IDCP focuses on emotion-based care, which means:

    • Understanding a resident’s personal history and preferences
    • Building stronger relationships between staff, residents, and families
    • Reducing stress, confusion, and responsive behaviours
    • Improving overall quality of life inside the home

    Staff in participating homes will receive specialized training to better understand dementia and respond in ways that support dignity and comfort.

    Organizations across the seniors’ sector, including the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, have welcomed the investment, highlighting how staff training plays a critical role in delivering person-centred dementia care.

    Who is receiving Improving Dementia Care Program funding in 2026?

    The following 17 long-term care homes have been selected for the first year of the Improving Dementia Care Program:

    Central Region

    • Cooksville Care Centre, Mississauga (Butterfly)
    • Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens, Barrie (BSO 5STaR)
    • Union Villa, Unionville (BSO 5StaR)
    • Vera M. Davis Community Care Centre, Bolton (Butterfly)

    East Region

    • Extendicare Medex, Ottawa (BSO 5StaR)
    • Glebe Centre, Ottawa (Butterfly)
    • Glen Hill Strathaven, Bowmanville (BSO 5StaR)
    • H.J. McFarland Memorial Home, Picton (BSO 5STaR)
    • Lakeview Manor, Beaverton (Caring Connections Durham)

    Northeast Region

    • Algoma Manor Nursing Home, Thessalon (Butterfly, BSO 5 STaR)
    • Temiskaming Lodge, Temiskaming (Butterfly)

    Northwest Region

    • Princess Court, Dryden (Eden Alternative)
    • Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care, Kenora (Butterfly)

    Toronto

    • Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor (BSO 5STaR)
    • The O’Neill Centre (Butterfly)

    West

    • Lee Manor Home, Owen Sound (Colour It Your Way)
    • The Elliott Long Term Care Residence, Guelph (Butterfly)

    Examples of Emotion-Based Dementia Care Models in Ontario Long-Term Care Homes

    As part of Ontario’s new Improving Dementia Care Program, some long-term care homes will begin adopting emotion-based models of care. These approaches are designed to improve the well-being of residents living with dementia by focusing on their experiences, relationships, dignity, and sense of belonging.

    Rather than treating dementia care as only a medical issue, these models recognize that how a person feels each day matters just as much as clinical care.

    Here are some of the models families may start hearing about in long-term care homes across Ontario.

    Butterfly Model

    The Butterfly Model, originally developed in the United Kingdom, focuses on creating smaller, home-like living environments inside long-term care homes.

    Homes using this approach often redesign spaces to feel warmer and more familiar, including colourful environments and fewer institutional features.

    Key benefits:

    • Creates a more comfortable, home-like atmosphere
    • Helps reduce confusion and stress
    • Encourages meaningful daily interaction
    • Supports emotional well-being for residents living with dementia

    The goal is to make residents feel like they are living in a home, not an institution.

    BSO 5STaR Model

    The BSO 5STaR model, developed by Behavioural Supports Ontario, focuses on strengthening staff skills while improving the living environment for residents.

    This approach promotes adaptable and familiar spaces that help reduce distress while supporting residents’ remaining abilities.

    Key benefits:

    • Staff receive specialized dementia training
    • Environments are designed to reduce anxiety and agitation
    • Care adapts as resident needs change
    • Encourages independence wherever possible

    This model helps care teams better understand behaviours and respond in supportive ways.

    Caring Connections Durham

    Caring Connections Durham was designed specifically for long-term care homes across Durham Region.

    This relationship-focused model places emotional well-being at the centre of care and works to build strong connections between residents, staff, and families.

    Key benefits:

    • Strong focus on relationships and community
    • Improved communication with families
    • Greater sense of belonging for residents
    • More supportive and collaborative care environments

    The model recognizes that connection and familiarity play an important role in dementia care.

    Eden Alternative

    The Eden Alternative, created by American physician Dr. Bill Thomas and his wife Jude Thomas, aims to address three common challenges in institutional care:

    • Loneliness
    • Helplessness
    • Boredom

    Unlike some models, this approach does not require physical renovations. Instead, it focuses on changing the culture of a home using what are called the Seven Domains of Well-Being:

    • Identity
    • Growth
    • Autonomy
    • Security
    • Connectedness
    • Meaning
    • Joy

    Key benefits:

    • Improves overall quality of life
    • Encourages resident choice and independence
    • Promotes meaningful activities and relationships
    • Creates a more vibrant home culture

    Many homes adopt Eden principles to shift how daily life is experienced by residents.

    Colour It Your Way

    Colour It Your Way, developed in Grey County, is a resident-centred approach that empowers staff to provide compassionate and personalized care.

    The focus is on understanding each resident as an individual and adapting care to meet their unique needs.

    Key benefits:

    • Highly personalized care experiences
    • Greater flexibility for staff to respond to residents
    • Supports dignity and individuality
    • Encourages compassionate caregiving practices

    This model reinforces the idea that no two dementia journeys are the same.

    Why This Matters When Choosing a Long-Term Care Home

    Not every long-term care home follows the same dementia care approach. As programs like the Improving Dementia Care Program expand, families may begin to see more homes adopting these models.

    When touring a home, it can be helpful to ask:

    • Which dementia care model does your home use?
    • Are staff trained in emotion-based care?
    • How does the home support relationships and daily quality of life?

    Understanding a home’s care philosophy can help families choose an environment where their loved one will feel respected, supported, and truly at home.

    More Specialized Dementia Supports: Behavioural Specialized Units (BSUs)

    Alongside the new Improving Dementia Care Program, Ontario is also expanding Behavioural Specialized Units (BSUs) in long-term care homes across the province.

    The government is investing:

    • $3.35 million in 2025–26, and
    • $9.82 million annually starting in 2026–27

    This funding will add 153 specialized dementia care beds designed to support residents with more complex dementia-related needs.

    Long-term care homes receiving new BSU funding

    The expansion will take place in five long-term care homes:

    • Algoma Manor in Thessalon: 13 new BSU beds
    • Bruyère Health Saint-Louis Long-Term Care in Ottawa: 24 beds (pending completion of renovations and designation approval)
    • Cassellholme in North Bay: 24 beds
    • The Village of Ridgeview Court in Milton: 32 beds
    • Baycrest’s Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged in Toronto: 60 new BSU beds, bringing the home’s total to 83 BSU beds

    These specialized units play an important role in supporting residents living with dementia who may experience responsive behaviours such as severe anxiety, wandering, or agitation.

    What is a Behavioural Specialized Unit?

    A BSU is a dedicated area within a long-term care home staffed by teams with advanced dementia training. Care is tailored to each resident’s physical, emotional, and cultural needs.

    Benefits of BSUs include:

    • Individualized therapies and care plans
    • Staff trained specifically in dementia and behavioural supports
    • Safer and calmer living environments
    • Reduced need for hospital transfers

    By expanding BSUs, Ontario aims to help more residents receive the right level of dementia care within long-term care homes instead of hospitals, improving comfort for residents while also helping free up hospital beds for acute care needs.

    Why Dementia Care Matters in Long-Term Care

    Dementia is one of the most common health conditions affecting people living in long-term care homes.

    Today, more than 60% of residents in Ontario long-term care homes live with dementia, and that number is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Experts predict the number of Ontarians living with dementia could triple by 2050.

    Because of this, improving dementia care has become a major focus for Ontario’s long-term care system.

    What This Means for Families

    For families navigating long-term care, these investments signal an important shift.

    Dementia care is moving toward a more person-centred approach, where quality of life, emotional well-being, and meaningful connection are just as important as medical care.

    For caregivers, this may lead to:

    • Better trained staff supporting loved ones
    • Fewer hospital transfers
    • Improved communication between families and care teams
    • More personalized daily care experiences

    Emotion-focused care aims to help residents feel safer, more understood, and more connected in their day-to-day lives.

    Part of Ontario’s Larger Long-Term Care Plan

    These dementia care investments are part of Ontario’s broader plan to strengthen long-term care, which includes:

    • Hiring and training more staff, including PSWs
    • Improving quality and oversight in homes
    • Building modern and safer long-term care homes
    • Expanding access to services for seniors and families

    The province is also working toward 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds to help address growing waitlists.

    What Caregivers Should Do Next

    If your loved one is living with dementia or may need long-term care in the future, it can help to:

    • Ask homes about their dementia care approach
    • Learn whether staff receive specialized dementia training
    • Ask if behavioural or specialized supports are available
    • Stay involved in care planning conversations

    Not all homes offer the same programs or environments, and understanding these differences can make a big impact on quality of life.

    How Elderado Helps Families Navigate Long-Term Care

    Finding the right long-term care home can feel overwhelming.  On Elderado families can search and compare long-term care homes across Ontario.

    Explore long-term care options near you with the Elderado Long-Term Care Map.

     

     

  • 6 Common Questions About Retirement Homes

    6 Common Questions About Retirement Homes

    There’s never a time we’re taught the difference between a retirement home and a long-term care home – rather it’s a question that’s often thrust upon us when an aging loved one needs support.  We get it, we built Elderado because we were in those shoes.  Here are the answers to 6 common questions we get about retirement homes in Ontario.

    What is the difference between a retirement home and a long-term care home?

    Retirement homes offer private-pay housing with flexible support services and are designed to provide comfort, safety, and a meaningful quality of life. Many retirement homes offer all your meals, social activities, recreational opportunities, and community events that help residents stay engaged and connected. They are suitable for older adults who are independent or need varying levels of support.

    Long-term care homes provide 24-hour nursing and personal care for people with high care needs or complex medical conditions. Admission to long-term care is managed through Ontario Health atHome, and residents pay a co-pay fee to contribute towards the cost of accommodations and meals.

    How can I find retirement homes with availability?

    The Retirement Living Availability Registry on Elderado shows which retirement homes have current availability. You can find suites in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care.

    What levels of care are available in retirement homes?

    Levels of care vary by home, but commonly include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term or respite stays. Some retirement homes offer a full continuum of care, while others focus on a specific level of support.

    How much does it cost to live in a retirement home?

    Costs vary depending on suite size, care needs, services, location, and amenities, and fees are set by each operator. In Durham Region, independent living starts around $3,000 per month, assisted living starts around $4,000 per month, and memory care starts around $6,000 per month. Monthly rates will differ based on the level of care, the home, and the type of accommodation.

    Care provided by a retirement home is private pay and is paid by the resident, while care in long-term care is covered by the province and residents are only required to pay a co-pay fee to contribute towards the cost of accommodation and meals.

    You can find the starting price for most retirement homes on Elderado at https://www.elderado.ca/

    What is a licensed retirement home?

    A licensed retirement home meets the safety and care standards set by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) and is required to follow the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 and the Residents’ Bill of Rights. All licensed retirement homes are required to post their RHRA license in a visible place in the home.

    What is an unlicensed retirement home?

    An unlicensed retirement home is any retirement home, retirement community, or 55+ community that is not licensed by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA).  Unlicensed retirement homes are not inspected by the RHRA, nor are the residents protected by the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 and the Residents’ Bill of Rights. All licensed retirement homes are required to post their RHRA license in a visible place in the home.

     

    Click HERE to navigate and compare retirement homes.

  • 12 Questions to Ask on a Retirement Home Tour

    12 Questions to Ask on a Retirement Home Tour

    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?

    Compare every retirement home in Ontario with Elderado.

  • Eldercare Planning: Bringing the Whole Picture Together

    Eldercare Planning: Bringing the Whole Picture Together

    When families begin exploring options for aging — retirement living, long-term care, home care, and community supports, many start by doing their own research. Online platforms like Elderado play an important and valuable role in this process, giving families access to information, comparisons, and visibility into options that may otherwise feel hard to find.

    For many people, this kind of research is empowering. They want to understand what’s available, take their time, and make informed decisions independently. That approach is not only valid, but it’s also an essential step.

    At the same time, families frequently discover that researching options is just one part of a much larger journey.

    What Often Comes Before — and After — the Research

    What online research can’t always show is how many interconnected pieces surround eldercare decisions, such as:

    • When is the right time to make a move, or not move at all?
    • How current health needs may change in six months or two years
    • How public and private care systems intersect (or don’t)
    • What supports are available beyond housing alone
    • How family dynamics, finances, and future planning affect today’s choices

    This is where eldercare planning complements independent research.

    What Is Eldercare Planning?

    Eldercare planning is a holistic, person-centred process that looks at the full context of an older adult’s life and builds a coordinated plan around it. Rather than focusing on a single decision, it brings together multiple layers, including:

    • Health and care needs (current and anticipated)
    • Housing options and timing across private and public systems
    • Family capacity, roles, and stress points
    • Financial considerations and cost-saving opportunities
    • Legal and future planning touchpoints
    • Quality of life, values, and personal preferences

    The goal is to help ensure that the decisions made through research truly fit the individual and remain sustainable over time.

    Seeing What’s Easy to Miss

    Because Eldercare Planners work across systems every day, they are often able to identify things families may not yet see, such as:

    • Early signs that care needs are changing
    • Housing choices that may not align with future realities
    • Gaps between public services and private options
    • Supports, benefits, or programs that could reduce strain or cost

    They can also help families pace decisions, knowing when to act quickly and when it’s safe to slow down.

    Support Through Complex and Emotional Conversations

    Even the most thorough research doesn’t make difficult conversations easier. Many families struggle with:

    • Talking about safety, memory changes, or care resistance
    • Balancing independence with support
    • Navigating differing opinions among family members

    An Eldercare Planner provides steady, neutral guidance, helping families have productive conversations, reduce conflict, and keep plans moving forward when emotions or uncertainty cause delays.

    Bridging Public and Private Systems

    One of the greatest challenges in eldercare is navigating the silos between public and private sectors. Families often find themselves caught in the space between:

    • What they qualify for publicly
    • What they can access privately
    • What they can realistically afford long-term

    Eldercare Planners help families understand how these systems connect, how to layer services effectively, and how to avoid costly missteps, while maintaining dignity, safety, and choice.

    Never Navigating Alone

    Eldercare Planners regularly coordinate with:

    • Health care providers
    • Care agencies and housing operators
    • Legal, financial, and community professionals

    When additional expertise is needed, families are connected to trusted professionals, so care feels coordinated rather than fragmented.

    The Strength of a National Network

    What makes Eldercare Planners of Canada unique is not just individual expertise, but collective commitment.

    As a national network, members:

    • Collaborate across regions
    • Share best practices and evolving system knowledge
    • Hold one another to high professional standards
    • Work together to raise the quality and consistency of eldercare planning in Canada

    For families, this means greater confidence that the guidance they receive is informed, ethical, and aligned with their best interests.

    Research Plus Personalized Guidance

    Elderado’s online research and Eldercare Planners are strongest when they work together.

    Research helps families understand what exists.
    Eldercare Planners help families understand what makes sense for them, now and in the future.

    For those who want to research independently, Eldercare Planners can step in before or after key decisions to ensure nothing important has been overlooked. For those feeling overwhelmed, planners provide clarity, coordination, and reassurance.

    Together, they help families move forward with confidence, knowing they’re supported every step of the way.

    About the Author

    Amy Friesen is an award-winning entrepreneur, innovator, and best-selling author, redefining how Canadians navigate aging and senior living. As founder of Tea & Toast—named Top Assisted Living Navigation Service in Canada in 2025, and creator of Eldercare Planners of Canada, she brings clarity, confidence, and compassion to families facing complex eldercare decisions. Featured in national media and known for her bold ideas, Amy inspires change through speaking, writing, coaching, and mentoring.

  • Meet Ellen Pisani: Navigating the Heart of Elder Care in East Toronto

    Meet Ellen Pisani: Navigating the Heart of Elder Care in East Toronto

    My name is Ellen Pisani, and I am incredibly excited to join the Elderado team for a six-week placement. This opportunity is the capstone of my Community and Health Services Navigation certificate program through Cambrian College. From the moment I came across Elderado, I was struck by the innovative, person-centered work being done by Daniel and his team. I knew immediately that I wanted to contribute to this groundbreaking approach and learn from the leaders currently reshaping how we support our seniors.

    A Personal Journey into Advocacy

    My passion for healthcare navigation is not just professional; it is deeply personal. Over twenty years ago, when I was 31 years old and caring for a one-year-old at home, a sudden and serious health crisis landed me in the ICU. In a staggering coincidence, my mother had experienced a similar life-threatening illness just 18 months prior.

    During those intense years, our family was thrust into the complexities of the medical system. We learned very quickly that medical expertise is only one piece of the puzzle; the ability to navigate the bureaucracy, advocate for patient needs, and bridge the communication gap between providers and families is equally vital. That experience changed my perspective forever. I realized that no one should have to walk through the corridors of the healthcare system alone.

    A Lifelong Commitment to Community

    Since those experiences, I have gravitated toward roles that allow me to support others during their most vulnerable moments. For example, I have spent time volunteering in roles within palliative care and Meals on Wheels.

    When the pandemic hit, I felt a familiar call to action. I worked at various vaccine clinics, not just as staff, but as a navigator. In a time of uncertainty, I found fulfillment in helping my community members manage their anxiety and guiding them through the logistical hurdles of the healthcare response. These experiences solidified my resolve to go back to school and formalize my skills in the Navigation field.

    Bridging the Gap in Elder Care

    As my own parents age, the necessity of skilled navigation has become even more apparent. I see firsthand how the “silver tsunami” is affecting families in my own community. The transition from independent living to a retirement residence or long-term care home is often fraught with emotional exhaustion and confusion.

    Through my studies at Cambrian, I have gained a deeper understanding of the healthcare system, dementia care, and advocacy techniques. However, I also recognize the practical challenges: understanding the difference between retirement and long-term care, managing the vast range of amenities and care approaches, and the sheer difficulty of finding a home with immediate availability, within budget. Too many families learn these lessons “the hard way” during a crisis. My goal is to be the guide that helps them plan with confidence instead of reacting in fear.

    My Six-Week Mission at Elderado

    During my time with Elderado, I will be conducting a deep dive into the senior living landscape of East Toronto. I will be visiting 12 different retirement homes in my local community to learn about their unique offerings, cultures, and approaches to care.

    I will be documenting my journey through a series of blog posts right here on the Elderado site. My objective is to provide a clear and helpful look at the options available in East Toronto so that families can find the right fit for their loved ones. I am honoured to learn from Daniel’s innovative team, and I look forward to helping you navigate the future of elder care with clarity and compassion. Stay tuned for my first site visit report!

  • Lunch at Bloom Oshawa: Experiencing Retirement Living Firsthand

    Lunch at Bloom Oshawa: Experiencing Retirement Living Firsthand

    We got to enjoy Lunch at Bloom Oshawa with Jacquie Platten, Retirement Living Consultant at Bloom Oshawa, and six real estate agents.  All six agents support older adults downsizing in Durham, and got at least 18 out of 20 on the Senior Living Certified Level 1 quiz – demonstrating a commitment to help their clients understand the fundamentals of retirement living and long-term care. Instead of hosting a presentation, we wanted to actually walk around the home, ask questions, make observations, and enjoy the same lunch that was served to residents that day.

    Thank you to Bloom Oshawa for hosting us, and to Jacquie for show us around and giving us a sense of what life looks like at Bloom Oshawa.

    Bloom Oshawa Retirement Community

    This was my 4th time at Bloom Oshawa, and I’ve always found it to be warm and inviting. It’s designed around lifestyle, care, and community, making it an ideal setting to host our first Lunch at event for Senior Living Certified real estate agents. Being in the home allowed everyone to move beyond brochures and websites to get a feel for day-to-day life.

    For families starting to explore retirement living, talking to someone with this firsthand experience in touring retirement homes can makes the difference between feeling overwhelmed and confident.

    Why Lunch at Bloom Oshawa with real estate agents?

    A lot of us don’t know where to start when we decide to downsize into a senior living home, and we’ve found real estate agents are one of the most common professionals families turn to for help. While this falls outside the normal scope of work, we’ve come across a number of agents who have learned the system to educated themselves about what long-term care is, what to look for at a retirement home, and how to apply for both? We want to support agents going the extra mile for their clients who are downsizing into a senior living home by creating opportunities to spend time inside a retirement home.

    Senior Living Certified Real Estate Agents

    All of the real estate agents who attended Lunch at Bloom Oshawa earned the Senior Living Certified Level 1 badge by successfully completing an online quiz focused on retirement living and long-term care in Ontario.

    The quiz is designed to confirm a practical baseline understanding of:

    • What is a long-term care home?
    • What is a retirement home?
    • What is the difference between long-term care and retirement homes?

    It is about helping families to identify agents who can help older adults and their loved ones take the first step to find the right retirement home or long-term care come. Agents who pass the quiz receive a Senior Living Certified badge and may be invited to participate in Elderado events like Lunch at Bloom Oshawa.

    Why the Senior Living Certified badge matters

    For families, the badge signals that an agent has taken the time to understand the basics of senior living before offering guidance.

    For real estate agents, it demonstrates a commitment to serving older clients with care and professionalism.

    For retirement homes, it helps ensure that the professionals touring the residence with families understand the senior living landscape.

    Want to become Senior Living Certified?

    The Elderado Senior Living Certified Level 1 quiz is free, and open to real estate agents who work with older adults or families planning a transition.

    Request to take the Senior Living Certified Level 1 quiz: https://tally.so/r/EklDGq

    Lunch at Bloom Oshawa itinerary

    Lunch at Bloom Oshawa began with a roundtable where we talked about retirement living.  We tabled all the lingering questions we’ve each had about retirement living, before Jacquie walked us through the steps a new resident takes when they decide to move in.  After that we got to go on a tour that included a walk through of a 1 bedroom model suite, and a number of the amenities, which included the horticulture room, library, bistro, kids play area, salon, gym, and pool.  After that we sat down to lunch in the private dining room.  We started with soup. The two daily specials were Asian stir fry or Meat Lovers Pizza, or a selection of sandwiches from the a la carte menu.  For dessert we had warm, fresh baked cookies.

    Amenities at Bloom Oshawa Retirement Community

    On our tour we got to see all the amenities at Bloom Oshawa. Touring these areas together helped answer the question, how do residents actually spend their time?

    “One of my favourite amenities is the courtyard. I’ve never seen a retirement home with that type of courtyard. ” — Riyad Ali, The DR Group

    “One of the amenities that I love most was the play area for kids, where all the seniors can have a little bit of time to take to play with their grandkids. ” — Valeria Perepeliuk, North2South Realty

    “What I loved most, being a dog lover myself, is that dogs are allowed, and in the courtyard they have an area for your dog to run around. ” — Corina Goss, Royal Heritage Realty

    “One amenity that really stuck out to me was the horticultural room. I love living plants and being able to walk out to the outdoor area. ” — Rai Mohan, REMAX Rouge River

    “The fact that they’ve got grocery stores, and shopping plazas, and all kinds of fantastic things right across the street.” — Jess Whitehead, Royal Heritage Realty

    Amenities at Bloom Oshawa include:

    • Raised garden beds
    • Craft kitchen
    • Bistro
    • Shuffleboard
    • Pool
    • Library
    • Play room for kids
    • Car wash
    • Hair salon
    • Exterior courtyard
    • Spa
    • Activity room
    • Underground parking
    • Private Dining Room
    • Dog park
    • Tuck Shop
    • Pub

    Inside a 1 bedroom model suite at Bloom Oshawa

    We got to tour a 1 bedroom model suite in independent living at Bloom Oshawa.  It was a spacious suite with a kitchenette and a balcony off the bedroom.

    “My two favourite features of the model suite was the bathroom – the finishes were unbelievable, and the space – it felt like a modern condo.” — Riyad Ali, The DR Group

    “They’ve got a really functional kitchen with lots of storage space, with the ability to do some of your own in house cooking – which is fantastic.  They also had a nice balcony off the bedroom, perfect to have a coffee or tea in the morning.” — Jess Whitehead, Royal Heritage Realty

    “One thing about the model suite I really liked was the size of the bathroom. Really great for people who have walkers to get in and out of the shower” — Rai Mohan, REMAX Rouge River

    Enjoying the same lunch as residents

    With the event name, Lunch at Bloom Oshawa, it’s safe to say lunch was the central part of the experience. The group enjoyed the same lunch options available to residents, offering a firsthand look at the quality, variety, and atmosphere of dining at Bloom Oshawa. Food plays a major role in everyday life in a retirement home, and sharing a meal helped give first-hand experience.

    Lunch at Bloom Oshawa Menu

    “Lunch here was amazing and super delicious. I had chicken with salad, or I could also get it with fries. The presentation, the service was absolutely amazing.” — Valeria Perepeliuk, North2South Realty

    “I have to say kudos to Chef Trevor. Lunch was fantastic.  I had an Asian stir fry that was delicious. Excellent food here at Bloom Oshawa.” — Rai Mohan, REMAX Rouge River

    “I had the meat lovers pizza for lunch with a caesar salad and it was fantastic. The portion sizes were great and the flavour was wonderful.” — Corina Goss, Royal Heritage Realty

    “I had for lunch today their Asian special dish. It was absolutely delicious – it’s probably one of the best stir fry’s I’ve had in a long time.” — Jess Whitehead, Royal Heritage Realty

    “Asian stir fry noodles were amazing. Good portion sizes and I was definitely full after.” — Riyad Ali, The DR Group

    Most retirement homes will offer a complementary meal when you take a tour – which we always suggest taking advantage of to try the food for yourself.

    Understanding the move-in process

    A key part of the visit was hearing from Jacquie Platten, who walked the group through what happens when someone decides to move into Bloom Oshawa.

    Jacquie explained the process step by step, from the initial conversation through to move-in day. Most of us have no idea what it looks like to move into a retirement home until it’s something we need to do for a loved one or ourselves, which can make this process feel more complicated and overwhelming than it needs to be. The information Jacquie shared empowered the agents to be better equipped to help their clients to reduce anxiety and give families confidence in their transition into a new home.

    Senior Living Certified Real Estate Agents at Lunch at Bloom Oshawa

    While everyone toured the same residence, everyone’s perspective is a little different, and this highlights why it’s important to tour multiple retirement homes when you’re considering retirement living.

    Corina Goss, Royal Heritage Realty

    Jess Whitehead, Royal Heritage Realty

    Rai Mohan, REMAX Rouge River

    Riyad Ali, The DR Group

    Valeria Perepeliuk, North2South Realty

    Daniel Sutherland, eXp Realty

    Together, these perspectives reinforce the value of seeing a retirement home firsthand rather than relying only on descriptions.

    Bringing it all together

    Lunch at Bloom Oshawa offered a firsthand look at what retirement living at Bloom Oshawa looks like. We are grateful to Bloom Oshawa for hosting and to the agents who took the time to learn, ask questions, and engage the Bloom Oshawa community.

    For real estate agents interested in learning more

    If you are a real estate agent who works with older adults or families that consider downsizing into a retirement home and long-term care, you can request to take the Elderado Senior Living Certified Level 1 quiz.

    Request to take the Senior Living Certified Level 1 quiz: https://tally.so/r/EklDGq

    For retirement homes interested in hosting a Lunch at Your Residence

    If you are a retirement home interested in hosting a Lunch at event at your residence, reach out. Lunch at is a meaningful way to showcase daily life, and help local professionals learn about retirement living at your home.

    Email info@elderado.ca if you’re interested in hosting.

     

  • How the CABHI Ignite Program Helped Elderado Accelerate Elder Care Innovation: A Nine-Month Impact Review

    How the CABHI Ignite Program Helped Elderado Accelerate Elder Care Innovation: A Nine-Month Impact Review

    Finding elder care in Canada can be confusing and stressful. Families have to navigate long-term care waitlists, different levels of retirement living support, eligibility requirements, budgets, and often they are under time pressure. Social workers and discharge planners want to help, but resources can be limited and fragmented across various websites and platforms.

    When Elderado joined the CABHI Ignite Program in March 2025, the goal was to accelerate our vision of a simpler, clearer, and more transparent way for families and health care workers to navigate and compare elder care options. Nine months later, Elderado has launched new tools, expanded partnerships across Ontario, and supported more than 60,000 users.

    What Is CABHI?

    The Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) is a leading Canadian hub for innovations that improve life for older adults, caregivers, and front-line health care workers. CABHI, powered by Baycrest, supports early-stage solutions that address real challenges in aging, dementia care, and system navigation.

    CABHI provides:

    • Access to research and clinical expertise
    • Support with testing and validation
    • Engagement with older adults, caregivers, and clinicians
    • Strategic mentorship
    • Funding to accelerate development
    • Connections to health care partners across Canada

    For companies working in elder care, CABHI is one of the most influential and credible partners available.

    What Is the CABHI Ignite Program?

    The CABHI Ignite Program is designed for early-stage innovators building products for aging, caregiving, and brain health. Ignite helps organizations refine their solutions, test them with real users, and position them for adoption within the health system.

    “With Canada’s population aging at an accelerated pace, advancing innovations that improve the lives of older persons is critical to building a healthier, more resilient future,” says James Mayer, Chief Operating Officer of the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). “Our Ignite program supports early-stage researchers and startup companies with transformative aging and brain health solutions by removing barriers that often stall innovation progress. By breaking down these barriers, we can accelerate innovation and make meaningful, lasting impacts on the lives of older persons, people with dementia, and their care partners.”

    Key strengths of the Ignite Program include:

    Research and validation

    Ignite guides innovators through structured evaluation to determine whether their solution works in real-world elder care settings.

    End-user engagement

    The program provides access to older adults, caregivers, clinicians, and health care leaders who offer practical feedback.

    Mentorship and sector connections

    CABHI advisors can help make introductions to key contacts, and sector leaders who can help test and scale solutions.

    Funding

    Financial support enables early-stage companies to build, test, and improve their solutions more quickly.

    For a platform like Elderado, this combination of funding, credibility, and access was essential to accelerating growth.

    Why Elderado Joined the Ignite Program

    Elderado was created to help Canadians navigate elder care with clarity. Families often struggle to understand:

    • The difference between long-term care and retirement homes
    • How waitlists work
    • What levels of care exist
    • Which retirement homes have availability
    • How to compare retirement living options

    Hospitals and health care workers do their best to guide families, but they often rely on manual phone calls, spreadsheets, and inconsistent information.

    By March 2025, Elderado had built a strong foundation, but needed support to:

    • Validate its platform with caregivers and clinicians
    • Build tools to address gaps in availability information
    • Strengthen partnerships across the health system
    • Accelerate product development and adoption

    The CABHI Ignite Program provided the ideal environment for that growth.

    What Elderado Has Accomplished in Nine Months Through the Ignite Program

    From March through November of this year, Elderado made major progress in building tools that support families, caregivers, and community partners. Below are the key accomplishments during the first nine months of the Ignite Program.

    1. Launching the Retirement Living Availability Registry

    One of Elderado’s most significant achievements during the Ignite Program has been the creation of the Retirement Living Availability Registry (RLAR).

    August 2025: Early testing begins

    With CABHI’s guidance, Elderado tested a prototype of the RLAR with caregivers, retirement homes, and health care professionals. This testing helped refine the workflow, language, and user experience.

    September 2025: Official launch

    The RLAR launched publicly in September 2025. It is the first tool in Ontario designed to show current retirement home availability in a clear and accessible way.

    Families, social workers, discharge planners, and care coordinators can now:

    • Find retirement homes with current availability
    • Filter by location, and care level
    • Learn more about every retirement home
    • Contact retirement homes directly through Elderado

    Before the RLAR, families often were forced to call multiple retirement homes to find homes with availability. The RLAR replaces this with a single, reliable source of availability information.

    2. Partnering With 30 Hospitals, Ontario Health Teams, Clinics, and Community Agencies

    A major area of growth during the Ignite Program has been Elderado’s partnerships with the health system. In nine months, Elderado expanded to 38 community partners (hospitals, clinics, Ontario Health Teams, older adult resources) that now use Elderado and the RLAR to support elder care navigation.

    CABHI played a direct role in making these partnerships possible. Through the Ignite Program, CABHI:

    • Made introductions to contacts at Ontario Health Teams, hospitals, and community care
    • Provided credibility that helped Elderado earn the trust of clinicians
    • Supported early conversations to align the RLAR with hospital workflows
    • Helped Elderado communicate the value of real-time availability to discharge planners and care coordinators

    These partnerships have helped hospital staff:

    • Reduce the time spent calling retirement homes
    • Provide families with clear, up-to-date information
    • Improve transitions from hospital to retirement living when appropriate
    • Support families during stressful decision-making moments
    • Use consistent tools across teams and departments

    CABHI’s network and introductions were essential in helping Elderado establish these relationships.

    3. Supporting More Than 60,000 Users

    To date, Elderado has supported over 60,000 users, including:

    • Families researching retirement living and long-term care
    • Seniors exploring independent and assisted living
    • Caregivers navigating sudden or complex transitions
    • Health care professionals guiding patients and families

    Elderado users have grown by 44.7% since the beginning of the Ignite program, including a noticeable uptick after the launch of the Retirement Living Availability Registry, showing a strong need for real-time availability information in elder care navigation.

    How Ignite Enabled Elderado’s Growth

    Over nine months, the Ignite Program helped Elderado:

    • Test and validate new features with real users
    • Improve product design based on clinical and caregiver feedback
    • Strengthen relationships with hospitals and community partners
    • Gain credibility within the health and aging sector
    • Accelerate timelines from idea to testing to launch
    • Build tools that better integrate into health care workflows

    The combination of funding, mentorship, research support, and introductions has been transformative for Elderado’s growth and adoption.

    Looking Ahead

    The next phase of Elderado’s growth includes expanding the RLAR across Canada, deepening partnerships with hospitals and community agencies, and building new tools to support home care navigation. Elderado is also preparing to introduce French language support, which is a crucial step toward serving families, caregivers, and frontline workers, and ensuring a more accessible experience for users across the country.

    The progress made in the nine months since joining the Ignite Program shows what is possible when innovative solutions receive the support, evaluation, and partnerships needed to succeed.

     

  • Senior Living Certified Real Estate Agents

    Senior Living Certified Real Estate Agents

    When an older adult is considering downsizing into a retirement home or long term care the right real estate agent can make the transition much easier. A knowledgeable agent who understands how long-term care and retirement homes work can help families navigate a stressful and complex process.

    To help families find that kind of support, Elderado created the Senior Living Certified Quiz. Agents who score at least 18 out of 20 earn the Senior Living Certified – Level 1 designation, receive a digital badge, and are included in our directory of trusted real estate professionals.

    Real estate agents can request to the the Senior Living Certified Quiz here: https://tally.so/r/EklDGq

    Senior Living Certified – Level 1 Real Estate Agents

    Riyad Ali

    Brian Cowan

    Jessica Whitehead

    Keisha Telfer

    Daniel Sutherland

    Valeria Perepeliuk

    Bryen Daly

    Lynn Marie Robinson

    Nancie McLeod

    Geeta Rajpal

    Shayna List

    Rai Mohan

    Corina Goss

    Adam Gordon

    Damir Strk

  • How the Retirement Living Availability Registry Helps Hospitals and Health Care Workers

    How the Retirement Living Availability Registry Helps Hospitals and Health Care Workers

    When a patient no longer needs acute care but can’t safely return home, social workers, discharge planners, and patient care coordinators often have to work against the clock to find appropriate elder care. Every long-term care home has a waitlist, but there are retirement homes with immediate availability – the problem is finding those homes. The traditional process is time-consuming: making dozens of phone calls to homes, leaving messages, waiting for call-backs, and repeating the same questions over and over.

    The Retirement Living Availability Registry (RLAR) simplifies this process. It’s a free, online tool from Elderado that shows which retirement homes have current availability — all in one place.

    Visit the Registry

    A Faster Way to Help Patients and Families

    The RLAR was designed to make it easier for patients and their loved ones to find a home when they need it most. Instead of health care workers phoning multiple retirement homes, families can quickly:

    • See which homes currently have suites available in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Respite Care.
    • View the starting price for available suites.
    • Access the home’s company page with photos, video tours, activity calendars, inspection reports, and other helpful details.
    • Contact the home directly.

    This means less time spent searching and more time supporting patients and families as they transition to the next stage of care.

    Reducing the Burden on Frontline Staff

    Social workers, discharge planners, and patient care coordinators are often the ones trying to bridge the gap between hospital care and other elder care options. But calling around to retirement homes isn’t just inefficient — it also takes valuable time away from patient support.

    The RLAR helps to:

    • Save hours of manual calling and coordination.
    • Give families a clear, current list of real options.
    • Create a more consistent discharge planning process across teams.
    • Empower families to make informed decisions quickly.

    By making availability visible, health care workers can focus on what they do best — supporting patients — rather than chasing information.

    Supporting the Reduction of ALC Pressures

    Alternate Level of Care (ALC) pressures remain a serious challenge across Ontario. Many patients are ready to leave hospital but have nowhere to go because families struggle to find a suitable home in time. This results in beds staying occupied longer than necessary.

    The RLAR provides a practical solution:

    • Families can see current availability in retirement homes.
    • Discharge teams can guide families to the tool instead of making dozens of calls themselves.
    • Patients can transition out of hospital more smoothly.

    By helping connect patients to appropriate care more quickly, the RLAR supports efforts to relieve ALC pressures and free up hospital beds for those who need them most.

    Free Information Handouts

    We offer a free handout for hospitals, clinics, and health care professionals to share with families. This resource explains how the RLAR works and gives families everything they need to start their search immediately.

    Who can request handouts:

    • Hospitals
    • Outpatient clinics
    • Social work teams
    • Discharge planning teams
    • Primary care and community health partners

    To request free copies of the RLAR hospital handout for your team or patients, contact us through Elderado.ca.

    Elderado hospital handout

    A Simple, Effective Tool

    The Retirement Living Availability Registry is about more than technology – it’s about supporting patients, families, and the professionals who help them every day.

    By giving frontline health care workers and families a fast, clear way to find available retirement homes, we can help reduce stress, ease system pressures, and improve patient flow.

    Explore the Registry