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?

Compare every retirement home in Ontario with Elderado.

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.

Introduction: A Symphony of First Impressions

As I sat in the lobby ahead of my tour, the air filled with the swell of live classical music drifting up from the grand room below. A quartet consisting of three violinists and a cellist was performing a vibrant repertoire ranging from Vivaldi to ABBA. Complete with puppets for a few lighthearted laughs, it was a worldly and whimsical performance that set a joyful tone for the day. While taking in the music, I immediately noticed the thoughtful layout of the space around me. With various seating areas, a large stone fireplace and plenty of room to move, it felt both grand and homey. As this was my first official tour of a retirement community, I was not entirely sure what to expect. I took the opportunity to simply soak in the cheerful atmosphere and observe the daily rhythms of the house. 

Independent Living at Presentation Manor: Autonomy and Resident-Led Vitality

As I began the tour with my host, Bremen, I had a real sense of the social fabric of the home. He stopped to say hello to many of the residents and it was clear he knew them personally. The majority of the residence is dedicated to Independent Living and consists of 178 suites, ranging from 325 square foot studios to expansive 749 square foot two-bedroom apartments. 

Life here is defined by what I observed as resident-led vitality and autonomy. One of the best examples of this is the tuck shop. It is entirely run by the residents themselves and the money earned goes directly back into home initiatives that the residents decide upon together. There is also a gorgeous media room where movies are shown and the space also doubles as a lecture hall. I was told that talks are often held there by residents who are former professors. The room itself is quite inviting. The comfy leather chairs and dim lighting made me think it would be a perfect spot for an afternoon nap between social events.

For those in Independent Living, the package is comprehensive. It covers three meals per day, weekly housekeeping, and well-being monitoring. Residents who need a little extra help can pay for services a la carte. You can pay for a variety of services you may need, including continence care, mobility assistance and help with medications. For those receiving care through Ontario Health at Home, the providers come directly to the suites. 

Assisted Living at Presentation Manor: Personalized Support with a Private Touch

The home features 51 Assisted Living suites. While the physical rooms look like the Independent units, the experience is tailored for those who need more support throughout the day. One detail I found particularly thoughtful was the dining arrangement. Instead of the large and bustling main hall, Assisted Living residents have their own separate dining rooms. These are much smaller and serve approximately 12 residents each and are spread out throughout the Assisted Living area. Each of these dining rooms has its own lounge and even its own outdoor terrace. This means residents do not have to travel far to enjoy some fresh air or a change of scenery. I also learned that if a resident is feeling under the weather, the home offers a complementary tray service for up to three days. The staff can even support complex needs like Hoyer lifts. This essentially means they can provide almost complete care as a resident’s needs change over time. Care can be provided almost “everywhere and anywhere” with nursing stations on each floor and/or care providers coming to the rooms. To maintain the homey feel I noticed in the lobby, they purposefully avoid dispensing medication in the main dining room. They do not want a clinical feel to interrupt the social enjoyment of a shared meal. In Assisted Living, many care services are part of the monthly package, and additional services can be added as needed.

Memory Care at Presentation Manor: A Sanctuary of Seasons and Nostalgia

The Memory Care wing is a self-contained sanctuary with its own dedicated elevator. Walking into this section, I was struck by how warm and welcoming it felt. It did not feel like a unit in a hospital. It felt like a friend’s house. The communal kitchen and dining area has its own terrace and two pet birds who cheerfully sang as we entered.

The design here is incredibly thoughtful. The common areas have a decor reminiscent of decades past and the hallways are painted in colours and designs correlating to the four seasons to help with navigation. Each resident’s door is painted differently. There are even plans to have them painted to match the front doors of the residents’ former homes to provide a sense of recognition. I was also surprised by the size of the Memory Care suites. They are large enough that there is plenty of room for overnight guests, who are welcome to stay on cots provided by the home. Because moving into Memory Care is such a significant life change, the manor offers a 30-day trial stay. It is one of the many ways they clearly work in the best interests of the families during a difficult transition. The care services that are included in Memory Care are quite extensive and generally adhere to an all-inclusive model of pricing, with some very personalized support for an additional fee.

Overall Impressions: An Inclusive Village

My tour concluded back in the grand room from which I had first heard the music. This room is the main dining hall and it is beautiful. With soaring high ceilings and gorgeous natural light pouring in from floor-to-ceiling windows, it is a stunning space that feels both elegant and inviting. The home itself is a low-rise building spread over a lovely property. This architectural choice prevents it from ever feeling institutional or cold.

One cannot talk about this home without mentioning the chapel. Custom-built for the manor, it is a beautiful and large space that highlights how important spiritual care is here. It makes sense given the number of residents who are retired clergy members. However, the home remains incredibly inclusive. They welcome people of all religions and ethnicities. They even have a world map on display showing that the residents have roots in many countries around the world. Seeing that global representation really drove home the sense of community. Being an independent non-profit retirement home, Presentation Manor seems to have the freedom to be creative and adaptive. The focus is always on the person. It is a place that strives to be more than just a residence. It is a place that strives to be a true home.

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!

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 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.