If you’ve been following along with my internship reflection series, you might’ve noticed this July update is fashionably late. Between Daniel’s trip to Ottawa and my own week away on vacation, the month moved faster than expected and before I knew it, we were already halfway through August.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time at Elderado, it’s that meaningful work doesn’t always follow a tidy schedule. Sometimes, you need a bit of distance to actually see the growth happening around you.
The Kind of Growth You Don’t Always See
Elderado is growing. That’s not a flashy announcement, but a quiet, steady kind of growth you don’t always notice in real-time.
It reminds me a lot of watching my little brother grow up. When you’re with someone every day, change can feel almost invisible. Then one day, maybe you’ve been away for a bit, or just paying attention in a different way, and suddenly you realize: they’re taller. Their voice sounds different. They’ve grown, and you didn’t even notice it happening.
That’s how I feel about Elderado right now. The company looks and feels more fully formed than it did just a few months weeks ago. Not because of one big thing, but because of all the small, intentional moves happening behind the scenes. And I’m really proud to be part of that.
New Projects, New Muscles
July was a quieter month in terms of external campaigns, but internally, it was a time for tightening and refining. I spent more time than ever editing clips, refining hashtags, and shaping messaging across platforms. I finally got the chance to step back and look at the progress we’ve made.
Plus, I started planning more graphics and carousels, the kind of content that might seem small at first glance, but has real power when done well. When a single graphic breaks down the difference between retirement homes and long-term care in one clean visual, that’s a win.
Learning What It Means to Be Consistent
One of the biggest lessons from this month has been the value of consistency over perfection. In school or even in personal projects, I’m used to treating everything like a polished final product. But here, I’m learning that momentum, showing up, refining, trying again, often matters more.
It’s not about going viral. It’s about creating a steady rhythm of useful, trustworthy content that families can depend on. It’s about building trust in the quiet moments, not just the loud ones.
That shift in mindset has changed the way I approach my work, I’ve started thinking less like a student trying to “get it right,” and more like a team member trying to contribute something meaningful, even if it’s not perfect the first time.
Looking Ahead
August is already in full swing, and I know the pace will start to pick up again soon. But before that happens, I’m grateful for the pause July gave me, to reflect, recalibrate, and recognize that growth doesn’t always shout.
Sometimes, it moves quietly. And then one day, you look up and realize: things are taller, stronger, more rooted than they were before.
That’s where Elderado is right now. That’s where I am, too.
— Written by Mayssam Fadili, Marketing Intern, Elderado.ca
If you or a loved one is starting to explore the idea of downsizing, one of the biggest questions that comes up is: where do we start?
Selling a long-time home is never just about real estate. It is emotional. It involves logistics. For many, it can feel overwhelming. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a professional trained to guide older adults and their families through the unique challenges of downsizing and transitioning into senior living communities.
Step 1: Personalized Planning with a SRES Agent
The journey begins with a consultation. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist will sit down with you or your loved one to learn about your current living situation, goals, health needs, and the type of living arrangement you are considering. Whether the plan is to move in six weeks or to begin preparing for a possible move next year, the consultation is designed to meet you where you are.
This meeting includes a discussion of timelines, potential challenges, and financial factors. You may also talk about what you want to keep, what will be passed down, and how to simplify the transition.
Step 2: The Challenges of Downsizing
For most people, the idea of downsizing starts with their belongings. A family home often holds decades of items, many of which carry emotional significance.
SRES agents approach this process with sensitivity and experience. They often recommend starting room by room. This allows you to work in smaller, more manageable segments. You will begin identifying what to keep, donate, sell, or pass on to family members. Clients often find this is a time to reflect and share stories. It becomes a meaningful part of the transition.
Step 3: Preparing the Home for Sale
After belongings are sorted, the next step is preparing the house to go on the market. This step includes staging, rearranging furniture, and taking professional pictures of your house. This step can often become time-consuming, thus having a SRES can help lighten the load for families.
Step 4: Marketing the Home and Finding the Right Buyer
Once the home is ready, your SRES takes the lead on all aspects of the sale. This includes professional photography, listing the home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), scheduling showings, and hosting open houses. They also manage inquiries and negotiations, which is especially helpful for families who may not be local.
From the first conversation to the final sale, an SRES helps reduce the stress and uncertainty of downsizing. Whether you are planning a move to a retirement residence, long-term care home, or a smaller apartment, the right support can make the experience smoother and more manageable.
When families suddenly find themselves needing care for a loved one — whether due to a fall, hospital discharge, or a cognitive health change — the process can feel paralyzing. That’s why we were thrilled when Whimble, a platform focused on simplifying in-home care, invited Elderado co-founder Daniel Clarke to join a live webinar hosted by Emma Brown, Whimble’s founder.
Throughout the conversation, Daniel unpacked some of the most common pain points families face when trying to make quick — and critical — care decisions. From understanding the system’s complexity to knowing what to ask during a tour, this webinar offered clear, compassionate guidance for anyone navigating elder care for the first time.
Below are highlights from the session, along with short video clips that dive deeper into each topic.
Why Is the Elder Care System So Confusing?
We started of the webinar with a tough but necessary question: why is this system so broken? Daniel answers with care, recognizing the realities of the industry and pointing out how overwhelming it could feel for someone trying to navigate it for the first time.
Retirement Home vs. Long-Term Care: What’s the Difference?
Daniel breaks down one of the biggest confusions in the industry: the fundamental differences between retirement homes (100% privately paid, lifestyle-focused) and long-term care homes (publicly funded care, capped rates, regulated waitlist system). Understanding this difference early helps you choose the right path.
What to Do When You Need Help ASAP
If your loved one needs care urgently, Daniel shares the first three things you should do to stabilize the situation and start the search. These include assessing which level of care they need, understanding your budget, and figuring out where you are looking for care.
How Much Does It Cost to Use Elderado?
Short answer: it’s completely free for families. Daniel explains how Elderado is different from similar platforms and why it was important to keep the platform unbiased and accessible for everyone navigating elder care.
What to Look for on a Retirement Home Tour
A tour is more than just a walk-through, it’s your chance to assess if the environment feels right, if staff seem caring, and if residents are engaged.
Whether you’re just starting your search or already deep into the process, Elderado and Whimble Care are here to help you take informed, confident steps forward. The elder care system may be complex, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Whimble Care and how they support families through in-home care services.
CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Whimble email list.
Long-Term Care in Ontario: How Public, Non-Profit, and For-Profit Homes Compare on Staffing and Spending
Families looking for long-term care (LTC) options in Ontario regularly ask us whether ownership matters when it comes to the care their loved ones will receive. A new Statistics Canada report sheds light on this. It analyzes staffing levels and expenses in Canadian LTC homes—including a detailed look at Ontario—before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Types of Long-Term Care Ownership in Ontario
First, let’s define the three ownership types of LTC homes, as laid out in the report:
Public LTC Homes: These are owned by municipalities, regional health authorities, or provincial governments. In Ontario, municipal homes fall into this category.
Non-Profit LTC Homes: Operated by charitable, faith-based, or community organizations.
For-Profit LTC Homes: Owned by private companies or corporations, these homes may generate profits for owners or shareholders.
All LTC homes in Ontario—regardless of ownership—receive public funding for nursing and personal care. Residents pay for accommodation costs through co-payments.
Before the pandemic, Ontario LTC residents received:
Public homes: 2.93 hours of direct daily care
Non-profit homes: 2.92 hours
For-profit homes: 2.71 hours
During the pandemic:
Public homes: 3.47 hours
Non-profit homes: 3.04 hours
For-profit homes: 2.94 hours
Nationally, the trend is similar: public homes provided the most direct care, followed by non-profits, then for-profits. On average across Canada, for-profit homes provided 50 fewer minutes of care per resident per day than public homes before the pandemic. The gap began narrowing to 34 fewer minutes during the pandemic.
By Role: Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), and Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
In Ontario:
Public homes increased RN care by 10.19% during the pandemic.
All homes increased RPN and PSW care, but public homes saw the largest gains.
For-profit homes lagged behind in RN and RPN care time increases .
Why does this matter? Higher RN staffing is linked to fewer hospitalizations, lower mortality, and better overall health outcomes for residents.
How Homes Spend Their Money
Wages and Benefits
In Ontario during the pandemic:
Public homes: 60.86% of expenditures went to wages; 15.16% to benefits.
Non-profits: 62.3% on wages; 8.83% on benefits.
For-profits: 58.18% on wages; 9.66% on benefits .
Subcontracting
For-profit homes spent more on subcontracting staff:
For-profit: 5.6% of expenses on subcontracting
Non-profit: 4.1%
Public: 2.3%
Policy Changes in Ontario
Ontario’s Fixing Long-Term Care Act (2021) set a target of 4 hours of direct care per resident per day by 2025, up from an average of 2.75 hours pre-pandemic. This is a critical step, and data shows that public homes are already leading the way.
What This Means for Ontario Families
Public LTC homes generally provide more hours of care, especially from highly trained staff like RNs.
Non-profit homes tend to fall in the middle, providing more care than for-profits but less than public homes.
For-profit homes provide less direct care on average and spend more on subcontracting.
When evaluating LTC options, ownership type can give families a clue about the level of care their loved one might receive. However, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. At Elderado, we help families navigate these choices to find the best home for yourself or a loved one.
This blog is based on Staffing levels and expenses in Canadian long-term care facilities by ownership status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Statistics Canada, July 2025. Read the full report here.
Founded in 2010, Spark Centre is the Regional Innovation Centre for Durham and Northumberland, dedicated to accelerating early-stage, technology-driven companies through advisory services, lab space, events, and access to capital and IP strategy. From the moment we joined, we felt immersed in a peer-driven ecosystem. From expert-led masterclasses to one-on-one mentoring that’s honed our pitch, deepened our market strategy, and connected us to professionals.
For a startup tackling elder-care with tech, having a partner that understands innovation and scaling is invaluable, and that’s Spark. Below, Daniel sits down with Kailee Rembosz, Spark's Marketing & Events Manager, to share how Elderado began, the support we’ve leveraged, and what’s next.
What is Elderado?
Kailee kicks off the interview by asking Daniel to explain what Elderado is and how it works. He shares that Elderado was built as a free, unbiased resource where users can easily search, filter, compare, and connect with over 1,400 elder care homes across Ontario.
Why did Elderado get started?
Daniel then shares the backstory behind why he founded Elderado, reflecting on the challenges he faced while urgently trying to find an assisted living home for his grandmother. Born out of that personal experience, he recognized just how difficult and time-consuming the process can be — and how much easier it could be with a one-stop platform to support families navigating elder care.
Elderado and CABHI's Ignite program
Elderado was recently awarded funding through the Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation’s Ignite program, which supports early-stage innovators in the healthcare space. Daniel shares how the funding will be used: expanding the platform to support multiple languages, enhancing resources for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and improving the overall usability of the website.
How is Elderado getting the word out?
Daniel explains that Elderado primarily raises awareness through social media (including retirement home tours and informative content) as well as through trusted relationships and referrals within the healthcare community.
How Spark has helped our journey
Daniel highlights several key ways Spark Centre has supported Elderado’s growth. From one-on-one mentorship to regular networking events with industry professionals and fellow entrepreneurs, the Spark ecosystem has provided both strategic guidance and valuable connections.
We’re incredibly grateful to Spark Centre for their continued support and belief in our mission. Collaborations like these help Elderado reach more families, build a stronger product, and continue pushing the boundaries of what elder care navigation can look like in Canada.
Retirement Living in Whitby, Ontario: A Guide to Your Best Options
Introduction
Whitby, Ontario, offers a blend of vibrant community living, scenic waterfront views, and a number of retirement residences to choose from. Whether you're seeking independent living, assisted living, or specialized care, Whitby has a variety of options to suit diverse needs and lifestyles.
To assist in your search, we've compiled a comprehensive list of retirement homes in Whitby. The list is ordered by proximity to the Brock Street Exit from Highway 401. Distances are approximate and measured from this central reference point.
Retirement Homes in Whitby (Closest to Farthest from Brock St Exit, Hwy 401)
1. VIVA Whitby Shores Retirement Community
🚗 Distance from Brock St and the 401: 1.5 km Situated near Whitby Harbour and the Waterfront Trail, VIVA Whitby Shores offers a vibrant lakeside retirement lifestyle with access to chef-prepared meals, wellness programs, and a strong community atmosphere.
🚗 Distance from Brock St Exit (401): 3 km Located just a short drive from downtown Whitby, Chartwell Colonial provides a warm and inviting environment, offering bright suites and engaging social programs.
🚗 Distance from Brock St and the 401: 5 km A home-like setting offering personalized elderly care, respite care, and companionship for seniors looking for a supportive, comfortable environment.
🚗 Distance from Brock St and the 401: 5 km A premium retirement residence providing independent and assisted living, with upscale amenities, social activities, and personalized care.
🚗 Distance from Brock St and the 401: 6 km A vibrant retirement community featuring independent and assisted living suites, as well as a lively neighborhood atmosphere with frequent social activities.
🚗 Distance from Brock St and the 401: 6 km Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this residence offers a serene setting, 24/7 support, and a range of services including wellness programs and social activities.
🚗 Distance from Brock St and the 401: 6 km A premium retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, as well as top-tier dining and wellness amenities.
🚗 Distance from Brock St and the 401: 9 km A peaceful retirement residence that offers a mix of independent and assisted living, with access to green spaces, healthcare facilities, and personalized support services.
When selecting a retirement home, consider the following:
✅ Care Needs – Do you need independent living, assisted living, or specialized support? ✅ Amenities – What’s important to you? Dining options, fitness programs, social activities? ✅ Budget – What are the monthly fees, and what’s included? ✅ Location – Is the residence easy to visit for family and friends?
Start Your Search Today
Finding the right retirement home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use Elderado to explore and compare all retirement homes in Whitby, Ontario, ensuring you find the perfect fit for you or your loved one.
At Elderado, we believe families deserve clarity – not just in choosing the right elder care option, but knowing if a platform has incentives or biases. That’s why we have chosen to be transparent about how we generate revenue.
Putting Families First
Traditional elder care navigation platforms usually make money in one of two ways:
Charging families for access to information.
Charging retirement homes for leads.
At Elderado, we look at problems from the lens of a caregiver.
We're not charging families for access to information.
We don't charge homes for leads either.
We believe families have a right to know which elder care home is most likely to offer the best support for their needs. And we want to make it as easy as possible for families to contact every home, not just the homes that are willing to pay, so charging for leads doesn't work either.
So How Do We Make Money?
We’ve taken a different approach: Elderado offers retirement homes a way to increase their visibility in relevant searches – without compromising the neutrality and completeness of our listings.
Our revenue comes from Features Placements that are labeled and relevant to the user. Here’s how it works:
1. Featured Nearby Homes
When a user views a retirement home profile, paying members can appear as a “Featured Nearby Home” on that page. This gives operators the opportunity to show up when a potential resident is exploring similar nearby homes.
2. Lead Multiplier
When a family sends a message to retirement home they have the option to also send their message to other similar nearby retirement homes. Paying members that are most similar to the home the user is sending a message to will populate the similar nearby retirement home list. The users message isn’t shared automatically – they choose if they want to send it to any similar homes.
3. Targeted Event Promotion
If a home is hosting an sort of event – open house, information session, party, or community gathering, we can help promote it to users who are looking at similar homes in your region. For example, if someone is searching for assisted living in Oakville, they can see your event when they're looking at your page, and the pages of similar homes in Oakville.
Designed for Relevance, Not Noise
Our system is designed to surface the right homes at the right time:
If a home offers Independent Living in Bowmanville, their ad won’t show up for someone looking for Memory Care in Pickering.
We only show sponsored placements when they’re a logical match to a home the user is viewing
No irrelevant spam. No misleading placements. Just helpful visibility when it makes sense.
Flexible Pricing for Operators
We offer three simple pricing tiers for retirement homes that want to increase their visibility:
Bronze – $150/month. Targeted Event Promotion.
Silver – $250/month. Bronze benefits, Featured Nearby Homes, and Lead Multiplier.
Gold – $500/month. Silver benefits, plus Featured Nearby Homes and Lead Multiplier removed from your page.
Transparency is at the heart of everything we do. Elderado exists to make elder care easier to navigate – for families, for people in healthcare, and for operators who care deeply about the services they provide.
We’re proud to offer a revenue model that supports that mission.
Caregiving is one of the most universal experiences, and yet, one of the most misunderstood. Whether it’s helping a parent manage medications, navigating a loved one’s transition to a retirement residence, or simply showing up day after day, caregivers are doing essential, often invisible work. We sat down with Kunal Parikh, a gerontologist and passionate advocate for aging populations, to talk about the reality of caregiving in Canada — what’s missing from the conversation, why recognition matters, and how we can better support those carrying the weight of care.
Caregiving Isn’t a Private Issue, It’s a Collective Responsibility
Caregiving is often seen as something personal, quiet, something to be handled within the family. But as Kunal Parikh reminds us, it’s time to shift that mindset and start treating caregiving as a social and systemic issue.
The scale alone demands it: 52% of women and 42% of men aged 15 and older in Canada provide some form of care to children or care-dependent adults. That’s nearly half the population engaged in caregiving work with most of it being unpaid, unrecognized, and unsupported. These numbers make it clear: caregiving isn’t a niche concern, it’s a national one.
“We fail to really see the implicit parts of caregiving, it is emotional support, mental support, being an advocate and social support." Caregiving is so deeply woven into everyday life that it often goes unrecognized, even by caregivers themselves.
This lack of recognition trickles into policy, funding, and workplace support. Without visibility, there’s no urgency to build infrastructure around it.
Caregiving Doesn't Stop at the Front Door
One of the most harmful myths, according to Kunal, is that "caregiving stops when the person you're caring for transitions to a retirement home … I would argue that assumption sets back self-efficacy." In reality, new medical, emotional, logistical challenges emerge and caregivers need to re-establish their role and confidence in a new environment.
Caregiving is not a short-term responsibility. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers (24%) provide care for over 5 years, and the average caregiving journey lasts 4.5 years. This long-term commitment often extends well into the period after a loved one moves into a retirement or long-term care home, disproving the notion that institutionalization ends the caregiving role.
This misunderstanding not only obscures the ongoing demands but also leads to feelings of guilt and helplessness, just when caregivers need the most support.
Supporting the Supporters
So how can our healthcare systems and our communities do better?
Kunal emphasizes a multi-tiered approach:
Federal level: Tax credits, paid leave, and incentives for employers to recognize caregivers in the workplace. There is clear demand, 87% of caregivers in Canada say an income tax credit would be helpful and 86% would benefit from a monthly care allowance.
Provincial level: Peer support programs, caregiver education and training, systemic respite care, and clearer integration into healthcare plans.
Municipal level: Community health centres that offer localized support and respite options. In Ontario alone, there are approximately 4 million caregivers, many of whom rely on these centres to find the help and community they need.
Some steps are already underway. For example, Ontario’s introduction of caregiver ID badges gives families a voice in hospital care planning. But as Kunal points out, implementation is uneven and sometimes met with resistance from overburdened staff.
The Caregiver to the Caregiver
Support doesn’t always need to come from institutions. Kunal takes a page out of Lauren Rogan's book and encourages friends of caregivers to take an active role in their friends' lives.
“Essentially, if you have friends who you know are actively caregiving and spread thin you [should] become the caregiver to the caregiver … Don't ask 'let me know if I can help', [instead] send a home cooked meal."
This approach is more important than it may seem. 43% of caregivers in Ontario report feeling isolated and lonely, and 33% of unpaid caregivers of long-stay home care clients experience distress, including feelings of anger, depression, or the sense that they can’t continue. In these moments, even small actions like running an errand, dropping off a meal, or simply listening can help lighten a very real emotional load.
Why Kunal Is Optimistic
Despite the challenges, Kunal sees signs of progress. More conversations are happening politically, publicly, and personally. Caregiving is becoming less taboo and less of an apolitical issue.
“We’re getting better at talking about it … the more we talk about caregiving the more we destigmatize it and the more normal it becomes. Increasingly, caregiving is being discussed in political spheres, caregiving policies are part of political campaigns and that's exactly the direction that we should be going on."
And the numbers back this up: 76% of care providers and 61% of caregivers say that policy related to caregiving is important to how they vote. This growing political engagement reflects a shift in public priorities. Caregiving is no longer a private burden, but a national issue gaining overdue attention.
It’s a long road, but it starts with stories and awareness.
Start with Recognition. Continue with Action.
Whether you’re a caregiver yourself or know someone who is, the first step is recognizing the vital role caregivers play emotionally, physically, and socially. Start with real conversations. Ask what they need, offer specific help, and explore the resources available in your community. And when you’re ready, lean on professionals and advocates who understand that caregiving isn’t just a duty, it’s a shared responsibility that deserves recognition, support, and compassion.
Long‑Term Care Cost Help in Ontario: Guide to the Rate Reduction Program
Updated July 3, 2025
Finding a long‑term care home in Ontario can feel overwhelming—especially when you see the price tag. The basic accommodation rate is now $2,085.37 a month, and preferred rooms cost even more. But if your income is limited, you may not have to pay the full amount.
This guide explains—in plain language—how the Long‑Term Care Rate Reduction Program works and how it can help lower your monthly bill.
Why Long‑Term Care Costs Matter
Ontario sets the daily “co‑payment” you pay for a long‑term care bed. On July 1, 2025, the basic rate increased to $68.56 per day. That’s $25,024.44 a year—and it only covers room and board. Many families worry they can’t afford it.
What Is the Rate Reduction Program?
The Long‑Term Care Rate Reduction Program is a provincial subsidy that lowers the basic accommodation fee for low‑income residents. Here’s the quick version:
Who it helps:
Residents in basic rooms
Couples sharing a two‑bed room that has been re‑designated as basic
Who it doesn’t help:
Regular semi‑private or private rooms (those come with extra premiums)
How it works: The province reviews your net income and family situation each year, then reduces your monthly bill so you only pay what you can afford.
Who Can Qualify?
You likely qualify if:
You're single with no dependants, and your annual net income is $26,812 or less
You're supporting a spouse or child at home, and your income after supporting dependents is $26,812 or less
Income threshold shown for 2025. The exact cut‑off is subject to individual circumstances.
Other rules:
You must already live in the long‑term care home (apply within your first 90 days).
You—or your legal representative—must sign and file the application.
You need to re‑apply every year between July 1 and September 28.
How Much Could You Pay?
The ministry uses this simple formula:
Reduced Monthly Fee = (Your Net Income ÷ 12) – $149 Comfort Allowance – Dependant Deductions
Net income: Line 23600 on your tax Notice of Assessment, minus certain exclusions (like Registered Disability Savings Plan withdrawals).
Comfort allowance: You keep at least $149 per month for personal expenses.
Dependant deductions: Extra money you keep if you support a spouse or child at home.
Example:
Maria earns $24,000 a year and has no dependants.
$24,000 ÷ 12 = $2,000
$2,000 – $149 = $1,851 ← That’s her new monthly fee, saving her $234 every month.
Most residents still pay something, but far less than the full basic rate.
How to Apply
1.Collect benefits first. Make sure you’re already receiving:
Old Age Security (OAS)
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) if under 65
2.Tell the home you’re applying. Staff will give you the latest Rate Reduction Application forms.
3.Gather documents. You’ll need your latest Notice of Assessment and proof of any income changes.
4.Fill out the form. Ask staff for help if you’re unsure.
5.Submit within 90 days of moving in (or between July 1‑Sept 28 to renew).
6.Watch the mail. You’ll get a letter showing your new reduced rate once the ministry processes your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to re‑apply every year?
Yes. The program runs July 1 to June 30. If you don’t re‑apply, you’ll be charged the full basic rate until your new application is approved.
Daniel's favourite things from 53 retirement home tours
After touring 53 retirement homes across Ontario in the first half of 2025, one thing is clear: senior living is thriving, and it's definitely not what most people think!
I'm talking golf simulators, gourmet meals, and enough wisdom and banter to fill a few novels. Whether it was morning buzz in the bistro or a pickleball against a neighbour, each retirement home tour offered something special.
So in honour of Canada Day and all the incredible communities I've seen so far, I'm handing out Elderado’s first-ever Midyear Retirement Home Awards. Think of it as the Oscars of Ontario senior living!
We’ve got six categories, dozens of amazing nominees, and plenty of heartwarming moments to celebrate. Let’s get to it! 🏆
Favourite Amenity 🏸 🌊 ⛳ 🎱
Retirement homes have some great amenities that makes them feel more like resorts. These are my favourites.
The view over Whitby Harbour alone gets V!VA Whitby Shore's Penthouse Bar & Lounge on this list, and then add in pub fare, billiards, and tabletop shuffleboard, and this is an amenity I'd love to have at my retirement home
If they rented the space out for weddings it would be one of the top venues in all of Durham Region!
Savour Sauga brought together 10 Mississauga retirement homes for an event where community members got to try their food – and the beef skewers from VIVA Missassauga stole the show!
They were so tender, but the head chef wouldn't give away their secret!
Favourite Suite 🏡 🛏️
I've toured a lot of suites – studios, 1 bedrooms, 1 bedroom + den, 2 bedroom – and these are my favourite.
🏆 The Shores of Port Credit penthouse with the massive balcony
Near Bathurst and Finch, but feels like you're in a private oasis because the ground floor suite is surrounded by mature trees and a peaceful walking trails, with a walkout
Don't underestimate the benefits of a ground floor suite around lunch and dinner time!
I loved the high ceilings and massive windows – I felt like I was at a private resort in a forest
Favourite Atmosphere
Sometimes you walk in somewhere and there's a great feeling or a vibe – that's what this award is for.
🏆 The morning buzz of Harmony Square at Harmony Hill
Right went I walked into Harmony Square I could feel it was alive with energy
Harmony Square is the main common space for Harmony Hill
There was a drum fit class and waffle social going on upstairs, there was a daily market set up on the main floor, and residents and their friends were milling about in the various sitting areas having a coffee and catching up
Chartwell Hollandview Trail live music at their open house
Horace was returning to Scarborough Retirement Residence after a procedure at the hospital, and a number of residents invited me to join the welcome tunnel of 20-25 people who were waiting to greet him when he returned home
This moment gave me perspective on who and what is important, and what community really means
When I was walking down the hall in independent living one of the residents stopped me to tell me how good the food was at Amica Taunton. I saw her again in the lobby as I was getting ready to leave, and she hurried over to again tell me about the food – even asking the concierge to grab a menu so she could point out her favourites from the a la carte menu so I knew what to try when I stopped in for a meal
I loved her pride in the food that was available in her home, and it's one of those moments I think back on often
Much like houses often have a window next to their front door, Sunrise Senior Living of Aurora has small windown next to the front door, so it feels like you're walking through the neighbourhood when you stroll the halls
Sunrise Senior Living of Aurora specializes in higher levels of care, so they've put a big focus on making every element of the home feel as homey as possible
I was very impressed when Sara pointed to an electrical plug cover in assisted living and explained that even if the power goes out, that plug will continue to work because it's connected to the generator
This is so important for residents in assisted living who rely on various powered equipment such as oxygen machines
Indoor shuffleboard, a chipping and putting green, oversized chess, library and lounge, and more – it feels like you're walking through a resort when you stroll the lower level at Amica City Centre
For a retirement home that has a relatively small footprint for their size, they have some great outdoor spaces, highlighted by an outdoor terrace for assisted living resident
Fully enclosed so it's safe for residence, it's got great seating areas, and it's the perfect place for residents to get some fresh air
100 Retirement Home Tours in 2025
Thank you to all the retirement homes that have welcomed me in the first 6 months of 2025. I plan to tour at least 100 retirement homes in 2025, so I've got at least 47 more to go. If you're interested in having me visit your retirement home, send me an email at daniel@elderado.ca. I plan on getting to all corners of the province this year, and I'd be happy to find a time to go for a tour at your retirement home.
