What is a winter stay? Can I stay in a retirement home for the winter?

Ice. Snow. Sleet. Cold. Canadian winters can provide many challenges for seniors. Tasks that once seemed simple, like grocery shopping, putting out the garbage, and visiting friends, can become difficult. Fear of slipping on hidden ice or the challenge of clearing the driveway can seem overwhelming.

Respite short-term stays at a retirement home offer many seniors a refuge for the winter months. At the residence, they can enjoy three freshly-prepared meals each day, engaging social activities, and a variety of amenities.

There is not much difference between staying in an apartment compared to living in, or vacationing at, a retirement residence. Residents are free to come and go from the residence as they choose, and they are free to spend their time as they like. Whether that means attending a program the residence is running, going for a drive, sleeping in, or meeting friends.

Whether they need assistance with their daily routine or are fully independent, short-term stays at a retirement community can give seniors a break from their normal chores and provide loved ones with peace of mind. Active seniors will benefit from plowed and salted walking paths and parking lots, giving them a safe and convenient way to explore the larger community.

Residents benefit from a variety of included and optional housekeeping services that free up their time to enjoy the things they love. Delicious, freshly prepared meals are served in the dining room, but residents are free to request a tray be sent to their room, eat their meal outside of the residence, or — if their suite has a kitchen — they can cook something in their suite.

Retirement communities are also just that — communities. Inside, seniors are brought together by similar interests. Team members at the residence may make introductions between seniors they know have common ground, or residents may form friendships naturally at one of the many innovative programs offered at the residence, which can include anything from fitness classes to art classes, spiritual sessions, educational seminars, outings, live entertainment, sports, games, music, and more! There is no shortage of things going on.