Category: Retirement Home Options

Beautifying Beechwood

For the past 18 months, Beechwood's residents have lived among the hum of sanders, the fumes of fresh paint, and the hammering of nails as their home underwent a complete makeover "from top to bottom," according to Jeff Lozon, CEO of Revera Inc., which manages the Beechwood. "They've been very patient and loyal during the construction," he said at the Grand Opening, where residents were finally able to enjoy their new surroundings, with a glass of wine or orange juice in hand, sampling hors d'oeuvres and trays of chocolates, listening to the new Grand Piano in the lobby or the jazz band in the new dining area.

Release of the 2011/12 Guide to Canada's Best Retirement Communities

It's report card time for the retirement residence industry! Comfort Life's 2011/12 annual guide to the best retirement communities across Canada is out! Find Canada's Best Retirement Communities in your neighbourhood.

Staging to Sell: Turn Your “Home” Into a “House”

The challenge for seniors selling their homes that they've owned for many decades, is overcoming the emotional connection to the home. Today when selling a home you must turn back into a house again to get the highest value possible.

Delmanor Northtown: First retirement residence to receive the LEED award

By being the first retirement community to win the LEED certification, Northtown made the conscious decision to lower adverse environmental community impact and, at the same time, raise the standard of comfort of its residents

How To Choose A Retirement Community

Making the decision to move into a retirement community is usually a difficult one to make for retirees and for their families. Even more difficult, is the laborious process of visiting and evaluating the many different retirement communities and trying to decide which one is for you! They all look great and have various levels of services and facilities that its very easy to get caught up in the glitter and gold.

The Cost of Living And Retiring At Home

"Living at home is free, why move?" is the most common mindset when seniors are asked about the option of moving to a retirement community. But is aging at home really free? With the unforeseen costs of in-home care assistance, home retro fitting or transportation assistance, many retirees may not realize that aging at home is not as "free" as believed especially if unanticipated health issues were to arise.

Seniors How to Decide When to Sell: 7 Important Considerations

Here are a few considerations if you or an older member of the family is trying to decide whether or not it’s the right time to sell the family home.

The Cost Of Retiring

You know you need to save for your retirement, but how much money will you need to live comfortably after you retire? Here are five tips from Chartered Accountant Anne Chun, President of Anne Chun Professional Corporation in Toronto.

Is Your Home Feeling Lonely?

It’s a question that many people are asking themselves... First your children moved out, and when they did you may have converted those extra bedrooms into an exercise room, a craft room, the ultimate den or the perfect guest room; but how often do you really use them? Now you may be dealing with the loss of your spouse and those unused rooms are daily reminders that you are living in an empty house.

Are You Retired And Ready To Downsize?

Wondering when is the best time to sell your house? The answer is NOW! So now you’re retired and your house is too large for your needs; with no more kids at home who needs all those bedrooms and bathrooms?

VIDEO: Relocating Your Parents

Anne Hopcott knows how important it is to adapt to change, that's why she chose not to wait for the decision to move into a retirement community to be made for her.

The Only Way I'm Leaving Is In A Pine Box!

If your home is no longer working for you and not matching your health and mobility situation, then have the courage and conviction to make your move now. Enjoy the rest of your years in safety and comfort, in an environment that better suits your needs.

Revera's Claremont 2012 calendar is here!

The residents of Revera’s Claremont Retirement Residence and talented, former Toronto Sun photographer Hugh Wesley have done it again! They’ve collaborated on another cheeky and inspiring calendar—and great stocking stuffer!

How To Prepare Your Home For Showings To The Public

Staging your home involves getting the outside and inside of the home in top shape. You can hire a service to help de clutter the home so you don’t convey that lived-in look. Now’s the time to divest yourself of some of your furnishings, collections and heirlooms by either placing them in temporary storage or simply giving them to friends or family members who will enjoy them.

Downsizing – 5 Steps To Stay In Control

Thinking about downsizing? Do you fear that someone will rush you through the process or take the decision making process out of your hands? You’re not alone. You’re about to make some very important choices about your future and you should always be in control of your own transactions. So how do you stay in the driver’s seat and remain in control of your transition?

Are you Downsizing? Find the Real Estate Agent who’s right for you!

Throughout life, transitions define the stages we are entering or leaving; moving out of your parent’s house to go to school, living in your first apartment, buying your first house, upgrading to a larger house to accommodate your growing family. Like all transitions, downsizing can be stressful, physically and emotionally challenging – but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help choose the Real Estate Agent who’s going to be the best fit for your move.

Continuing care: What is it? Who is it for?

Continuing care, also known as long-term care, offers a perfect setting for a vulnerable senior in your life.

The benefits of an active adult living home

Active adult living is an emerging trend in retirement communities, which allows residents to live independently and receive services when they want or need them.

How to Downsize and Declutter Your Home: Key Advice and Tips

This is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about downsizing your house, including tips and advice for staying in control and making money along the way! Read more...

How to Buy a Retirement Condominium: Five Experts to Consult Before Buying

Ready to chuck your snow shovel and lawn mower for a low-maintenance retirement condo? If so, there’s a lot you should know before buying a unit in a retirement community. You’ll want to speak with a number of advisers before signing an agreement of purchase and sale. Read more...

Hypertension: Eight Important Facts You Should Know

These eight important facts about "the Silent Killer" can not only minimize the risk of causing hypertension, but they can also reduce the symptoms of it altogether and improve your overall wellbeing. Read more...

Can't afford to move to a retirement community? Here's help.

Today we launch a new feature in The Pulse of Comfort Life blog: Story of the month. This is the post that garnered the greatest response from you, our readers. It's a post that was so popular and useful, that it is worth looking at again. This month, that post is this one.

Finding the best Alzheimer's home: Nine tips

Choosing the right Alzheimer's home for your loved one can be a frightening experience but sound information makes it easier. When choosing the Alzheimer's right home, the philosophy and appropriate level of care, preferred location and budget all need to be considered. Here are nine tips to help you find the best Alzheimer's home for your loved one.

Is living in a retirement home a positive thing?

Retirement condominiums: What you need to know about fees

Condo fees are common but what about "special assessments," "reserve funds" and fees for amenities you don't use? Here's what you need to know about fees.

Life in a retirement home: What's it really like?

VIDEO: Wondering what life in a retirement community is really like? Residents tell you all about it in Seniors on Screen!

What you need to know to find the best retirement home

VIDEO: To find the best retirement home you need to know what questions to ask and what the homes offer. Check out this expert advice.

Five ways to reduce Alzheimer's risk and keep memory strong

What five ingredients reduce our risk for getting this disease and keep our memory strong? One ingredient is learning how to manage stress.

Giving to your community is good for your brain

VIDEO: Volunteering your time not only gives you a social life, it develops new pathways in your brain, improving memory and helping you live longer.

Sunrise Men's Club: A night out with 'the boys'!

The Men's Club is a social program just for men at Sunrise Senior Living in Oakville. Check out their adventures in the new column by Mark Giordani!

The 2012/13 Guide to Canada's Top Retirement Communities

Wondering how to choose the best retirement community or confused about home care basics? Check out the Retirement Living Guide eBook!

How to volunteer at a retirement home

Volunteering at a seniors home is one of the most rewarding things you'll ever experience. Here's what you can do and how to sign up!

Retirement Condominiums: What You Need to Know about Rules and Bylaws

There are many rules and regulations for living in a retirement condominium. Here's what you need to know.

VIDEO: Three Ways to Downsizing Your Life

Instead of being scary, moving to a retirement community can be a fun new experience, as Sandra and Tibor Haluskay found it to be.

Preparing for Retirement: Top Questions and Ideas You Should Consider

Have preconceptions about retirement that are preventing you from starting to plan ahead? Consider these top questions and ideas as you prepare your move. Read more...

Helping your aging parent when they have to give up driving

Giving up the independence of driving is one of the most difficult aspects of aging. This expert advice will help you to help your parent.

Best Retirement Quotations Ever

Need a quick pick-me-up? Here are some of the funniest and most profound (or most profoundly funny) retirement quotations we've heard in a long time!

Home Care and Home Care Services: An Introduction

Thinking about home care? Considering whether you would prefer to live at home or in a retirement community? We have some advice that might help! Read more...

The Real Deal: Life at Seasons Retirement Homes

'Life at Seasons' showcases how this retirement community engages residents with fun activities and superb service that separate them from retirement homes of the past.

Selling Your Home: What You Need to Know

E-BOOK: Thinking about selling your home or have you already started the process? Check out our new ebook for important advice and tips!

Herbal Tea Gardening: Grow Your Own Herbal Iced Teas

Herbs are not only delicious and great for cooking, but are also packed with health benefits. Here's how to grow your own for herb tea.

Financing Your Retirement: Costs of Retirement Living Overview

Looking for financial advice in planning ahead for your retirement? We have the resources, tips, and advice to help make the financing process easier.

Have a Drink! Mom's Retirement Home Trial Stay Was a Bust.

What do you do when you realize your mom's trial stay at the retirement home was a bust? Have a drink? Yikes!

Down with Bingo? Real Life Programming in Assisted Living

Bingo is great but it shouldn't be the default activity in retirement homes. Let's get over our pretenses and provide real life programming.

Seven Best Places to Retire in Canada

Comfort Life presents seven of Canada's top retirement cities and towns from coast to coast. Do you agree? What are your favourites?

How to deal with cliques at your retirement home

When you move to a retirement home you need to become friends with existing groups. It can feel like high school but it will work out.

Seven Ways Families Benefit from Long-term Care Homes

Long-term care retirement homes provide care for seniors who require frequent assistance but the benefits extend to the family as well.

How pets benefit retirement home seniors

You need not feel lonely at a retirement home. These days many homes allow you to bring an old or new four-legged friend with you!

VIDEO: Finding Love in a Retirement Home

VIDEO: Relationships are an important part of our natural balance and well being, especially so in later life. It's never too late to meet someone.

Charming Senior's Video Wins Online Contest

Ever made a grilled cheese sandwich with an iron or corn on the cob in a kettle? Watch 88-year-old Shura do it in her winning Cyber-Seniors video!

How to find the best long-term care home

Before choosing a long term care community for your family member, consider some of the following key questions.

Ten retirement home activities to keep you active & healthy

Here are ten common retirement home activities. 'Read more': Read more...

Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist Ebook

If you're thinking about moving into retirement community, this is your must-read checklist for finding out all the exclusive details that matter the most to you! Read more...

Comfort Life's New Ebook: Alzheimer's and Dementia Handbook

Resources for adults, seniors and caregivers who are at risk, or living with someone who has Alzheimer's or dementia. Read more...

Salt-Free Recipes for Autumn

Trying to cut down on your salt intake? It is easy to stick to your low sodium diet with these salt free recipes that are perfect for your next autumn outing. Read more...

Oktoberfest Recipes - Celebrate Oktoberfest With Food & Music

Oktoberfest recipes, music and celebrations at Palisade Gardens in Cobourg. Read more...

Living Life to the Fullest: How an Avid Cyclist Spends His Time

Cyclist Jack Hyatt's inspiring daily routines prove that it's never too late to accomplish your own fitness goals and live life to the fullest! Read more...

A Day in the Life of a Caregiver

Ever wonder what it's like to be a caregiver? Find out this caregiver's perspective on working in a long term care facility and for home care clients. Read more...

Four Amazing Active Living Homes in B.C.

Here are four great active adult living homes in British Columbia. Read more...

Seniors Information and Active Living Fair Recap

Comfort Life recently attended the Seniors Information and Active Living Fair in Mississauga, featuring programs and services available to seniors within their communities. Read the full recap of the event here! Read more...

UN International Day of Happiness: Interview with Doris Potter

Doris Potter recently spoke with Comfort Life about how she's maintained a positive attitude on aging and living in the present despite life's often challenging times. Read more...

Downsizing Tips: Five Reasons to Consider a Yard Sale When Downsizing

Why should you consider a yard sale when thinking of downsizing? Here are five good reasons! Read more...

Lessons Learned Through Homecare: A Daughter’s Love and Honour

What would you do in this situation? Andrea Nathanson of Qualicare shares a beautiful story of one daughter who gave her ailing mother unconditional love, care and support at home during the toughest of times and the lessons she learned through helping them. Read more...

Having the Courageous Conversation About Long-Term Care

No one likes to have to have the ‘courageous conversation’ with their parents about the possibility of needing long-term care but Jane Baufus discusses why it's important to do it sooner than later. Read more...

Fire Prevention in Retirement Homes

Fire Prevention in retirement homes has become an ongoing topic of discussion as it is an important component that ensures the safety of its residents. A new law has been put into effect requiring all retirement homes in Ontario to have fully functioning automatic sprinklers. Read More...

Why Mississauga Chosen as Best Place to Retire

Mississauga is chosen as the best city to retire in Ontario. Close to both Toronto and the countryside, hosting great activities year-round, and includes wonderful medical care. See why Charles Hicks and his wife chose Mississauga to call home, and see which retirement homes ranked best in Mississauga.

Senior Housing in Canada: 2013 Report

The landscape of senior housing in Canada is changing. Find out how. Read more...

Best places to retire in Ontario

These top 10 cities to retire in Ontario are ideal for seniors who are looking for low cost with lots of activities and amenities. Read more...

Best places to retire in Canada

Wondering where you should retire? These senior-centered cities are the best places to retire in Canada. Read more...