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Brantford retirement homes

The complete guide to finding a retirement community in the Brantford area

Brantford is a city with a high proportion of its population aged 55 or older, has  a rich history, and is situated in a picturesque part of the province – all factors that make it a great place to be in a retirement residence.

Types of senior care in Brantford

 Brantford’s retirement homes cover the full spectrum of care and provide living options for seniors at various stages of their retirement, including active adult, independent and assisted living options (see image below).

Active adult communities in this area offer condo style housing designed for healthy adults who are beginning their retirement and are looking for accommodation, services and care in a secure environment amongst a community of peers.

Independent and assisted living retirement homes in this area offer seniors a continuum of care. Seniors who are active and healthy can choose an independent living suite and take advantage of services tailored to their needs including full dining, light cleaning and one-off medical assistance.

For seniors with greater health demands an assisted living suite provides access to a higher level of medical care and dedicated staff time for health and other personal needs. Choosing a retirement home with independent and assisted living options means that seniors can remain within a familiar community as they age and their needs change.

For a more detailed comparison of the different care types, and advice on how to find the right care type for you, visit our hub on the subject.

How much does a retirement home in Brantford cost?

The monthly rent of a retirement home in Brantford depends greatly on the type of suite and level of care you choose. The average rent in Brantford is in line with the provincial average of $3,204 a month for a standard care unit.

Retirement savings, pension, CPP, OAP and other income sources like the sale of the family home are the most common ways for seniors to pay for retirement care. Seniors with high medical or prescription expenses may want to consider applying to the Trillium Drug Program (TDP). TDP helps seniors who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income. Seniors over the age of 65 years old who live in Ontario and have a valid Ontario health card are able to apply.

Health and safety services for Brantford Seniors

Retirement homes are dedicated to the health and wellbeing of their residents. Most retirement homes in Brantford offer preventative health care programs for their community members. Some examples of health and wellness services provided in independent and assisted living residences include:

• An on-site doctor, or a doctor who visits residents on a regular basis
• On-site nursing staff, often available 24/7
• An on-site pharmacy and medication assistance services
• Exercise programs with access to a personal trainer
• Physiotherapy
• Preventative wellness programs
• Recuperative programs
• Dietary and nutritional programs
• Assistance with daily living activities including bathing, dressing, nutrition and mobility
• Assistance with lifestyle maintenance including outings, social engagements and pet care
• Continence management programs
• Palliative care services

Brantford's total population is approximately 135,500 people. Of the city’s total population, 28.61% are aged 55 years or older. As the fastest growing segment of Brantford’s population, the city offers a number of resources. However, for some seniors it can be difficult to know where to look for support. The Senior’s Resource Centre of Brantford is a non-profit organization that offers free help to Brantford, Brant County, Six Nations and the surrounding region. Some of the services they help seniors navigate include:

• Government forms
• Long-term care programs
• Nursing homes
• Senior safety and protection from fraud
• Healthy living
• Disease prevention
• Emergency preparedness

Brantford is one of Ontario's best places to retire!

Recreation and social activities in Brantford

Social and emotional health is also an important part of wellness. Brantford's retirement communities offer a range of health, fitness and recreational activities and facilities, as well as helping residents stay engaged in the community and take advantage of the health services and attractions in and around the city.

Brantford offers a number of activities for seniors to stay active and social, and many retirement residences organize bus trips and outings to town events and attractions. The Brantford Casino is a popular destination for senior bus trips.

Active seniors in Brantford and Paris will enjoy the picturesque setting for walks along the Grand River, organized activities at the many conservation areas that are part of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the eclectic downtown shops and cafes. For those interested in local history, there are over 17 local museums and galleries in the area, many of which offer senior discounts and programs including the Canadian Military Heritage Museum and the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead National Historic Site.

With close proximity to Turkey Point, one of Ontario’s popular beach communities, seniors who love to sail, fish, boat, or just enjoy the sun and sand will enjoy being nearby and many communities organize day trips to the area.

Retirement homes provide residents with organized outings such as the ones mentioned above, as well as concerts, entertainment, movies, games, gardening and other social activities offered within the retirement residence.

The Brantford CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) Chapter brings together seniors in the Brantford area for socialization, fun, and to participate in senior advocacy issues.

Getting around Brantford 

For active, independent seniors who want to get around Brantford on their own, Brantford Transit provides discounted monthly senior passes. There are also a number of private companies that offer seniors door-to-door transportation services.

How to choose a retirement home

Many seniors consider moving to a retirement home at a time of crisis – after a fall, illness or loss of a spouse. Making a choice about retirement living during a time of crisis is both stressful and limiting. It’s better to make the move before a crisis occurs because finding the right retirement home requires thought and pre-planning.

How to Choose a Retirement Community from Comfort Life on Vimeo.

Another way that retirement homes keep seniors safe is by ensuring that help is always close by. Many communities equip senior suites with an alarm bell, and sometimes even a personal alarm necklace so that the senior can easily call for help in the case of a fall, heart attack, stroke, or other emergency.

For more points to consider and some common questions and concerns about retirement homes, please visit our page for seniors considering a retirement home.

You need to first think about:

• What you want
• What you need
• What you can afford
• Your preferred location

Pre-plan for the future. Ensure your:

• Medical needs are met
• Residence can grow with your needs as your activity, medical and financial circumstances change over time
• Finances are in order. Remember to factor rent and cost of living increases into your calculation

Use our retirement calculator to get an idea of what you’ll be able to afford. Then, use our advanced search to create a shortlist andarrange meetings and tours with the staff of retirement residences that meet your requirements.

Be sure to read our Brantford retirement home reviews before you commit to any senior care community in Brantford and area.

Remember to ask about overnight stays - some will let seniors stay overnight to get a better idea of what it’s like to live in the community.

Download our eBook on the ultimate retirement tour guide for more information, or contact the residences shown above to get started with your search.

Brantford retirement community regulations

Retirement communities in Brantford and across Ontario are subject to the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority (RHRA). In order to be licensed, retirement homes must:

• Receive approval from the RHRA in order to operate
• Undertake ongoing inspections by the RHRA to ensure they continue to comply with licensing requirements and safety standards

When choosing a retirement home make sure to check the RHRA standing. Many retirement homes in Brantford are also members of the Ontario Retirement Communities Association  (ORCA), which is a voluntary association for retirement homes throughout Ontario.