What to know about this topic:
- Types of retirement living in Welland
- How much does a retirement home in Welland cost?
- Medical and safety services for Welland seniors
- Recreation and social activities in Welland
- Availability of retirement homes in Welland
- Getting around Welland
- How to choose a retirement home
- Welland retirement community regulations
As the central hub of the Niagara region, Welland is close to popular cities such as Niagara Falls, Niagara-On-The-Lake and St. Catharines. Within the area are a few retirement homes that provide seniors access to activities, programs and lifestyle options within the retirement community as well as the wider area.
This is your guide to finding the right community and care in the region.
Types of retirement living in Welland
Whether you’re just beginning your search for a retirement home or have been looking into the options for a little while, Welland offers a full range of active living, independent living and assisted living communities with different amenities and lifestyle alternatives to meet your needs and interests.
Within these communities there is the option to transition to more advanced care over time as needed, including the ability to change suites without disrupting your level of care. There is also a constant level of support and encouragement to stay social and involved within the retirement community and in the broader surrounding area – just a few major benefits that come with living in a retirement residence.
Read Niagara Falls retirement home reviews before committing to seniors' care in Welland.
How much does a retirement home in Welland cost?
According to the 2021 CMHC Seniors’ Housing Survey, the average rent in Ontario increased by 3.5 per cent to $3,999 a month. In Niagara Region, the average rent was $3,281, with studio apartments the most affordable at $2,939 per month. Retirement homes listed by Comfort Life start as low as $1,999 per month [as of 2021].
While long-term care homes receive government funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), according to the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), all other Ontario retirement communities do not receiving funding.
For long-term care, residents generally provide a co-payment for accommodation and need to be referred from the local office of Home and Community Care Support Services. Seniors looking for ways to pay for retirement costs may consider using their pensions, RRSPs, CPP and other forms of income, such as second careers. They may also decide to look into combining the profits of selling their homes and contributions from family.
Find help understanding the costs of retirement home living, consult our retirement cost calculator. You can also learn more about tax credits, benefits, and other sources of money in our look at how to pay for a retirement home.
Medical and safety services for Welland seniors
There are various care services available in Welland, including medical administration and supervision, wellness centres, and specialized programs for dietary and mobility restrictions. Some residences offer optional meal plans, 24/7 nurse care, on-site doctor’s offices, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and additional assistance as needed. They are also positioned close to pharmacies, recreation centres, libraries and other medical services to make sure residents have everything they need nearby.
Recreation and social activities in Welland
Retirement communities are devoted to fulfilling seniors’ physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs by offering services and amenities such as wellness centres, spa/beauty salons, mini-golf, family programs, BBQs, community gardens, libraries, religious services, party rooms and more.
From gardening to day trips, volunteering to continued education, these residences establish plenty of safe and engaging activities and facilities to keep their residents healthy and happy. Seniors interested in finding things to do around Welland will surely be able to find an event or activity to suit their interests all year long. While the Niagara region is renowned for its golf courses, wineries and cycling tours (guided or self-guided), there are countless parks, galleries, shopping areas and parks to discover.
The Old Welland Canal and Welland Canal Parkway Trails are popular spots for active seniors to walk or bike, or just take in the sights of the large ships passing through the docks. Chippawa Park in northwest Welland and Memorial Park in the southeast part of Welland, plus Merrit Island Park along the canal, are all well known recreation areas. The city has 3 swimming pools and a number of other recreational facilities, including community centres, with adult day programs and other activities.
Aside from the Seaway Mall and Lincoln Centre, those interested in shopping will likely enjoy browsing the Main Street shops and Flea Market. Annual festivals include the Niagara Food Festival (early fall), Niagara Regional Exhibit (fall), the Farmer’s Market (year-round), the Welland Dragon Boat Festival (June) and the Welland Rose Festival (June). For more seasonal festivals and community events, it’s a good idea to contact the retirement community of your choice or the Welland/Pellham Chamber of Commerce.
Availability of retirement homes in Welland
According to the 2021 CMHC Seniors' Housing Survey, Ontario saw an overall increase in vacancy rate, to 19.6%. Niagara Region's overall vacancy rate was 17.3%, while 13.5% of units priced at under $2,500 were available. Only 5.0% of Ontario’s seniors aged 75 and over lived in seniors’ residences in 2021, representing a drop in the overall capture rate, which was 5.5% in 2020, thanks due largely to the coronavirus pandemic.
Getting around Welland
Retirement communities in Welland endeavor to help their residents stay active and have plenty of opportunities to get out into the wider community. From day trips to schedule group transportation to nearby shopping malls and services, these communities can help independent seniors navigate public transit or arrange personal door-to-door transit. For those interested in exploring everything Welland has to offer, there are a number of available options:
- Welland Transit – Routine bus service with additional Welland Transit Trans-Cab service for areas not serviced by buses and WellTrans for individuals unable to use regular Welland Transit (must be registered through physician application). Seniors fees range from $2.75 cash, $16.50 Econopass, and $52.00 for a monthly unlimited pass (fees subject to change).
- Niagara Region Transit – Various transit bus routes. Fees vary.
How to choose a retirement home
When beginning to search for a retirement home, we encourage seniors and their families to consider which factors matter most and what would best suit their needs and interests. Remember that retirement communities are generally able to provide ongoing support as health and personal needs change and always strive to keep your happiness and wellbeing in mind.
Find out more about choosing a retirement home, or contact the Welland residences shown above to start your search.
For more points to consider and some common questions and concerns about retirement homes, please visit our page for seniors considering a retirement home.
Welland retirement community regulations
Ontario’s retirement homes are regulated by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA), which inspects retirement homes, oversees compliance and enforces the Retirement Homes Act to protect residents. The RHRA has a Public Register available on their website which lists retirement homes that have applied for a license or are already licensees. Many Welland retirement homes are members of provincial and national associations, including:
- The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA)
- The Ontario Long-term Care Association (OLTCA)
- AdvantAge Ontario (formerly the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors: OANHSS)
- The Canadian Association of Retired People (CARP)
Source: CMHC Seniors’ Housing Survey 2020-2021
