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Windsor retirement homes

The complete guide to finding a retirement community in the Windsor region

Windsor is Ontario’s southernmost city, located on between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, and has historically served as an important international port for Canada. The city boasts an abundance of public art as well as one of the country’s warmest climates. 

The area also boasts a few reputable retiement homes. This is your guide to finding the right community and care in the Windsor region, including Belle River, LaSalle, and Amherstburg. 

Types of senior care in Windsor

The primary types of retirement homes in the city of Windsor are assisted living, independent living, and Alzheimer’s care, pictured on the spectrum of care below:

Independent and assisted living

Independent living communities cater to seniors who want the companionship and amenities of a retirement residence, but wish to remain independent, while assisted living also offers independent suites, but can provide residents with the help they need to stay healthy and live comfortably. The care provided in assisted living can range from meals and light housekeeping to medication management and personal care. 

Many residences in Windsor offer a continuum of care. At these communities, seniors are able to transition from independent living to a more advanced level of care if needed or as thier health changes over time. Residents can often change suites in the same residence without interrupting care and continue to be supported, social and stay involved in their community – a few of the major benefits that come from living in these types of communities. 

Alzheimer's care

Alzheimer’s care is more extensive than the care provided in other types of communities. Nursing staff is specially trained to help residents with cognitive challenges feel safe and at home, and options such as music therapy and medication administration are available. 

How much does a retirement home in Windsor cost?

In 2021, the average rent for senior living spaces in Windsor was $3,463, a bit above the provincial average of $3,236 a month.

The average monthly rent at a Windsor retirement community generally depends on the suite type and service package, with common suite options ranging from studio apartments to one bedroom or two bedrooms. 

Retirement homes in Ontario do not receive funding. 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). Residents pay a co-payment for accommodation and need to be referred from the local branch of Home and Community Care Support Services.

To help pay for retirement care costs, seniors may use their pensions, RRSPs, CPP and other forms of income, such as second careers. They may also look into combining the profits of selling their homes and contributions from family. Learn how to afford the ideal retirement community with our Retirement Cost Calculator.

Medical and safety services for Windsor seniors

The City of Roses is made up of twenty neighborhoods, including Walkerville, Ford City, Sandwich, and Remington Park. Among these neighborhoods are a number of retirement homes that make resident wellness their first priority. In order to provide a full range of health care options as well as quick response in an emergency, retirement homes in Windsor are also in close proximity to local hospitals and health centres. 

Area hospitals such as Windsor Regional Hospital offer facilities like Windsor-Essex Cardiac Wellness Centre and Diabetes Clinic with teams who can help assess and monitor seniors’ health and address specific needs. 

Access to nearby pharmacies and medical services assures residents and their families that there is assistance available at all times. Hospitals such as Windsor Regional have programs such as a Diabetes Clinic and Cardiac Wellness Centre, and Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare have a Geriatric Assessment Program and a Mental Health Outreach program for seniors with serious mental health issues, as well as Specialized Geriatric Services. 

Based on the degree of care that a Windsor retirement community offers, there are a range of programs and services available including basic exercise programs, wellness centers, medical administration and supervision, or specialized programs for mobility restrictions. Various care packages may also be provided based on the community type with access to outside medical care services if the residence is unable to provide the level of care necessary. 

Healthy living also includes a healthy diet. Retirement homes employ a dietician or have kitchen staff trained not only to cook meals that are both healthy and delicious, but that cater to the specific health needs and religious preferences of residents.

In order to keep safe residents safe in their everyday lives and in case of an emergency, retirement homes are equipped with many safety features. Every home has an alarm system installed and fire protection, and the suites in assisted living as well as long-term care residents are also fitted with an emergency call system that will alert staff to an emergency at any time of day or night. The bathrooms of suites are also specially designed to be accessible for seniors. Oversized showers with grab-bars, sit-down options and non-slip floors are all designed to make everyday activities easier and safer for residents. 

Special care is taken to ensure the well being of residents with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, in the form of secure floors, 24 hour nursing and overnight monitoring. 

 For those searching for a retirement home, or looking for health care at home, there are a number of services offered by the Government of Ontario that can help. Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors provides programs, services and other benefits for seniors and their families where and when they need them. Learn more about this initiative here.

Other organizations such the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres (OACACC) advise seniors about their provincial senior care options free of charge. 

Recreation and social activities for Windsor seniors

To fulfill and assist with seniors’ physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs, retirement communities in Windsor offer many different amenities and services such as various care packages, scheduled transportation, religious services, family programs, wellness centres and more. Communities also provide a range of additional programs to connect with and inspire residents day to day. Common daily activities include anything from shopping, arts and crafts, community gardens and spa services to theatre performances, movie nights, mini-golf and resident parties.

The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) (link) also offers activities, resources and services to community based senior centres. There are two centres in Windsor. Centres for Seniors Windsor runs recreational programs, clubs and events year-round. Seniorscan purchase a yearly membership or enjoy activities a la carte. Both the East-side and West-side centre offer everything from weekly billiards games to intro-to computer classes, line dancing and pilates. 

For seniors interested in getting out into the wider community, there are plenty of festivals and activities available all year long for residents to explore and engage in. Retirement communities will often organize bus outings or walking tours to community events and interesting sights. 

Golfing, cycling, and sight-seeing through guided or self-guided tours are just a few of the ways to discover more of Windsor. Popular destinations include the Canadian Historical Aircraft museum and the Dieppe Gardens. The streets of downtown Windsor are also home to many painted murals on the walls of its buildings.

There are also a number of art galleries, dinner theatres, markets, arenas and parks to relax and enjoy. Caesars Windsor, Little Italy, the Art Gallery of Windsor and Windsor Symphony Orchestra are some of the more popular attractions in the area, while the Sandwich First Baptist Church and François Bâby House have been designated National Historic Sites of Canada.

Unique to Windsor is the Windsor Sculpture Park – a favourite cultural attraction for both tourists and locals. The park is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Odette, who’s philosophy is that it is essential to have art visible to the public. For this reason, this amazing collection of sculptures is open year-round and admission is free of charge. 

Windsor’s Community Museum is built in and around the historic François Bâby House. This collection of fascinating exhibits is ever-changing and is currently undergoing an expansion project. For seniors with a love of history or beautiful architecture, this museum is a great idea for a day trip! 

Each year, Windsor hosts such events as the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival and Bluesfest International Windsor. It’s a good idea to check with your retirement community of choice, local community centers or the City of Windsor for additional year-round and seasonal events and festivals.

Those seniors with a taste for the great outdoors can also take advantage of the many trails that wind through the beautiful natural environment around the city. As Canada’s southernmost city, and due to its location on the shore of the great lakes, Windsor’s climate is more moderate than that of most of Ontario, and lends itself well to exploring the outdoors. 

From walking groups to day trips to continued education, these communities ensure that there are plenty of safe and engaging activities to keep their residents healthy and happy.  

Getting around Windsor for seniors

Windsor’s retirement communities work hard to make sure that seniors stay /mobile and have access to a variety of nearby services. They may schedule group transportation or arrange personal door-to-door transit for special requests such as medical appointments. 

For seniors interested in traveling around the city, there are a number of options:

•    Transit Windsor - Bus transit with discounts for seniors 60+, special $1 fare during the first week of Seniors Month (June). Other senior special fares are available on select days of the week.
•    Windsor Essex Community Transit - Provides transportation for seniors 55+ and those with disabilities. 
•    Handi Transit –  Offers bus service door-to-door for persons with disabilities who cannot use public transit. Fees are $2.75 one-way.

Availability of retirement homes in Windsor

What’s the availability in Windsor retirement communities like? According to the 2021 CMHC Seniors’ Housing Survey, Ontario saw an overall increase in vacancy rate to 19.6%, in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. In the city of Windsor, the rate is even higher, at 26.2%. In Essex County there’s a total of 2441 seniors’ rental units.

When vacancy rates are low, there may be wait times associated with moving into the community of your choice. This is why we recommend starting to looking for the right retirement residence early, before a time of crisis. Also remember to consider all your options, as differences in care and suites come with different wait times and costs. The following factors may inform the length of wait times:

• Crisis placement (if someone’s safety poses immediate risk)
• Type of accommodation: basic, semi-private or private or secure floor (Private or semi-private are more expensive but have shorter wait-times) 
• Gender
• Medical care needs i.e. tube-feeding
• Unit designation- secure, non- secure

How to choose a retirement home in Windsor

Does price range or location matter more in searching for the right retirement community? Perhaps you would like to be closer to your family or need a residence with more assistance?

We encourage seniors to consider which factors matter most when narrowing down options and what would best suit their needs and interests. Keep in mind that retirement communities are able to offer support as health and personal needs change and strive to keep your wellbeing in mind at all times.

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

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

Choosing a retirement home is a process that requires thought and pre-planning, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The first step to choosing a retirement home is knowing the answers to the following four questions: 

•    What do you want?
•    What you need? 
•    What you can afford?
•    What is your preferred location

Next, look over your answers and make sure you have considered all your medical needs and have your finances in order. Remember to factor rent and cost of living increases into your calculation.

When you have a list of answers you are satisfied with, its time to start looking at retirement homes in your preffered location that meet your criteria. Visiting the residences you are interested in is one of the best ways to find out which community is right for you or your loved one. This gives you the opportunity to see the facilities and amenities first hand and ask all your questions face to face.

Asking questions is an important part of the process. Be sure to prepare a list of what to ask in accordance with your answers to the above questions. If you are unsure what to ask about, download our retirement checklist e-book.

On of the most important questions to ask is whether the homes offer an overnight stay, where potential residents can spend a night at the residence. This experience can help you or your loved one decide between residences. Many Windsor retirement homes offer this option to interested seniors. 

Start creating your shortlist today by finding retirement communities through our advanced search, or get started by contacting the retirement residences in and around Windsor shown above! 

Windsor 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. Always remember to check a retirement residence’s RHRA status before making your decision. 

Industry experts also recommend looking for an accredited retirement community that is a member of a trusted authority. Many Windsor 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) 

Additionally, all long term care homes in Windsor are governed by The Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007. This act requires residences to provide safe, consistent and high-quality resident-centred care and makes sure residents feel at home, are treated with dignity and respect, and have the health care services they need available to them.

Source: CMHC Seniors’ Housing Survey 2020-2021