When Raglan Village Retirement Community first opened in Collingwood in December 2007, it attracted a lot of attention for its novel approach to adult and retirement living. Three lifestyle choices that include options that include social curriculum, dining, and the availability of a caregiving team all within a village setting. Many area retirement communities have since followed suit with similar concepts.
Pretty River Residence - Memory Living building will open in 2021 and offer a fourth lifestyle option
Fast forward 13 years and Raglan Village is about to introduce its fourth lifestyle option set to open in 2021. It will, again, be a one of a kind in an adult and retirement community setting.
“We’re currently in the midst of building a 36-suite Memory Living building with the foundation very recently being poured,” said Catherine Elliott, Marketing Manager, Raglan Village Retirement Community in Collingwood. “This self-contained building is specifically designed to enable those with cognitive issues to live relatively independently with the assistance of an amazing team of caring staff.”
Cognitive assistance is an area of much-needed care, she explained, and that is further validated with an already waitlist.
The Memory Living building is the next step in what Catherine refers to as Raglan Village’s life path. Their slogan of “Discover the Raglan difference” illustrates how they pride themselves on having an option for seniors, every step of the way. Elliott said that no matter if they’re experiencing challenges, simply want to maintain or even take a step back from their current lifestyle, there’s an option for them within Raglan Village.
Raglan Village includes Independent and Lifestyle Plus (Assisted Living) retirement suites, apartment condominiums and townhomes. Residents wanting a totally independent lifestyle can purchase one of 51 condos. Those still wanting a home, but not the maintenance task list that accompanies it, can rent one of the 12 townhouses.
Raglan Square Retirement Accommodations consists of 76 suites (studio, one and two-bedrooms) that include kitchenettes. Meals are provided in addition to housekeeping services. For those individuals who require extra support with daily living Raglan offers Lifestyle Plus (Assisted Living) accommodations. A professional caregiving team evaluates a resident’s needs and tailors a care program to suit their requirements.
As the Collingwood area enters Phase 3 of the Covid-19 pandemic, Raglan Village is starting to open up some of their programming that had been on hold. When fully open, the Raglan Club enables seniors to enjoy a saltwater pool, games room, fitness area, theatre, bistro or patios. A wellness centre and hair salon are also available.
“Things are starting to open up but we must follow the Ontario government’s regulations, Simcoe Muskoka Public Health and Ontario Retirement Communities Association which include wearing proper masks, hand washing/sanitizing and ensuring safe social distancing,” said Elliott. “Our residents have been incredibly understanding and very committed in their own efforts in ensuring a safe environment.”
While tours of the site aren’t currently available, Elliott said that move-ins have occurred, with special precautions, during the past few months. Prospective residents still have the availability of an office representative on the phone, plus the visuals of the website, help to identify how Raglan Village can meet their needs.
“In our beginning conversations we spend time getting to know one and other, as well, discovering the wishes and requirements potential residents are hoping to find by making the move to a Retirement Community. At Raglan Village we pride ourselves in getting to know our clients/potential residents. For those that choose to move to the Community they soon discover they are a part of our “Raglan Family” she said. “Raglan is about providing security, safety and wellbeing and if people know they need a change but aren’t sure of exactly what that change might look like we will help them through discovery to grow-their-path.”
She added that it is disappointing that Raglan residents are not able to meet and interact with potential residents as residents are the best promoters of the community. Most are very quick to mention why they are there, what they like about living in the community and in general put out the “Welcome Mat”.
Catherine said the majority of current residents are people who have a connection to the Georgian triangle. They do or have lived in the Collingwood area, possible enjoyed a family summer cottage or ski chalet so they are familiar with the area.
Elliott said that Raglan Village has also seen increased interest from the GTA, Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo area as people source accommodations close to where younger generations of their family now reside or enjoy weekend homes. Collingwood still has a small-town charm, she explains, but with all the amenities of a larger city so it is appealing for all ages.
“Raglan allows for progression should you be presented with challenges or require additional assistance but you’re already part of a community so, if any lifestyle transition should present itself, you’re still within your community and don’t have to go elsewhere, this is your home.”
For more information on Raglan Retirement Village call 705-445-1100 or email [email protected].