For Families

Assisting a loved one with a retirement community decision can be challenging for everyone involved. The Gardens of Peterborough understands that. Through the years we've helped thousands of people with this important decision. We know that "change" can be difficult and can be stressful. We also know that this change is for the better: healthier, more energized and interactive older adults, and closer, more relaxed and loving families.

Picture your mother or father eating well and regularly interacting with others, with greater mobility and independence because of the exercise and balance classes he or she has been attending. Picture your relationship returning to one of parent and child instead of caregiver and "patient". Imagine smiling visits with grandchildren, perhaps over a special birthday dinner.

Keeping Families Together
At The Gardens, our commitment is to keep families together. A monthly newsletter and calendar of events keeps residents and their families up to date on all that is going on. Families are encouraged to participate in any of our activities or Special Events. Whether for a special Mother's Day tea with visiting entertainment or for a simple group stroll along the river, families are always invited to be a part of our communities. We specifically plan for events to bring you closer together. Join us on outings and adventures. Share a delicious meal together in our lovely dining rooms whenever you wish, and chat over coffee or tea and delectable desserts. We have a special guest suite to make regular family visits convenient and simple for those who are from out of town. Indoor or covered parking is available for your convenience as well.

Choose to host your own family "Special Events" at The Gardens. Entertain in one of our private dining areas. Let our friendly and capable staff serve you and give you relaxed "quality" time to spend together as a family. Grandchildren are especially welcome.

Caring Together
As part of our total philosophy of "Care", when approved by our residents we involve families in our multi-disciplinary Care plan. We involve families as much as they wish in move-in transition plans and in ongoing updates and "care conferences" with our staff. We keep you up-to-date on your parent's health, diet, and social status and we inform you immediately if there are changes you should know about. At The Gardens of Peterborough, we work with families to maximize the health and independence of each one of our residents. (See our Health and Care Services section for more information.)

Resources to Help
There are often challenges which face an older adult and their family when making a decision to move to a retirement community. This can include stress, and even guilt. To give you a little initial assistance, resources are available on this web site which may be of help. These decisions aren't always easy and each situation is unique. Is it the right thing to do? Is it the right time? How do we come to consensus? These are frequent questions that older adults and their families must come to term with. To assist you with these issues, our Reaching a Decision section may offer some insights.

Once you've reached the decision that it is time to move, the second question is: "Where to Move". As a service, please review (and print) the Tips to Choosing a Community checklist, which includes a number of useful questions that you should ask of every retirement community you consider. You will find similar information at the Ontario Residential Care Association's (ORCA) web site as well. This is a big decision and you should be armed with all of the information you need. Not all retirement residences are the same. In fact, there are a multitude of differences - particularly in the Health and Care Services provided.

If you need more information than is available here or wish to discuss individual circumstances, please feel free to Contact Us for more information and assistance, or call 1-866-741-6036 (toll free).