A Tour of Delmanor Wynford Retirement Home

As I arrived at Delmanor Wynford, I was immediately welcomed by the concierge, who serves as a helpful presence on-site every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. I was able to take some time to relax in the well-appointed lobby ahead of my tour, where I could truly admire the elegant surroundings and the warm atmosphere of the residence. Delmanor Wynford is centrally located in the heart of Don Mills, making it easily accessible via the Don Valley Parkway. However, its unique position within the valley means it is also tucked away near nature and lush green spaces. The entire environment felt remarkably serene and elegant as I began my journey through the various wings of the home. 

A Strong Focus on Independent Living

Currently, there are approximately 130 residents at Delmanor Wynford, and the community maintains a significant focus on Independent Living. It is a notably active home with a plethora of daily activities and numerous common areas for residents to congregate, whether they prefer indoor lounges or the beautifully landscaped outdoor terraces. Residents pay a flat monthly price that varies based on the size and layout of their suite, and this fee is quite comprehensive. It includes all chef-prepared meals, daily activities, an emergency medical response pendant, and weekly housekeeping services that also include the laundering of towels and bed sheets. 

In addition to these standard inclusions, every resident is part of the signature LivingWell program. In this program, residents have the opportunity to meet with a dedicated life coach once per week. The coaches work closely with residents to establish personalized exercise routines and wellness goals, with a specific focus on maintaining mobility, agility, balance, flexibility, and overall stamina. This proactive approach to health can be instrumental in reducing the risk of heart disease, increasing bone density, rehabilitating chronic back pain, and minimizing the risk of accidental falls. While these coaches have strong fitness backgrounds, they also emphasize holistic well-being by providing social and emotional support. Because of this, the LivingWell program also encompasses a variety of intellectual and social events, such as guest lectures, workshops, book clubs, and art classes. It is quite apparent that at Delmanor Wynford, there is a genuine commitment to helping residents “thrive”. Everyone is encouraged to stay active and healthy, with a wide array of supports in place to make that possible. 

Regarding health care on-site, the residence features a nursing station on the main floor that is staffed from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There is a professional health care team on site 24 hours per day. Some residents also receive additional care through visiting providers from Ontario Health at Home. A physician visits the community once per week, and several fee-based outside providers come in regularly to offer specialized services, including professional foot care, eye care, dental care, and hearing assessments. 

Touring Around the Home

As I made my way through the home, it was a delight to see the many different areas and rooms that contribute to such a full and active lifestyle. The residence was a bustle of activity; I observed residents exercising in the fitness areas, heading out to meet friends, and reading quietly in one of the many comfortable sitting areas. One popular spot is the “Pub,” where continental breakfast is served daily, along with lunch options and refreshments in the afternoon. The main dining room, which was beautifully set for lunch during my visit, offers seven distinct meal choices each day for both lunch and dinner.

The multipurpose room is a versatile space that supports a number of activities, ranging from structured exercise programs to a gourmet demonstration kitchen where monthly cooking demos are held. In addition to the fun things to do on-site, the residence organizes four weekly bus trips, including local shopping excursions. I also learned that Tammy, the residence’s hair stylist who has been at Delmanor Wynford since it first opened, is available at the in-house hair salon three times per week. For residents who are still active drivers, reserved underground parking is available for a fee, and storage lockers are also provided for an additional charge. 

The resident suites themselves are very well-appointed and spacious. While most are one-bedroom units, there are also one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom options available. Each suite comes equipped with its own personal washer and dryer, as well as a full-sized refrigerator. One particularly appealing feature is that almost all units include a private balcony. Furthermore, there is a stunning rooftop terrace that includes a putting green, a bocce court, a scenic walking path, and treed sitting areas. 

The residence even features a gorgeous movie theatre with its own in-house popcorn maker, which was about to be transformed into an Olympic viewing space when I visited. They play movies regularly, and residents even have the option to request their own favorites through Netflix. These amenities all work together to support a truly independent and fulfilling lifestyle. 

Supportive Living

As care needs change, residents have access to Supportive Living, where assistance is provided discreetly within the privacy of their own suites. Personal support can be added as needed, and residents typically pay for these services in increments of 15 minutes. Residents also have access to a dedicated health and wellness team to assist with personal daily living tasks, medication management, daily housekeeping, and laundry services. All care provided above what is included in the Independent Living package is offered on an a la carte basis, with several specialized packages available. 

Residents can work closely with the nursing staff to determine their specific care requirements. While Delmanor Wynford can provide a high level of care, they cannot accommodate residents who require a two-person assist or a Hoyer lift. They do offer supports for some memory care; however, if a resident becomes unsafe or begins to wander, the staff will work with the family to transition them to a more appropriate home, such as Delmanor Elgin Mills, which specializes in Assisted Living and Memory Care. 

Guest and Respite Stays

Delmanor Wynford also offers short-term respite stays for individuals who need temporary support, such as those recovering from an illness or surgery. These stays include all the standard resident amenities, along with additional services like door-side medication management, 30 minutes of daily personal support, weekly bathing assistance, and personal laundry service. For those who simply want to experience retirement living before making a permanent move, the community also offers guest stays. These short-term trial stays provide a taste of the Delmanor lifestyle without the same level of clinical care included in a respite stay. 

Overall Impressions

I ended my tour by spending some time chatting with my guide in the Conservatory, located just off the main lobby. This is a very serene and peaceful space, with sunlight streaming in and an abundance of lush greenery. Once again, I was struck by a real feeling of comfort and elegance. I left with a deep appreciation for how the environment at Delmanor Wynford empowers residents to lead active, engaged lives where they can truly thrive in their older years.