Choosing a retirement home can feel overwhelming. Many families do not know where to start, what questions to ask, or how retirement homes work.

Recently, we hosted a drop-in information session at Cedarcroft Place in Oshawa where families could ask questions about retirement living.

While we were there, I sat down with Robert Miles, Sales Consultant at Cedarcroft Place, to talk about what life is like in the community and to answer some of the questions sent to us about Cedarcroft Place.

About Cedarcroft Place in Oshawa

Cedarcroft Place is a retirement residence located in Oshawa, Ontario, offering both Independent Living and Assisted Living.

The community focuses on creating a warm, welcoming environment where residents can stay independent while having access to support when they need it.

The home is located near St. Gertrude’s Church, Farewell Park, and local shops, making it easy for residents to stay connected to the surrounding community.

Levels of Care

Cedarcroft Place supports residents with different care needs, including:

Independent Living
For older adults who want the convenience of retirement living while maintaining independence.

Assisted Living
For residents who benefit from help with daily tasks such as medication or personal care.

The home also offers:

• 24/7 on-site nursing
• Weekly physician visits
• Support services that can adapt as residents’ needs change.

Suites and Living Spaces

Residents live in private suites designed for comfort and accessibility.  Resident suites feature large windows that allow in a lot of natural light.

Residents bring their own furniture and decorate their space so it truly feels like home.

Amenities and Activities

Cedarcroft Place offers a range of amenities designed to support social connection and wellbeing.

These include:

• Resident-maintained outdoor gardens
• Fireside lounge and library
• On-site theatre room
• Hair salon

Residents can also take part in many activities, such as:

• Fitness classes
• Group physiotherapy
• Arts and crafts
• Live music and entertainment
• Community outings

The goal is to create a community where residents can stay active and engaged.

Dining at Cedarcroft Place

Residents enjoy three home-cooked meals each day served in a full-service dining room with restaurant-style seating.

Snacks and beverages are also available throughout the day, giving residents opportunities to socialize and connect during meals.

Q&A with Robert Miles from Cedarcroft Place

During our visit, Robert answered some of the most common questions families ask when they are exploring retirement homes.

What happens on moving day?

Moving day is carefully planned so the transition goes smoothly.

Families can book the elevator for specific time slots, usually outside of busy meal periods. This helps avoid congestion and makes the move more comfortable for everyone.

Cedarcroft Place also allows:

• Overnight guests in certain circumstances
• Family members to stay in guest suites if available
• Occasional overnight stays in resident suites with advance notice for safety

Are residents allowed to invite guests to meals?

Yes.

Cedarcroft Place encourages residents to invite friends and family to meals.

Residents can:

• Book the private dining room for family gatherings
• Reserve a spot for a guest to join them in the dining room

This helps residents stay connected with the people who matter most to them.

Are overnight guests allowed at Cedarcroft Place?

Yes, overnight guests are allowed in certain situations.

Robert explained that Cedarcroft Place understands how important it is for residents to stay connected with family, especially when someone is adjusting to a new home.

The residence offers guest suites (sometimes called respite suites) that family members can book, depending on availability. These suites allow loved ones to stay overnight and spend more time together.

In some cases, a family member may also stay overnight in the resident’s suite, but the team asks that this be arranged ahead of time so staff are aware for safety reasons.

This flexibility can be especially helpful during the first few days after moving in, when families want to help their loved one settle into their new home.

For many residents, knowing that family can stay overnight occasionally provides added comfort and peace of mind.

What care services do independent living residents use most?

Many residents in independent living choose to add a few services as needed.

Some of the most common include:

• Medication administration
• Assistance with showering
• Other personal support services

Medication can be provided in two ways:

• At a medication cart near the dining room during meals
• In-suite medication service

This flexibility allows residents to receive support while still maintaining independence.

Can the kitchen accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes.

Before moving in, residents complete a pre-move health assessment with the nursing team.

During this meeting, the team discusses:

• Food allergies
• Dietary needs
• Special diets

The kitchen team can accommodate many needs, including gluten-free diets and other food sensitivities.

What is the difference between retirement homes and long-term care homes?

This is one of the most common questions families ask.

According to Robert, retirement homes often have a wider range of independence among residents.

Some residents may:

• Still drive
• Live mostly independently
• Only need light support

Long-term care homes, on the other hand, typically serve people with more complex health needs, including advanced dementia or significant medical conditions.

How do you help new residents settle in?

Cedarcroft Place takes a team approach to welcoming new residents.

When someone moves in:

• They are introduced to key staff members during their tour
• Resident ambassadors help welcome them to the community
• Staff check in regularly during the first days and weeks

Robert also personally visits new residents with a welcome gift and information binder.

How can families tell if a retirement home is licensed?

In Ontario, retirement homes must be licensed by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA).

Licensed homes display a licence certificate in the building, which is updated annually.

Families can also verify licensing on the RHRA website.

What is included in the monthly fee at Cedarcroft Place?

The monthly fee includes many services, such as:

• Weekly suite cleaning
• Weekly personal laundry and linens
• Three meals per day
• Access to activities and amenities
• A personal emergency pendant
• 24/7 nursing support

This all-inclusive structure helps make budgeting easier for residents and families.

What should families pay attention to when touring a retirement home?

Robert says the most important thing to look for is how the home feels.

When touring, pay attention to:

• How staff interact with residents
• The atmosphere in common areas
• Whether residents appear engaged and comfortable

The staff you see during your tour are the same people who will be supporting your loved one every day.

Why are health assessments updated every six months?

Cedarcroft Place updates care plans every six months to ensure residents receive the right support.

This helps the team:

• Monitor changes in health
• Adjust care services when needed
• Communicate updates with families

The goal is to help residents age in place comfortably and safely.

How does Robert interact with residents day-to-day?

Before becoming a sales consultant, Robert worked in recreation for eight years.

Because of that background, he spends a lot of time interacting with residents throughout the day.

Whether he is walking through the dining room or chatting in the hallway, he makes a point to stop and connect with people.

He also enjoys sharing photos of his young children with residents, which often sparks great conversations.

What is one question families should ask when touring a retirement home?

Robert recommends asking about health services available on site.

Examples include:

• Visiting doctors
• Hearing aid specialists
• Eye care professionals

Having these services available in the building can make a big difference, especially during winter when travel can be difficult.

Cedarcroft Place offers several visiting services, as well as regular physician visits.

Visiting Cedarcroft Place

If you would like to learn more about Cedarcroft Place or schedule a tour, you can contact Robert by filling out on contact form on the Cedarcroft Place page, or by calling Robert directly:

Robert Miles
Sales Consultant – Cedarcroft Place

Phone: 905-723-9494 x2004

Tours are a great way to experience the community and get a feel for daily life in the residence.

Need Help Comparing Retirement Homes?

Choosing the right retirement home can feel overwhelming, especially if you are navigating it for the first time.

Elderado makes it easier to search, filter, and compare retirement homes and long-term care homes across Ontario.

You can explore communities, learn about care options, and connect directly with homes.

👉 Start your search here: www.elderado.ca/search

You can also check out the Retirement Living Availability Registry (RLAR) to find retirement homes that have current availability.

👉 Check the RLAR: www.elderado.ca/availability-registry