A Deep Dive into McCowan Retirement Residence – A Retirement Community That Feels Like Home

From the moment I met with my hosts, Lesley and Sandra, it was immediately apparent that McCowan Retirement Residence is a community built on a foundation of genuine human connection. Throughout my visit, I was struck by the profound level of compassion that permeates every aspect of the home. As I toured the home with Lesley, we frequently crossed paths with various team members. In many environments, these encounters might feel routine, but here, the passion was palpable. Whether it was a quick smile in the hallway or a brief chat about a resident’s day, it was clear that the staff doesn’t just work at McCowan but they belong there.

A Seamless Approach to Aging in Place

The foundational philosophy at McCowan is a commitment to aging in place. This approach begins with Independent Living. The residence welcomes those who may not yet require daily medical intervention but are perhaps on the brink of needing support. By moving in early, these seniors can establish their social networks and familiarize themselves with the environment.

What truly impressed me was the “all-eyes-on-board” vigilance of the staff. Beyond the regular formal assessments conducted by the clinical team, every employee is involved in monitoring the residents’ well-being. This collaborative culture is formalized in daily meetings where any team member can contribute. For example, a member of the housekeeping team might notice that a resident hasn’t been taking their medication. By bringing this to the daily meeting, they ensure that a potential health issue is caught early.

Assisted Living and Enhanced Care

The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of the residence are primarily dedicated to Assisted Living, featuring approximately 31 suites per floor. These floors are designed to foster a sense of neighborhood with common areas on each floor. Residents here enjoy their meals at set seatings in the main dining room on the ground floor. Arriving just before the lunch hour provided a window into the daily life of the community. I saw residents gathered in the “congregation area” outside the dining room which is a thoughtful feature that prevents crowding and encourages socializing. For those days when a resident is feeling unwell or is bed-bound, McCowan ensures they are never forgotten; hot, fresh meals are delivered directly to their suites.

The clinical support at McCowan is robust and forward-thinking. Care is provided in the privacy of the residents’ rooms, supported by two nursing stations. One exciting development I learned about is the home’s process of obtaining an on-site mobile X-ray machine. This innovation will provide convenience, allowing for diagnostic imaging without the trauma and exhaustion of a trip to a hospital emergency room or clinic. Furthermore, McCowan has embraced a “cluster care” model for those receiving services from Ontario Health at Home. Instead of a revolving door of different agency staff, services are provided by a consistent team of PSWs who work within the home. This is supplemented by a visiting doctor who arrives weekly, alongside a suite of external providers including dental hygienists, foot care nurses, and hearing aid specialists.

The general pricing model at McCowan Retirement Residence is a Package price plus A La Carte services. The package includes the standard things such as meals, snacks, weekly housekeeping and laundry, daily recreation programs, and a 24 hour health team and emergency call system. For Assisted Living residents there are a few additional services included. For those requiring even more support, the home offers Enhanced Care. Depending on the specific needs of the individual there are Enhanced Care options within all facets of care including medication administration, ambulation, continence, and personal care. The resident can seamlessly move from Assisted Living to Enhanced Care as the additional services can be provided in the same suite. The home has one Hoyer lift per floor so is well equipped to help residents with limited mobility. They are also equipped and experienced in providing palliative care to those residents at end of life. 

The Lifestyles and Engagement Program

A highlight of my tour was meeting Mary, the Lifestyles Manager. Within minutes of chatting, it was obvious that Mary views her role as a calling rather than a job. Her enthusiasm for creating a vibrant life for the residents is infectious. Mary’s programming is notably diverse, ensuring that weekends are just as engaging as weekdays. She is a firm believer in intergenerational connection, frequently bringing students on board and seeking out new community partnerships. One of her most cherished traditions is the creation of a custom wall calendar each year. Using a “collage style” filled with photos of the residents from the previous year, the calendar acts as a community yearbook. It is a tangible celebration of the lives being lived at McCowan, serving as both a functional tool and a cherished memento for the residents.

Memory Care, Memory Lite, and Respite Care

On the 6th floor, McCowan operates a dedicated Memory Care unit for 28 residents. This is a secure environment designed for those who may wander or seek exits, meaning a code or key is required to enter or exit the unit. This level of security prevents residents from leaving on their own, however, they are free to move about within the unit. While the unit is secure, the atmosphere is far from clinical. The common areas are decorated with bright, stimulating colors and imagery of the local community to help with “wayfinding” and cognitive anchoring. The staff on this floor are highly specialized, trained in Gentle Persuasion Approaches (GPA) and other approaches to dementia care. These techniques allow the team to look beyond “sundowning” or challenging expressions to understand the unmet emotional or physical needs driving the behavior.

 During my visit, the common room was a hive of activity. A table of residents was happily engaged in colouring, showing a wide range of abilities and social styles. I spoke with Dev, the recreation staff member on duty, who enthusiastically explained McCowan’s philosophy of mind and body stimulation. While the TV might play a musical show in the background, the real hits are physical comedies like I Love Lucy, which transcend cognitive barriers through slapstick and visual humor. The team also utilizes portable ovens for baking, as the scent of freshly baked items often triggers powerful, positive emotional memories.

For those who have a dementia diagnosis but do not yet require a secure environment, McCowan offers Memory Lite on the 5th floor. This non-secure level of care is a perfect “middle ground,” providing extra cueing and support without the restrictions of a locked unit. Unlike the Memory Care unit on the 6th floor, this unit does not require a code or key for entry/exit. The pricing for Memory and Memory Lite is also a Package plus A La Carte model. Their Memory Lite package includes things that are not part of the Assisted Living package, and the Memory Care package includes even more. At each level, there is the option to add services. 

A truly unique feature is their Respite Care program. Unlike many homes that only offer respite for independent living, McCowan offers short-term stays across all levels, including Memory Care. This is an invaluable resource for family caregivers who need a temporary break.

Overall Impressions

Built in 2004 and housing 155 suites, McCowan Retirement Residence is part of a small Canadian operation, Metta Lifestyles, who own just four homes. In addition to the team members already mentioned, I was struck by my chance meeting with the Food Service Manager, Kwasi. He is new to McCowan Retirement Residence but one thing he clearly understands is that food is a vital form of care. He might be new at McCowan but he is certainly not new to the food world – he was a candidate on MasterChef Canada in 2015! It is clear that he is excited to make his mark at McCowan and bring in his creativity in order to meet the dietary needs and preferences of the residents. To me, Kwasi demonstrated the general feeling I got at McCowan – pay attention to the needs of the residents, treat them with respect, and always be ready to adapt to the needs of the day.