Waterford Senior Living revolutionizes retirement living with unique continuum-of-care model

Local family-owned business offers seamless transitions, catering to evolving needs of seniors in the Ottawa area

Waterford Senior Living, a local family-owned business, is revolutionizing how seniors experience retirement living with their unique continuum of care model. The company, which operates two properties in the Ottawa area, aims to provide various levels of living for seniors, catering to their evolving needs and preferences.

The Waterford Ottawa and Waterford Grand are the two flagship locations, with each property offering distinct amenities and care options.

The Waterford Ottawa is centrally located in the heart of Ottawa South, while The Waterford Grand is situated within The Barrhaven Town Centre in Nepean. Both properties offer state-of-the-art amenities typically not found in other retirement homes, such as saltwater pools, high-definition theatres and fitness studios.

Age in place with Waterford

Unlike many other retirement properties, Waterford Senior Living’s unique feature lies in its ability to provide a seamless transition between different levels of care within the same residence said Waterford Retirement Community co-owner Adam Zlepnig.

“Residing somewhere without the need for frequent moves provides comfort and peace of mind for seniors,” he said. “As we age, it’s common for health to decline, and having access to different levels of care within the same community ensures residents can receive the support they need without upheaval.”

The community features separate floors dedicated to memory care and enhanced care, as well as independent living. This unique offering ensures that residents can age in place without the need to relocate should their care needs change over time.

The most notable feature of all is the indoor tropical atrium with a retractable roof enclosure which is the only one of its kind in Canada. Allowing residents to feel the warmth and comfort of a climate-controlled green space year-round definitely takes the edge off of the long and harsh Canadian winters.

Zlepnig said, “If a resident eventually requires greater care needs over time, they can transition to the enhanced care floor, where they will receive more regular assistance. Similarly, for those with cognitive challenges, we have a dedicated memory care floor designed to meet their specific needs.”

Waterford Senior Living is also expanding its offerings with the upcoming construction of new apartments later this year.

“We were overwhelmed with the demand for senior apartments when we launched the concept in Barrhaven,” Zlepnig said. “It’s a product that has been missing from the senior’s housing market for quite some time, and the concept that we developed in Barrhaven has demonstrated the need for this type of accommodation.”

The South Way seniors’ apartments are designed to cater to seniors looking to downsize without compromising their independence or quality of life.

“We are very excited to bring this fourth dimension of senior living to our Waterford Ottawa location with the addition of a 98-unit, eight-story apartment building which will be branded as South Way Seniors’ Apartments.”

Apartment-style living in conjunction with a retirement residence is a new concept in the seniors’ housing industry, and the Waterford properties are among the first to bring this to Ottawa. The concept has proven to be very successful with their Bristol Apartments in Barrhaven, which are connected to The Waterford Grand Retirement Residence via a second-floor sky-bridge.

“It has proven to us that seniors are searching for the “retirement lifestyle” that has evolved from retirement homes over the last decade, but not everyone needs all of those services, or perhaps they’re simply not ready to make that commitment. By offering a completely independent and autonomous apartment building, residents receive a membership to the retirement residence that allows them access and the ability to participate in programming.”

“Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for our residents by providing a healthy, enriching lifestyle in a warm, friendly, home-like environment,” said Zlepnig.

Let the Zlepnig family take care of your loved ones

Apart from its continuum of care model, Waterford Senior Living distinguishes itself as one of the few family-owned retirement businesses in the area.

For over 60 years, the Zlepnig family has been deeply rooted in the Ottawa community, initially starting with the Southway Motel in 1958. Bill and Louisa Zlepnig, along with their sons Fred and Stephen, have carried on the family legacy and transformed their properties into Waterford-branded seniors’ residences.

“The Waterford is a true reflection of our family’s commitment to service,” said Zlepnig. “We take pride in working alongside our fourth generation, who bring their unique talents and dedication to serving our residents.”

“Our personal touch sets us apart from corporate-owned residences. Residents appreciate that our family is present on a daily basis, overseeing operations, maintaining the building, and actively engaging with the community. This level of involvement creates a genuine sense of care and fosters a strong connection between residents and staff.”

Waterford Senior Living aims to reach seniors aged 65 and above, considering a change in their living situation, whether it’s their first transition into retirement living or a move that has stemmed from a need for care and peace of mind.

With a strong emphasis on family, The Waterford Ottawa redefines senior living by providing a warm and caring community where residents can feel supported and cherished.

To learn more about The Waterford and its offerings, visit their website at www.waterfordliving.ca.

“We look forward to welcoming new residents and exceeding their expectations. At The Waterford, your family becomes our family, and we are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for all.”

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