Retire at an All-Inclusive Resort

Waterford Senior Living offers more than just “a place to retire”   

When one thinks of retirement living, it often conjures up images of subdued environments and loss of independence — conventional senior homes that don’t offer much beyond the basics. But Allison Zlepnig, family owner and creator of The Waterford Grand Retirement Residence in Barrhaven, wants to change that perception.

“It’s not an institution or a regimented routine. It’s an all-inclusive resort with lifestyle choices. This is a docked cruise ship,” says Zlepnig. “From live music and entertainment to a standalone wine bar and restaurant, we’ve got an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else in Ontario, maybe not even in Canada.”

At Waterford, the residents and their families are exposed to an array of activities, from yoga and Zumba to drumming classes and theatre nights.

“Just the other day, our theatre was packed for a live magic show put on by a performer who used to do shows in Las Vegas. Well-seasoned pianists and students of the local music academies regularly play our grand piano in the wine bar.”

“Our Friday nights at Panache Wine Bar are iconic. People dance, people laugh. I’m 43 and genuinely enjoy being here, dancing with the residents. It’s very common for residents to invite their friends and their children for “a night out” at the wine bar. With a unique a la carte menu and a fully licenced bar, the feedback from their guests and children is encouraging and solidifies that we are doing it right.”

“We designed and created the Waterford not only for the residents but for the most important people in their lives. Our ultimate goal is to make it a place where everyone wants to come and visit mom, dad, grandma and grandpa.”  Zlepnig adds. “That explains the soft ice cream bar for the grandkids!”

Zlepnig also emphasized the flexibility and freedom offered to residents.

“This is their home. We are here to serve our residents and dynamically adapt to their lifestyles. They can opt for flexible meal plans and even get credits towards their rent if they choose to go to Florida for the winter. We aim to provide peace of mind, not just a place to stay.”

Waterford is not only about fun and lifestyle. The establishment offers a range of medical services, including two in-house doctors and an age-in-place concept.

“We have additional assisted living floors, one for physical assistance and our signature ladies-only memory care, where our staff-to-resident ratio is unbeatable,” Zlepnig says proudly.

Affordability and quality go hand in hand  

While Waterford looks like it should be expensive, Zlepnig pointed out that its pricing is quite competitive.

“We pride ourselves on being very competitive in the marketplace in terms of our rates. We have studio suites starting at $3,650, all-inclusive. That’s all your meals, housekeeping and medical staff 24/7,” she said.

Family matters in decision-making  

According to Zlepnig, the decision to move into Waterford is often a family affair.

“Family members play a large role in their parents’ decisions. They ultimately want the best for their parent and want them to be well looked after,” she noted.

Waterford encourages prospective residents and their family members to fully experience the lifestyle at the facility.

“A lot of the times, it’s the kids dragging their parents here saying, ‘Mom and Dad, you got to see this. You got to live here. We want to be here; you need to live here because we want to be here,'” Zlepnig explained.

Family-owned and operated  

The hands-on approach and responsiveness set Waterford apart from other, more corporate retirement communities.

“We’re family-owned and operated. We don’t have to answer to CEOs sitting in office towers. If our activity director wants to organize a spontaneous BBQ because the weather is nice, he has the resources and the backing to do it. We’re here, on-site,” Zlepnig explains.

This morning, Zlepnig recounts a family member came in distressed due to a broken air conditioner at home. “We offered her a guest suite. We told her, ‘We got you.’ This is the level of service and care we provide.”

One of the aspects setting Waterford apart is the devotion of its staff.

“I’m constantly getting positive feedback just in terms of shout-outs to our housekeeping staff, activities director, or PSWs that just go that extra mile to check on the residents,” said Zlepnig.

“You can train skill in anybody; you can’t train care,” she emphasized. “Building the right team doesn’t happen overnight and comes with its own challenges. But I can proudly say that we have our ‘dream team’ in place across all department levels.”

For more information about Waterford Senior Living, visit www.waterfordliving.ca or call 613-823-4666.

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