A sudden decision to sell a Chartwell-owned retirement home in Mississauga has left nearly 200 seniors in a state of uncertainty, as they scramble to secure alternative accommodations. The retirement residence, known as Chartwell Heritage Glen Retirement Residence, is set to close permanently to make room for a private housing development. Residents and their families are deeply concerned about the challenge of finding suitable care options on short notice.
The 188-unit retirement home, which offers a range of living arrangements from independent to assisted living, has been a haven for seniors seeking regular care and a supportive community. However, with the impending closure and sale of the building to a private developer, residents now face the daunting task of relocating by the end of July.
For many, like Barbara Tarrant, who recently moved into the home, this unexpected turn of events has been a shock. Tarrant, expressing her preference for a residence with access to regular care and companionship, had hoped this would be her last move.
Gordon Cork, whose 91-year-old father has resided in the retirement home for 11 years, echoes the concerns of many families. He fears that uprooting his father, who relies on the care provided at Chartwell Heritage Glen, could have dire consequences for his health and well-being.
In response to the closure, Chartwell is offering assistance to residents, including financial compensation equivalent to three months’ rent, extended notice, and coverage of relocation expenses within a 50 km radius. However, families like Pam Leermakers’ are finding it difficult to navigate the limited options available within their budget, especially considering the significant disparity in costs between different retirement homes.
While Ontario’s Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority confirms that Chartwell has complied with regulatory requirements for closure, the closure underscores broader challenges within the senior care system. With a backlog of over 40,000 individuals waiting for long-term care in Ontario, seniors often rely on private retirement homes for intensive care, further exacerbating the impact of closures like that of Chartwell Heritage Glen.
As residents and their families face this uncertain transition, the closure of Chartwell Heritage Glen Retirement Residence highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the growing demand for senior care and accommodation.