Celebrating 10 Years of Caring Together at Cardinal Place

Now with a Secure Memory Care Option

🎉 A Decade of Caring, Community, and Comfort!

At Cardinal Place Retirement, we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary as a family-owned, SMART Retirement Living community in Windsor. This year, we’re especially excited to introduce our new  Secure Memory Care Floor—a space designed to support members living with cognitive decline and dementia challenges. As we enter the holiday season, it's a great time to reflect on the journey we've shared with our members and their families, and to think about the ways we continue to create a place that feels like home all year round.

Creating a home for Members in need of memory care is about more than just providing a safe space—it’s about fostering connection, reducing stress, and bringing joy, especially during the busy holiday season when family and friends are often visiting. Whether you're planning a festive visit or simply spending quality time together, here's a look at what makes our Secure Memory Care Floor so special—and some tips for making the most of your visits this time of year.

1. Personalizing the Experience: Where Details Matter 💖

At Cardinal Place, we believe in personalization. When a new member moves in, we ask them a simple question: “What's your favourite colour?” This isn't just a fun conversation starter—it's a way for us to make each room feel uniquely theirs. Their favourite colour is painted on their door, making it easier for them to navigate and feel comfortable in their space.

As a bonus of this personal touch, our Memory Care hallway reflects the vibrant, welcoming charm of St. John's, Newfoundland's famous Jelly Bean Row. The colourful doors and cheerful decor create a warm, familiar environment that helps members feel at ease, whether it's a quiet afternoon or a lively holiday visit from family. During the holidays, these little touches become even more meaningful, as we decorate our community with seasonal cheer to help everyone feel connected to the spirit of the season.

2. Security with a Soft Touch: Creating a Safe, Comfortable Space 🔐🏡

While the holidays can bring joy, they can also come with added stress—especially if your loved one has memory challenges. One of the most important features of our Memory Care Floor is the security we offer, providing peace of mind to both members and their families.

To create a safe and welcoming environment, we've designed our Secure Memory Care Floor with discreet security features that ensure members are safe while still feeling at home. Exit doors are camouflaged to reduce wandering, and all fire exits and elevators are accessible only through a keypad code, so you can rest easy knowing that everyone is secure.

This holiday season, you can visit your loved one without worrying about safety. The design of the floor helps minimize anxiety, so your loved one can enjoy a relaxed environment, whether it's a quiet holiday gathering or a casual visit.

3. Brightening the Season: Lighting the Way with Care ✨

When it comes to memory care, lighting plays an essential role in creating a calming environment. Shadows and bright, harsh lights can be disorienting, so we've taken great care to ensure that our Memory Care Floor has soft, consistent LED lighting to eliminate these challenges. The smooth, warm lighting helps guide our members through the space with ease, creating an environment that feels peaceful and welcoming.

During the holiday season, this lighting becomes even more special, as we add twinkling lights and festive touches throughout the community. But regardless of the season, we're always mindful of how the environment affects our members' comfort, and our lighting choices are just one example of the thought we put into every detail.

4. Less Stress, More Comfort: Helping Our Members Thrive 🧘♀️💖

Stress can be a major factor in the decline of cognitive health, which is why we focus on creating an environment that minimizes confusion and promotes relaxation. Each floor in Cardinal Place has its own unique decor and colours to help our members easily recognize their surroundings. This reduces anxiety and helps everyone feel at home—whether it's the holiday season or any other time of year.

For family members visiting over the holidays, the familiarity and comfort of the environment can make all the difference. Less stress means more relaxation, more enjoyment, and more meaningful moments with your loved one. After all, the holidays are about connection—and when your loved one feels at ease, they can be more present and engaged in the moment.

5. A Community That Cares: Building Connections All Year Round 🤝🎁

At Cardinal Place, we don't just provide care—we build a community. Our team is here around the clock, ensuring that every member receives the support and engagement they need to live their best life. But the holidays are a particularly special time for us to reflect on how we connect, both with our members and their families.

Throughout the year, we offer a variety of activities to keep our members engaged and active, from arts and crafts to exercise classes, games, and more. During the holiday season, these activities take on a festive twist, with seasonal crafts, music, and gatherings to help everyone get into the holiday spirit. And whether it's a quiet visit with family or a fun community event, we invite families to join in and celebrate together.

Tips for Visiting Your Loved One at Cardinal Place This Holiday Season 🎄👋

If you're planning to visit a loved one at Cardinal Place during the holidays, here are a few simple tips to make your visit as enjoyable and meaningful as possible:

1. Keep Visits Calm and Joyful: While the holidays can be a busy time, try to keep visits calm and relaxed. A peaceful, happy atmosphere will help your loved one feel more comfortable.
2. Bring Holiday Cheer: Whether it's a favourite holiday treat, a small decoration, or a song you can share together, bringing little familiar touches can make the visit more enjoyable.
3. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection: The holidays can bring expectations of perfect visits, but it's okay to keep things simple. Spending quiet, quality time together is what matters most.
4. Participate in Holiday Activities: Cardinal Place offers holiday-themed activities that can be a fun way to engage with your loved one in a festive setting. Check our calendar for upcoming events!
5. Be Patient and Present: Sometimes it may take a little longer for your loved one to recognize you or engage in conversation. Be patient and focus on the connection you’re sharing in the moment.

Looking for More Information? Come Visit Us!

We'd love to show you how Cardinal Place can provide comfort, care, and community to your loved one. Whether you're visiting for the holidays or simply want to learn more about our Memory Care Floor, we're here to answer your questions and give you a tour of our beautiful community.

Give us a call at 519-254-1112 to schedule a tour or to learn more about SMART RETIREMENT LIVING.