Meet the Expert
When Rachel was very young, she volunteered with seniors in long-term care homes and in hospitals, helping seniors with dementia. That experience led her to a career working with older adults.
She completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, then a college diploma in Social Service Work and Gerontology. She then completed the retirement communities management program at Seneca College.
Rachel joined Delmanor Communities in 2020 as a LivingWell Manager. In 2022, she moved into the Community Relations Manager role at Delmanor Glen Abbey.
For Rachel, the best part of the job is helping families find a plan.
I get a lot of joy when there is a family that I have been chatting with for a year, and then I see the resident when they get here and they have settled in and are thriving, picking up their hobbies again, and smiling.
How Does the Community Relations Manager Support Prospective Residents and Their Families?
Every day is a little different, but Rachel’s focus is supporting families from the first conversation to the end of the transition. Each family is in a different place. Some are in a crisis, and others are excited to plan ahead and begin their next chapter. Rachel supports families at both ends of that range, and everywhere in between.
It is about meeting them where they are at and really holding their hand through the whole process. For a lot of people, the process can bring out a lot of emotions and I spend a lot of time with families and prospective residents flushing that out, helping them, finding resources where applicable, building that trust over time, and trying to figure out what is best for them.
What Suite Types, Layouts, and Configurations Are Available at Delmanor Glen Abbey?
Delmanor Glen Abbey offers three suite types:
- Studio
- One bedroom
- Two bedroom
Sizes vary within each type, up to 1,200 square feet. There are almost 30 floor plans to choose from. As Rachel puts it, “there are some common ones, but there are also a lot of really unique ones.”
Options across the floor plans include:
- Balconies
- One or two bathrooms
- Walk-in closets
What Is Included Inside Each Suite?
Each suite is entirely private. It includes a kitchenette with a fridge and freezer, and a personal in-suite washer and dryer.
How Do Suites Differ Between Independent and Assisted Living?
They do not. Delmanor Glen Abbey has no separate assisted living floor, and residents are not separated by care needs. Rachel explains:
We find this very appealing to couples, as it means they don’t have to be in the same health situation to live together.
Higher levels of care are available through an assisted living package, which can be added wherever it is needed throughout the community.
Can Residents Make Changes and Customize Their Suites?
Yes. Delmanor Glen Abbey wants residents to feel at home, so they are encouraged to do anything within reason to make their suite their own. This includes:
- Hanging pictures
- Mounting shelves, TVs, or other items on the walls
- Picking out custom paint colours
- Installing safety features
- Bringing all of their own furniture and setting it up exactly as they like
Rachel remembers one resident who brought a favourite chandelier from home.
What Can Residents Bring With Them When They Move In?
Nothing is really off limits. Furniture, pets, dishes, linens, food, and alcohol can all come along.
What Services and Amenities Are Available to Residents?
Amenities at Delmanor Glen Abbey include:
- Lounge spaces
- Movie theatre
- Chapel
- Hair salon
- Gym
- Rec room
- Dining room
- Pub
Services are just as extensive. Rachel says:
It’s unbelievable how many services are available to residents at their fingertips. Pretty much anything you can think of comes here, which is great.
These include:
- Dry cleaners
- Seamstress
- Mobile dentist
- Hearing aids
- Doctor
What Do the Outdoor Spaces Look Like?
Outdoor spaces are among the most popular features with residents. They include:
- Walking trails
- Bocce ball court
- Putting green
- Courtyards with plenty of patio seating for barbecues
- Mature, established gardens with large hostas and hydrangeas
- A Japanese Maple in the centre of the courtyard that turns bright red
- Fire pit
- Trees surrounding the property
Rachel says:
The courtyards are beautiful. I would say that is something that really sets us apart. We have a courtyard running the entire back of the building as well as an internal courtyard.
What Does the Monthly Fee at Delmanor Glen Abbey Cover?
The retirement experience at Delmanor Glen Abbey is virtually all inclusive. The monthly fee covers:
- All meals
- 24/7 nursing
- All utilities, including phone and TV
- All social programming
- Maintenance
Only a few things cost extra, such as an occasional outing that requires a ticket (like a theatre production), a glass of wine at dinner, or a visit to the hair salon.
What Is the Move-In Process Like?
When a family chooses a suite, they leave a fully refundable deposit, which holds the suite for 60 days. During that time:
- The Delmanor health and wellness manager arranges a health assessment and answers any questions about care and support.
- The team helps coordinate with movers, if needed.
- The resident signs a tenancy agreement, which is comparable to renting an apartment.
- On move-in day, the entire team is ready to welcome the resident.
How Long Does It Usually Take From First Enquiry to Moving In?
It varies. Rachel says it can be anywhere from one week to one year. “It can go really quickly if it needs to, or it can take a fair bit of time. We follow the lead of the family.”
What Sets Delmanor Glen Abbey Apart From Other Retirement Communities?
Rachel says:
It is something you have to feel. That true sense of community that has been built over a long period of time. It is the warm feeling of home. It is people knowing your name when you get here and using it.
Learn More About Retirement Living at Delmanor Glen Abbey
To find out more, visit the Delmanor Glen Abbey website. Delmanor Glen Abbey also offers a lunch and tour for seniors and their families to experience the Delmanor difference for themselves.
