471 Cataraqui Woods Dr, Kingston, ON K7P 0E6, Canada
I would love to share my experiences at the Waterford and Windsong memory unit. After viewing a number of memory care facilities, Windsong was the only place that made me feel warm and inviting. The initial tour of Waterford and subsequent visits with my mother, confirmed positive feelings regarding the residence. Betty Ann immediately gave me a sense of ease, she went out of her way to answer questions and assist us with our transition. I cannot thank her enough. Windsong memory unit is a special place. It is a secure unit that creates a feeling of home. Lead by a wonderful program director, Lydia brings a passion and love to the team that is a rare find. She is passionate about her job and it shows in the activities and programs she runs. Always smiling and positive, available and motivated. Staffed by the most dedicated people I have ever met, they help each resident with care meeting their individual needs. Waterford staff have also been supportive and friendly. From cleaning staff ( love you Catherine) giving encouraging words in our first days to front desk, who always have kind words and assistance. I feel very blessed to bring my mother here and am thankful everyday to everyone who has helped with this transition in her life.
Read More ReviewsI would love to share my experiences at the Waterford and Windsong memory unit. After viewing a number of memory care facilities, Windsong was the only place that made me feel warm and inviting. The initial tour of Waterford and subsequent visits with my mother, confirmed positive feelings regarding the residence. Betty Ann immediately gave me a sense of ease, she went out of her way to answer questions and assist us with our transition. I cannot thank her enough. Windsong memory unit is a special place. It is a secure unit that creates a feeling of home. Lead by a wonderful program director, Lydia brings a passion and love to the team that is a rare find. She is passionate about her job and it shows in the activities and programs she runs. Always smiling and positive, available and motivated. Staffed by the most dedicated people I have ever met, they help each resident with care meeting their individual needs. Waterford staff have also been supportive and friendly. From cleaning staff ( love you Catherine) giving encouraging words in our first days to front desk, who always have kind words and assistance. I feel very blessed to bring my mother here and am thankful everyday to everyone who has helped with this transition in her life.
My dad was originally just going to stay for a respite over the winter, but once he was in there was no going back. The care that the wellness team offered made him realize how much easier it would be to be somewhere with the extra help that he needed. We had tried to sign on permanently originally, but he was not ready until he walked in the door and spent time there himself. The fear that has also been alleviated off of the rest of the family now that he is somewhere with other people to look out for him is indescribable.
This place is a absolute NIGHTMARE! - Sends my mother to the hospital without contacting us. We find out a day later. - Makes empty promises. The room that I viewed before she moved in smelt of urine and had holes in the walls, was told it would be taken care of. All moved in and still in the same state. - Was told the food would be excellent, and cooked by a legit chef. it's horrible. I've had better food working at the prison. - Management has zero communication skills, Let my mother's bill climb to $15,000 before letting me know there was a problem with payment. You'd think for $10,000 a month people would be doing their best, but that's not the case here. Please reconsider leaving your loved ones with this place. It's not what they make it out to be. I have zero trust in this establishment. They don't care about the people just the money.
My mom just finished a respite stay at the Waterford. I can not say enough great things about the care and compassion that was shown not only to mom but to the whole family. This was a tough time but the kind staff made it so much easier.
Five years or so ago, my mom entered the Waterford retirement section just as the family who owned it was selling it to the Sienna Corporation of Toronto. At first, she did very well and enjoyed the variety of activities offered along with many musical events The second year Covid hit. At that point, I wish I had known about the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA.ca). Looking through the citations, I would have quickly realized that Care Plans and Staff Training were significant issues as these were often a major focus in the inspector’s inspections/citations Care Plans are legal documents and must be signed by the resident or the POA. Care Plans are documents regarding the residents' special needs and care, (ie. ensuring medications are taken as prescribed, taking residents to activities, brushing teeth, their diet concerns, allergies, showering, bed making and toileting at specific times are items that may be addressed in terms of the residents' specific care needs As a resident's cognitive ability declines their only voice comes from their PoA, who for the most part is the one who will see that a resident’s bed is made (making sure that wet sheets are removed) that teeth are brushed so that they don't lose their teeth, providing appropriate meals that do not cause stomach upset as over time sometimes the resident is no longer able to tolerate certain foods, yet those are still served . When toileting according to prescribed times is neglected, this results in rashes and infections due to sitting in wet, dirty briefs. As a corporation, whose allegiance is to the shareholders, the Waterford was unable to keep a consistent roster of staff from the top down to the detriment of my mom when it came to proper and consistent care. I cry for those residents who do not have a POA, who is able to visit often and observe the lack of proper care for their loved ones. For those seniors who require care, many are spending their very hard earned money for what they thought was to be excellent care are actually lacking the care they so desperately need. ja
