Stranded snowbirds have local options for winter accommodations

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON/KINGSVILLE/WHEATLEY — The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges in every aspect of society, and with a second wave on the horizon, many people are wondering what the future will hold.

If you take into account the number of Canadians who spend their winters in Florida, Arizona or other southern destinations, plans have been disrupted for hundreds of thousands of people going into the homestretch of 2020.

There are a certain number of those ‘snowbirds’ who spend summers here and head south in October or November, not returning until the spring weather arrives.

For many who have decided to live in campgrounds, or other seasonal communities in the summer months, their choices for winter accommodation might be few and far between.

Locally, there are a number of short stay options available, with retirement residences in all three local communities.

Over at Chartwell Leamington, they are offering their Winter Stay Program for anyone in this situation or for people who just may need a break for the winter months. Chartwell Kingsville is also an option for snowbirds.

Meadows of Wheatley offers respite stay and short stay programs, while Seacliff Manor offers short stays that can be customized to the needs of the residents.

At Leamington’s Rosewood Erie Glen, they have a Winter Special for those who want to spend the winter there. Southgate Village in Kingsville also offers short stay and winter programs.

“We’ve had people from local campgrounds stay here during winter months,” said Chartwell Leamington’s Retirement Living Consultant, Melissa Bloomfield .

Bloomfield says that Chartwell offers an all-inclusive living experience without the worries of where they will spend their winters. It’s called the Winter Stay Program.

Chartwell Leamington’s Retirement Living consultant, Melissa Bloomfield in one of Chartwell’s suites. Chartwell’s accommodations are among a number of local options available to seniors who may normally go south for the winter.

Sun Photo

“Our suites are furnished and very comfortable,” she said. “It’s normally a 90-day stay, but we can be flexible.”

Bloomfield, who is also the Vice President of the Windsor-Essex Chapter of CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons), says many seniors may be in a position where they don’t know where to go.

She also understands there is added stress on families too, when they can’t find suitable accommodation for mom and dad.

“Being in a retirement home setting will not only give them a place to live, it will also provide a social setting,” she said. “Winter months can be particularly lonely.”

The Chartwell Winter Stay Program offers short-term accommodation with a personalized level of service, incorporating such activity as dining, fitness and entertainment, as well as extra care available for those who need a little assistance.

For those thinking a retirement residence is not for them during the pandemic, Bloomfield assures them that Chartwell has taken every precaution by having robust policies in place regarding the pandemic.

“All retirement homes are mandated to have robust policies in place,” she said. “These regulations are not just in times of outbreak, but at all times.”

This means that retirement communities are always prepared to respond to any illness outbreaks and other emergencies.

In the end, Bloomfield just wants seniors to have a choice, who might otherwise feel they have nowhere to go.

“I would be happy to meet with them and discuss what we can offer,” she said.

If you are a snowbird with cancelled plans to travel south, you can reach Melissa Bloomfield at 226-348-4829.