“The Manoir de Casson saved my life,” this is what Lucie (not her real name), a resident that moved into this retirement home 3 months ago, told us. Through this article, you will discover the Résidence Manoir de Casson which welcomes independent seniors in Saint-Laurent. In a touching and authentic testimonial, Lucie gives us a glimpse of her daily life within this stimulating and inclusive community located on the island of Montreal.
Living in a Retirement Home: The Right Choice
Despite the excitement that comes with a new beginning, making the decision to move to a private retirement home is one that requires careful consideration. Questions relating to personal needs, location and budgets, among others, certainly come into play in the decision-making process. But how did this resident come to choose the Manoir de Casson as her new home?
Lucie, a 70-year-old trans woman, has had a life journey fraught by several challenges. A few months before her arrival at the Manoir de Casson, she was living in an apartment complex where she experienced harassment and intimidation to the point that she decided to move, leaving everything behind. She spent several weeks moving from one temporary shelter to another, searching for a suitable permanent living situation where she could feel at home.
At the beginning of her search, Lucie had found another apartment to move into. The day after visiting the apartment and completing all the formalities, she received a phone call informing her that unfortunately “the apartment is already rented.” Hopes were once again dashed and with only three days left before losing her spot at the shelter, her son, an ambulance technician that had been to the Manoir de Casson, thankfully gave her their business card. As a last resort, Lucie contacted the Manoir de Casson, hoping that a retirement community would accept her when no one else would.
More Than a Retirement Home, a Big Family
The moment she walked through the door, it was love at first sight. “As soon as I entered, I was greeted by the song of the birds. Everyone was in good spirits. I couldn’t help but think that it was too good to be true, almost like it was a scene from a movie.” Lucie had lived the experience of having a parent in a CHSLD and her memories were rather bleak. She was surprised to see the well-being radiating from the residents, contrary to her personal experience with the public health system. As she toured the place, she quickly realized why people were so happy. A beautiful, clean, affordable community with all amenities on-site. Cinema, convenience store, pharmacy, hair salon, library, gardens, and to top it all off, the residence had an incredible view of the City of Montreal.
The Warmth of the Staff Made All the Difference
Despite all the positive things she witnessed during her first visit to the Manoir de Casson, it was the warmth of the staff and their hospitality that made all the difference for her. “I was greeted with a big smile. I was shown around and I could see the genuine interest they have in taking care of the residents,” she tells us, emotionally moved. She made the decision to settle there and she has never regretted it. “When it was time to move, the staff came to my aid and was with me every step of the way. Regardless of the person, their ethnic origin or their background, the staff members are attentive and empathetic. We can really see that the residents are at the center of their concerns.”
The Daily Life in the Manoir de Casson
Lucie finds that “living at Manoir de Casson provides a more vibrant social life, compared to living in an apartment.” People know each other and are friendly. I sometimes meet people for the first time and before I know it, we’ve been talking for two hours. It’s like time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?” She confides to us.
Lucie is a music aficionado. She enjoys creating melodies in the home studio that she has set up, thanks to the superior soundproofing of the residence. When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of options available, and not just limited to music. Aqua-fitness in the Manoir’s indoor pool, bingo, line dancing, movie nights, pool tournaments are just a few examples. Since her arrival, she has flourished both in her personal life and in her social life.
A One-of-a-kind Residence
It is the values that are deeply rooted in the actions of the residence that distinguish it. Principles of non-judgment, inclusion, respect for oneself, others and their beliefs are what makes the Manoir so special. “When a new resident arrives, our team promptly goes into action to make them feel welcome and also to get to know them better. I have always been very open-minded and non-judgmental and I wanted the residence to reflect that” says Kira McGee, General Manager of the residence.
During her discussion with us, Lucie expressed her hope that the residence can serve as a model for other similar retirement homes in Quebec. According to her, the structure which is focused on the well-being of residents, socialization and all the safety aspects of community living would benefit everyone. “Recently there was a pool tournament and I can’t tell you how beautiful it was to see people from different backgrounds sitting together for the event. Everyone had a good time, united, like a big family.”
Are You Considering the Manoir de Casson?
One thing is certain, you will find peace of mind. The simple fact that everything is nearby makes all the difference. “It’s soothing that there are so many services within the community. Before you can even think of needing something, the Manoir is two steps ahead of you,” confides Lucie. There are accommodations of all sizes to cater to the needs of the majority.
And what about security! The Saint-Laurent borough residence is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system with fire alarms, surveillance cameras and a 24-hour emergency call bell system. The staff is also available to assist at any time, if needed. A nurse and emergency support is available within the community. Additional specialized treatment options are also available, based on the progression of each resident’s independence level. That’s not all: a doctor comes on-site once a month to provide medical follow-up.
Hospitality and security ensure that everyone feels at home at the Manoir de Casson. The retirement home’s staff do everything in their power to make this place a haven of peace for the residents. “You might want to take notes, you’ll probably want to move in when you get older,” Lucie jokingly suggested to our team during our conversation.
Discover the Manoir de Casson
Would you like to find out more about this Montreal residence? The Bonjour Résidences team is available to answer your questions and plan a visit! Contact us at 1 844 918-1020 to speak to one of our senior housing specialists, or make an appointment online to visit the residence.
