Chartwell Whispering Pines Retirement Residence

My mother moved to Whispering Pines 18 months ago & while the transition was challenging, the support she received from the staff made this change much easier than expected. We are happy to know that Mom is living in a retirement residence that truly supports her personal & medical needs, while providing great meals & interesting activities. The awesome staff she encounters daily are eager to help in whatever manner is needed. The pandemic has created new challenges, but everyone at Whispering Pines is working above & beyond to support all residents. Communication is another strength thanks to frequent emails, newsletters, video messages and phone calls from staff & residents. Most importantly of all, we know Mom is safe, cared for, and happy.

This past summer I was scouting around for a retirement residence with a short stay program for my mom while I took an extended trip to visit with friends. Whispering Pines was recommended to me by one of their competitors in the industry, and when my mom and I toured the home we felt like we’d won the lottery. The residence is located in a quaint and quiet area of Barrie and is well maintained on the outside. The interior is immaculate, very clean with tasteful furnishing and decorations that contribute to a feeling of coziness, very much like how you would want to feel in your own home. Retirement Living Consultant Ilona McIlhone led us on the tour and she made us feel extremely comfortable by answering all our questions, providing us with additional information, introducing us to staff members and even to some of the residents who seemed like a happy and well cared for group of people. My mom and I agreed that Whispering Pines was at the top of our list and she stayed there for two weeks in October. I called her a few times during her “holiday” and the response was always the same “I’m doing fine, everything is great”. When I picked her up to return home I asked “So … what’s your overall impression of Whispering Pines”, to which she replied, “It’s FANTASTIC, I can’t wait to go there again, and next time it will be for a month because two weeks just flew by too fast”. For the next few weeks I heard about her new friends, the great food, the excellent staff and the well-planned activities that kept my mom busy and entertained throughout her stay. Eventually I asked “Do you think you’d like to live there”? She moves in on December 1st.

We moved my parents to Whispering Pines and from the moment the decision was made the management and staff bent over backwards to make the transition from living in their own home to their suite as smooth as possible. The consultant came to their home even though they were two hours away. Ilona was always available to answer our questions. The atmosphere created by the staff is warm and inviting. Suzanne and the Wellness staff treated my parents with respect and compassion. Their philosophy was they were “guests in my parent’s home.” When my mom ended up in the hospital everyone showed concern for my dad. During the pandemic the recreation staff went out of their way delivering activities and fun treats to the rooms. The front reception staff are always very pleasant and helpful. I would highly recommend Whispering Pines to anyone planning to move themselves or their loved ones to a senior residence.

My mother Betty moved into WP in the Fall of 2019 and was the perfect friendly place for my active and very outgoing mother. She was only in a few months when the pandemic really started to make an impact in the community but especially in the retirement and LTC homes. WP did an amazing job at keeping the residents safe and protected. Kyla (GM) and her Management Team kept the families informed in timely information updates. Susanne and her Health and Wellness Team are extremely dedicated and provide excellent care for the residents in need. 2020 was a difficult year for many in retirement homes and it became apparent early in 2021 that independent living was no longer practical given my Mom’s challenges. A very special thanks to Kyla for her patience and support in assisting us in getting Mom moved into LTC considering all the pandemic challenges (on top of the regular process). I learned a lot about senior living while Mom was at WP. This is a great place for independent living.

It’s been a year since we moved our mom into whispering pines and we have been very pleased with the family feel of the home. So much so that about 2 months later we moved my in-laws into the residence as well. It’s nice to walk in the front door and be greeted by first name by so many of the residents and staff. We enjoy going to the home to help with and participate in events with our family. The staff always keeps you informed of upcoming events. I have recommended whispering pines retirement home to many friends with parents looking for a change. It’s a comfort to know your parents are in a safe and healthy environment. Wishing anyone reading this all the best in your move to retirement living.

....up to Barrie these last several days to visit with my quite elderly father.....as an "essential care giver" status, i was awarded the privilege and ability to make good use of my time with these visits and outings, and i was indeed impressed and am most grateful for the role and calling of the staff at this retirement home, who are truly amazing in what has had to be endured these past few years. ...to Kyla, the manager, and to all those working there, a heartfelt thank you for your kindness and caring to my father and all those living there...may you see brighter and more normal operations before long! God bless you all....

I am so happy that my mom went to Whispering Pines for a trial stay in October. After two weeks she said she was staying. I know mom is safe there but more important to me is she is happy again. Mom loves it. She has made new friends and the staff are amazing. They are very friendly, helpful, supportive offering great activities. They are also almost finishing renovations. I highly recommend you check it out. Looks amazing. Thank you to everyone .

Chartwell Whispering Pines by far is one of the most enjoyable places you can go to spend your retirement. I was lucky enough to have my father-in-law move in there in his final years and it made his life so much richer. The activities they do inspire the residents. They treat them like they're at a resort, the food is very good. I can't talk about the care enough... The nursing staff are second to none. The entertainment staff are exemplary. And I have to say that the management team are outstanding and keeping you informed of any changes or any challenges that might arise. The grounds of the facility are fantastic. Everything is mostly on one level and that means that there's a lot less struggling to get around. The courtyard is beautiful with its garden and barbecue center. We actually had a steak there once. I can't recommend Chartwell Whispering Pines enough. If you stay there, your life will be enjoyable.