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Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- Benefits of palliative care in a retirement home
- Palliative care in provinces across Canada
- Types of palliative or hospice care available
- Palliative care costs
- Private palliative care vs. other alternatives
- How to find the right palliative care
- Sources and further reading
When seniors face a serious illness, searching for the right care can exacerbate family stress in already difficult circumstances. Families can bypass waiting lists and other obstacles to proper care by considering local seniors' care facilities. Retirement residences can provide excellent medical care in a superb healthcare environment, staffed by professional caregivers.
The situation with health care in select regions of Canada may be unfortunate (due to cutbacks, waiting lists and bed shortages), but families can take matters into their own hands, learning all they can about this very practical alternative and consulting with residences listed here.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSRetirement homes with palliative care
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Amica Dundas
50 Hatt Street, Dundas,
Ontario, L9H 0A1
This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standard service for 50 years. Offering a full continuum of care, rich amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Stonemont On The Park
1068 Cummings Ave, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1J 0E2
Nestled steps from the park, Stonemont On The Park offers elegant studio-to-two-bed suites, chef-prepared dining, premium hospitality, and personalized independent to assisted living in a vibrant Ottawa community.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
Amica London
517 Fanshawe Park Road West, London,
Ontario, N6G 0C1
This uniquely luxurious London, Ontario retirement home offers elegant dining, indoor fitness facilities, scenic walking trails and many other features for active seniors
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
Queenston Place Residence
6440 Valley Way, Niagara Falls,
Ontario, L2E 7E3
This Niagara Falls retirement home features local activities and scenery in a luxury environment offering a comfortable lifestyle, care and peace of mind.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
One Kenton Place
1 Kenton Drive, North York,
Ontario, M2R 2H6
We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Prairie Lake Seniors Community
11460 104 Avenue,, Grande Prairie,,
Alberta, T8V 3G9
Prairie Lake Seniors Community offers a relaxed and inviting lifestyle in Grande Prairie. Residents enjoy a close‑knit environment where everyday living is comfortable, engaging, and full of freedom and flexibility.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Chartwell Erinview
2630 Fifth Line west, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5K 0A8
Located in the heart of Mississauga, Erinview offers an atmosphere of worry-free, comfortable living with personalized support in the presence of good friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Berwick House
4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8N 3E6
Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Scarborough Retirement Residence
148 Markham Road, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1M 2Z8
A family owned and managed residence that offers seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence. Enjoy healthy Chef-prepared meals, daily life enrichment programs. We also offer short-term trial or respite stays.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Winston Park
695 Block Line Road, Kitchener,
Ontario, N2E 3K1
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Amica Pickering
1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0G2
Amica Pickering offers contemporary senior living in a vibrant lakeside community. Thoughtfully designed and welcoming, it supports your pace of life while offering the assurance of care when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Taunton
85 Taunton Road East, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0S4
AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Verve Aspen Woods
10 Aspenshire Dr., SW Calgary,
Alberta, T3H 0T2
Located in one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods, with the Rocky Mountains outside and beautifully appointed amenities within, Verve Aspen Woods offers the perfect setting for your active enjoyment of life.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Wellington Retirement Residence
1595 Southview Drive SE, Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1B 0A1
As a premier Park Place multi-level care residence, The Wellington provides Independent and Supportive Living options for seniors seeking to maintain your independence while enjoying access and services to amenities.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Delmanor Wynford
187 Wynford Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 0C7
A full service 5-star retirement community centrally located in Toronto - features extensive common areas, a rooftop putting green and a variety of other amenities catering to today's active seniors.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Amica Little Lake
70 Lakeside Terrace, Barrie,
Ontario, L4M 0J2
Set on the shores of Little Lake in Barrie, Amica Little Lake offers beautiful views, a vibrant community, and a comfortable place to call home, with independent, assisted and memory care, dining, programs, and support.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village at University Gates
250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2J 0E2
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
We feature a unique full continuum of care with a vibrant Main Street offering Independent Living, Retirement Apartments, Assisted & Memory Care suites . Our retirement community represents a diverse ethnic population.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland on the Glen
1665 The Collegeway, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5L 0A9
Parkland is located at Mississauga and The Collegeway next to the Glenerin Inn. We are surrounded by beautiful green space. For the past 6 years we've been awarded one of the top 3 Retirement Communities in Mississauga.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
70 Bernard Avenue, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0W7
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence is full service including meals, housekeeping, independent and independent supportive living. Our focus is on maintaining good health, great food, new friends & lots of laughter!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
111 Avenue Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M5R 3J8
Luxury and quality fill every corner of Hazelton, from its elegant lobby to its inviting Bistro & Bar. With exceptional amenities and tailored services, Hazelton empowers you to define and enjoy your ideal lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Chateau Glengarry Retirement
105 St. Paul Street, Alexandria,
Ontario, K0C 1A0
Located between Ottawa & Montreal, our bilingual staff cater to seniors who are independent, need assistance or have early memory loss. Enjoy home-cooked food, fitness & daily activities. Respite stays are welcome.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Riverside Glen
60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 8M8
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0C9
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
VIVA Thornhill Woods
9700 Bathurst Street, Vaughan,
Ontario, L6A 4V2
Vaughan's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community! Enjoy bright, spacious suites, modern amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great! for you and your family! Book your tour today!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Enjoy prairie and mountain views at Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Alberta’s ideal senior living with personalized care from Independent Living to Memory Care in a safe, comfortable setting.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
OPAL Vancouver
438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5Y 05M
OPAL Vancouver offers luxurious senior living with 30,000+ sq. ft. of amenities and a full continuum of care, creating a vibrant, connected community designed for comfort, wellness, and aging in place.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Long-term care
Amica Stoney Creek
135 King St. E, Stoney Creek,
Ontario, L8G 0B2
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Longworth Retirement Residence
600 Longworth Road, London,
Ontario, N6K 4X9
Voted London's Best Retirement Residence seven years running! We promote our passion for seniors living well by offering choices for an active, wellness focused lifestyle with the security of knowing help is at hand.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Golden Pond Retirement Residence
387 Goodrich Rd, Codrington,
Ontario, K0K 1R0
A truly unique environment for seniors who cherish a family-like atmosphere, complete with full support services, assisted living, and more—all in a natural setting enriched by light, sun, water, plants, and pets.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Benefits of palliative care in a retirement home
At first glance, getting palliative care in a local seniors' home may seem unusual, but there are many good reasons to look at this more closely. Here are some of the many benefits you will find:
- A warm, caring professional environment. "Many hospitals provide a very sterile environment," says Sharron Brooks, care worker in one Ontario seniors' residence. "Retirement homes like ours have a warmer, more home-like environment, where families can walk in and visit."
- Round the clock watchful eye. Professional retirement homes often offer 24-hour care, and some are also peopled with volunteers. "Residents in palliative care may fear that they are on their own. Families and seniors fear dying alone," says Lynda, director of volunteer services for a retirement home in the city of London, Ontario. "We have volunteers who will sit by the bedside until the end."
- Experienced care. Many private retirement homes offer a full suite of seniors' care, ranging from assisted living options like catheter care and other more delicate healthcare services. No care option is more qualified to deal with the needs of the elderly.
- Numerous retirement homes offer extra services and care. For example, massage therapy may be an extra aid in easing pain or discomfort. There may also be onsite pharmacists and nutritionists to help manage pain with pain. Onsite chaplains and other care workers might also be part of the residence's staff.
- Featured amenities can also alleviate pain and increase comfort. Many finer retirement homes have luxuries that are simply not available in other healthcare environments. Swimming pools, hot tubs, an onsite spa, and even hair salons and other unexpected features may provide extra comfort and support during this painful time.
- A community environment. "Shared pain is lessened," goes the old adage. In a community with other seniors (as well as care staff), you'll find great support.
Various studies show, and experts agree, that palliative care actually extends life. As Camilla Cornell notes, if people get into palliation earlier, they can extend their time with a loved one, and your loved one will actually live in more comfort.
Read our reviews of retirement communities to help find the community that best suits you.
Palliative care in provinces across Canada
Let's look at some of the particulars of how palliative and hospice care is dealt with across Canada, in a variety of provinces and regions:
In British Columbia, palliative care is offered in hospitals and home care services, but care is also available in some BC retirement homes. The provincial government offers palliative care benefits, available to residents receiving hospice or palliative care at home or in a supportive/assisted living residence in BC, or in a hospice unit at a residential care facility. Benefits help to cover medications and medical supplies and equipment. If you are seeking palliative care in the province, be sure that your care provider is a member of the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association.
Find palliative care homes in Vancouver and area.
In the province of Ontario, as elsewhere, palliative care takes place in hospitals and other health care settings, as well as in the home, using home care services. Many Ontario retirement homes also offer palliative care services. Hospice Palliative Care Ontario works toward a "future where every person and family in the province of Ontario can quickly and easily access the finest standard of hospice palliative care when required."1 There are also various organizations focused on different palliative care including, for example, those with cancer (see cancercare.on.ca).
Palliative care is a service offered by Ontario retirement homes in several communities across the province. Learn more about this care in your part of Ontario:
- Hamilton to Niagara palliative care homes
- Kitchener-Waterloo palliative care options
- London palliative care homes
- Mississauga palliative care homes
- Oshawa hospice and palliative care homes
- Ottawa palliative care homes
- Palliative care homes in Toronto
As of 2016, the government of Canada has committed $3 million over the next three years to the Pallium Foundation of Canada, to help "ensure that Canadians receive the compassionate care they need."2 Palliative care places a strain on public health care resources. Various authorities admit the need for "new care models" that improve integration and continuity of care, access to and quality of end-of-life care. Both seniors and the retirement residence industry have opportunity to work together to propagate a new care model and create new, ever-improving options in this type of care.
Types of palliative or hospice care available
There are many reasons people may seek palliative care but the main reason for providing care is that it improves the quality of the person's life, no matter what the consequences. This fact makes retirement homes a smart choice for a variety of reasons. People seek palliative care to treat symptoms of serious or terminal illnesses including the following:
- Cancer
- Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias
- Heart failure and other heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig's Disease
Symptoms that can be alleviated with palliative or hospice care include chronic pain, depression, fatigue and nausea. Less serious symptoms include loss of appetite and constipation.
Hospice care homes listed here offer a unique alternative to other options. Mainly, a retirement home combines a health care focus with a comfortable, less clinical setting. Many homes offer robust solutions that account for different palliative needs, and some residences are aggressively expanding care in this sphere.
On another hand, though, palliative care available at different retirement homes can vary significantly. For example, some homes offer palliative care only to clients already in their assisted living facilities. Not all homes accept palliative care clients with serious illnesses like cancer or dementia. Homes are staffed with different nursing staff with different specialties, and staff may be subject to change at any time. You will have to consult with homes to be certain that they can handle your specific care requirements.
Palliative care costs
Costs related to palliative care are similar to what you will pay for respite care. You will have to consult with homes listed here to learn more.
Private palliative care vs. other alternatives
"Hospitals or long term care wards all have to follow the same rules and regulations," says the CEO of the Ontario Retirement Communities' Association. Thus, "the way they operate, the services they provide... are all pretty much the same." There are waiting lists to which ailing seniors and their families must apply, in order to get into these care facilities.
It's a fact that there are some typical negatives you will face when you need a bed in long-term or other government-run health care facilities:
- Beds offered to you may not be up to your standards in terms of physical space available, privacy and availability of dedicated care
- You may have a specific local facility in mind, so when you turn down the bed given to you in another facility you don't want, you get sent to back of the list
- Residents are accepted into long-term care based mainly on needs. If your needs are not considered urgent your wait may be longer.
- Once there, you will be treated equally with others in the same care ward
Retirement homes offer a more personalized alternative that all families should definitely take into consideration.
How to find the right palliative care
The steps to finding the right palliative care home are similar to the steps toward finding the right retirement home under any other circumstances. It's best to begin your search ahead of time and consider all your alternatives. Unfortunately, not many people do this, so you may be under some duress as you look for a home. Don’t let haste cloud your judgement.
Comfort Life offers an easy checklist of things to look for as you research local care. Before you begin to look, some basics to keep in mind are:
- What are the features and care aspects that I truly require?
- What accredited homes are there in my area?
- How far will family be willing to travel?
Of course, there are many more. Our Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist lists over 150 questions to consider, as you check out options. See the download, at right.
People and families facing final days go through immeasurable anxiety and stress. Doing so in a hospital setting is okay, but alternatives like retirement homes offer a more comfortable, even consolatory environment. Living in a setting that is roomier, and less clinical and structured helps make the best of this final passage, for all concerned.
Sharron Brooks (quoted above) says seniors moving into hospice care where she works "know their life is coming to an end, but they feel comfortable with us. This is a home."
Sources and further reading
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association includes a wide variety of resources and information. Its Fact Sheet on Hospice Care is full of interesting data.
1Hospice Palliative Care Ontario provides a variety of services and resources including education for patients and caregivers.
OntarioHealthCoalition.ca/..horror-stories-of-funding-service-cuts.
2Pallium Canada provides care education for all care providers, including healthcare professionals, educators and other carers.
Why Canadians don't use palliative care
