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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:
- About assisted living in Ontario
- The benefits of moving into assisted living
- Ontario assisted living costs: a survey
- Things to consider as you research
- How to think about getting help
If you or your loved one is having difficulty taking care of himself or herself, the move into an assisted living home may be good advice. Trouble dressing, feeding oneself, small injuries, or memory loss may all be signs (not an exhaustive list) that you may wish to look into assisted living retirement facilities. Care offered in one of these residences will meet your needs and help you to remain active and dignified.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSAssisted living in Ontario
The Briton House
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
Queenston Place Residence
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
Stonemont On The Park
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
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
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
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
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
Amica Dundas
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
Forestview Retirement Residence
Forestview Retirement Residence offers elegant, comfortable senior living in Downsview, Willowdale, and North York, with personalized care, flexible services, vibrant amenities, and a warm, connected community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Amica London
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
Amica Unionville
Located on the charming Main Street of historic Unionville, Amica Unionville blends heritage-village ambiance with upscale senior living, providing a backdrop for connection, activity, peace of mind, and relaxation.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
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
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
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
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ancaster
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
The Village of Glendale Crossing
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
Amica Little Lake
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
Scarborough Retirement Residence
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
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
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
The Village of Arbour Trails
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
Amica Taunton
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
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Riverside Glen
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
Delmanor Elgin Mills
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Southbrook Retirement Residence
Southbrook is all about choices - We celebrate independence in senior living but, are always here to provide assistance when you need it. Southbrook - come be a part of our community, our family and meet new friends!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Four Elms Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Four Elms is an elegant Retirement Residence offering the finest in Senior Living. Choose a suite style that is perfect for you and enjoy an active lifestyle, fine dining and the company of good friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Amica Riverside
Premium 11-storey retirement residence with a beautiful waterfront setting, located on Riverside Drive East, just south of Wyandotte Street. Overlooking the Detroit River, with views of Belle Isle and Reaume Park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Winston Park
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
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Located in the heart of Bradford, Holland Gardens offers a luxurious resort lifestyle where you can age gracefully with Independent Living, Independent Supportive Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
White Cliffe Terrace - Verve Senior Living
Discover Independent, Assisted, and Independent Supportive Living at our award-winning Oshawa residence. Enjoy tailored care, spacious suites, nearby parks, shopping and peace of mind. Readers Choice Winner, 2016–2019.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Erin Meadows
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
Chateau Glengarry Retirement
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
Ashley Oaks Retirement Residence
Ashley Oaks offers a vibrant and active lifestyle. Our new community has a touch of European charm with spacious suites, delicious cuisine, and a variety of amenities. It's not just a place to live but a place to thrive!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Evergreen Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
A stylish Mississauga retirement home offering Independent, Independent Supportive, and Assisted Living, tailored to seniors' lifestyles, featuring a hair salon, onsite bistro, and more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Parkland on the Glen
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
Parkland Ajax
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
The Village of Taunton Mills
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
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
Golden Pond Retirement Residence
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
Crown Ridge Retirement Residence
Located on the east side of Trenton in a quiet neighbourhood. Enjoy beautiful suites of various sizes & layouts with advanced safety features. Elegant dining plus snacks & beverages included.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Stouffville Creek Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Stouffville Creek offers cozy living with exceptional dining, tailored care, and nearby highways, shops, and trails. Choose Independent, Independent Supportive, or Assisted Living for a fulfilling retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Tansley Woods
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
Delmanor Prince Edward
Situated in a treed ravine setting overlooking the Humber River, Delmanor Prince Edward provides vistas that vary from the serenity of the adjacent valley to the resplendence of the Toronto downtown skyline!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Grandview Retirement Living
In the heart of downtown Stoney Creek, Grandview Retirement Living offers a variety of suites, delicious dining and unsurpassed amenities. Inclusive, customized independent and assisted living service packages available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Amica Pickering
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
Amica Stoney Creek
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
Shepherd Terrace
Shepherd Terrace offers a variety of independent and assisted living suites within the renowned Shepherd Village. With its long history of providing caring service you’ll love the amenities and the excellent services.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Delmanor West Village
Delmanor West Village is a retirement residence in Etobicoke, Toronto, offering independent living, assisted living, respite stays, renovated suites with full kitchens, an Aquafit pool, and chef-prepared dining.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Riverine
Experience carefree living at The Riverine with all-inclusive rates & no hidden fees. Beautiful waterfront property; two levels of retirement living; elegant dining, housekeeping; 100% family owned & operated & more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
New Horizons Tower
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, the Terrace Garden, daily fitness, vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Humber Heights
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
Sorrento Retirement Residence
Welcome to Sorrento, a luxury take on retirement living in downtown Bolton. Inspired by the picturesque town of Sorrento, Italy, we bring the Italian zest for life to this unique community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Parkland on Eglinton West
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
Delmanor Aurora
Delmanor Aurora provides a new twist on retirement living, in a five-star resort-style setting. Extensive amenities including saltwater pool, fitness centre, theatre, spa, market, ground floor patio and rooftop terrace.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
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
The Village at University Gates
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 Wentworth Heights
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
IN-DEPTH REPORTSHome care companies in Ontario
Nurse For Care
We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers & nurses to seniors & others with medical challenges to remain in their home with safety & comfort. Services across the entire GTA. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
About assisted living in Ontario
Retirement care in Ontario is second to none. Seniors homes and assisted living homes throughout the province offer the best care available, where residents have a lot more free time than they would if they were living in their own home.
At an assisted living facility, a professional and dedicated staff will take care of your needs, including laundry, housekeeping, and day-to-day maintenance. In consequence, you will have more time to explore passions that you may have hitherto put off, as many people find when they move into retirement. Ontario is the perfect place for this exploration, as you choose a location that is close to the things you enjoy.
In Ontario, homes are covered under the Residential Tenancies Act of 2006; this Act gives residents the right cancel a tenancy agreement, within 5 days of signing the agreement (c.17, s.141 [2]). Under provisions of the Act, there must be a contract for services "as a basic consumer protection measure." The law also provides other basic protections for seniors; for one example, there is a requirement for 90 days' notice of any increase in service charges (s.57.21, c.78). We urge you to learn more about the Residential Tenancies Act and also Ontario's Retirement Homes Act.
The benefits of moving into assisted living
There are plenty of reasons you might consider an assisted living home. Here are a few advantages:
- Safety and security — Most assisted living homes have twenty-four hour video surveillance of all entrances, on-site professionally-trained staff, in-suite smoke detectors, emergency call systems, full-time nurses, nightly security rounds, and security guards. At an assisted living home, you will be safe from outside threats and feel comfortable knowing that someone will be ready to help you in case of a personal emergency.
- Time to socialize — Since you will no longer need to worry about things as you would in your own home, you will now have time to make new friends and talk to other residents. Here, you should not feel lonely!
- Specialised care tailored to your needs. Housekeeping, dining and medication administration are often included in the costs of most assisted living residences. Residences also offer a variety of specialised care, especially mobility care and incontinence care. Mobility care may include mobility aids available for residents’ use, as well as design with this concern in mind; transfer assistance is also an option for those who have problems with mobility. Residences with incontinence care treat this with dignity and professionalism; staff will be trained to deal with this, using proper therapies and helpful technologies.
- Further care options that seniors or families can choose from (based more closely on personal requirements) include bathing assistance and dressing assistance.
Some homes will provide a continuum of care that may also make memory care and other care options available. Consult individual homes to learn the level of care they offer and be sure to check out all your options in local assisted living facilities, as residences are all very unique.
Ontario assisted living costs: a survey
Across the province of Ontario, assisted living facilities vary in price, depending on a number of factors. These factors are most importantly the quality of the home, the level of care offered and general real estate prices in the area. Here's a look at some examples of costs for assisted living facilities in some Ontario cities.
| City | Starting cost/month | What's included |
| Windsor, ON | $1700 | Basic accommodations |
| Mississauga, ON | $2995 | Housekeeping and more |
| London, ON | $2995 | Housekeeping and more |
| Ottawa, ON | $4500 | bathing, dressing assistance & more |
Those are just some examples of what you might pay. We offer a fuiller look at assisted living costs in Ontario, with specific detailed tables examining costs in the GTA and costs in Ottawa Region.
Paying for assisted living need not be prohibitive for Ontario families. When all costs are covered under one umbrella, this makes it easier to match up with monthly income and other financial resources. Take a look at our advice on how people pay for care.
Things to consider as you research
When you and your family visit an assisted living centre or residence, be sure to ask as many questions as you can possibly think of, as both you and the home’s administrators need to identify whether there is a fit. Talking to residents and their families may also be helpful.
You should also learn about the particulars of each home. Some questions you may have may include the following. Do they allow pets? Do they cater to special diets (i.e. vegetarian, diabetic)? Are there any hidden costs? What is the home’s visiting policy? Empower yourself with knowledge to avoid any regrets.
How to think about getting help
Many people "of a certain generation" find it hard to admit that they need help. It's difficult to get people to set aside assumptions they have about "homes" and about what life is like inside one of today's senior care communities. One way to change minds is to get people to go and look at the homes themselves. But even before that, possibly, there is the word of others.
Take, for example, one Ontario senior woman, delightfully surprised by the fact that her assisted living care home has a 24 hour tea room. She tells us, "there's always someone to sit and chat with, over a cup of tea." This is just one of many features you might find in one of today's retirement homes.
Another example is a fellow named Nick who moved into a Toronto senior assisted living home after he had a heart attack and heart surgery. His joints became inflamed and he had to give up a number of things he loved. "I didn't think I'd make it," said Nick. He decided to move out of the home he shared with his mother and brother and move into communal living, and as he has told us, "I never looked back."
If you get out to an assisted living home near you and talk to people who live there, many will tell you that they "haven't lived this well in years." Many people feel a sense of renewal when they move into the kinds of high quality assisted living facilities listed here. People feel revived by all the freedom they have and take on volunteering and many other activities they may not have had time for before.
Families and seniors can learn more about this in our look at:

