Your memory care options in 2023
The state-of-the-art, with examples from across Canada
Find a list of retirement homes
Any cure for Alzheimer’s Disease still seems to be years away, but our understanding of care for this and related dementias grows deeper and richer all the time. Caregiving and supplemental home care can mitigate care requirements in early stages, but these have limits. When dementia progresses to a point where someone is in danger or caregiving demands become too heavy, privatized memory care offers specialized environments and care that fully benefit from our current understanding of these disorders.
Memory care often includes 24-hour on-site medical staff, including both nurses and doctors. Other care staff are also on hand, specially trained to help both patients and families deal with the physical and emotional aspects of the illness. Communities offer therapeutic environments and an increasing number of them are specifically designed with the needs of dementia sufferers in mind. You’ll find specialized dementia care neighbourhoods in a number of retirement homes listed with Comfort Life including Schlegel Villages, Delmanor Elgin Mills in Richmond Hill, Symphony Senior Living, and state-of-the-art Verve properties like the Village Langley and The Shores of Port Credit.
At The Shores of Port Credit, for example, dementia care households are “intentionally designed to be self-contained,” says Jodi Flanagan, a marketing consultant there. Each household is limited to 15 people. This provides familiarity and comfort and minimizes any confusion attendant to dementia. Brimming with cutting edge design, these areas all have full access to an enclosed outdoor terrace. “Everything is flooded with natural light,” she says. “There’s a rhythm that can get interrupted with these diseases, and natural light is absolutely a part of treatment.” Neighbourhoods also include features like continuous circulation paths that help alleviate residents’ tendency to frustration.
Richmond Care Home
Dementia care neighbourhoods are a staple of Schlegel Villages, a leader in dementia care with its signature LIVING in My Today program. As with some other programs, the emphasis here is on wellness over the disease’s negative outcomes. The program focuses on promoting comfort, managing residents’ sensory overload, and helping staff and family members understand negative behaviours caused by dementia. Recently, for example, they phased out serving carts in memory care, disruptive to residents’ ease, just the latest tweak focused on residents’ needs first.
Other company’s programs like Delmanor’s MemoryPlus, mirror this focus on the patients’ perspective over all other considerations. “We look at dementia through that alternate lens” of the elder in care, says Elaine Wood, Delmanor’s vice president of operations. “It’s about saying to people that, although I have dementia, I’m still here.”
A variety of specialized communities and approaches
One of the most innovative dementia care communities in the world is The Village Langley, a five acre, enclosed community of cottage-like homes, purposely built for dementia sufferers. Elroy Jesperson, project leader, was inspired by a similar village in Holland. The design focused not on the limitations of dementia, but on creating a “dementia-capable community,” he says. The Village is focused on “purposeful, meaningful activities, well-being and fulfillment.” Residents feel free and enabled.
Another unique approach to care and community is found at Richmond Care Home, half an hour south of Ottawa, offering cutting edge care for women only. The focus is on providing supportive dementia care in a home environment. Robin Meyers, director of community and personal support services at Carefor explains that the idea there is to “live in the whole home” not just in a dedicated area. They have a common family room, living room and kitchen where residents can help cook or bake together. “We train and teach staff to meet the ladies where they’re at, provide them stimulation and social environments.” There’s also “a secure garden where people can go out on their own … They’re not restricted.”
Communities like Forest Valley Terrace by Symphony Senior Living, in nearby Orleans, offer a more common, yet similarly progressive approach in memory care design. The community includes technologies to protect those in care, as well as employment of Designated Resident Specialists (DRS). Each of these team members are assigned a discrete group of residents with whom they become deeply familiar. The environment includes enrichments like memory boxes outside each suite and Life Skills Stations where residents are stimulated by hands-on activities. Many care staff as well as some family members have also been given “virtual dementia training,” a program that gives people a chance to “walk a mile in their shoes” and develops staff’s understanding of and sympathy with someone struggling with dementia symptoms.
Memory care everywhere continues to improve and innovate. The overwhelming trend is away from a one-size-fits-all approach, to places that are homier, intimate and above all, centered on residents’ needs. “We customize care and the environment for each person,” says Bobbie Seaton at Credit River, a Verve Senior Living community that benefits from insights gained in Langley. “In the end, we’re able to appeal to each resident’s uniqueness.”
Canada's finest memory care communities in 2022:
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FEATURED
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Aster Gardens
7 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park,
Alberta, T8H 1Y7
Aster Gardens, an Optima Living community, opened in March 2021, we are transforming Senior's living. You are going to love living here....Let Us Welcome You Home!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, 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 standards of service. Offering a full continuum of care, a variety of amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, 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
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2J7
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
FEATURED
The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park
22 Shawnee Hill S.W., Calgary,
Alberta, T2Y 0P8
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
FEATURED
Baycrest Terraces
55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M6A 2Z1
We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence. Located on the Baycrest campus in the heart of North York's Jewish community. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Garrison Green by United Active Living
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3E 0C9
At Garrison Green by UAL, we offer memory care, independent and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, a la carte dining, underground parking and so much more!
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 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
FEATURED
The Manor Villages StayWell Manor
174 Ypres Green SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2T 6M2
Staywell Manor Village offers elegant retirement living in the heart of Calgary. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we have lifestyle options to meet your needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
FEATURED
OPAL by Element
438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5Y 05M
438 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 0M5 Opal offers a full continuum of support from Independent Living, Assisted living all the way to Complex Care, allowing the opportunity for aging in place.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term 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: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory 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
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 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 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
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
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: 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 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
Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, you can access them all in one location at Park Place. We are a vibrant, social community surrounded by parks and close to many amenities.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Heritage Valley Retirement Residence
944 James Mowatt Trail SW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6W 2B2
The lifestyle at Chartwell Heritage Valley is ideal for active & independent individuals. Spend your time exactly how you choose in an airy atmosphere with natural light. Flexible private support services also available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans,
Ontario, K4A 0N2
With so much to do nearby, it’s easy to forget why you might want to stay home, but with its exceptional dining, impeccable design, and fun activities, you’ll find Promenade has many attractions of its own!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke offers different levels of service from independent apartments with meals to assisted living to long-term 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
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
Richmond Care Home
27 Nixon Farm Drive, Richmond,
Ontario, K0A 2Z0
Richmond Care Home is a unique 16-unit retirement home specifically designed for women living with dementia. We offer cutting-edge exceptional memory care, that's very reasonably priced in an intimate home-like setting.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
Carleton Place Terrace by Symphony
6 Arthur Street, Carleton Place,
Ontario, K7C 4S4
We offer a truly all inclusive plan. We welcome pets: offer residents accommodation options .Our array of activities & chef-prepared meals keep our residents healthy & active. Offering beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village Langley
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community
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
Holland Gardens
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Waterford
1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen,
British Columbia, V4L 2P9
Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Carp Commons Retirement Village
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
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
Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2E 0B3
Ravines offers you tranquility in one of Ottawa’s most scenic neighbourhoods, Prince of Wales. A social, carefree lifestyle awaits you in a friendly community staffed with individuals who truly care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Symphony Senior Living Kanata
27 Weaver Crescent, Kanata,
Ontario, K2K 2Z8
Enjoy the natural setting of the surrounding Kanata Lakes with access to shopping, parks and churches at Symphony Senior Living Kanata. This pet friendly community offers a variety of service packages and suites to fulfill your unique needs.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 1Z2
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
Forest Valley Terrace By Symphony
1510 St. Joseph Boulevard, Orleans,
Ontario, K1C 7L1
Forest Valley Terrace is proud to be the only community that is specifically designed & dedicated to the unique needs of seniors with all stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory impairment in Ottawa.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Don Mills Retirement Residence
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
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
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
From gracious dining to new suites and lounges, residents are enjoying the new management and upgrades found at 1140 Bloor Street West, in the Heart of Bloordale Village.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
WaterView Estates by Estates of Niagara
518 Queenston St, St. Catharines,
Ontario, L2R 7K6
At WaterView Estates & Wellness Suites, we offer a luxurious upscale retirement community along the Welland Canal, steps from walk/bike trails, world class amenities and living options designed to create your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Shores of Port Credit
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
Credit River
175 Rutledge Rd., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 0X7
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Wintergreene Estates
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: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Eau Claire Care Residence
301 7th Street SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2P 1Y6
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Calgary seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Assisted Living
Chartwell Scarlett Heights Retirement Residence
4005 Eglinton Ave West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 5H3
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Etobicoke seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Georgian Traditions Retirement Residence
57 Trott Blvd., Collingwood,
Ontario, L9Y 0A3
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Collingwood seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Willow Retirement Community
12275-224th Street, Maple Ridge,
British Columbia, V2X 6H5
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Maple Ridge seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Empress Kanata Retirement Residence
170 McGibbon Drive, Kanata,
Ontario, K2L 4H5
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Kanata seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Deerview Crossing Retirement Residence
460 Rymal Road West, Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 0B2
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Hamilton seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Home Care companies in all and area.
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers and nurses to help seniors and people with medical challenges to remain living in their own home with safety and comfort. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Nurse Next Door Toronto Beaches
1 Concorde Gate, Toronto,
Ontario, M3C 3N6
Nurse Next Door Toronto Beaches provides compassionate 24 hour personalized senior care services with bonded, registered & licensed Nurses / RPN's, in your home, hospital, rehab, LTC & retirement communities.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Editor's note: the article above is an updated version of our look at memory care article in the 19th annual Comfort Life Retirement Guide.
