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Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
In a delightfully tongue-in-cheek take on life at Credit River in Mississauga, senior resident Reg Desilets says, “The Verve team would go to the Super Bowl.” A long-time resident at this Verve Senior Living community, Desilets recorded a playful “motivational speech” last May at the height of the pandemic’s first wave. As he said, then, “They’ve got drive, they’ve got purpose, they’ve got ambition and focus. To go to the Super Bowl, there’s two things you gotta have: guts and teamwork, and this team has got both.”
Desilets has a no-nonsense approach to life, one that led him to embrace independent senior living, because it means “staying ahead of the curve,” as he says. He’s not one to candy-coat things, and he’ll tell you that Credit River is “the right place to be” these days, where people, including staff and residents, look out for each other. “If you can help your neighbour here, you do it. If somebody needs help, you help them.” That pulling together is seen at more Verve Senior Living communities.
“Everyone came forward this year,” says Hilda Anderson, of Holland Gardens, “managers, staff, all of the people here.” While lockdown and COVID-19 protocols are “not always easy,” admits the 93 year old, “it’s wonderful the way they look out for us. We listen to all the guidelines they give us, and we know they’re following Ministry of Health requirements. We’ve been taught what to do to keep safe.”
It’s an under-reported sidebar of the pandemic: the way communities like hers have kept the virus at bay or quickly handled outbreaks. Holland Gardens, in fact, declared an outbreak in November, when one staff member tested positive for coronavirus, per government regulations. They dealt with it quickly and effectively, averting danger. Hilda and everyone else in the community remained safely protected.
Other Verve communities across Canada have been praised for their effective institution of safety protocols. At The Lodge at Valley Ridge in Calgary, the community jumped into action in the early pandemic, as marketer Teresa Merryfield told us, “quickly putting strong measures in place to ensure resident and staff health and safety.” They closed public areas, restricted outside visitors, and immediately cancelled all tours. The result is that they have stayed free of the virus. Donna Reid is one resident who recently praised The Lodge’s effectiveness at staving off the virus and providing a medically safe environment where she does not have to leave home to get a blood check. On top of that, the remarkable thing is the way “staff has been cheerful and happy all the time. During this time it’s much needed!”
Similarly, Karyn Leonard praised the way staff “have faced the constant challenges of 2020 with professionalism, kindness, and good humour.” She has a loved one in White Cliffe Terrace, in Courtice, Ontario. She also praises the way staff at that community have provided regular updates and information to family members.
Lynne Elkind’s mom is in Hazelton Place in Toronto and she, too, is amazed by the way staff have handled the challenges of life under quarantine. She praises the “exceptional job” they have done, while also staying “kind and patient. They are on top of everything,” she says.
Verve Senior Living goes by the motto, “make every day great.” In spite of the challenges of these times, they’ve been able to continue delivering that. As Hilda Anderson says, “we’re waiting for this to be over, but in the meantime” she is grateful for the “wonderful life,” she has. “Everyone works together wonderfully” in the Verve Senior Living community she calls home.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSVerve Senior Living retirement communities
Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
The Concorde has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable dining & excellent views of the mountains, along with extensive program activities; The Concorde is perfect for an active living & entertaining lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
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
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
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
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
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
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
Dr. Hemstock Retirement Residence and Hearthstone Place Verve Senior Living
At Dr. Hemstock Residence & Hearthstone Place, our highly-skilled group of health care professionals and qualified staff are here to do whatever we can to ensure that all your needs are taken care of.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
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
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
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 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
Port Credit Residences - Verve Senior Living
Port Credit Residence offers a resort-inspired lifestyle with an oversized pool, wellness centre, physiotherapy, movie theatre, library, spa/salon, and more. Offering Independent & Independent Supportive Living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent 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
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 Heritage - Verve Senior Living
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Verve Aspen Woods
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 Roxborough Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
The Roxborough Retirement Residence is both elegant and cozy with a dedicated and caring team that go above and beyond for your well-being and happiness. We offer Independent living and Independent Supportive Living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Canterbury Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Canterbury Place offers Independent & Independent Supportive Living and suite styles in an elegant condo-like building for active adults. Unique healthcare programs available for our residents including palliative care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
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, Long-term care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Premium Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
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
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
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

