The 6 Best Nursing Homes in Ottawa
Whether it’s for your parents, grandparents, or a guardian who’s very close to your heart, finding a nursing home for them is a huge step in their lives. We understand that, and that’s why we’re making it easier for you with our list of the best nursing homes in Ottawa!
We’ve also included a few guide questions, costs, and answers to FAQs. We hope these help you as you make the best decision for your loved one.
What to Know Before Selecting a Nursing Home
Ensuring that your loved one’s needs are met and they’re well taken care of makes picking out a nursing home a tough call. We have a few questions here that can help get you started on that!
1. How much will it cost?
Independent living, assisted living, private suites, special care, and more—there are a lot of factors to consider when figuring out the monthly costs for the care that your loved one needs.
Higher-end homes with better facilities understandably cost much more but provide you with more peace of mind. However, smaller and more affordable homes can also be just as good with the level of care they give their tenants.
2. What kind of facilities do they have?
This applies to medical and recreational facilities. For medical facilities, some homes have inhouse physical therapists, dental care, x-ray machines and more to be able to monitor their tenant’s health without having to travel anywhere.
In terms of recreation, nobody wants to be stuck someplace without much to do, right? Many homes have game nights, recreation rooms, and a selection of activities for you or your loved one to partake in.
3. What are the safety precautions they employ?
From fire drills to emergency call devices, safety must be the utmost priority for nursing homes. Regularly practised drills are important in the unlikely event of a fire or earthquake. Knowing that your nursing home or choice has these can give you some peace of mind.
Nursing homes with mental health care facilities have an added requirement of needing to effectively restrain patients without hurting them, and this is something to consider as well.
4. What are their hygiene protocols?
This especially applies to assisted living. How often are the residents bathed? Does the home provide incontinence products? How about things like barber and parlour services?
Some patients with disabilities would need special equipment in bathrooms to be able to use them as well. Try to find out if these are all available in the home you’re considering.
5. How are the meal services?
Having a wide variety of choices for the different dietary needs of residents is important, as well as where they can eat and if visitors can dine with them. Meals should be varied, appealing, and meet their expectations and nutritional needs.
It’s also worthwhile to ask if the residents can bring their own food or order out.
How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost in Ottawa
Here’s a list of average costs for both independent living and assisted living. Take note that these are estimates and that the actual rates differ depending on the provider.
Independent living
| Suite | Average monthly rate |
| 1 bedroom | $3,500 |
| 2 bedroom | $5,500 |
| studio | $2,800 |
Assisted living
| Suite | Average monthly rate |
| Housekeeping, dressing, ADL | $3,500 |
| Housekeeping, meals, medical admin | $2,800 |
| Housekeeping, meals | $2,300 |
Memory Care
| Suite | Average monthly rate |
| Meals, housekeeping, dressing, ADLS, except feeding | $4,100 |
The Top Nursing Homes in Ottawa
Deciding to put your loved ones into a nursing home can be one of the toughest decisions. There are so many factors to consider like the cost, the services, and the people you will be entrusting your loved one to.
This is why we put this list of top nursing homes in Ottawa together for you to hel you with this decision!
1. Thorncliffe Place
| BEST FOR | Quality senior care |
| SERVICES | Palliative Care Weekly Fresh Linens Cable TV Postal Services Mechanical Lifts Handyman Services Assistance with Personal Laundry/Dry Cleaning Exercise Classes Entertainment like Games, Movies, Etc. |
| WEBSITE | www.thorncliffeplace.com |
| ADDRESS | 1 Thorncliffe Place, Ottawa, ON K2H 9N9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 596-3853 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | 24/7 |
Thorncliffe Place has been in business since 1977 and has a great reputation as a family owned nursing home. It has a comprehensive fire alarm and safety system for the safety of the residents as well as recreational activities and daily supplies to ensure their comfort and enjoyment.
They offer 2 types of basic assisted living plans; the Accommodation and Care Plan includes all those services listed in the table above plus 3 home-cooked meals and 2 snacks per day. The Care Plus Plan is the same except it includes diabetic supervision, specialized nursing services, and incontinence care.
They offer support for residents with dementia and have weekly visits by their house physician.
With a team of over 50 dedicated staff, your loved ones will be in safe hands with Thorncliffe Place. According to clients, the caregivers here are very warm and friendly, providing each resident with the best care possible.
Pros
- Wide range of amenities
- Relatively affordable rates
Cons
- Can sometimes be short-staffed
Customer Reviews
Thorncliffe Place is owned and run by the well-known and trusted Ottawan Francis family. They seek to make your loved ones feel at home and here are some testimonials to prove it:
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Thorncliffe. Especially during these strange days of Covid-19. I have been so relieve that mom is in their caring hands. Thorncliffe took serious precautions to keep the residence safe during the pandemic, even before the province recommended anything! Knowing my mother is in their safe hand has been a real blessing!! Thank you to the wonderful staff – everyone is amazing!!” -Cindy
“Thorncliffe Place was a beautiful home and had a family-like atmosphere. Everyone knew each other and would care for one another. The staff would treat their residents with a ton of kindness and this was the main reason we decided on Thorncliffe. The location of the Retirement home is very convenient, you have two plazas just of walking distance and I have heard many residences talk about their walk in a park that is close by. It seems that there is always something to do such as parties and music and it didn’t feel dull to live here. I recommend the home to people on the constant.” -Mary
2. St. Patrick’s Home Ottawa
| BEST FOR | Long-term care |
| SERVICES | 24-hour nursing n call 24-hour physician on call Pastoral Care Programs Palliative care programs Planned program of activities |
| WEBSITE | http://www.stpats.ca |
| ADDRESS | 2865 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 8N5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 731-4660 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | 24/7 |
St Patrick’s Home is a cozy building with 5 stories with a newly added two-story building. All buildings, units, and facilities are wheelchair-friendly and both buildings have two elevators each for the convenience of every resident.
There are 164 rooms wherein some have shared bathrooms while others have private bathrooms. There are 3 ward rooms with 3 beds each that have shared bathrooms.
Each unit has extra storage space and a much-needed thermostat to keep the patients feeling cozy. There are numerous amenities such as recreation rooms, communal dining and kitchen areas, craft and game rooms, and outdoor recreation space.
For the convenience of all their residents and their visiting family members, they also have a medical examination room, doctor’s office, bank dental clinic, library, chapel, hairdresser, security entry system and a parking lot.
Pros
- Reasonable rates
- Wide range of amenities
Cons
- Lobby-personnel can be unprofessional
Customer Reviews
One of the best ways we can really gauge a care facility is by the reviews of previous residents and their family members. Here are some reviews for St Patrick’s Home:
“The PSW’s, Rn’s, Rpn’s and recreation staff are just amazing. These people work and strive to make this home the best home in ottawa. St.Patrick’s is not just a facility its a community, home and family those people working in there work hard to make it feel this way. They work and work to live up to the grey sisters and their values. There is a reason why this place has been here longer than canada has been a country. St. Patricks is the best place to work, volunteer and donate to.” -Armani
“Great staff! Very restricted as per Ontario health regulations . Safe and efficient protocols. It’s becoming a home “ -Kimberly
3. Embassy West Senior Living
| BEST FOR | Geriatric Rehabilitation |
| SERVICES | Wheelchair Accessible Social Programs Geriatric Medical Team Housekeeping and Laundry On-site Doctor’s Office On-site Pharmacy Complimentary Cooking and Baking Classes Craft rooms |
| WEBSITE | www.embassywestseniorliving.com |
| ADDRESS | 1400 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 729-4321 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | 24/7 |
Embassy West Senior Living boasts proudly of its topnotch services for its residents. They have since been dubbed as Ottawa’s best trained staffed care facility that nurtures, assists, and cares for their residents in the best way they can.
ESWL specializes in cognitive restorative therapy, memory care, and geriatric rehabilitation, providing customized care plans tailored to each resident’s specific needs. They provide quite a diverse type of clinical assistance such as palliative care and a two-person lift.
To keep the minds of their residents alive and alert, they provide all sorts of events to provide holistic enrichment such as Montessori and lifestyle programs and sensory stimulation.
This nursing home provides advanced care programs to ensure that each and every resident is taken care. They also offer on-site medical and physiotherapy services for the convenience of the residents and a full range of facilities for their enjoyment.
Pros
- Specializes in geriatric rehabilitation
- Reasonable rates
- On-site medical and physiotherapy services
Cons
- Tends to be understaffed
Customer Reviews
ESWL is one of the top-ranked nursing homes in Ottawa. This is widely owed to their amazingly trained staff and topnotch care facilities.
Here are a few reviews from family members of previous residents:
“We so appreciated the extra mile Embassy West went in helping us out during a very difficult time with my Mother. They went above and beyond to accommodate our needs and concerns and we cannot thank them enough for their help and concern. Especially Anuj! Mother would have loved staying there long-term, I am sure, and it is unfortunate she did not get that chance. Thank you Anuj and staff! Wonderful people.” -Lilo and Harry
“We are very grateful to everyone at Embassy West Senior Living! Whatever we need, whenever we need it, they are always there for us. The team at Embassy West Senior Living are understanding, supportive and work with us in every way. I can speak not just as a daughter, but as a caregiving professional working with seniors for 30 years. I know the team at Embassy West Senior Living are truly there for my parents and our whole family.” -JM
4. Villagia in the Glebe
| BEST FOR | Luxurious Living |
| SERVICES | Assisted-Living Services Memory Care Memory Care Respite care Private home-care Palliative care Ostomy care |
| WEBSITE | www.villagiaintheglebe.com |
| ADDRESS | 480 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3N6, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 565-5212 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Sun 8am – 8pm |
Villagia in the Glebe is located in a welcoming neighborhood in Ottawa and just a short walk from Rideau Canal. Its prime location allows residents to visit Ottawa’s downtown center, giving them plentiful options with regards to restaurants and parks.
It provides services for those who are looking for either independent or assisted living arrangements. The residence has all sorts of amenities and entertainment such as a movie theatre, salon, fitness center, bistro, ballroom, theatre, lounges, and even a swimming pool.
All meals are provided by executive chefs and served in the dining rooms. Nursing services are available 24/7. Each care plan is tailored to suit the needs of each resident.
Pros
- Provides social programs
- Wide range of amenities
- Highly equipped for advanced medical services
Cons
- Expensive rates
Customer Reviews
If your goal is to keep your elderly relative living a lavish lifestyle in a well-maintained care facility, you would do well to let them live in the Villagia. Here are a few reviews on the Villagia by family members of previous residents:
“Our family had an excellent experience at the Villagia while our 89 mother stayed there in the independent living one bedroom apartment. The executive staff are amazing, very accommodating, professional and always looking for the best solution for the resident. Highly recommend it.” -Darina
“Villagia was well known for its Respite Care at Elizabeth Bruyere, where my elderly mother rehabilitated, after a hip surgery. It was recommended by staff at EB, as well an in-law family member, who already spent a year at Villagia.
Our experience started with a series of phone calls with Sue who could be easily reached and quickly developed an understanding the complexities of my mother’s needs. Villagia impressed us with its positive atmosphere, high level of energy and interest of health care staff and administrative staff in the residents.
We look forward to visiting our relative at Villagia again and / or using their services, if needed by another family member.” -Michael
5. Choice Homecare
| SERVICES | In-home care services, Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, palliative care, hospital discharge care, respite care, acquired brain injuries care, and veteran affairs. |
| WEBSITE | https://choicehomecare.ca |
| ADDRESS | Suite 114, 223 Colonnade Road Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7K3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] 613-907-3191 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday, 24 hours |
Choice Homecare is an authorized home care & nursing provider in Ottawa trusted by several agencies including the Ontario Blue Cross, Green Shield Canada, WSIB, Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the RCMP.
They offer a variety of home care services including Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, and hospital discharge care. Each of their nurses is specialized to provide their services, especially those who take care of clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They are trained and equipped to manage behaviors caused by this type of disease.
What’s more, they also provide home care for veterans. This includes 24-hour in-home support and Alzheimer’s & dementia care catered for veterans. Their personal support workers have advanced training in order to provide customized care plans and schedules designed for veterans.
With services like these, we can say with confidence that Choice Homecare is one of the top Homecare and nursing providers in Ottawa.
Pros
- Alzheimer’s and dementia friendly
- Customized care plan
- Caregiver matching
Cons
- Certain services can be expensive
Customer Reviews
An absolute life-saver for my family
“Sabina has been an absolute life saver for my family. She is fantastic with my dad who can be a challenge. Not only does she provide great care for him but the house is always sparkling after her visit as she takes it upon herself to clean while my father sleeps. Sabina is worth her weight in gold and I hope she is appreciated for the amazing work that she does.” – Gabrielle Kennedy
One of the best Homecare agencies to work for
“I have worked with a few Private Homecare Agencies in the past but can honestly say Choice Homecare is one of the BEST Homecare Agencies to work for. There are many Homecare Agencies and Choice Homecare is the one I would chose to provide personal cares to any one of my family/friends. To provide personal cares/respite/Palliative care. Simply the best Agency” – Delores Booth
6. The Glebe Center
| SERVICES | Community programs, long-term care, volunteering, and fundraising |
| WEBSITE | https://glebecentre.ca |
| ADDRESS | Long-term care home: 77 Monk St. Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5A7. Community program and support services: 950 Bank St. Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5G6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Long-term care home: Tel: 613-238-2727, Fax: 613-238-4759 Community program and support services: Tel: 613-230-5730, Fax: 613-238-0889 |
For over 130 years, The Glebe Center has been the cornerstone of care for senior residents of the Glebe and areas surrounding Ottawa. Today, they have continued to provide the same consistent care and passion while adopting new programs and technology to alleviate their resident’s concerns.
Being a not-for-profit long-term care home, they have been known as the home of choice for those who require long-term care. They draw inspiration from their long history of excellence and are committed to providing quality care and creating a culture that attracts and retains employees and volunteers.
Specializing in providing long-term care for their senior residents, they have provided a space for seniors of Chinese descent. A cognitive unit is reserved to cater to them and is provided with a special building that has incorporated several ethnic features.
If you’re looking to admit a loved one to a long-term care home in Ontario, you must first coordinate with the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). There is also a weekly tour of Glebe Center, click here to download a copy of the Glebe Centre’s Tour Package.
Pros
- Non-profit nursing home
- Great customer support
- Experienced and caring staff
- Does volunteering work
Cons
- Lacks parking spots
Customer Reviews
Wonderful nursing team
“The Glebe Centre (specifically Bankwood) is full of wonderful residents whom are assisted by a wonderful nursing team. The Butterfly care model used on Bankwood allows residents a safe home area that embraces their individual care needs. The activities lead Megan on Bankwood is no short of a blessing – she offers kindness and compassion alongside fun and her engaging activities for all of the folks living there.” – Meredith Brown
Staff are kind and professional towards the residents
“It’s my last day as a student for my replacement in this wonderful place and I’m really sad as I really felt like home and best place to work there and have your replacement, very organized and spotless and very safe place as the staff were very kind to me and showing me the right way to work and gain experience as a PSW student, for anyone out there looking to place your beloved once as a really home then choose glebe center as I assure you that the staff are the best staff ever as kind and professional towards the resident and treat them and take a very good care of them , good job Jana and marlen and domenic love you guys and can’t wait to apply there” – Aftab Kamal-jalal
FAQs About the Best Nursing Homes in Ottawa
And that’s it for our list of the best nursing homes in Ottawa! Whichever home you choose from this list will surely give your loved ones the care that they deserve.
If there’s a home that we missed out on that you highly recommend, shoot us a message. We’ll check it out as soon as possible!
If you’re in need of physiotherapy, check out our article for information on the best physiotherapists in Ottawa!