The 5 Best Retirement Homes in Ottawa
Retirement is a time when many people want to live in comfort and enjoy their golden years. Because of that, it’s important to choose the right retirement home for you or your elderly loved one.
In this article, we will be reviewing the best retirement homes in Ottawa.
How much do retirement homes charge?
The majority of people who live in retirement communities pay monthly fees. The cost each month in Canada ranges from $1,500 to $6,000.
The table below should give you a clearer picture of the prices you may encounter.
1. Waterford Retirement Community
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Amenities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
The Waterford Retirement Community is great if you or someone you love wants to retire independently.
Instead of being in a hospital or nursing home, residents can enjoy their own apartment here and get access to memory tests when they need them.
Among Waterford’s many amenities are the seniors’ apartments, licensed personal care homes, a wellness center, hair salons, a library, a hobby room, and much more.
If your loved one needs help with their activities, their caregivers assist with things like eating, bathing, using the bathroom, and even walking.
The condo-style senior apartments are spacious, airy, and comfortable. It’s perfect for retirees who are young at heart and don’t want to give up their lifestyle after they retire.
We also love how Waterford has multiple locations all over the city. This allows people to choose where they want to live when they get older.
The Waterford Retirement Community is a family business, so the people behind it understand the needs of seniors really well.
The only drawback of this community retirement home is its pricing. While not that expensive, some of its amenities can still be considered pricey, especially for retired folks on a fixed income.
Overall, it’s a great place for those who want an independent retirement where they can live comfortably while still having access to healthcare whenever they need it.
Pros
- Great amenities
- Condo-style senior apartments
- Memory care
- Multiple locations
- Family business
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Great staff
“I have such respect for Mr. Dan Wilson & all of the staff at the Waterford.They are always polite, kind and helpful – I also specifically wish to Thank the staff on Windsong for their patience, understanding and the care that they provide in a very difficult environment.” – N. Thayer
Amazing amenities
“Waterford Retirement Community is a unique environment for individuals who choose to live here because of the enriched lifestyle approach utilized. The Waterford Retirement Community offers many amenities to compliment the aging population’s needs and wants. For example, fresh meals daily alongside the choice of something else if you do not like the options, a theater, a gorgeous atrium, private areas for personal events, bus trips, yoga instructors, nail care, hair care, etc. You name it they got it!” – Candace Moreau
2. Chartwell Rockcliffe Retirement Residence
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Amenities | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★(4/5) |
Chartwell Rockcliffe Retirement Residence is another great retirement home in Ottawa that is perfect for those who are looking for a comfortable and safe place to live during their golden years.
This residence is located on Island Lodge Road, in a beautiful building that has been renovated and decorated to provide seniors with a fantastic living environment that allows them to enjoy life to the fullest.
What makes it great is its own wellness center, gyms, and restaurants. Because of these amenities, retirees can feel like they have everything they need under one roof, instead of having to around town and fatiguing themselves.
It also has beautiful gardens on its grounds that are great for spending time with loved ones or reading a book in a relaxing environment.
We love that this retirement home is basically a hotel for retirees. It offers a wide variety of services and offers a high level of personalized service to its tenants.
The only drawback is its lack of medical facilities.
Although most retirees in retirement homes don’t require consistent health checkups, it still would’ve been better if it had an on-site doctor who could check up on its residents every once in a while to ensure that they’re okay.
Overall, Chartwell Rockcliffe Retirement Residence is a great option that offers great services to its tenants.
Pros
- Contemporary design
- Great views and green spaces
- Multiple locations
- Hotel-like features
Cons
- No memory tests
Customer Reviews
Highly recommended
“My 87-year-old father who had a severe backache needed some respite from his home surroundings. From our first connection, our experience with the Rockliffe has been exceptional. The room was very comfortable, the staff supportive and the management was great. Chef David was very accommodating to my fathers dietary restrictions and made excellent food. His physiotherapist was able to continue her visits. My biggest praise goes to Binda, who truly helped my father make this difficult transition possible. Without a doubt, the stay helped my father with his recovery and for this I am most grateful to the team at this wonderful residence. Highly recommended.” – Mark Watson
Above and beyond support
“My parents moved to the Rockcliffe four years ago. They enjoyed and embraced the beautiful setting, wonderful meals, and all the interesting excursions and activities.
My father has been on his own now for nine months and the Rockcliffe staff have gone above and beyond to support him during this time.” – Debbie Howes
3. Cité Parkway Retirement Residence
Located on LeBoutillier Avenue, Cité Parkway offers residents an excellent environment with plenty of activities to keep them engaged.
This retirement home has its own pool and fitness center. It also has chef-prepared meals for its tenants so they don’t need to worry about preparing their own food anymore.
Retirees have their own personalized care plans that are based on their health and preference. Residents can choose from a variety of meal plans, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Cite Parkway Retirement Residence also has plenty of services to meet their needs, such as housekeeping, laundry services, and transportation services.
There are also events that promote socialization between retirees so they don’t feel isolated.
The home’s recreation team organizes regular activities, such as chair exercises, tai chi classes, arts and crafts workshops, and even cooking classes.
The only drawback of this establishment is the fact that it’s expensive. However, if you are looking for an exclusive retirement home where you can enjoy great meals and fun activities along with top-notch amenities, then it’s definitely worth considering.
Overall, we highly recommend Cite Parkway Retirement Residence as one of the best retirement communities in Ottawa. It has all the amenities that retirees need to stay happy and healthy in their retirement years.
Pros
- In-house family physicians
- Dietary needs are considered
- Chef-prepared meals
- Personalized care plans
- Hotel-like rooms
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Lovely place
“Truly a lovely facility, conveniently located yet quiet within the city. “ – James Skarnikat
Surpasses others
“My mother has been living at Cite Parkway for several years now and is happy with the service. She is especially pleased with the care during COVID-19 and feels very safe. While there may have been issues with the quality of the food in the past it has greatly improved with the new chef and my mother has enjoyed every meal since. Cite Parkway surpasses other retirement home that I have been to, reception and staff are very friendly.” – Sylvie B.
4. Governors Walk Retirement Residence
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Amenities | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★(4/5) |
Governors Walk Retirement Residence is a great option for retirees to stay at. It offers a variety of activities, social events, and amenities to keep residents busy and engaged.
The establishment also has its own care programs perfect for aging seniors to ensure their well-being and quality of life.
These include a care team offering a wide range of services from housekeeping to personal care, meal service, and 24-hour on-call response.
When it comes to amenities, Governors Walk offers its residents a wide variety of activities to keep them entertained and socially active. However, it isn’t a fancy hotel with expensive amenities like what you might find in a five-star resort.
It does have great views that seniors can appreciate, a chapel and mass services that they can join in, and bingo games where they can chat with each other and play together.
It’s also located near a lake where residents can go fishing or walk with their friends and families.
Overall, it’s still a top-notch retirement home, especially for retirees who are into nature and outdoor activities like fishing.
Pros
- Memory care
- Great views
- Chapel and mass services
- Near a lake
- Virtual tour available
Cons
- Amenities can be lacking for some
Customer Reviews
4 years of competence
“In December 2021 I started my fourth year at Governors Walk. Every day I feel fortunate to live in such a wonderful home where the staff at all levels is caring, sensitive and competent. My suite as well as all common areas are kept clean, the dining room is attractive and the food well above average.” – Louise D
Warm and caring
“I have lived at Governors Walk for 4 years and love it. The food is great and the staff are very helpful. They are always warm and caring. I highly recommend Governors Walk.” – Irene Bent
5. Embassy West Senior Living
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Amenities | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
For a retirement home that’s more focused on medical care, a great choice to consider is Embassy West Senior Living.
Located on Carling Avenue, this establishment provides multiple options for assisted living and memory care, as well as a wide range of health services.
We love that it offers care around the clock and even employs multiple nurses and doctors.
This is a great option for seniors who want a medically-focused environment where they can receive the personalized attention they need.
Despite being medically focused, the home is also able to offer luxury rooms where retirees can feel like they’re renting out a fancy hotel room. Each room features modern decor and a variety of high-end amenities.
There are also specialized activities for the tenants here. Some seniors may enjoy taking part in classes such as painting or yoga while others may prefer playing bingo or sharing a meal with their neighbors.
Memory programs are also available at Embassy West. This provides a great opportunity for seniors who may be in the early stages of dementia to get the necessary support.
Overall, the only drawback we see here is the fact that there are many nurses and doctors around the area. This can make some seniors feel uncomfortable because it reminds them of a hospital setting.
With that said, if you or your elderly loved ones can get past that, Embassy West is a wonderful choice to consider when looking for a retirement home.
Pros
- Green gardens
- Dementia and memory care
- Medical focus
- 24/7 services
- Also has infection control services
Cons
- Can remind people of hospitals
Customer Reviews
Professional services
“My Mum was there from March 2017 until March 2018, when she passed away. I couldn’t have asked for a better place for her to be for her last year. The staff are so caring and treat their residents as almost family. Any questions or concerns I had were dealt with swiftly and professionally.” – Deitra Kimpton
Great quality care
“My mother has been in Embassy West Senior Living for the last 2+ years and I am very happy with her care. My mother stayed at another care facility and she was very unhappy and we were very concerned. At Embassy West, ALL staff including the kitchen, management, nurses, PSW’s are simply amazing and give personalized attention and care and the facility is very clean. If there are any changing circumstances or issues to be looked at, they look into it in a very timely fashion, rectify it and communicate very effectively. I would recommend Embassy West to anyone who is looking for great quality care.” – Mamta Pathak
FAQs about Retirement Homes
And that’s it for the best retirement homes in Ottawa!
Looking for similar services but want your loved ones to stay at home? Here are the best elder care services in Ottawa!