As a real estate professional in Ottawa, I’ve helped countless families navigate the challenging process of finding the perfect long-term home for their senior loved ones. This decision is deeply personal and impacts quality of life, health outcomes, and family peace of mind. Whether you’re relocating to Ottawa or helping a loved one transition within the city, Ottawa offers a diverse range of senior living options across its many neighborhoods.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the top senior living options in Ottawa, providing detailed insights into each facility’s care services, amenities, neighborhood context, and the unique pros and cons to consider. Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or a combination of services, this guide will help you make an informed decision for this important life transition.
Before diving into specific facilities, it’s important to understand the different types of senior care available in Ottawa. The neighborhood you choose can significantly impact your loved one’s quality of life. Ottawa’s diverse neighborhoods each offer different advantages for seniors, from walkability and access to healthcare to community amenities and cultural opportunities.
Active Seniors
Seniors with some support
Caregiver in home setting
When evaluating potential senior homes, consider these key factors:
The Glebe Centre is one of Ottawa’s oldest and most respected long-term care facilities, with a history spanning over 130 years of service to the community. Located in the heart of The Glebe on Monk Street, this not-for-profit organization provides comprehensive care in a warm, supportive environment. The facility combines traditional values with modern care approaches, offering both long-term care and community support services through its affiliated Abbotsford Seniors Centre.
The Glebe Centre is located in the heart of The Glebe neighborhood, near the intersection of Holmwood Avenue and Bank Street. This vibrant area offers excellent walkability with easy access to shops, restaurants, and cafés on Bank Street. The facility is close to Lansdowne Park and TD Place, as well as the Rideau Canal and Sylvia Holden Park. Public transit is readily available, and the neighborhood boasts a high walkability score with pedestrian-friendly streets.
Chartwell Lord Lansdowne Retirement Residence offers elegant senior living in the heart of Ottawa’s desirable Glebe neighborhood. As part of Chartwell, one of Canada’s largest senior living operators, this residence combines sophisticated urban living with comprehensive care services. The prime location on Bank Street provides residents with exceptional access to Lansdowne Park, shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, creating an active, engaged retirement lifestyle.
Chartwell Lord Lansdowne is located in The Glebe, near the intersection of Bank Street and Holmwood Avenue. This prime location offers exceptional walkability (94% walk score) with easy access to shops, restaurants, and services along Bank Street. The residence is adjacent to Lansdowne Park and TD Place, providing entertainment and cultural opportunities. The Rideau Canal is nearby for seasonal activities, and the area is well-served by public transit. The vibrant urban setting offers numerous amenities within walking distance.
Villagia in the Glebe is a premium retirement community nestled in the heart of one of Ottawa’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. This elegant facility offers a perfect blend of independent living and supportive care in a sophisticated urban setting. With its exceptional location on Metcalfe Street, residents enjoy the perfect balance of refined retirement living with easy access to the cultural amenities, shops, and restaurants that make The Glebe one of Ottawa’s most desirable areas.
Villagia in the Glebe is located at 480 Metcalfe Street in the heart of The Glebe neighborhood. This prime location offers exceptional walkability (94% walk score) with easy access to shops, restaurants, and services along Bank Street. The residence is near Lansdowne Park and TD Place, providing entertainment and cultural opportunities. The Rideau Canal and Sylvia Holden Park are within walking distance, offering beautiful outdoor spaces. The area is well-served by public transit and offers a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.
St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa is a long-established, not-for-profit long-term care facility with deep roots in the community, dating back over 150 years. Located in the Riverside Drive area of Ottawa, this Catholic-based home provides 24-hour care with a focus on dignity, compassion, and respect. The facility is known for its commitment to holistic care that addresses physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of residents.
St. Patrick’s Home is located in the Riverside Drive area, near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Industrial Avenue. The facility is situated in a peaceful setting with views of the Rideau River. Nearby amenities include the Riverside Hospital, shopping centers, and restaurants. The area offers good access to public transit and major roadways, making it convenient for family visits. The neighborhood features several parks and green spaces, providing a pleasant environment for residents and visitors.
Riverpath Retirement Community is part of the locally owned and operated Riverstone Retirement Communities, which has 11 locations across Ottawa. Located in the Vanier/Beechwood area, Riverpath offers a sophisticated retirement living experience with a focus on comfort, community, and personalized care. The waterfront setting on the Rideau River provides a serene backdrop for residents while maintaining convenient access to urban amenities.
Riverpath Retirement Community is located in the Vanier/Beechwood area, just off Vanier Parkway at 80 Landry Street. The facility enjoys a beautiful waterfront setting on the Rideau River. It’s a short walk to Beechwood Avenue with its shops and services, and near Riverain Park and Richelieu Park. The area is accessible by public transit and close to the St. Laurent Complex and shopping. The neighborhood offers a good balance of urban amenities and natural beauty.
Cité Parkway Retirement Residence, operated by All Seniors Care Living Centres, offers a luxurious retirement living experience in Ottawa’s Beacon Heights/Quarries neighborhood. This elegant facility combines sophisticated design with comprehensive care services in a welcoming, bilingual environment. With its convenient location near Montreal Road and the Aviation Parkway, residents enjoy easy access to healthcare, shopping, and cultural amenities while living in a secure, supportive community.
Cité Parkway is located in the Beacon Heights/Quarries area, near the intersection of Montreal Road and Aviation Parkway at 380 LeBoutillier Ave. The facility is close to Montfort Hospital, providing convenient access to healthcare. Nearby amenities include Alliance Park and Thornecliffe Park for outdoor enjoyment. The area is accessible by public transit and close to restaurants and shopping. The neighborhood offers a good balance of residential calm and urban convenience.
Thorncliffe Place is a well-established retirement home located in the west end of Ottawa’s Nepean area. The facility offers a range of care options including independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, making it suitable for seniors with varying needs. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff, Thorncliffe Place has built a reputation for providing quality care in a comfortable setting.
Thorncliffe Place is located in the Nepean area of Ottawa’s west end. The neighborhood offers a suburban feel with good access to amenities. It’s close to the Queensway Carleton Hospital, providing convenient access to medical care. The area features several shopping centers, restaurants, and parks. Public transit is available, though somewhat limited compared to more central locations. The peaceful residential setting offers a good balance of accessibility and tranquility.
Embassy West Senior Living is a premier retirement community located on Carling Avenue in Ottawa’s Carlington neighborhood. This upscale facility specializes in providing exceptional care for seniors, with particular expertise in memory care and dementia support. The modern, purpose-built facility offers a safe, engaging environment where residents receive personalized attention from a highly trained staff dedicated to enhancing quality of life.
Embassy West Senior Living is located in the Carlington neighborhood on Carling Avenue. The facility is conveniently situated near The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, providing excellent access to healthcare services. The area offers good public transit options and is close to Highway 417 (Queensway) for easy access. Nearby amenities include restaurants, shops, and parks. The neighborhood provides a good balance of urban convenience and residential comfort.
Stirling Park Retirement Community is a welcoming senior living facility nestled in Ottawa’s Nepean area, specifically in the Centrepointe/Craig Henry neighborhood. As part of the Riverstone Retirement Communities family, Stirling Park offers a perfect blend of comfortable accommodations, comprehensive care services, and engaging lifestyle programming. The peaceful suburban setting provides a relaxing environment while maintaining convenient access to shopping, healthcare, and community amenities.
Stirling Park is located in the Nepean area of Ottawa, specifically in the Centrepointe/Craig Henry neighborhood at 310 Titan Private. The facility is situated in an established residential area with a peaceful atmosphere. It’s near Centrepointe area amenities, including Centrepointe Theatre for cultural events. The neighborhood features several parks, including Briargreen Park and Craig Henry Park. While public transit is available, it’s somewhat limited compared to more central locations. The area offers a quiet, suburban environment with good access to community amenities.
Maplewood Retirement Community is a modern senior living facility located in Ottawa’s Riverview Park/Industrial Park area. As part of the Riverstone Retirement Communities family, Maplewood offers a blend of contemporary design, comprehensive care services, and thoughtful amenities. The strategic location on Industrial Avenue provides convenient access to shopping, healthcare, and transportation while maintaining a comfortable, community-focused environment for residents.
Maplewood Retirement Community is located in the Riverview Park/Industrial Park area at 340 Industrial Avenue. The facility is situated at the corner of Neighbourhood Way and Industrial Avenue, offering good accessibility. It’s close to Highway 417 (Queensway) and near the Ottawa Train Yards shopping district. The area provides convenient access to shopping amenities and services, though it has a more commercial feel than some residential neighborhoods. The facility is also near the Riverview Park neighborhood with its green spaces.
Choice Homecare stands out in Ottawa’s senior care landscape by offering personalized in-home care services that allow seniors to age comfortably in their own homes. Located in the Nepean area on Colonnade Road, this agency provides a flexible alternative to traditional retirement homes, with customized care plans designed to meet each client’s unique needs. With over 10 years of experience serving the Ottawa community, Choice Homecare has built a strong reputation for compassionate, reliable service.
Choice Homecare is located in the Colonnade Road area of Nepean at Suite 114, 223 Colonnade Road. The office is situated near the intersection of Merivale Road and Hunt Club Road, with good accessibility via Highway 417 (Queensway). The area features several shopping centers, including Merivale Mall, and is close to Costco Wholesale and other retail amenities. Public transit is available, and the location offers convenient access to the Nepean business district and nearby green spaces and parks.
When evaluating the best option for your loved one, it’s helpful to compare key features across different facilities. The following chart provides a quick comparison of Ottawa’s top senior homes:
| Senior Home | Type of Care | Neighborhood | Price Range | Unique Features | Walkability | Medical Proximity | Wait List |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thorncliffe Place | Independent, Assisted, Memory Care | Nepean | $$-$$$ | 20+ years of service, wheelchair accessible | Moderate | Close to Queensway Carleton Hospital | Moderate |
| St. Patrick’s Home | Long-term Care, Palliative | Riverside Drive | $$-$$$ | 150+ years history, faith-based, not-for-profit | Moderate | Good | High |
| Embassy West | Assisted Living, Memory Care | Carlington | $$$-$$$$ | Specialized memory care expertise | Moderate | Close to Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus | High |
| Villagia in the Glebe | Independent, Assisted, Memory Care | The Glebe | $$$$ | Boutique-style, urban setting | Excellent (94%) | Good | High |
| Choice Homecare | In-home Care | Service across Ottawa | $-$$$ | Personalized in-home care, flexible scheduling | N/A | N/A | Low |
| The Glebe Centre | Long-term Care | The Glebe | $$-$$$ | 130+ years history, not-for-profit | Excellent | Good | Very High |
| Riverpath Retirement | Independent, Assisted, Memory Care | Vanier/Beechwood | $$$-$$$$ | Waterfront location, part of Riverstone network | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Chartwell Lord Lansdowne | Independent, Assisted, Memory Care | The Glebe | $$$-$$$$ | Prime location near Lansdowne Park | Excellent | Good | High |
| Maplewood Retirement | Independent, Assisted, Memory Care | Riverview Park | $$-$$$ | Modern facility, part of Riverstone network | Limited | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cité Parkway | Independent, Assisted, Memory Care | Beacon Heights | $$$-$$$$ | Bilingual environment, pet-friendly | Moderate | Close to Montfort Hospital | Moderate |
| Stirling Park | Independent, Assisted, Memory Care | Nepean (Centrepointe) | $$-$$$ | Private courtyard, part of Riverstone network | Limited | Moderate | Moderate |
Price Range Key: $ = Most affordable | $$ = Moderate | $$$ = Premium | $$$$ = Luxury
Choosing the right senior living option is a deeply personal decision that depends on your loved one’s unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision-making process:
Many of Ottawa’s top senior homes have waiting lists, particularly for long-term care facilities. It’s advisable to apply to multiple facilities and get on waiting lists early, even if the need isn’t immediate. The Ontario Long-Term Care Home Access system manages applications for publicly funded long-term care homes, while retirement residences manage their own waiting lists directly.
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Ottawa offers a diverse range of senior living options to meet various needs, preferences, and budgets. From upscale retirement communities in vibrant urban settings to compassionate long-term care facilities with deep community roots, there’s a suitable option for every senior.
When making this important decision, take time to tour multiple facilities, ask thorough questions, and involve your loved one in the process as much as possible. Consider both immediate needs and how those needs might evolve over time, looking for facilities that can adapt to changing care requirements.
Remember that the best choice balances quality of care, location, amenities, social opportunities, and affordability. By carefully evaluating these factors and using the information provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect long-term home for your senior loved one in Ottawa.
If you’re relocating to Ottawa or helping a family member move to be closer to senior care, our real estate team is here to help with all aspects of your transition. We understand the unique challenges of coordinating housing needs with senior care decisions and can provide expert guidance throughout the process.
Labrosse Real Estate Group
4366 Innes Road
Ottawa, ON, K4A 3W3
Direct: 613-227-6409
Email: Hello@LabrosseRealEstate.com
Office: 613-590-3000
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