A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Forestview Retirement Residence vs. Four Elms Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Forestview Retirement Residence offers pure elegance for Downsview, Willowdale, and North York seniors. One unique aspect here is a monthly residents' meeting, where your opinion gets heard on issues like upcoming events, as well as any other suggestions you have. That extra personal attention is seen also in the care options available. There are regular services like laundry and medication management, of course, but Forestview goes beyond that.

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Four Elms should be on your list of Thornhill area retirement homes, if you're looking for a combination of elegant surroundings and exceptional breadth of care. In a peaceful neighbourhood near Steeles and Dufferin, it takes Verve Senior Living's model of quality senior living, and combines that with a continuous care model, from independent living to memory care. You’ll never need to move if your care needs increase and couples with varying needs (especially where one partner has dementia) stay together in one place.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

I have just moved my mother to Forestview, initially on an assisted living program following a hip replacement and then to independent living. Diana was amazing to deal with, and so is everyone else who works there. Mom is loving it, and everybody is extremely friendly.

My mother moved in while we were away on vacation, and the experience was fabulous! She was well looked after, and the staff treated her very well! Thank you, Diana and Dulce! Would definitely do it again if needed.

I can’t say enough about Forestview! The staff goes above and beyond in terms of care. The staff is warm, friendly, and approachable, and resident safety is a top priority. The suites are comfortable, the food is good, and the activities, outings and special events make this place feel like “home.” This is a great place, and I would highly recommend it.

We stayed at Forrestview for a month while our home was being renovated, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Leading up to our stay, we were both quite anxious about the change, but within just a few days, we felt comfortable and at home. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the other residents quickly made us feel part of the community. We especially enjoyed the social atmosphere — there was always something to do, from organized activities to casual chats in the common areas. The outdoor spaces were lovely for walks, and the environment overall felt calm, safe, and inclusive. We appreciated that Forrestview embraces people of all spiritual backgrounds, creating a truly diverse and respectful community. The food was... well-balanced and nourishing, and the maintenance staff were quick to fix any small issues that came up. Everyone we met was kind and attentive, and that made all the difference. We left feeling grateful for the care and thoughtfulness we experienced throughout our stay. Should we ever need to move out of our home permanently, Forrestview would be at the top of our list.

The staff managers at Forestview, especially Diana, Dulce, and Azam, have been nothing short of phenomenal in helping my father to feel at home, happy, and safe in his new retirement home. This is new for us all and my family and I could not be more grateful for the kindness and care all the staff at Forestview have demonstrated in getting my Dad settled. The building and surrounding landscape is clean and beautiful, and I feel I made the right decision for my parent with Forestview.

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

After comparing many retirement residences for my parents, Four Elms was without question the best choice we found — the warmest, most welcoming, and the best value by far. Since my parents moved in, they have been incredibly happy with every aspect of their experience, from the delicious food and engaging activities to the friendly residents and genuinely caring staff. They wish that they had moved there years ago! The atmosphere is modern and inviting, and their apartment is beautiful and spacious. A very special mention goes to Shayna List, who truly held our hands through the entire process from beginning to end. She knew exactly how to support my mother, who was very trepidatious about the move, and did so with exceptional warmth, patience, and compassion. I can’t recommend Four Elms highly enough to anyone looking for a retirement residence. It has given our family real peace of mind.

I wanted to personally thank the staff at Four Elms in Dufferin and Steeles. In particular, Ms. Tashi Lhanzey and Ms. Shayna List. They played a pivotal role in my family, moving my dad, Noshir Mistry, to this location from another retirement residence. The location is great, with lots of activities and encouragement from the staff. Dad is in an assisted living suite and has adjusted very quickly to the new environment. I would definitely recommend exploring this location before deciding on moving family members to a retirement home.

My mother decided to go to the assisted living floor as she knew she needed more assistance. I was a caregiver for her for 2 years. The care from all the PSWs was amazing to the point that these have become her friends. She is much more active, helps getting dressed everyday, and looks so forward to the activities. She has really excelled in terms of the activity and her will to keep going. She hardly watches TV anymore as she has purpose. It's like being on a cruise ship daily...lol. I am so impressed by the care each person has. They work so hard there because it is their passion and all have so much patience. Takes special people to be caregivers. And for my personal well-being, it is a comfort to know she is being looked after and content and happy. It really does free up my time as I can visit less and know she is taken care of. Makes a big difference and gives peace of mind. Remember that senior residence is 2 fold. Care for the resident and comfort for the children of them.

I recently stayed at Four Elms as a respite. My overall stay was that of being on a cruise ship on land! The staff was very accommodating and very pleasant. The food was delicious and nutritious. The activities and entertainment were enjoyable. We even enjoyed happy hour with wine and a treat a couple of times a week. We were kept busy with games, etc. I loved this place. It’s not if I will return… but when.

My mom moved into assisted living at Four Elms in her mid-90's, having always lived independently in her own home. The attentive care and tremendous kindness she received at Four Elms, from the very first day she arrived, was second to none. Mom loved her suite, the courtyard, the meals, and ALL of the staff, from the receptionists, nurses, and PSWs to the maintenance workers. As her daughter, who was on-site multiple times throughout every week, I cannot recommend Four Elms highly enough in terms of services, support, and genuine kindness. This residence is a clean, safe, and well-managed environment with responsive and caring staff.

Gilda, resident

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Forestview Retirement Residence is a place where natural beauty and modern living come together in perfect balance. Overlooking a beautiful, tree-lined ravine and the West Don Parkland Conservation Area, the residence offers a serene setting—while remaining just moments from the conveniences, services, and energy of North York. Designed with both comfort and flexibility in mind, Forestview is a thoughtfully appointed five-storey community with 128 suites, each offering a warm and welcoming place to call home. Here, residents can enjoy a lifestyle that adapts with them, supported by customizable services and a range of living options that make it easy to age in place with confidence and dignity. Whether you’re seeking the independence of a maintenance-free lifestyle, the added reassurance of assisted living, or a short-term stay for recovery or respite, Forestview provides the right level of support—when and how you need it. Throughout the residence, inviting amenities and shared spaces are designed to enrich daily life, foster connection, and support well-being at every stage. At its heart, Forestview is a community defined by comfort, care, and a deep respect for each resident’s journey—offering not just a place to live, but a place to truly belong.

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Surrounded by a peaceful neighbourhood in Thornhill, you'll enjoy luxurious elegant surroundings, Chef inspired dining options and excellent views of the city from the balcony of your spacious suite. You can choose to participate in an extensive array of lifestyle activities and exercise programs and our experienced staff will meet with you to create a personalized plan to ensure your health and wellness needs are met. Four Elms Retirement Residence - the ideal place for Inspired Senior Living! Named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the third consecutive year (2023–2025) the prestigious award recognizes Verve’s proven leadership in retirement residence management, its strong and values‑driven employee culture, and its ongoing focus on innovation and exceptional resident experience across its communities.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Choosing a retirement residence often comes down to everyday experiences and trust in care. Forestview Retirement Residence stands out in North York through its warm, relationship-driven approach, where staff truly know each resident. Flexible, personalized services allow care to evolve, supporting independent living, assisted living, and short-term stays in one familiar setting. Surrounded by a peaceful ravine, it offers rare access to nature alongside urban convenience. Residents enjoy engaging dining, welcoming shared spaces, and a strong sense of community shaped by resident feedback and ambassador programs. The result is a vibrant environment where residents feel at home and families feel confident in their care.

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We have amazing activities to keep all our residents actively engaged along with special outings to the beach, casinos, bowling, golfing and more. We celebrate all special holidays. Resident monthly suggestions and feedback are welcomed and implemented when creating monthly calendars. Food is an important part of the experience, therefore we support food committees run by our residents.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Moving into a new home is a meaningful step, and Forestview makes the transition welcoming for residents and families. Through the Resident Ambassador program, newcomers are paired with friendly peers who offer companionship, share meals, and help them settle in. At the same time, dedicated team members ensure every detail is thoughtfully addressed, with leaders connecting personally to understand each resident’s needs and preferences. The Dining Services Manager learns dietary preferences, while the Life Enrichment Manager introduces activities and social opportunities. Together, these touches create a warm, supported start where residents feel comfortable, confident, and at home.

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

New residents are supported for the first few weeks with a Four Elms Ambassador and all staff helping them with direction to programs and meals until we see they are comfortable on their own. We also have a detailed onboarding program in which all department managers personally visit and introduce ourselves to all new seniors moving in.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Residents are regularly supported through ongoing assessments every six months, ensuring any changes in care needs are identified early. As needs evolve, residents may transition from independent living to assisted living, where they receive priority placement and additional support. We also offer flexible care packages within independent living to help residents remain in their suites longer. If further assistance is required, outside support services can be arranged. Our housekeeping and dining staff play an active role in monitoring residents’ well-being and communicating changes, helping ensure a smooth and supportive transition within the community.

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

As residents’ needs evolve, Four Elms offers additional levels of support, including independent supportive living, assisted living and memory care. Nursing staff, PSWs, and wellness professionals provide personalized assistance while helping residents remain comfortable in familiar surroundings. The goal is to adjust care gradually and seamlessly with residents’ current lifestyle, so they continue enjoying the programs, dining, and friendships that make daily life meaningful.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

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FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We may not be the best fit for someone seeking a quiet or minimalist lifestyle. Four Elms is best suited to seniors who like a lively social life, vibrant programs, shared dining, and opportunities to connect with others. Residents enjoy the lively community where activities, friendships, and engagement are a big part of everyday life.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

We have three large plots in our backyard that are used to grow vegetables and a few different types of berries. It is a joint venture with our Resident run Gardening Club and our Culinary team. When the produce is ripe, we clean them off and serve them within our dining room. This is about as local as you can get!

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Our amazing Legends Café that is the place to be! A wonderful space that offers wonderful snacks, fruit, coffee, and more 24/7. You will find after lunch it is where many gather for great conversation.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

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FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

In the coming years, we’ll continue building on the strengths residents value most: attentive care, engaging programs, and a welcoming community atmosphere. We focus on enhancing wellness services, expanding lifestyle programming, and ensuring residents have the support they need as they age. We’ll always be improving while preserving the warm, caring environment that residents and families appreciate.

FORESTVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

1. Forestview is only 5 years old, making us the newest Retirement Residence in North York.
2. We are located within a large campus with walking paths through out.
3. We are owned by Advent Health Care Corporation. It is a faith based not-for-profit, offering more affordable rates.
4. We have won the 2022 and 2023 Consumer Choice Award for business excellence in the category of Senior Care/Retirement Residences within the Toronto Central Region.
5. A warm, welcoming community, with caring, attentive team members.

FOUR ELMS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

1. We are walking distance to all shops, such as Winners, Dollarama, Shoppers and Canadian Superstore.
2. Restaurants within walking distance, along with Parks and Dufferin Clarke Community Senior Centre.
3. We have an amazing courtyard that is used for entertainment, BBQ and just plain relaxing in the summer. It's been known to have an ice cream truck or 2 stop by.
4. Legends Cafe is a hopping social venue
5. Movie talks and matinees are each week run by residents for the residents.