A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living vs. Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

There are a number of things about this community that make it easy to move here. There's the encouragement to personalize your suite with effects from your home. Another is the warmth of staff, who create a strong sense of kinship and community. Here, community includes not just every senior, but staff and family of residents. Adult children love how they are included in all important discussions.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Granville Gardens is another exceptional senior care community from Verve Senior Living, with more than 40 years' experience in senior living. Granville Gardens exhibits its penchant for creating a variety of welcoming spaces throughout the community. The main foyer is spacious and includes different places where you can take a quiet moment by yourself or sit with friends and enjoy a chat. The dining room is equally generous in space. Seniors' suites are bright, spacious, and comfortable.

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We have been exploring Thornebridge for my dad. The staff have been EXTREMELY helpful and transparent in navigating the best care for dad. Very grateful for their expertise and assistance in navigating different care options for dad.

We had a tour with Pam, and it was excellent and impressive, to say the least! The facility is well maintained, staff members are constantly around, and my mother, whom I took in to see it, mentioned that everyone seems like they’re in good spirits, which was GREAT to hear from the person who is potentially going to attend the residence! We also tasted the food, and it was delicious! I haven’t seen my 80-year-old mother eat as much as she did! Pam was a gracious host and a very detailed tour guide. We are seriously considering a move to Thornebridge for my mom, and I would recommend it to anyone!

My 100 year old mom from Calgary wanted to see her sister-in-law Alice S. as they haven’t seen each other for many years. The staff made us so welcome and the accommodations are so beautiful, I had a hard time leaving! Thank you all for making our stay so wonderful! It meant the world to us! Oh! And the food! Just incredible!

My mom is a very young 93, and she loves the youth connection at Thornebridge. She’s gained new friendships among the youth ambassador program there… You can have as much social life there as you want. For people who like having a big group of friends like my mom, she’s been able to take advantage of the knitting and the bridge clubs, movie nights. One of her favourite things this year is that she has started a gardening club. She’s made some really great friendships there. We’ve been so grateful that she’s so well looked after… [It’s] a place that gives [seniors] what they need.

My mother has lived at Thornebridge Gardens for 4 years. She wanted to live there, so put her house up for sale, and Thornebridge found her the perfect suite. Being almost 92, she is needing more help these days, and the staff are very helpful. Although she does pay extra for the help, help is there. The staff are very patient as well, and handle [her] well.

Donna Tays, daughter of resident

Kelly Bagnel, family member (2024)

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

I came to know about Granville Gardens through the internet. It was listed as the number one retirement home for seniors among the top ten retirement homes for seniors. My senior friend and I went to Granville Gardens at 1550 49th Avenue West, Vancouver, BC V6M 0B3, to see if this retirement home is suitable for my 89-year-old husband and for me. The location was ideal. We can easily go by bus to 4 Catholic churches, either on the east or on the west or on the north or on the south. The residence is just a few steps to bus stops going west if you want to go to Kerrisdale; going east to Metrotown; going south to Richmond, and going north to Downtown Vancouver. Moreover, the residence provides a daily free bus to wherever a resident wants to go within an allowable maximum distance. As soon as we entered the residence, the lobby was bright, clean, welcoming, comfortable, and nicely furnished with upholstered furniture. We were welcomed by a smiling Filipino receptionist who made us feel comfortable with her friendliness. She pleasantly offered us coffee or drinks. A jolly office manager named Sarah took us to her office and talked to us like she was talking with old friends. She took us around the ground floor and showed us different rooms for various activities such as handicrafts/arts, sports, theater, all-day snacks, and a dining area. She also showed us a vacant room for a resident. We were impressed with the caring but joyful way she greeted the residents by their names and the way she had that funny rapport with the chef. I thought that this was truly a special place where one's loneliness would turn into hope and joy. This office manager was certainly the cream of the crop. We laughed with her, and we were impressed with her unique ways of connecting with people. One really has no choice but to like her and/or even love her. We also met the head nurse named Ayne, who spoke with us in the Tagalog language. Her voice was soothing and comforting. She was quite knowledgeable, and during our encounter, I found her to be trustworthy and had a sincere desire to help the elderly. She also explained to us that their prime goal is to give the best to the residents. Before leaving, we were given a gift bag with homemade bread. On our way home, my friend told me that she and her husband would stay at Granville Gardens when it was time for them to move out of their home. In less than two weeks, I was surprised to receive a call from the retirement home's general manager named Michael Tablit, who advised that he wanted to visit us to meet us since he did not have the chance to meet us during our visit to the residence. That very day, he came to our apartment and gave us a gift of homemade bread that he himself had baked. This young, energetic, professional man was the moving force within the Granville Gardens. His goal is to create a close family relationship between the staff and the residents by considering the latter to be grandparents of the former and treating them well as any grandchild would treat and love his/her own grandparents. Moreover, he loves dogs just like we do. The corporation that owns Granville Gardens is indeed fortunate to have a general manager like Michael Tablit. I can see Michael Tablit at the top of the corporation's management in the future. I pray for the success of Michael Tablit in achieving his goal of delivering the best services to seniors, as well in leading his staff to be the best in caring for seniors. I now conclude, based on my personal experience, that Granville Gardens is indeed the best retirement home for seniors in British Columbia, if not in Canada. Its general manager, its office manager, its head nurse, and the full staff have special, unique ways of caring, treating and loving its residents. I give Granville Gardens ten (10) stars for excellence. I highly recommend Granville Gardens to all seniors fortunate enough to live and be a part of Granville Gardens.

The moment you walked in, you're greeted with compassionate and attentive staff. The place is a clean and comfortable environment, and you feel like you're home. It is not only a top-level care facility, but it's therapy to your soul.

I have been living at Granville Gardens and it is truly the best senior living that I could have hoped to find! I am an independent senior and Granville Gardens offers everything that I need and want at this time in my life. Michael Tablit, the outstanding General Manager of Granville Gardens, has dedicated himself to making sure that with his leadership, this residence is the best possible place for senior living; and all of his management team and staff are truly committed to the well-being of every resident. The accommodations are beautiful, the dining room serves fantastic meals three times a day (all included in the price), the wonderful range of many different activities throughout every day of the week every day of the year are extremely well organized and enjoyable, and I have made new great friends with many of the residents. In addition, the lovely Kerrisdale neighbourhood is within an easy distance, including with Granville Gardens free weekly van shuttle trips for shopping and banking, and the van also takes residents (at no cost) on many different excursions to wonderful locations and attractions in Vancouver. I can join whatever activities I want, or I can spend quiet time by myself. It is the best of both worlds and I want to live here for the rest of my life!

I was greeted by the general manager Michael Tablit upon arrival. He was extremely friendly and made me feel very comfortable. His knowledge and attention to detail was awesome and answered all my questions. He introduced me to some of the residents who all seemed to be happy with him and how things were going. The place was clean and felt organized.

Very courteous, helpful & friendly staff. Residents looked happy and enjoying their stay. Clean and well decorated inside and outdoor facilities well landscaped.

Denise Foster, daughter of resident

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Welcome to Thornebridge Gardens, New Westminster’s premier destination for luxurious retirement living. Here, you can relax, play, and dine in style while enjoying our exceptional amenities and services, all thoughtfully designed to support a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to inspiring active aging, with personalized support available as you transition from independent living to assisted living. We’re here to provide peace of mind, ensuring that each day is your best one yet. Ideally located and pet-friendly, Thornebridge Gardens is devoted to helping you maintain an independent and active lifestyle.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Experience modern retirement living in our boutique-style residence. Granville Gardens offers peace, comfort, and safety nestled in the charming Vancouver neighbourhood of Kerrisdale, where everything you need is at your fingertips. Discover a new passion in our art centre or enjoy socializing in one of our bistro and lounges. The inviting West Coast design surrounded by Japanese-inspired gardens and terraces, exciting seniors’ programming, and 24/7 warm, caring team members are ready to welcome you home to your small oasis in the city.

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We serve two delicious, homecooked meals prepared by our Chef and her culinary team daily. A continental breakfast and healthy snacks with many options are available in the Country Kitchen from 8 am to 8 pm daily. Whenever possible we source local products as part of our Living Loving Local program.

Thornebridge is situated on beautiful grounds with walking paths and a private, inner courtyard with ample seating.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Granville Gardens, our intimate boutique residence, featuring just 62 suites, fosters a unique connection with our residents. This personalized approach is part of our charm. We take the time to understand each resident’s individual preferences, and our attentive staff quickly learns their needs. In our close-knit community, forming meaningful connections with fellow residents is effortless, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

We offer a newcomer's tea for all of our new residents. It gives them an opportunity to meet our current residents and feel comfortable in their new surroundings. In addition, our Life Enrichment Manager and Nurse meets with each new resident soon after they move in to go over the programs, activities, and health and wellness services we offer.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Granville Gardens, we offer a comprehensive range of ancillary and personal services to help residents settle in comfortably from day one. To ensure a warm welcome, we display photos of new residents, allowing our staff to greet them by name upon arrival. Our team is dedicated to guiding and answering any questions, ensuring that everyone feels at home. We also provide a personalized orientation, where new residents can meet our managers over a cup of tea or coffee for a friendly introduction. Additionally, we thoughtfully suggest tablemates who share common interests, while always encouraging residents to choose their seating preferences.

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Thornebridge Gardens, residents can transition from independent living to assisted living as their needs evolve. Our health and wellness team works closely with residents and families to coordinate additional support with daily living, allowing people to remain in familiar surroundings while getting the assistance they need. This approach helps residents maintain independence while ensuring care is available when it is needed. (It’s also ideal for couples with diverging care needs.)

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Granville Gardens, we respond to changing needs in a way that feels personal and attentive. As support needs evolve, we work closely with residents and families to introduce additional services gradually, ensuring each person continues to feel comfortable, secure, and known. Because we are a smaller community, we are able to notice changes early and respond in a way that feels natural and well integrated into daily life.

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Thornebridge Gardens tends to suit seniors who appreciate an active retirement lifestyle with dining, amenities, and opportunities to connect with others. Someone looking for a more minimalist lifestyle and a private apartment-style setting with little community interaction may find another retirement home preferable. Our residence works best for people who value engagement, comfort, and supportive services close at hand.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

If you want a larger, more structured environment with a highly standardized approach, or if you are looking for a minimalist approach to living, you might find another setting more suitable. Granville Gardens is the right place for seniors who appreciate a more personal atmosphere, where their voice is heard, and where daily life reflects the preferences and ideas of the people who live here.

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Many residents are pleasantly surprised by how lively and enjoyable the community is. There’s a strong sense of connection here, with activities, shared meals, and everyday interactions that help residents get to know each other. People often remark on how quickly the residence begins to feel comfortable and how naturally friendships develop.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Family and friends are often pleasantly surprised by the vibrant lifestyle at Granville Gardens! Our engaging programs and happy residents create a lively atmosphere. Our dedicated Life Enrichment Manager actively collaborates with residents to discover new and unique activities they enjoy. We prioritize understanding their needs in daily activities, offering everything from energizing drum fit sessions and guided painting classes to our beloved Thursday happy hour, where everyone can sing and dance together. There’s always something exciting happening here!

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Over the next five years, we’ll continue strengthening the lifestyle and wellness experience that residents already value at Thornebridge Gardens. Our focus will remain on engaging programming, attentive service, and supportive care options that allow residents to remain independent while knowing additional help is available if needed.

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Over the next five years, we will continue to build on what matters most to our residents—making each day enjoyable, meaningful, and shaped by their input. That means continuing to listen, adapt, and evolve our programs, services, and daily experiences so they reflect the interests and ideas of our community. Our goal is simple: to ensure residents continue to have a great day, every day.

THORNEBRIDGE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

1. Thornebridge sits on a large property; its parklike setting has its own private walking path.
2. For several years, voted by Readers' Choice of the New West Record, Thorebridge Gardens continues to be awarded Best Retirement Community in the area.
3. Thornebridge Gardens has a unique, boutique feel.
4. Surrounded by old growth trees. We proudly re-purpose the lumber and furnish our interior with live edge tables and shelves throughout our common areas.
5. Verve recently earned the distinction as one of Canada's Best Managed Company in 2023, 2024, and 2025!

GRANVILLE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

1. Independent and Assisted Living options available
2. Pet friendly environment
3. Offering wonderful wholesome food & Excellent Life Enrichment Program
4. Two lovely patios for year-round enjoyment
5. Residents are treated like family