Lists of reports on this page:
Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- 1. You know how long you'll be paying for memory care
- 2. Wandering has become dangerous
- 3. You're at risk of caregiver burnout
- 4. Home care costs are higher than you would pay for full time memory care
- 5. The living situation is otherwise no longer tenable
A loved one's dementia creates a wealth of stress for families. As you negotiate stages in the progress of the disease, one of the many questions families face is when to move into a memory care community. Across provinces, there can be wait times for proper government-provided care for dementia sufferers. Private memory care serves as a helpful bridge for families.
Interim care may come in other forms, of course. Home care providers can provide dementia care at home, but there comes a point when home care is no longer the proper solution. Assisted living care can also be helpful to families, giving them the reassurance that a loved one is being watched over, 24/7.
Memory care communities provide the best environment for people in the middle to later stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Here, they are in community with others having the same condition. People who have difficulties elsewhere improve immensely in memory care. In a quieter, more manageable environment tailored to their needs, dementia sufferers feel more at ease. Read more about the advantages offered by memory care environments.
Here’s our look at situations and conditions under which you should move into memory care:
1. You know how long you'll be paying for memory care
You’ve calculated your budget, understand your estimated wait time for long-term care, and know how long you will require memory care. In other words, you are at a point where you are sure you can afford it. Part of this is understanding wait times for government-funded long-term care. Here's a province-by-province look at understanding wait times:
- Seniors’ Advocate in BC regularly publishes reports monitoring the availability of services and long term care.
- Alberta Health Services case managers will have information about wait times for long term care. You can also consult the local Community Care Access Centre for your region, within Alberta.
- In Ontario, you can get a detailed look at wait times for long-term care for specific long-term care communities near you. A case manager from you LHIN will be able to provide more details.
2. Wandering has become dangerous
Family members or other care providers can only provide a limited level of monitoring. Any wandering episode should be cause for concern and for many families, this will be when you take care to another level. Some technologies can help monitor your loved one. But if you have exhausted all options, the best place for your loved one is a secure memory care environment.
3. You're at risk of caregiver burnout
As a caregiver, you can apply for a respite care stay to help you manage stress. Many families also supplement their personal caregiving by hiring home care service but this has limits, also (see next). In a professional memory care environment, personal support workers and other nursing staff onsite are trained in the Gentle Persuasive Approach and many professional care techniques focused on the safety and security of your loved one. Pushing yourself to the limit is not helpful for anyone.
4. Home care costs are higher than you would pay for full time memory care
If you are supplementing family caregiving with home care, there comes a time when your loved one most definitely requires round-the-clock care. If you are paying more per day for home care than you would pay in a memory care community, it’s time to consider the move.
5. The living situation is otherwise no longer tenable
If your loved one’s home presents hazards that endanger his or her security, this is one example of a situation where you need to step up in finding better care. Certainly you can make renovations or other changes to deal with bathroom design, fall hazards and other issues. But again, there may come a time when it makes most sense to move forward.
Before you reach any of the situations above, we hope you have investigated memory care options near you, understand the costs, the care you will get, and the value of the environment created.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSMemory care
FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standard service for 50 years. Offering a full continuum of care, rich amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2J7
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Amica Dundas
50 Hatt Street, Dundas,
Ontario, L9H 0A1
This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
One Kenton Place
1 Kenton Drive, North York,
Ontario, M2R 2H6
We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Amica Unionville
34 Main Street, Unionville,
Ontario, L3R 4Z8
Located on the charming Main Street of historic Unionville, Amica Unionville blends heritage-village ambiance with upscale senior living, providing a backdrop for connection, activity, peace of mind, and relaxation.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
We feature a unique full continuum of care with a vibrant Main Street offering Independent Living, Retirement Apartments, Assisted & Memory Care suites . Our retirement community represents a diverse ethnic population.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Amica Little Lake
70 Lakeside Terrace, Barrie,
Ontario, L4M 0J2
Set on the shores of Little Lake in Barrie, Amica Little Lake offers beautiful views, a vibrant community, and a comfortable place to call home, with independent, assisted and memory care, dining, programs, and support.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Winston Park
695 Block Line Road, Kitchener,
Ontario, N2E 3K1
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of Bradford, Holland Gardens offers a luxurious resort lifestyle where you can age gracefully with Independent Living, Independent Supportive Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Enjoy prairie and mountain views at Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Alberta’s ideal senior living with personalized care from Independent Living to Memory Care in a safe, comfortable setting.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Taunton
85 Taunton Road East, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0S4
AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, the Terrace Garden, daily fitness, vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0C9
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Riverside Glen
60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 8M8
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Premium Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village at University Gates
250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2J 0E2
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Pickering
1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0G2
Amica Pickering offers contemporary senior living in a vibrant lakeside community. Thoughtfully designed and welcoming, it supports your pace of life while offering the assurance of care when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Stoney Creek
135 King St. E, Stoney Creek,
Ontario, L8G 0B2
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
IN-DEPTH REPORTSHome care companies
Nurse For Care
2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto,
Ontario, M1K 2P5
We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers & nurses to seniors & others with medical challenges to remain in their home with safety & comfort. Services across the entire GTA. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
