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:
- Pets’ health benefits for seniors
- Pets and Alzheimer’s Patients
- Inside pet-friendly retirement residences
Pet-friendly retirement homes encourage seniors to keep the companions they love. Of course, many people moving into a retirement residence do not want to part with the dog or cat they love. The bond we form and the health benefits of keeping pets are well understood. For other people, a community allowing pets may open the possibility of acquiring one in the future. Having animals around adds an extra dimension to a community so long as everyone is considerate of others, of course.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSRetirement homes that allow pets
The Briton House
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
Amica London
This uniquely luxurious London, Ontario retirement home offers elegant dining, indoor fitness facilities, scenic walking trails and many other features for active seniors
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Belmont House
A superb retirement home nestled in Toronto proper, featuring a variety of apartments and suites, along with a fitness room for active seniors, an on-site convenience store and more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Arabella Retirement Living
Arabella Retirement Living is a breath of fresh air for seniors looking for a vibrant and independent way of life. Our friendly staff will ensure your days are filled with amazing meals, fun activities, and so much more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Forestview Retirement Residence
Forestview Retirement Residence offers elegant, comfortable senior living in Downsview, Willowdale, and North York, with personalized care, flexible services, vibrant amenities, and a warm, connected community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
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
Amica Unionville
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
Amica Dundas
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
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
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
Delmanor Glen Abbey
Delmanor Glen Abbey celebrates 20 years! Country club style, surrounded by nature, birds and bees. Minutes from downtown Oakville, hospitals and senior’s centres. Truly an inspired retirement living experience.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
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
Arbourside Court
Welcome to Arbourside Court, a retirement home in the heart of Surrey, BC. Proudly serving our senior residents since 2001. Many activities to enjoy and new friendships to be made, we are always bustling with laughter.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
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
Brierwood Court Apartments
Enjoy maintenance-free 55+ living at Brierwood Court in Brantford! Spacious studio to 2-bed rentals with utilities included & vibrant amenities. Downsize without compromise at 405 Park Rd N.
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Magnolia Gardens
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
Prince of Peace
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
Evergreen Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
A stylish Mississauga retirement home offering Independent, Independent Supportive, and Assisted Living, tailored to seniors' lifestyles, featuring a hair salon, onsite bistro, and more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Erin Meadows
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 Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
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
The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
The Concorde has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable dining & excellent views of the mountains, along with extensive program activities; The Concorde is perfect for an active living & entertaining lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Bolivar Creek Retirement Residence
Discover vibrant, independent senior living at Bolivar Creek—modern design, natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows, flexible dining, and personalized care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Southbrook Retirement Residence
Southbrook is all about choices - We celebrate independence in senior living but, are always here to provide assistance when you need it. Southbrook - come be a part of our community, our family and meet new friends!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Residence at Orchards Walk
The Residence offers service-oriented living at its finest. With a shopping plaza and stunning views, Orchards Walk is Kamloops’ premier new neighbourhood. Choose between spacious studios and one or two bedroom suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
OPAL Vancouver
OPAL Vancouver offers luxurious senior living with 30,000+ sq. ft. of amenities and a full continuum of care, creating a vibrant, connected community designed for comfort, wellness, and aging in place.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Long-term care
The Village of Winston Park
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
Delmanor Aurora
Delmanor Aurora provides a new twist on retirement living, in a five-star resort-style setting. Extensive amenities including saltwater pool, fitness centre, theatre, spa, market, ground floor patio and rooftop terrace.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
River Ridge Seniors Village
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
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
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 Riverside Glen
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
Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
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
Sherwood House
At Sherwood House we offer active adult independent retirement living, pet friendly, featuring delicious homemade meals, daily activities, weekly housekeeping, safely connected in the heart of Duncan, Vancouver Island
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Wellington Retirement Residence
As a premier Park Place multi-level care residence, The Wellington provides Independent and Supportive Living options for seniors seeking to maintain your independence while enjoying access and services to amenities.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick On The Lake
At Berwick on the Lake, residents enjoy red seal chef prepared meals in their choice of 3 dining rooms. Beyond our beautiful amenities, our residents also enjoy a full wellness program. Resort style living at it's best!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community
Dorchester Terrace offers area seniors a variety of suite choices, wellness support services, medication administration, housekeeping services, physiotherapy and daily dining in an open restaurant-style dining room.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Emerald Gardens Retirement Residence
A premier retirement community located in the heart of Grande Prairie, Alberta focused on independent living. Emerald Gardens provides quality services to enhance your current lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
White Cliffe Terrace - Verve Senior Living
Discover Independent, Assisted, and Independent Supportive Living at our award-winning Oshawa residence. Enjoy tailored care, spacious suites, nearby parks, shopping and peace of mind. Readers Choice Winner, 2016–2019.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Roxborough Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
The Roxborough Retirement Residence is both elegant and cozy with a dedicated and caring team that go above and beyond for your well-being and happiness. We offer Independent living and Independent Supportive Living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence is full service including meals, housekeeping, independent and independent supportive living. Our focus is on maintaining good health, great food, new friends & lots of laughter!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Ashley Oaks Retirement Residence
Ashley Oaks offers a vibrant and active lifestyle. Our new community has a touch of European charm with spacious suites, delicious cuisine, and a variety of amenities. It's not just a place to live but a place to thrive!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Chartwell Richmond Woods Retirement Community
A desirable retirement residence in London, Ontario, including 130 suites with extensive amenities designed to provide the ultimate in retirement living. Proud winners of the "Best of London in Retirement Living 2020!"
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Scarborough Retirement Residence
A family owned and managed residence that offers seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence. Enjoy healthy Chef-prepared meals, daily life enrichment programs. We also offer short-term trial or respite stays.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Dr. Hemstock Retirement Residence and Hearthstone Place Verve Senior Living
At Dr. Hemstock Residence & Hearthstone Place, our highly-skilled group of health care professionals and qualified staff are here to do whatever we can to ensure that all your needs are taken care of.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Parksville
At Berwick Parksville, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our Residents to live their best life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Heritage Place Retirement Residence
Heritage Place is an independently owned retirement residence in Burlington, specializing in quality accommodation & services for the active senior, with 2 styles of living: apartment style suites & 2 bedroom bungalows
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
Port Credit Residences - Verve Senior Living
Port Credit Residence offers a resort-inspired lifestyle with an oversized pool, wellness centre, physiotherapy, movie theatre, library, spa/salon, and more. Offering Independent & Independent Supportive Living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
New Horizons Tower
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
Chartwell Erinview
Located in the heart of Mississauga, Erinview offers an atmosphere of worry-free, comfortable living with personalized support in the presence of good friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
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
Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living
Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Verve Aspen Woods
Located in one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods, with the Rocky Mountains outside and beautifully appointed amenities within, Verve Aspen Woods offers the perfect setting for your active enjoyment of life.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Parkland Ancaster
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
Four Elms Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Four Elms is an elegant Retirement Residence offering the finest in Senior Living. Choose a suite style that is perfect for you and enjoy an active lifestyle, fine dining and the company of good friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick On The Park
Nestled on the hillside, Berwick on the Park offers stunning panoramic mountain, valley and river views and flexible retirement lifestyles, including independent living and assisted living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Chartwell Palermo Village
Palermo Village is a luxurious condo-style residence offering Independent and Independent Supportive Living. Enjoy a vibrant community, expert care, and support tailored to your well-being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
VIVA Thornhill Woods
Vaughan's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community! Enjoy bright, spacious suites, modern amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great! for you and your family! Book your tour today!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick by the Sea
Berwick by the Sea offers you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you love most. Every area of the community has been carefully designed to offer something for everyone. Come join us on your next adventure!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Sorrento Retirement Residence
Welcome to Sorrento, a luxury take on retirement living in downtown Bolton. Inspired by the picturesque town of Sorrento, Italy, we bring the Italian zest for life to this unique community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village of Tansley Woods
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
Berwick Qualicum Beach
Berwick Qualicum Beach offers an array of amenities and engaging programs in our beautifully appointed community. Join our vibrant community today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Delmanor West Village
Delmanor West Village is a retirement residence in Etobicoke, Toronto, offering independent living, assisted living, respite stays, renovated suites with full kitchens, an Aquafit pool, and chef-prepared dining.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Amica Little Lake
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
Amica Taunton
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 Langley - Verve Senior Living
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
Stouffville Creek Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Stouffville Creek offers cozy living with exceptional dining, tailored care, and nearby highways, shops, and trails. Choose Independent, Independent Supportive, or Assisted Living for a fulfilling retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Agassiz Seniors Community
Agassiz Seniors Community offers peaceful living in the Cheam Mountains. With a close-knit community and serene surroundings, this residence prioritizes personal connections and a relaxed lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Long-term care
The Village of Wentworth Heights
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
The Heritage - Verve Senior Living
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Royal Heights Inc.
Royal Heights is designed with your active & independent lifestyle in mind. Luxury apartments feature en-suite laundry, stainless steel appliances & balconies. On site Fitness room, salt water pool, movie theatre & more!
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
Berwick Royal Oak
Luxurious, Resort-Style Retirement Living where you can age in place; You’re Home at Last at Berwick Royal Oak on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, BC.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Greystone Manor Retirement Residence
Named one of the top 3 retirement communities in Maple Ridge, Greystone is a premier Park Place residence, with the comfort and services you need to maintain your active lifestyle in a warm and welcoming community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Village of Taunton Mills
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
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
Chartwell Westhill Retirement Community
The Westhill is an inviting atmosphere of new friends and great times, with personalized support services for better living. The Westhill is conveniently located in Waterloo, near The Boardwalk shopping area.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick House
Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Sunstone Apartments
Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
The Camelot
The Camelot offers Boutique Independent Retirement Living with Supportive Services. With fresh homemade meals, caring staff, fun activities in the exquisite and peaceful James Bay neighbourhood.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Amica Stoney Creek
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
Prairie Lake Seniors Community
Prairie Lake Seniors Community offers a relaxed and inviting lifestyle in Grande Prairie. Residents enjoy a close‑knit environment where everyday living is comfortable, engaging, and full of freedom and flexibility.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Chartwell Riverstone Retirement Community
Riverstone supports an independent retirement lifestyle in a brand-new community built for you. Choose from retiree apartments, one-floor villa townhomes and retirement suites coming Fall 2023!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Amica Riverside
Premium 11-storey retirement residence with a beautiful waterfront setting, located on Riverside Drive East, just south of Wyandotte Street. Overlooking the Detroit River, with views of Belle Isle and Reaume Park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village at University Gates
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
The Village of Humber Heights
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
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Luxury and quality fill every corner of Hazelton, from its elegant lobby to its inviting Bistro & Bar. With exceptional amenities and tailored services, Hazelton empowers you to define and enjoy your ideal lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Delmanor Northtown
Delmanor Northtown is a full-service boutique retirement community located in the heart of North York, catering to active and independent seniors.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Delmanor Elgin Mills
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 Arbour Trails
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
Delmanor Prince Edward
Situated in a treed ravine setting overlooking the Humber River, Delmanor Prince Edward provides vistas that vary from the serenity of the adjacent valley to the resplendence of the Toronto downtown skyline!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Vineyards Residence
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
Parkland Ajax
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
Shepherd Terrace
Shepherd Terrace offers a variety of independent and assisted living suites within the renowned Shepherd Village. With its long history of providing caring service you’ll love the amenities and the excellent services.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Parkland on the Glen
Parkland is located at Mississauga and The Collegeway next to the Glenerin Inn. We are surrounded by beautiful green space. For the past 6 years we've been awarded one of the top 3 Retirement Communities in Mississauga.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
St. Elizabeth Village
St. Elizabeth Village is a place where community comes first. The Village is set on an impressive 114-acre natural oasis of parks and ponds. Enjoy a non-stop slate of social activities in a vibrant and active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
Delmanor Wynford
A full service 5-star retirement community centrally located in Toronto - features extensive common areas, a rooftop putting green and a variety of other amenities catering to today's active seniors.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
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
The Wexford
The Wexford offers all-inclusive, independent senior living one km from Tsawwassen town centre. Bright and spacious suites and costal-inspired living areas are beautifully accented by a rooftop garden and courtyard.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick Comox Valley
Berwick Comox Valley offers a resort-style retirement residence in a convenient downtown setting. This is West Coast living at its finest, truly affordable luxury.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Grandview Retirement Living
In the heart of downtown Stoney Creek, Grandview Retirement Living offers a variety of suites, delicious dining and unsurpassed amenities. Inclusive, customized independent and assisted living service packages available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Canterbury Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Canterbury Place offers Independent & Independent Supportive Living and suite styles in an elegant condo-like building for active adults. Unique healthcare programs available for our residents including palliative care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Chartwell Longworth Retirement Residence
Voted London's Best Retirement Residence seven years running! We promote our passion for seniors living well by offering choices for an active, wellness focused lifestyle with the security of knowing help is at hand.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Living Water Retirement Residence
A Resort Style Community Served by a Team With Loving Hearts. We commit to providing an exceptional, caring experience for all residents with a culture that is people-centred, actionable love, compassion, and humility.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Pets’ health benefits for seniors
There are many known health benefits with relation to pets, and for older people who may be widowed or otherwise alone, the benefits are many:
- Interaction with pets releases endorphins, as well as serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. In other words, you feel good when you are with your pet, and this is good for your health.
- Providing care for a pet gives people a sense of purpose and meaning, thanks to the responsibility they feel.
- A pet alleviates loneliness and isolation.
- Dogs especially are known to give unconditional love to owners
- Walking a dog every day is great exercise and an opportunity for social interaction.
- Pets can provide an opportunity for fun and play.
The benefits of pet ownership to seniors is shown by several significant clinical studies. Here’s a survey, looking at animals’ value in improving seniors’ quality of life and health.
A 2013 study by the American Heart Association showed that pet owners deal with the physical effects of stress better than those who do not own a pet. Specifically, the study found that pet owners demonstrate lower blood pressure and show smaller increases in heart rate. They even had lower resting baseline heart rates and blood pressure, and recovered more quickly from stress.
A 2009 study by the Vanier Institute found that pet ownership can reduce stress, "reduce loneliness of residents in long-term care communities, improve your health during difficult times, and help you lower your risk of heart disease or other medical conditions by forcing you to exercise.
A study from 1980 looked at survival of heart attack patients, comparing pet owners to others without. The one-year survival rate for those with pets was 94 percent, while those without a pet had a lower rate of 72 percent. Put another way, the mortality rate was over four times as high for those without pets: 28 percent versus only 6 percent.
A study at the University of Guelph looked at seniors living at home. It found that those who had no pet required up to 60% more health care, measured both in time spent in care and the costs pertaining.
Other anecdotal evidence has shown that people recover better from disease if they have the company of a beloved pet.
The upshot of this is that it is good for retirement homes to be pet-friendly, since residents will recover faster, be healthier and live longer.
Pets and Alzheimer’s Patients
A 2002 study showed that when a dog was integrated into an Alzheimer’s and dementia patients’ ward, there was a significant drop in behaviour problems, especially noticeable during the day.
Another study the same year (at Purdue University), studied the food intake of Alzheimer’s Patients after the introduction of fish aquariums into their environment. Researchers found that nutritional intake increased, and patients gained 1.65 pounds on average over a six week period.
Inside pet-friendly retirement residences
At Symphony Senior Living in Orleans, the resident pet is a Shih-Tzu named Angel, allowed to run the halls but not enter the dining area. She sleeps with her “mom” (one of the residents) but she is also shared with the entire community. She finds her food in several places throughout the community, including the office of Rachelle Vroom, the community’s Executive Director.
At Davenhill Senior Living in Toronto, the memory care floor includes a soothing room that allows people to sit beside a fish aquarium. It’s shown to have a calming effect on dementia sufferers.
Holiday Retirement is a retirement home provider that understands the life-affirming power of pets. Each Holiday community welcomes pets at no additional charge. There are many other retirement homes that encourage pets as well. “When choosing a retirement community, I never looked at any other because my little Shi-Poo Jenny could live here with me,” says resident, Elveda Elznic. “She loves the attention from the residents and staff, and enjoys playing with her poodle friend Tequi, who lives here too.” Mary Wheeler is Tequi’s owner. She enjoys the companionship and sense of routine that owning a pet provides. “Tequi is my constant companion,” Wheeler said.
Please note that communities with pet-friendly policies are also beholden to other clientele. Before allowing you to move in with your pet, they will ensure your dog or cat is friendly and non-disruptive. Of course, you will be expected to take full responsibility for your pet’s proper grooming, feeding and other care. If seniors are not able to provide proper care for their pet, or if it is deemed harmful or undesirable by other clientele, the family may be asked to remove the pet from the premises. Communities retain the right to refuse any pet at the time of admission, including concerns about allergies, etc. Consult with communities listed below to learn details of policies.

