More of what people say about this community
We've collected reviews and testimonials from around the web that are relevant to you: those from residents and their loved ones.
Teresita Nixon, visitor or friend
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.
Tahir Ali, visitor or friend
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.
Barbara Q., resident
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!
Ron Neufeglise, visitor or friend
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.
Ray Halani, visitor or friend
Very courteous, helpful & friendly staff. Residents looked happy and enjoying their stay. Clean and well decorated inside and outdoor facilities well landscaped.
Stella Lee, visitor or friend
Leigh Carriere, the community relations manager, gave us a tour of the place, and she was highly professional in her presentation, great to talk to, and answered all our questions most helpfully! It is a beautiful, new facility in a lovely residential neighborhood. The other staff seemed attentive and friendly too. Definitely worth considering for anyone needing a retirement home.
Beau Howes, family member
I researched a number of retirement residences in and around Vancouver prior to my Dad’s arrival from New Brunswick in the fall of 2022. Granville Gardens stood out for its friendly and caring management and staff, contemporary and clean facilities, and the top calibre meal, social and fitness programs. Since he moved in, Granville Gardens has delivered beyond our high expectations. Thank you to the management and staff!
Kate Castelo, family member
We give Granville Gardens A+ for effort, kindness and care for people. The Community Relations Manager, Leigh Carriere was the epitome of grace, respect and openness as she toured my father and me around the beautiful building and grounds. Leigh was genuine and down to earth. There is no high pressure sales. She took the time to get to know my father's needs and was transparent about everything. This is a people-centred place!
Witty Lau, family member
We've recently moved my grandmother to Granville Gardens, as it was time for her to not be living by herself anymore. It is such a nice community here - the meals are delicious and offers a great variety, there are plenty of activities for my grandmother to join if she wants to, the other residents seem friendly and she seemed to have made some friends already, there are nice outside areas that are safe, and most importantly, the staff are friendly and attentive. We don't have to worry about her not eating enough or just sitting around alone all day, and best of all, Granville Gardens doesn't seem like an old person's home. This is the best decision we all could have made for her.
Penny Bailey, family member
Granville Gardens has changed our family life! Udo and his staff have made my brother feel at home for almost a year now. He is well cared for and much more confident and happy. He is able to commute easily to work and comes home to a nice dinner. He loves movie nights and talking with the friendly staff and fellow residents.
Denise Foster, family member
My mom has been living at Granville Gardens for just over a year. It is a perfect new home for her. The staff are wonderful and they have done a fantastic job over the course of the pandemic. We wondered if she would cope here with her dementia, but my mom has thrived here. She has made new friends and has embraced the activities here. She has been more active in the last year than she was in previous few years prior to moving in. In her words: "I love it here!".
[Dec 2020]
Joanne Carlton, family member
My mom has lived here for 2 1/2 years. She has faced many adjustments, her husband of 70 years passed away, COVID lockdown, and living alone for the first time in her life. Granville Gardens made her feel important and loved. The staff go above [and beyond] to make her feel loved and valued. Eating with her friends is her highlight of the day. She joins activities and has made new friends. Change is never easy, imagine doing it at 100. [Granville Gardens] makes the transition a positive one. [Jan 2021]
Cindy Ricketts, family member
Granville Gardens welcomed my sister into this home like she was royalty. She was treated with the most loving and caring treatment by all staff. [She] was very sick, and everyone went above and beyond to ensure she was comfortable. I cannot rave enough about how much [they] accommodated our family and the kindness that they showed to all of us. My sister's memories of Granville Gardens and our family are, that the people that work [here] are very special, and they truly care for the residents. I met many of the residents, and they are all friendly and happy [here]. Thank you Granville Gardens for making the last few months of my sisters life special.
Kath, family member
Our mom recently moved to Granville Gardens ... [From] the first day, it felt like home.
Donna, family member
It's a beautiful and spotless [brand new] home ... [we're] very comforted with the fact that mom will have the best care possible.
