THE COMFORT LIFE REPORT:Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community
Lifestyle options:
Independent Living, Assisted Living
Guest stays available, Respite care available, Convalescent care
Cost (from):
$3,255
Suites:
94 suites (Studio, 1-bed, 1-bed + den, 2-bed)
Capacity:
100 residents
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Our Perspective
How we see Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community
The Terrace is ideal for London and area seniors who are still active and want the very latest in senior living accommodations. The newness of this community is wonderful, found in the spaciousness of the lobby and the bright open feel created by the expansive windows. The contemporary feel extends to personal suites and their features like generous closet space, French doors, and individual temperature control.
Still very new, Dorchester Terrace offers lo-rise senior living in a perfectly sized community. It's a full-service community with a number of unexpected luxuries, including an in-house movie theatre, spa, and hair salon. Living here, you can let someone else worry about housekeeping and laundry while you choose to participate in daily activities or just relax.
The variety of suite sizes coupled with the many features and amenities makes this an exceptional community. Everyday fun stuff includes a games room with billiards, a party room with its own kitchen, and outdoor courtyards where you can relax in the sun with friends. There are many regularly scheduled daily and monthly events on the rec calendar. For casual or quieter times, you can get books out of the in-house library or enjoy the greenspace of the Thames Valley. Dorchester on the Thames Golf Club is only a short hike away.
With its location on the outskirts of London (minutes from the 401), there's pleasant farm country in one direction and the conveniences of London in the other. If you have family in London or elsewhere throughout southwestern Ontario, take a closer look at this community.
We asked residents and their families about life at Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community.
Access verified Reviews here
Community’s Perspective
How Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community sees itself
Who are you as a community?
Dorchester Terrace is a 4-storey, fully accessible 94 suite Residence offering local and area seniors studios, one bedroom, one bedroom with den, and two bedroom accommodations with a full spectrum of wellness support services including a first-response emergency system. In addition to personalized health and wellness services, residents will enjoy housekeeping services, laundry facilities, and daily dining in an open restaurant-style dining room. Register on our website for more information.
- Opened in: 2017
- Ownership: Private. A member of Chartwell Retirement Residences
- Languages Spoken: English
What do you do differently or uniquely well?
Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community has not responded to this question yet.
What supports do you offer residents as they adjust to life there?
When someone moves to Dorchester Terrace, we take time to help them feel settled and confident in their new surroundings. Our team introduces residents to the building, dining room, and daily routines, and helps them connect with staff and neighbours. With familiar faces and clear routines, the transition tends to feel comfortable and reassuring from the start.
How are residents supported if their needs change?
If a resident’s needs evolve, we’re able to provide additional support through our on-site nursing team, care staff, and built-in safety systems. Outside services can also be arranged when needed. Our goal is to ensure residents continue to feel safe, supported, and comfortable while remaining in a familiar environment.
Under what conditions would you advise someone against choosing your community?
Someone looking for a large, highly urban residence with a wide range of upscale amenities may find another setting more aligned with their expectations. Dorchester Terrace tends to appeal to seniors who value a quieter, more accessible community where support, comfort, and ease of daily living are the priority. We work best for individuals who appreciate a straightforward, well-supported lifestyle.
What might residents find surprising about your community?
Over the next five years, Dorchester Terrace will continue to build on what residents already value—reliable support, comfortable living, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Our focus will remain on enhancing services that promote healthy aging while ensuring residents continue to feel confident and at ease in their home.
How will your community change in the next five years?
Over the next five years, Dorchester Terrace will continue to build on what residents already value—reliable support, comfortable living, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Our focus will remain on enhancing services that promote healthy aging while ensuring residents continue to feel confident and at ease in their home.
What five facts about your community should people know?
• Dorchester Terrace is a fully accessible 90-suite retirement residence.
• Residents benefit from 24-hour on-site nursing and care staff.
• Daily life includes three meals, housekeeping, linen service, and recreation programs.
• The residence is equipped with emergency response systems for added safety and reassurance.
• Additional outside support services are welcome, allowing care to be tailored as needs evolve.
Insider Perspectives
Interview videos
What people with insider's knowledge of Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community shared with Comfort Life.
Watch our video interview with Chantelle Bancroft, former manager of this community during its time under Sifton. The property became a Chartwell retirement community on April 1, 2026.
Verified reviews of Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community
What residents and their loved ones say about Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community in reviews.
Chelsea Hicks-Webster, visitor or friend
"Dorchester Terrace Retirement Living graciously offered free space and snacks for a low-cost thought management program I've been piloting. (The program teaches the skill of 'thought management' to women who experience anxiety or overthinking, as a strategy to cultivate more peace in challenging situations.) Dorchester Terrace's community room is BEAUTIFUL, and so is the entire facility. Each time I go in, I'm amazed by how clean everything is, how friendly and professional the staff is, and how..."Heather Whitty, family member
"My brother and mother moved into Dorchester Terrace in August. We fell in love with the Terrace after a personalized tour with Christina Swanson. Our entire family feels immense comfort knowing that our loved ones are being so thoughtfully cared for by the Wellness Team. The facility itself is beautiful, with a wide range of activities to keep everyone engaged. The Dining Room and Bistro offer a delicious variety of meals and snacks, ensuring that residents always have tasty options to enjoy."Deb Thatcher, family member
"Nice new facilities. My parent stayed there for respite care. A good experience. Caring staff, nice meals."Testimonials and Stories
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Love the rural country feel.
I have never regretted my decision to move here. I love the rural country feel. Dorchester Terrace is such a welcoming place of friendship and community.
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So much to enjoy here
Before calling Dorchester Terrace my home, I lived in Windsor Ontario. I’m 92 years old and had lost interest in being in my home – tired of cooking and baking and everything that went into being a homeowner. I looked for my new home for about two years! My son suggested I search closer to him and my daughter-in-law who live in Belmont. Being closer to them was extremely important to me.
There were quite a few things that helped me make the decision to move to Dorchester Terrace, the first being that it feels like living at a 5-star hotel – I feel like I’m living at the Ritz! Being a brand new residence, everything is fresh and new. I love the layout of my suite, closets and French doors, the amenities, individual temperature control, air conditioned hallways and the brightness that shines through my windows. I wish I had made the move sooner; I should have been here four years ago! No more garden to care for, home repairs to be looked after or cooking to be done.
The entrance to Dorchester Terrace is beautiful and was such a lovely surprise. Chandeliers, lots of windows and bright open space, and then there’s the private dining room! There is so much to enjoy here, including; crafts, euchre, coffee club, bingo and the fitness centre. One piece of advice I would give to others looking for a retirement option is to move while you can still participate! Be ready to get your legs and mind moving and enjoy your health. When my family comes to visit I love to show off my new home and go to the Bistro for lunch.
The downsizing process was overwhelming. I had spent 62 years in my past home so my daughter helped me go room to room and decide what was important to me. From there I sent things home with my other family members. Dorchester Terrace gave me information about moving companies as well, but luckily I was prepared and ready to go thanks to my family. My brand new suite is everything I could want, it’s close to everything but tucked out of site.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle options
Independent Living (definition)
Cost from $3,896
Dorchester Terrace offers a number of extra customizable care options delivered by our Nursing and Care Staff. Everything from Rise and Shine services to Rest and Restore and so much more.
Includes
- Designated dining area
- Meals (3x/day)
- Daily tidy (Extra fee)
- Housekeeping (1x/week)
- Medication administration (Extra fee)
Assistance with
- Bathing (Extra fee)
Independent Living at Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community falls within the average monthly costs for retirement communities in Ontario
Suites
- Type: Studio
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $3,896 - $4,216
- Size: 340sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$750
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (additional fee)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Mini-fridge
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (additional Fee)
- Contact:
- Type: 1-bed
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $4,447 - $4,862
- Size: 470sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$750
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (additional fee)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Mini-fridge
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (additional Fee)
- Contact:
- Type: 1-bed + den
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $5,649 - $6,584
- Size: 700sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$750
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (additional fee)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Mini-fridge
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (additional Fee)
- Contact:
- Type: 2-bed
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $7,203 - $7,550
- Size: 850sq/ft
- Companion fee: N/A
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (additional fee)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Mini-fridge
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (additional Fee)
- Contact:
Dining
Simple Pleasures Life is more than preparing meals and doing chores. Dorchester Terrace offers a varied selection of dining experiences, social engagements, stimulating activities, excursions and more. Enjoy good friends, good food and good times. The Garden Terrace Dining Room offers home cooked, healthy daily features as well as a la carte menu selections in a formal dining room setting. Restaurant style seating allows you to enjoy good food and good times with friends. The Carlolinian offers a Private Dining experience for those special occasions. This inviting room offers an elegant space to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family that creates a sense of being right at home. The Twisted Lemon. Enjoy a fully licensed Pub which offers an informal opportunity to gather with friends for a glass of wine or beverage before dinner or while enjoying our vast array of entertainment. Sweet or savory snacks are always available! The Busy Bean is open for all day coffee and tea to enjoy while visiting friends and family. Snacks are always available to enjoy with your hot beverage. Gluten Free diet is available (may be extra charge)
Meal service : Bar, Bistro: (daytime), Pub, Room Service (extra fee), Table service, Tray service in suite (included)
Seating type : Open seating
Special diets : Diabetic, Gluten Free, Lactose free, Low sodium, Vegetarian
Amenities & Services
Residence Amenities & Services
Arts and crafts
Billiards
Community Garden
Computers
Emergency call system (pendent)
Fitness Studio
Games Room
Hairdresser
Hobby kitchen
Internet
Laundry machines
Library
Mail box
Mail to concierge
Movie theatre
Newspaper delivery available to suite
Onsite foot care
Parking (outdoor)
Party room
Patio/Courtyard/BBQ
Pet friendly
Private bus for outings, regular trips
Private dining room for family/friends
Putting Green
Recreation facilities onsite
Religious Services & Holiday Celebrations
Spa Services
Spa tub or shower room
Spa/Beauty Salon
Walking Path
Wellness Center
Wheelchair (electric)
Wheelchair (scooter)
Wheelchair Accessible
Programs & Activities
Upcoming Events Each month, Dorchester Terrace Retirement Residence organizes several events and activities designed to encourage seniors and their family members to experience the Sifton Retirement Lifestyle. You are invited to join us at one of our upcoming events!
Arts and Crafts
Assisted Walks/Trails
Bible Classes
Billiards/Pool Tables
Bingo
Bocce Ball
Brain Fitness
Card Games
Continued education
Day Trips
Entertainment
Excursions
Exercise Program
Gardening
Golf
Movie Nights
Parties
Religious & Holiday Services
Sewing
Theatre
Volunteering
Weekly Shopping Trips & Excursions
Staff & Care
General Manager's Message
Danielle Nekoda
As the General Manager, I’m pleased to welcome you to Dorchester Terrace. Our beautiful retirement home is located in Dorchester, just north of the 401 between London and Woodstock. With 94 elegantly appointed suites, you will be sure to find the right fit for you. I encourage you to come for a tour and see our bright dining room and cheerful lobby where we host entertainment and social activities. Speak with our residents while they’re playing cards or a game of pool and hear why they love living here. After your tour, stay and enjoy a home cooked meal overlooking our patio gardens and meet our wonderful staff. Come and see for yourself what retirement living really looks like. Dorchester Terrace, where changing your address has never made you feel more at home.
Staff
| Medical and other support staff | |
|---|---|
| Registered Practical Nurses | 24 hrs/day |
| Personal Support Workers | 24 hrs/day |
| Doctor | visiting 4x/month |
| Health & Wellness Team | on call |
| Massage Therapist | visiting 1x/week |
| Geriatric Pharmacist | on call |
| Mobility Specialist | on call |
| Foot care specialist | visiting 2x/month |
| Dentist | on call |
| Physiotherapist | visiting 2x/week |
| Chiropodist | visiting 1x/month |
Number of care staff:
- Daytime: 4
- Weekends: 4
- Nights: 2
Care services
Care options available:
- Guest stays available (cost from $100)
- Respite care available (cost from $125)
- Convalescent care
Health Services:
- Medication charted by exception(with special assistance)
- Oxygen assistance(with special assistance)
- Physically challenged residents(with special assistance)
- Vitals monitoring(with special assistance)
Move-in requirements
• Chest x-ray
• Medical form completed by family doctor
• Personal Interview
• TB test required
News
Featured Articles
Considering senior living but daunted by downsizing?
Learn how Chartwell can support you during the transition to senior living.
Why now may be the time to consider senior living
Chartwell gives you three good reasons why senior living is a good option for yourself or a loved one.
Four tips for affording senior living by Chartwell
It’s more financially achievable than you think! Get tips on proven investments, funding options, and government benefits that will make your retirement move a smart choice.
Recent News
Stay Healthy in 2022 With These Healthy Living Tips for Seniors
Staying healthy is wise at any age, but it becomes especially important as you get older. This means ensuring you are doing everything you can to keep your body in its best shape. ... read more.
Accreditation & Associations
Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood
Dorchester is a small town of approximately 10,000 people about 10 minutes east of London, Ontario. The town offers services, shopping, restaurants, and many services and activities for seniors. The Thames River flows through the town. The town has sports teams including recreation centre and sports fields.
Chartwell Dorchester Terrace is located at 143 Byron Ave, Dorchester, Ontario, N0L 1G5.
What's nearby:
Middlesex County Library, Dorchester Public Library
Shopper's Drug Mart
Flight Executive Centre 
Lion's Senior Centre
Dorchester Medical Clinic Chiropractic Centre Dorchester Dental Dr. Lida Kiddie, Dentist Dr. Tim Kiddie, Optometrist Hearing Care Clinic Lion's Trail Dorchester Physiotherapy
St. Peter's Anglican Church Dorchester Presbyterian Church Dorchester Community Church Dorchester United Church Dorchester Family Christian CentreCompare Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community with nearby communities
| Compare with | Lifestyle options | Location |
|---|---|---|
| The Village of Glendale Crossing | Independent Living | London, Ontario |
| Chartwell Richmond Woods Retirement Community | Independent Living | London, Ontario |
| Chartwell Longworth Retirement Residence | Independent Living | London, Ontario |
| Amica London | Independent Living | London, Ontario |
| Chartwell Riverstone Retirement Community | Independent Living | London, Ontario |
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THE COMFORT LIFE REPORT: Chartwell Dorchester Terrace Retirement Community
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