I spent three months researching retirement residences. It didn’t take long for me to decide that Amica residences were a cut above the rest. Amica is philosophically aligned with my values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. That is reflected in everything they do, including the staff they hire and the programs they provide. Amica Residences are very pet friendly, and they consistently have the best reviews!!
I chose Amica Dundas because it brought me closer to family. Dundas itself is a unique place. I’ve lived in 8 cities, in 4 different countries. I have fallen in love with only one: Dundas, Ontario!
Building, amenities & suites
(5)
I’ve been told many times, by friends who have come here to visit me, that my suite at Amica Dundas is even nicer than the high end condominium unit where I used to live!
Please believe me when I tell you that in Dundas, everything you need is ‘just around the corner’, including the Metro Supermarket, drug store, art gallery, library, farmers market, a park with benches, and the list goes on!
Staff
(5)
Not once in the 15 months I’ve lived here, have I ever had a negative interaction with a staff member, nor have I ever witnessed one. I don’t know who does the hiring, but whoever it is, they sure have a knack for bringing in fine people. The dining room servers, housekeepers, maintenance staff, program & activities team, they all seem to love what they do, and we love them!
I’ve gotten to know the Administrative Staff quite well. Yes, they work hard and are very busy, but not too busy to stop and chat with residents, in the course of their day.
Residents and community life
(5)
I tend to be friendly and outgoing, so I’ve made a few friends, and a great many ‘good acquaintances’.
I like that Amica Dundas attracts people of different backgrounds and religions (or no religion). Although I think that for most of the current residents, English is their mother tongue, but for some, English is a 2nd language. I recently enjoyed having dinner in our dining room with someone from Finland. I asked them to say something in Finnish, and was blown away by how different Finnish is from the languages I’m used to hearing, like French or Italian!
I definitely have the sense that people enjoy living here, as do I.
Activities and services
(5)
The leadership staff are highly skilled, making for a wide range of quality programs. It amazes me how they manage to meet everyone’s needs. For example, one day we enjoyed the Hamilton Philharmonic Symphony’s String Quartet in Our Great Hall at 2:00 pm., and at 7:00 pm there was BINGO. And just last week, my out-of-town visitors and I thoroughly enjoyed Carnival Day! Wow!
I’ve gone on many of the Amica Dundas bus trips, including to live theatre, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the many scenic tours. (Very few of the retirement residences I visited have the luxury to be located in an area that can offer as many different scenic tours as Amica Dundas can!)
The movies shown in our Movie Theatre - yes, we have a designated Movie Theatre - are great. (Of course they’re great … we the residents get to choose them!
I enjoy the games room, the craft and art rooms and the varied programs provided for us, in them.
I’m not a gardener, but I love to see all those who are, outside enjoying the huge area of raised gardens.
I want everyone to know about the gazillion fitness classes, all the exercise equipment, and the swimming pool, but I don’t want to admit that I’m still having trouble getting myself to them! Maybe this week ……
Care and medical attention (if applicable)
(5)
I’m blessed with good health and pretty good mobility, so I’m living in the Community known as Independent Living. What is very reassuring to my family is knowing that Amica Dundas also offers a Caregiving Community and Memory Care Community. None of us knows what’s around the corner, so I’m very comforted knowing I won’t ever have to leave Amica.
The other thing worth mentioning is that the Nursing Station for the Caregiving Community is there for me as well, if I need first aid, or in case of a fall, or a dire emergency.
Food and drink
(4.5)
Let’s face it, it’s hard to please a family of five, how in the world can we expect a kitchen to please a hundred and twenty-five! But they sure do try! We’re offered a choice of two main entrees, as well as an a-la-carte menu with many more. Outstanding for me are the gorgeous salmon they serve, and my all time favourite, rack of lamb! And unique to Amica Residences, the dining room is open from 11:00 - 7:00. Come whenever you like, sit wherever you like. A wide variety of breakfast food is available in what we call our Bistro. Eat in or take your breakfast up to your suite; it’s entirely up to you.
Moving in
(5)
I’m so glad I moved in when I did. Many people I know put off moving to a retirement residence, until it is their children who end up having to find the right one for them. I believe that in the future we’ll see younger and younger seniors making this choice. I’m so happy here!!
Amica is a trusted, premium name in senior living, with a reputation for helping seniors live a comfortable lifestyle in its lovely buildings. Amica Dundas brings to bear their three decades of experience in more than 30 locations Canada-wide.
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My parents have been living at Amica Dundas for 7 months now. Once my Dad lost his driver's licence they were completely dependent on family for all of their needs. Moving to Amica Dundas has given them back their independence and has given my sisters and me the peace of mind of knowing that all of their needs are being taken care of and that they have the support that they need today and will ultimately need moving forward.
The staff at Amica have been so supportive of them and to our whole family during their transition and any time we have a question or concern they are quick to respond and go above and beyond to help my parents feel comfortable and supported. They have encouraged them to participate in all of the amazing activities and special events that are available to them every day and show a genuine interest and concern in their well-being and make every effort to help make their life at Amica enjoyable and enriched. We have seen a dramatic improvement in their health both physically and mentally since they moved to Amica and are so happy that they are living the life they truly deserve.
We looked at every option available for them and the added bonus we found at Amica Dundas is the incredible location. They are able to walk across the street to Metro for their favourite cereal, walk to Rexall and have their medications managed and delivered to their door, or have the option of having them managed and delivered “in-house” when the time comes that they need that. They enjoy their short walk downtown to enjoy the restaurants and shops, can walk to the bank to manage their finances or walk across the street to the Farmer’s Market in the summer and fall. It truly is the real deal and you will not find a better retirement experience for your loved ones or yourself in the Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas area. We have already told our kids that Amica Dundas is where we want to live when we are in our senior years.
