Who are you as a community?

Our community is built on a foundation of independence, support, and inclusivity. We are not a retirement home or long-term care facility, but a place where seniors can age in place, with access to flexible, personalized assisted living services when needed at no extra cost. Our Assisted Living Services for High-Risk Seniors program offers 24/7 supports from licensed staff right in tenants' apartments, allowing them to maintain autonomy without the need for disruptive moves. Tenants enjoy modern amenities such as full kitchens, in-suite laundry, and the option of beautiful river-view apartments overlooking the Ottawa River. For those seeking flexibility, we offer optional meal plans, and for seniors who prefer a fully managed experience, we provide an all-inclusive package in our beautiful bachelor suites. We offer a variety of organized activities and outings to keep tenants socially engaged. We also provide subsidized housing in some of our Villa apartments through the Ottawa Housing Registry, ensuring high-quality, affordable living options for all seniors. Conveniently located near shopping and amenities, Bruyère Health Senior living offers a peaceful, safe nature-filled environment that enhances quality of life.

Highlights:

• We offer a wide array of programs and activities driven by the tenants’ interest, ranging from small groups to community-wide events, through our team of motivated staff and volunteers.

• Opened in: 2014
• Ownership: Non-profit.

What do you do differently or uniquely well?

Seniors choose Bruyère Health Senior Living for its expertise in senior care and the ideal balance of independence and support. Through our Assisted Living Services Program, we provide free, 24/7 assistance from licensed staff directly in tenants' apartments, avoiding disruptive moves. We attract seniors who value autonomy but appreciate support when needed. Our bilingual, inclusive community, river-view apartments, and tranquil surroundings are key draws. For those who enjoy cooking, our optional meal services provide flexibility. We also offer subsidized housing, ensuring accessibility to more seniors. Many value our commitment to transparency, offering clear and predictable costs.

What supports do you offer residents as they adjust to life there?

At Bruyère Health Senior Living, we ensure new tenants feel welcomed and supported from day one. Our tailored orientation includes introductions to like-minded neighbors and encouragement to join activities, helping them quickly form friendships and settle into the community. We also use a buddy system, pairing new tenants with existing ones to provide additional support during the transition.

For those in the Assisted Living Services Program, we collaborate with tenants and their families to create personalized plans, ensuring the right level of support from the start. We promote social engagement through a variety of activities and outings and provide meal vouchers to encourage shared dining and connection.

How are residents supported if their needs change?

We focus on independent living, providing eligible seniors with support through our free government funded Assisted Living Services for High-Risk Seniors program. We are not a retirement home or long-term care facility, and we do not offer specialized medical services such as round-the-clock nursing or intensive rehabilitation. Seniors requiring frequent medical interventions, constant supervision, or care beyond what we can provide in our program will need to seek a dedicated care facility. Likewise, for tenants with advanced cognitive impairments or severe dementia, our community does not have the necessary resources to ensure their safety and well-being.

Under what conditions would you advise someone against choosing your community?

Bruyère Health Senior Living may not be the best fit for seniors with extensive, complex medical needs or severe cognitive impairments requiring secure, specialized care environments. It may also not appeal to those who prefer a community offering a seamless transition from daily assistance to advanced care within the same facility. Seniors who desire a fully managed living environment, where all daily tasks are handled for them, might find our community too focused on independence. Additionally, those seeking a luxury retirement experience may not find our amenities aligned with their expectations.

What might residents find surprising about your community?

Many tenants are surprised by just how much the community offers beyond what they expected. While they may arrive anticipating a traditional senior living experience, they quickly discover that the Village is a place filled with energy, personal connections, and unexpected perks.
Here are some of the standout surprises:
1. Bruyère Health Senior Living offers partnerships with physiotherapy, medical, dental, and pharmacy providers, meaning tenants can take care of their health without needing to leave the village.
2. We offer 24-hour staff support. This ensures assistance whenever required.
3. Our Assisted Living Services is at no additional cost!
4. We offer optional healthy meals prepared by our onsite chefs.

How will your community change in the next five years?

1. New Village Development: We plan to build another Village to welcome more seniors into our community.

2. Enhanced Aging-in-Place Programs: As tenants’ needs change, we will enhance the support provided through programs like the Assisted Living Services (ALS) and Enhanced Assisted Living Services (EALS). Our aim is to ensure that seniors can remain in their homes as long as possible.

3. Addition of a safe and scenic 2 km walking path for tenants: This path will provide a safe, scenic space for tenants to enjoy regular walks, promoting physical activity and overall wellness.

What five facts about your community should people know?

1. The Village is home to ~ 285 Seniors Across 227 Units. The average age is ~ 77 and the Male to Female ratio is approximatively 1:3. One third of our tenants have been with us since the opening in 2012.
2. For the past three years, the tenants held the title of champions in the Road World for Seniors, showcasing the active spirit of our community.
3. Our staff members are bilingual, and the majority have been with us since 2014.
4. We foster strong connections across generations through various intergenerational programs that bring together tenants and younger members of the community.
5. We love themed dinners, where staff serve tenants in style!