Dylan YoungOne of my biggest anxieties in life is not being able to provide the proper care to my parents once they reach that age when they can’t move as vigorously as they did in their younger years.
That’s why I began searching for the best assisted living homes in Toronto. Unlike the usual retirement home (retirement homes toronto), these ones offer an additional layer of care. They have staff available 24/7 to assist their residents whenever they need it.
Here are the results of my research.
How much does living in an assisted living home cost in Toronto?
The cost of living in an assisted living home in Toronto averages around $4,480 per month.
However, prices can vary significantly depending on the specific facility and the level of care and amenities provided.
How We Chose
1. Fairfield Residence Assisted Living
Address: 10 Fairfield Ave, Etobicoke
Phone number: +1 416-201-9975
Business hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Fairfield Residence Assisted Living is a cosy spot for seniors who need a bit of help with daily life. Located in the Long Branch neighbourhood of Etobicoke, it offers a homey feel with its two-story building, big backyard, and vegetable garden.
They definitely nail down the essentials when it comes to providing quality assisted living care. Here, residents can enjoy 24/7 staff assistance, weekly doctor visits, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and home-cooked meals.
It’s also great that their staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, and Russian. This can make it easier for residents from different backgrounds to feel at home.
Sadly, their location means you’ll have to devote more time to commuting to visit your relatives here. It’s also a bit disappointing that they charge extra for services like incontinence assistance.
It has taken the weight off our mind to know that she is in good hands
“I grew up in Toronto but I live abroad. Recently my mother needed more support with her everyday life like taking medication, cleaning and cooking but neither me nor my siblings live close enough by to help out. It was such a relief to find Fairfield Residence just around the corner from where my mother was living in Etobicoke. It has taken the weight off our mind to know that she is in good hands. When I visit I see that she is very happy here! Big thank you to Milda for making my mom’s favourite apple cake!”
-Jack Robinson, Google Reviews
This place feels like a real HOME
“This place feels like a real HOME. The staff demonstrate genuine compassion, creating a warm and supportive environment. The facilities are well-maintained, everything is very clean and comfortable. Fairfield Residence is a place that prioritizes both physical and mental residents’ well-being.”
-Iryna Isak, Google Reviews
2. The Village of Humber Heights
Address: 2245 Lawrence Ave W, Etobicoke
Phone number: +1 416-235-0201
Business hours: Open 24/7
Another Etobicoke-based assisted living home that caught my attention is The Village of Humber Heights. It has an interesting history: it served as a school before it was repurposed into a cosy home for the elderly.
One thing that absolutely impressed me is its so-called village concept. This facility is designed like a small town, complete with a main street that has a library, café, general store, and more. This setup encourages social interaction and makes it feel like a close-knit community.
For assisted living residents, they’re free to enjoy these amenities while also having access to special services like medication administration and assisted bathing. They’re also provided with spacious suites with built-in kitchenettes.
Unfortunately, assisted care accommodations here are quite pricey, with prices starting at $6,324.48.
I have nothing but praise for this facility
“I have nothing but praise for this facility. The staff and care, especially Emma’s, was second to none. They ensured my Mom’s transition went well when she moved in and the compassion shown by all in her final days was exemplary. Thank you all”
-Andrea McKinney, Google Reviews
AMAZING staff who really care and appear to enjoy their jobs
“Fabulous place. Clean surroundings. AMAZING staff who really care and appear to enjoy their jobs. My mother has had better care there then she had with all the doctors she had before when she lived on her own. I leave there after every visit knowing she is safe and cared for”
-canadianshadowrider, Google Reviews
3. McCowan Retirement Residences
Address: 2881 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough
Phone number: +1 416-266-4445
Business hours: Open 24/7
McCowan Retirement Residences is a highly popular retirement home in Scarborough. It has been around since 2004 and is currently managed by Metta Lifestyles.
Residents can access services like weekly housekeeping, meal preparation, and 24/7 access to refreshments and snacks. They can also enjoy additional services like oxygen management and specialised diet plans through customised care plans.
It’s also worth mentioning that they offer a wide range of activities and innovative therapies to keep their residents active and happy. Some amazing examples are art therapy, horticulture therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.
Unfortunately, their extreme popularity has led to their limited acceptance of new residents. I’m also worried to hear that some of their staff members tend to act rudely towards guests.
My dad says he has no complaints which is high praise
“My dad moved into MRR in May. Since then everything has been beyond expectations. The food. The activities. The staff. All first rate. My dad says he has no complaints which is high praise. Thank you to everyone at MRR for making him and our whole family feel so welcome and cared for.”
-Diana Boehm, Google Reviews
We always felt fortunate to have had mom at MRR
“McCowan Retirement Residence was recommended by a friend. It did not disappoint. The staff were friendly, caring and quick to action. Reception Maria and Lori were so kind to the family and to Mom. PSWs had to deal with Mom’s declining cognitive health and were very caring and understanding. The activities staff continued to try and include Mom. Staff were always supportive of the family. The Nursing staff were beyond helpful and helped us to understand what was needed for Mom’s care and made recommendations. We always felt fortunate to have had mom at MRR. As they renovate, it will only significantly improve the home.”
-Mary Luck, Google Reviews
4. Chartwell Avondale Retirement Residence
Address: 1238 Queen St E
Phone number: +1 647-547-1813
Business hours: Open 24/7
Located in Leslieville, Chartwell Avondale Retirement Residence is a renowned provider of both independent living and assisted living services.
When it comes to assisted living, they offer services like medication management, meal preparation, and ambulatory assistance. They also provide regular doctor visits and 24/7 staff support.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are a lot of amazing amenities here, including a movie theatre, a library, and an impressive rooftop patio.
However, one thing that truly caught my attention was their partnerships with many of Toronto’s health and wellness clinics.
Residents won’t need to leave their suites for any non-emergency medical needs, as they can provide comprehensive medical services, including lab and pharmacy services.
Unfortunately, their suites are in extremely high demand, so they have a waiting list for new residents.
I’m very happy with my mother’s care at Avondale
“I’m very happy with my mother’s care at Avondale. The food is good, the staff is attentive, and there are activities for her to enjoy if she chooses. Our family feels secure knowing mum is being taken care of so well…”
-Catherine Boyle, Google Reviews
The care and support has been incredible
“Want to say a big Thank You to all the caring and professional staff at Avondale. Our parents have been residents for about 5 weeks now and they are both so happy. The care and support has been incredible. We can’t thank you enough! It feels just like home for us when we visit and they are feeling right at home there too in such a short period of time. Everything at Avondale is so lovely and clean and the staff are so friendly and helpful.”
-Cathy Stokes, Google Reviews
5. Hazelton Place Retirement Residence
Address: 111 Avenue Rd
Phone number: +1 416-928-0111
Business hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence, located in Toronto’s lively Yorkville neighbourhood, is one of the more accessible options you’ll find on this list. They provide top-notch assisted living services, including 24-hour nursing care, personalised care plans, and an emergency response system.
Under their personalised care plans, residents can always seek assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and managing medications. Furthermore, their staff always performs resident wellness checks to check a resident’s condition whenever they do something out of the ordinary, like missing a meal.
Another key reason why they’re one of my top choices is their amazing life enrichment program. Assisted living residents here are free to enjoy a wide range of activities like knitting and chaperoned excursions to museums and art galleries.
Unfortunately, with prices starting at $5,925, getting a suite here certainly isn’t cheap.
Couldn’t ask for a better place to live
“I cannot express how much we appreciate everyone at Hazelton Place. Ron and Leslie go above and beyond. The biggest complaint at retirement homes is always the food however the food at Hazelton place is like eating at a 5 star restaurant. All the staff are wonderful and caring. Couldn’t ask for a better place to live. Highly recommend!”
-Ellul Shirley, Google Reviews
They feel like they are living in a 5 star resort
“After spending the last few months deciding on a place for my parents I have decided on Hazelton Place. Thank you to the administrator Ron and the staff for making my parents so happy and welcomed. They feel like they are living in a 5 star resort.”
-Andy Thomson, Google Reviews
