Amelie CameronAs much as we want to, we can’t always be there for our elderly relatives. In these situations, a nursing home can provide the comprehensive medical care and attention that seniors need to stay active and enjoy fulfilling lives.
This is different from assisted living homes, which mainly focus on providing round-the-clock assistance with daily activities. Nursing homes emphasise having 24/7 medical care available.
To assist you in finding one suitable for your loved one, we’ve put together a list of the best nursing homes in Toronto.
How much does living in a nursing home cost in Toronto?
The price of living in a nursing home in Toronto highly depends on the type of accommodation and services needed.
Living in a shared room may cost you $2,030 per month while choosing to live in a private room costs $2,900 per month.
How We Chose
1. The Heritage Nursing Home
Services: 24-hour nursing care, weekly physician visits, specialised care for Alzheimer’s, assisted living, and personal grooming assistance
Address: 1195 Queen St E
Phone number: +1 416-461-8185
Business hours: Open 24/7
The Heritage Nursing Home is an excellent choice for long-term care, especially for those in the Chinese community. They boast 201 units, with a specific number of them fully staffed by staff members who are proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin.
As expected, they provide comprehensive 24-hour nursing care and weekly physician visits. However, what makes them stand out is their impressive array of in-house clinics, like an x-ray clinic, a dental clinic, and a physiotherapy clinic.
It’s also great that they have recreational and social programs to keep their residents active and engaged. In particular, they offer Chinese-oriented programs like mahjong nights, Cantonese opera, and dim sum parties.
My only major issue with them is their strict visitation policy. Most visitors are only allowed in the nursing home for up to an hour.
They took such great care of my dad
“My dad lived at Heritage Nursing Home for seven years. The nurses, doctors and staff are professional, compassionate and highly skilled. They took such great care of my dad and we are forever indebted.”
-Justin P., Google Reviews
Well managed
“Clean and very organized home, well managed.”
-E. Chow, Google Reviews
2. Kensington Gardens
Services: 24-hour nursing care, 3-month physician visits, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietitian services, dental care, and more
Address: 45 Brunswick Ave
Phone number: +1 416-963-9640
Business hours: Open 24/7
Established in 2000, Kensington Gardens is a veteran provider of long-term care in Toronto. They have a team of registered nurses and registered practical nurses who can provide round-the-clock medical care and assistance to their residents.
Furthermore, they also have physicians who are on call 24/7 and can respond to emergencies ASAP. What’s particularly interesting is that these medical professionals came from highly diverse backgrounds, leading to Kensington Gardens having a staff capable of speaking more than 30 languages.
It’s also worth noting that they offer various specialised care services like walking programs and music therapy to meet their residents’ physical and mental needs. They even have The Chicks of Kensington, a program that incentivises residents to raise chicks in an effort to improve their socialisation skills.
Sadly, they’re currently suffering from understaffing, leading to an unbalanced staff-to-resident ratio.
My mom has had a great experience so far
“My mom has had a great experience so far. I appreciate the staff and the care they provide for my mom on a daily basis. It’s clean, beautiful grounds and a comforting atmosphere.”
-Terra Thompson-Jahangir, Google Reviews
They can understand her moods and needs much better than I
“A load lifted for mom!
My mom has been a resident, with severe dementia, for a year. I am so grateful she was placed there. I have often seen the staff show her genuine affection, and now, after living with her day to day, they can understand her moods and needs much better than I. She no longer speaks words, but they understand her anyway. She has put on weight and is eating much better too. Thank you so much!”
-Doris, Google Reviews
3. The O’Neill Centre Long Term Care
Services: 24/7 medical support, specialised rehabilitation and physiotherapy services, personal care services, and on-site dialysis
Address: 33 Christie St
Phone number: +1 416-536-1116
Business hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The O’Neill Centre Long Term Care has a long and respected history in the community since its establishment in 1975.
One area where they really stand out is in their services. They offer a comprehensive range of nursing and personal care services, including 24/7 medical support, and specialised rehabilitation and physiotherapy services.
They’re also one of the first nursing homes in Toronto to have its own Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Program. This allows residents to receive their dialysis treatment in the comfort of the centre, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits.
I’m also impressed by their use of the Butterfly Approach to dementia care. This approach emphasises dignity, autonomy, and individual choice, creating a supportive environment for residents with dementia.
However, it’s rather unfortunate that there is often a lengthy waitlist for new residents, given the high number of applications they receive each year.
They are AMAZING with my mom
“My mom has been living at the O’Neill Centre for about a year and a half, so I wager now is a good time to post something. I really can’t speak highly enough about the staff. Every member of the team has been super approachable, genuine, and proactively helpful. They are AMAZING with my mom. Attentive, and authentic. Mom has Alzheimer’s and the level of care she gets at O’Neill has been wonderful. Happy mom = happy family. I am very grateful.”
-Jan-Michael Weir, Google Reviews
Truly a miracle of a home for my mom
“Incredible and caring staff. While it’s not the most modern or upscale facility, for an individual like my mother whose functioning level is not high and who’s perception of the world does not require luxury accommodations, there is no better place for her. Grace on the 2nd Floor is so wonderful. Truly a miracle of a home for my mom.”
-Mike Santos, Google Reviews
4. The Village of Humber Heights
Services: 24/7 medical support, daily living assistance, medication administration, kinesiology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy
Address: 2245 Lawrence Ave W, Etobicoke
Phone number: +1 416-235-0201
Business hours: Open 24/7
Founded in 2005, The Village of Humber Heights is a nursing home with an interesting concept to keep its residents active and engaged. Their innovative Village Concept designs the facility to resemble a small town, fostering social interaction and a strong sense of community.
That’s why they boast an impressive range of amenities, like a library, café, general store, and chapel. They also have a massive outdoor space where residents can relax while being supervised by their care staff.
Furthermore, they also have a medical staff who can provide 24-hour nursing and personal care to their residents. Their signature programs are specially crafted to enhance residents’ mental and physical well-being, offering services like kinesiology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
However, it’s worth noting that the cost of living here can be quite high, which might make it a stretch for some.
I have nothing but praise for this facility
“I have nothing but praise for this facility. The staff and care, especially at 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
I can honestly say all staff in the village are wonderful and friendly
“My dad is a resident of this wonderful home. I have nothing but amazing things to say and am blessed he is in such a loving and caring home. Making the decision to put them in a home is always hard. He has advanced Alzheimer’s and the staff at Alderwood floor has taken my dad in like family, they are amazing. Every time I see him which is almost daily he is always clean and smells good and most importantly well taken care of. I can honestly say all staff in the village are wonderful and friendly”
-Paola Montecinos, Google Reviews
5. Hellenic Home for the Aged
Services: 24-hour nursing, therapeutic services, dietary services, restorative services, and chapel services
Address: 33 Winona Dr
Phone number: +1 416-654-7700
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
One affordable and reliable nursing home you might want to consider is the Hellenic Home for the Aged. Established in 1974, this nonprofit organisation has decades of experience providing personalised care and attention to its residents.
The level of care they offer is extensive and thorough. Residents benefit from 24-hour nursing, therapeutic services, dietary services, restorative services, and even chapel services, ensuring their physical, mental, and spiritual needs are well taken care of.
They even have this unique program called the Adult Day program. This program is specially designed for elderly individuals with disabilities or cognitive impairments, offering a variety of activities that provide cognitive and social stimulation.
Sadly, due to budget constraints, they are experiencing issues with understaffing. It’s also unfortunate that their Toronto facility can only accommodate up to 81 patients at a time.
Everyone is very kind and caring.
“My grandparents have been living here for the past few years and they love it – such a great Greek community. They have lots of activities for the residents and everyone is very kind and caring.”
-Leigha Daikidis, Google Reviews
They really take care of you
“They help people a lot unlike other homes. They really take care of you. I have been working with them for quite some time now.”
-Gurpreet, Google Reviews
