Author

Dorothy Walsh

Planning ahead for retirement can help your aging relative avoid difficult and expensive situations in the future. Choosing the right retirement home is important and it comes with its own unique set of challenges both for the family and the aging individual (Check out or guide on How To Choose A Retirement Home). It is recommended that you evaluate the living requirements of your loved one for now and the future, so you can choose a community that will be able to provide them all the needed care down the line. Preparing, researching and exploring retirement options early on is key for a smooth transition that helps avoid any difficulties. Our team has used our retirement home evaluation criteria, to find the best retirement homes in Vancouver.

Criteria:

Whether you are making plans for your own retirement years down the road or looking for a home for your aging parents/relative, it pays to have a plan to find the best retirement home in Vancouver for your needs. There are a number of key considerations that you should factor in before making this decision. These are the most important ones that we have identified:

Location

Whether your loved one moves to move to a completely new area or remains in a familiar community, you will want to make sure that the facility you are considering for them offers nearby access to the services they need. It is also important to understand that many aging individuals can feel disoriented when moved away from a community that they are familiar with.

Levels of Care

The reality is that aging relatives need different levels of care, so you need to make sure that the senior living community you choose is able to cater to all of their needs. When considering the right retirement home take into consideration whether in the coming years your loved one might need increased levels of care. If so then look for a facility that will be able to accommodate those needs later down the road, to avoid having to move them to an unfamiliar setting when they need more care. If levels of care are your top priority, then it is highly recommended that you choose a nursing home for your loved one where nursing care and all levels of support are available.

Community Size

Don’t forget to consider the number of people the senior living community in Vancouver serves. Communities with many residents usually provide more entertainment and host more activities than smaller communities. However, a smaller senior living community might give your aging relative the opportunity to make friends more easily.

Reputation

Carefully evaluate the community’s reputation. Be sure to check our reviews along with with local government reviews as well as Better Business Bureau to research reported problems or complaints at any facility you are considering. Another way to check the reputation of a retirement community is by talking with people who live in the area or even existing residents.

Costs

The costs alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing a retirement home in Vancouver. It is important to compare the retirement communities in Vancouver and what they have to offer, more expensive does not always mean better as it all depends on the needs of your aging relative. One should also compare between at home care and a retirement community, as often times when all costs are taken into consideration a retirement home in Vancouver can be more accessible.

Years in Operation

While looking at the number of years a community has been in operation isn’t a deciding factor in and of itself, senior care homes that have been in business longer generally have more established reputation. A senior home that has been around for many years has proved their ability to properly care and look after their aging community.

Financial Stability

Be sure to research the financial stability of the senior living community. A facility that has financial issues, e.g. large amount of debt, etc., could unexpectedly close their doors, leaving your aging relative without a place to call home.

Retirement Homes FAQ:

The price of a retirement home drastically varies based on a few main factors, one is the type of care that you are hoping your loved one will receive. Two is the location of the retirement homes you are looking at, resort like locations or city central retirement communities tend to have a premium to them. The third most important factor is the types of amenities  and services that you hope for your aging loved one to have, as they can really impact the price. To learn more about how much does a retirement home cost, read our article on retirement home cost in Canada.

A retirement home is a place for your loved ones to live in, while receiving the appropriate care and assistance. A good retirement home is one that cares about its residents and promotes a sense of community, so everyday feels like an eventful day for their residents. Retirement Home is an umbrella term that encompasses many different care types, so it is important to choose the right type of care for your loved one. If you want to learn more about the different types of retirement communities, feel free to check out our article on different types of retirement communities.

First and foremost, it is important to consider what the lifestyle of your loved one is going to be and the type of support that they need today and later down the line. This will help narrow down which type of retirement home should be picked, with the proper care offerings. Amenities should be taken into consideration, events, as well as community and neighborhood. All of these are strong factors that impact the well being of your loved one. To learn more about how to choose the right retirement home, read out article here.

A key to looking for downsizing options is to start early on, this way you are able to assess all the different opportunities and slowly start decluttering. Although decluttering can be tough, an effective technique is to simply go room by room, and take time to go through item by item. It is also key to know how much space will be provided at the new home, so one can plan for how much to bring over. Somre downsizing homes offer storage area for a premium, which are worth looking into if your loved one wants to keep larger valuables. To explore downsizing options in your area, click here to use our search tool.

10 Best Retirement Communities in Vancouver

In no particular order, here are the best old age homes in Vancouver that stood out to us when using the criteria above.

Featured

South Granville Park Lodge is a comprehensive senior living community in Vancouver that offers its residents personalized, gracious attention and care with the help of its qualified staff and personal care aides in virtually every aspect of seniors’ personal hygiene, food, and dressing requirements.

 

This private retirement home in Vancouver specializes in offering all levels of intermediate and extended elderly care. It has been serving the local community for over 50 years and boasts the best care and nursing staff. South Granville Park Lodge follows the “Meaningful Days” philosophy to ensure quality care, safety, and enjoyment of life for all of its residents.

Review:

Nina Charania

“My friend was at South Park. They took good care of her. The place is clean, appealing and the food is good.”

Nina Charania

“My friend was at South Park. They took good care of her. The place is clean, appealing and the food is good.”

Featured

Sunrise of Lynn Valley is one of the best retirement communities in the area that specializes in providing palliative care to its residents in a home-like, warm, and cozy environment. Only a few minutes from Lynn Valley shopping center, several churches, and parks with easy access to major transportation routes, this retirement home is centrally located in the heart of Lynn Valley.

 

Sunrise of Lynn Valley prides itself in its professional, caring staff that has a reputation for offering excellent service and great cuisine in a comfortable, warm environment. They also have an extensive activity and program schedule. All these features contribute to a true sense of retirement living in Vancouver.

Review:

Mirardavan Nabipour

“Amazing staff warm and loving atmosphere highly recommended.”

Mirardavan Nabipour

“Amazing staff warm and loving atmosphere highly recommended.”

Featured

Terraces on Seventh is another popular senior living community that offers a loving and warm environment for retired seniors, as well as peace of mind that they are well-taken-care-of and 100% safe thanks to the professional, caring staff. This cozy retirement home in Vancouver is equipped for both assisted and independent living. This means that regardless of what degree of support and care your aging relative needs, they are assured that they will be able to live here comfortably. Terraces on Seventh has its professional and friendly staff available 24/7 to cover all the residents’ needs and answer all their questions.

Review:

Susan Rice

“My mother lived at Terraces on Seventh for the last 8 years of her life. The entire staff truly impacted my mom's live for the better.”

Susan Rice

“My mother lived at Terraces on Seventh for the last 8 years of her life. The entire staff truly impacted my mom's live for the better.”

Featured

Tapestry at Arbutus Walk specializes in facilitating independent living for seniors in Vancouver. Designed for the elderly with an active appetite for living, this retirement home puts its residents in touch with everything Vancouver has to offer. For healthcare needs, the community is situated close to Vancouver General Hospital. Their onsite services, programs, and amenities are also top-notch, which means the most challenging part of a senior’s day here is to decide how to spend it. Whether its enjoying an excellent meal in community restaurant, relaxing with a good book in a cozy library, or enjoying a spa treatment in the salon, your aging loved one will have lots of choices to keep them relaxed or stimulated.

Review:

L C

“On behalf of my late grandmother, and my mother, Tapestry was the best location for my grandmother to live her final years. They were incredibly accommodating, kind, and thoughtful throughout all stages. We will forever be thankful to the staff and residents at Tapestry.”

L C

“On behalf of my late grandmother, and my mother, Tapestry was the best location for my grandmother to live her final years. They were incredibly accommodating, kind, and thoughtful throughout all stages. We will forever be thankful to the staff and residents at Tapestry.”

Featured

Amica West Vancouver strives to set a new standard for retirement communities in Vancouver and its surrounding areas by combining unmatched premium hospitality and services with professional support and care to deliver a personalized living experience for the elderly. Committed to enriching the lives of seniors now and as their wants and needs change, this retirement home offers memory care, assisted living, and independent living lifestyle options.

Amica West Vancouver combines the comforts of a home with flexible support services and top-notch amenities, as well as a team of friendly professionals that are available 24/7. Every day in this retirement home there is something happening – seniors are free to join in or simply relax in their cozy suite.

Review:

Diane Laporte

“I have customers there that are very happy there. Very well looked after, food is good.”

Diane Laporte

“I have customers there that are very happy there. Very well looked after, food is good.”

Featured

Villa Cathay Care Home is an assisted living retirement home that provides a number of key activities for its residents. These activities encourage movement and socializing, hence promoting a healthy lifestyle for seniors. Expert staff is available 24/7 so in case any emergencies occur, the residents are assured that there will be someone ready to help.

 

Villa Cathay Care Home specializes in taking exceptional care of the elderly with diabetes. The senior living community strives to promote quality care through promising health and safety awareness, furthering its philosophy of personalized care.

Review:

Bill Tso

“Brand new tower and more to come. Great food for our elderly and caring staff. Ideally located in the Chinatown area.”

Bill Tso

“Brand new tower and more to come. Great food for our elderly and caring staff. Ideally located in the Chinatown area.”

Featured

At Inglewood Care Centre, seniors enjoy a cozy, home-like environment. The community encourages them to live their lives in any way they want, hence enjoying the independent living of which they are capable of, while receiving the care and support they may need at the same time.

 

Residents in this best retirement home Vancouver are looked after in a caring, safe environment, where all of its staff are specially trained to manage the varying needs of its residents. Inglewood Care Centre specializes in enabling the elderly with dementia to enjoy every day as fully as possible. Friends and family members are welcome to visit the community at any time.

Review:

Jamey G

“Very clean inside. The place doesn't smell like a typical old folks’ home. The staff really do care about the people there. The food actually is good.”

Jamey G

“Very clean inside. The place doesn't smell like a typical old folks’ home. The staff really do care about the people there. The food actually is good.”

Featured

Legacy Senior Living (The Leo Wertman Residence) is one of the premier independent living communities in Vancouver that is committed to offering each of its residents a more convenient, healthy, and independent lifestyle by supporting connections, individuality, and choices and by offering quality personalized services.

 

Legacy Senior Living is not just a retirement home for independent living – it’s an experience. Their monthly package includes both daily and weekly services that are specially designed to help seniors reclaim their time and their lifestyle. Several additional services and amenities are also offered on à la carte basis.

Review:

Carmen Cheuk

“Staff are always friendly! Food is amazing! COVID protocols are being followed and I can tell everyone feels safe here!”

Carmen Cheuk

“Staff are always friendly! Food is amazing! COVID protocols are being followed and I can tell everyone feels safe here!”

Featured

Lynn Valley Care Centre is another premier retirement home in Vancouver that offers a welcoming and warm living environment for seniors. For over 60 years, this premier senior living community has championed quality of life, independence, and health for all of its residents.

 

Lynn Valley Care Centre is committed to offering personalized care for both short-term and long-term elderly residents. Their recently renovated facilities are suitable for assisted living as well as chronic/extended care, with staff working to maximize the mental and physical independence of the residents. All in all, Lynn Valley Care Centre is the best community for independent senior living in Vancouver.

Review:

Christina Halldorson

“My mom was there in the new tower not the old lodge. She was treated well for the last 5 years of her life. 2nd floor nurse Eva was exceptional.”

Christina Halldorson

“My mom was there in the new tower not the old lodge. She was treated well for the last 5 years of her life. 2nd floor nurse Eva was exceptional.”

Featured

Offering companionship and care for the elderly in Vancouver, Blenheim Lodge provides a wide range of services and amenities, from supportive housing to complex care for independent seniors.

 

Your aging relative will surely enjoy the comforts of their own home with the care and convenience of gentle community at Blenheim Lodge. The community has luxurious private rooms, serves quality, delicious meals, and provides a variety of entertainment programs as well as therapeutic activities. Being able to chat with other residents is an important part of senior living and Blenheim Lodge offers common spaces both indoors and outdoors to support that very need.

Review:

Gary Regan

“Great retirement home!! Dad has been there for two years+ and he has been well taken care of. I live out of town and BL has set up weekly zoom meetings for our family. Always professional and personable. Thank you BL.”

Gary Regan

“Great retirement home!! Dad has been there for two years+ and he has been well taken care of. I live out of town and BL has set up weekly zoom meetings for our family. Always professional and personable. Thank you BL.”

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