Brianna HarrisonI’ve always thought that assisted living facilities and nursing homes were the same thing, but they’re actually different. My friend was looking for recos for assisted living, and I mistakenly gave her a list of the top nursing homes in the city (whoops!).
Here’s what I learned: assisted living is a fantastic option for seniors who need a little extra support with daily activities, but don’t require the 24/7 medical care of a nursing home. Think of it as a bridge between independent living and more intensive care.
So, after some research and even chatting with current residents (trust me, they have the best insights!), I’ve compiled a shortlist.
Ready to find the perfect fit for yourself or a loved one? Then, let’s dive in!
How much does an assisted living facility cost in Toronto?
For an assisted living facility in Toronto, expect to pay between $3,000 to $5,000 per month.
Some upscale facilities with more comprehensive services and luxury accommodations may charge upwards of $6,000 to $8,000 per month.
How We Chose the Best Assisted Living Facilities in Toronto
1. The Briton House
If you’re looking for a retirement spot that feels less like a facility and more like a fancy hotel, then The Briton House might be worth checking out. Founded with the idea of resident choice and freedom, they’ve been around for over 40 years.
Now, the price tag might give you a bit of sticker shock—we think it’s definitely on the pricier side. But for that, you get a whole lot: private rooms with balconies, access to a gorgeous year-round garden, a swimming pool, and even a recital hall!
Plus, there are daily activities, from exercise programs to cultural events, keeping things interesting.
The real draw is their assisted living care. They offer 24/7 nursing staff, an on-site doctor (or you can keep your own), and help with daily tasks like dressing and bathing.
We’re also impressed with their memory care unit specifically designed for residents with memory impairment.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience
- Access to a year-round garden
- Swimming pool and a recital hall
- Offers daily activities and programs
- Offers 24/7 nursing staff
- On-site doctor
- Has a memory care unit
Cons
- On the pricey side
Residents are well cared for, safe, and living their best life
“I researched many retirement homes in Toronto, and Briton House stood out for many reasons. Family owned and operated, an excellent reputation, positive referrals and reasonable pricing put Briton House on the short list. It was quick and easy to book a tour and we were impressed with the comfortable hotel-like atmosphere, relaxing atrium and amenities. Once my loved one moved in, the caring and competent staff provided an environment where she was able to enjoy regular meals, be supported with personal care and flourish, becoming the happy, social person she was before being diagnosed with dementia. You can trust that residents are well cared for, safe and living their best life.”
Christine Dingemans, Google Review
A 10 rating in all aspects!!
“Jared is a fantastic person of contact, thoughtful, generous and caring. The staff are professional, the premises relaxing and high end. The community solid and helpfull. Great location. A 10 rating in all aspects!!”
Lorne Merrick, Google Review
2. Forestview Retirement Residence
First off, we love Forestview Retirement Residence’s focus on nature. Imagine waking up to a beautiful ravine view—sounds pretty peaceful, right?
They also offer a range of living options, from independent suites to assisted living with full support. And, it’s pet-friendly, which is a big win for some folks.
We learned that they’ve got all the bells and whistles you might expect in a retirement community—a spa, fitness center, movie theater, even a concierge! There’s always something to do, whether you’re into fitness, pampering yourself, or catching a flick.
As for the assisted living side of things, they offer 24/7 staff, medication management, and help with daily activities like dressing and showering. There are also regular safety checks, which is a big plus for peace of mind.
One thing we came across though was some chatter about the food menu getting a bit repetitive.
Pros
- Offers independent suites
- Offers assisted living with full support
- Pet-friendly
- Has a spa, fitness center, & movie theater
- 24/7 staff and a concierge
- Regular safety checks
Cons
- Reports of a repetitive menu
Excellent choice for seniors looking for a comfortable place to settle down
“Forestview Retirement Residence is an excellent choice for seniors looking for a comfortable place to settle down. The team members are truly amazing – they’re always happy to help and incredibly dedicated to ensuring every resident feels comfortable and well-cared for. And the residents themselves are just lovely – you’ll always find friendly faces and welcoming smiles around every corner!”
Jovie Velasco, Google Review
I recommend Forestview for anyone requiring additional support
“Forestview offers a wonderful homestyle setting for its residences. The staff are always friendly and attentive, ensuring to always provide first class service with a smile. I recommend Forestview for anyone requiring additional support.”
Carmelo Caruso, Google Review
3. Hazelton Place Retirement Residence – Verve Senior Living
Hazelton Place should definitely be on your radar if you’re considering assisted living options. They take a resident-centered approach, meaning they tailor their services to what you need and want—we think this focus on resident happiness is a major plus.
Their assisted living services are impressive, from personalized wellness programs to 24-hour security monitoring. With medication administration and transportation for planned excursions, residents enjoy both comfort and convenience.
Foodies will also love Hazelton Place. They have an experienced chef who prepares delicious meals from scratch using fresh, local ingredients, so say goodbye to bland institutional food!
And it’s not all about care—they also know how to have fun. They offer a ton of life enrichment programs, from walking clubs to art classes and even museum outings; they even host social events like ice cream socials and movie nights!
Keep in mind that Hazelton Place falls on the pricier side of assisted living options.
Pros
- Tons of facility amenities
- Personalized wellness programs
- 24-hour security monitoring
- Transportation for planned excursions
- High-quality food
- Wide range of enrichment programs
Cons
- Pricey
Hazelton Place is a winner
“My parents moved into Hazelton Place in December 2022, and they both think it’s terrific. They love the food. The dining room is exquisite. The staff are conscientious and quite personable. Both my parents take daily exercise classes, which is a first for my dad. The amenities are ample, and the variety of the daily programming is superb. There’s a lot to do, and spacious rooms to do it in. Also, the residents are friendly and accomplished. It’s easy to make new friends. All things considered, Hazelton Place is a winner.”
Carl Knutson, Google Review
The food at Hazelton Place is like eating at 5 star restaurant
“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 5 star restaurant. All the staff are wonderful and caring. Couldn’t ask for a better place to live. Highly recommend!”
Ellul Shirley, Google Review
4. Greenview Seniors Residence – Metta Lifestyles
Greenview Seniors Residence, managed by Metta Lifestyles, offers a variety of assisted living services that might be a good fit.
They have a range of options, from assisted living to enhanced care. This means they can tailor the care plan to your specific needs.
We’re also impressed with their variety of services to make daily life easier, including laundry, housekeeping, and meals with staff supervision. Specialized services like medication management, feeding, or bathing are available as well.
They have a professional Health and Wellness team available 24-7 while their
individualized and small group social programs are led by their Lifestyles team.
And if dementia care is a concern, they have a memory care program specifically designed to meet those needs.
We did hear isolated reports of rude staff members, so be sure to factor that in when making your decision.
Pros
- Range of options, from assisted living to enhanced care
- Laundry, housekeeping, and meals with staff supervision
- Health and Wellness team is available 24-7
- Has a Lifestyles team that organizes programs
- Has a memory care program
Cons
- Isolated reports of rude staff members
The care is superb at Greenview
“The care is superb at Greenview. Everyone knows the patient and cares about the whole family. The place is very clean and runs efficiently. There are no gaps in the excellence of care or chain of command. All of the staff is excellent but special mention should go to Barbara who is unbelievable in her efficiency. In our case, she did everything that needed to be done to transfer my husband from the hospital to Greenview in two days and no detail was overlooked. The head of nursing is equally efficient, caring, and professional. The director’s warm, friendly and highly professional leadership keeps the staff happy and the residents receiving first-class care.”
Judie G, Google Review
My parents describe this place as being on a cruise everyday
“My parents describe this place as being on a cruise everyday. The staff here are OUTSTANDING and treat my parents like they are their own. They made the moving in process easy, thorough and complete. It was like they were moving their own parents in. I can’t say enough about them. Bob, Barb, Ariel, and Gianne are now part of our family. Love this place and the staff ❤️❤️”
Kerri-Ann Sagert, Google Review
5. New Horizons Tower
New Horizons Tower is a wonderful spot right in the heart of Bloordale Village, one of Toronto’s lively neighborhoods. Set up by Dovercourt Baptist Church back in 1974, this non-profit senior housing provider offers a cozy, community-focused environment.
Their assisted living option, The Oasis, offers a comfy, supportive environment for seniors dealing with daily challenges, especially those with memory loss.
And for those who need a bit more help but still want to keep their independence, The Terrace offers an all-inclusive option with enhanced services.
Speaking of all-inclusive, there’s plenty to do at NHT. Whether it’s enjoying concerts in the auditorium, reading a book in the library, working out in the fitness room, or playing ping-pong in the Friendship Room, there’s something for everyone.
And the Community Life Team keeps things exciting with musical entertainment, movie nights, fitness classes, and more.
Note, however, that NHT can be a bit pricey.
Pros
- Opened 1974
- Offers The Oasis and The Terrace
- Has an auditorium and library
- Has a fitness and Friendship room
- Has a Community Life Team
Cons
- A bit pricey
The staff are absolutely amazing!
“Our mother moved in a couple of years ago from St. Hilda’s Towers after they closed for renovations and discontinued their care residence. New Horizons has turned out to be an amazing place for our mom. She’s on the 3rd floor “memory residents” where she gets friendly and attentive care. The staff are absolutely amazing! They have our mother dressed nicely and always looking her best. They engage her in her favourite game (Scrabble) which she still wins regularly! New Horizons in super-clean, well organized, and always cheerful. We’re very lucky our mother is so happy there.”
Paul Engels, Google Review
An amazing place that cares about the people living there
“An amazing place that cares about the people living there. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a safe home for an elderly person.”
Natasa Morfesis, Google Review
