One-to-one comparison

VIVA BARRHAVEN

This beautiful, still-very-new Ottawa retirement home offers the best in contemporary senior living. Chef-prepared dining, modern facilities, and a bevy of other luxuries are all integral to life here. Staff are compassionate and very involved with seniors, as many families and residents will attest to.

THE REDWOODS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

A superbly well-appointed Ottawa retirement home located close to the 417 in West Ottawa. This is a lovely high-rise seniors' tower (17 floors) with great views from its balconies, and a variety of suite styles to select from. The Redwoods still feels very new and clean throughout. There are staff members who have been here since it opened. People love the flexibility of living independently in your own apartment, as in any tower, combined with the option of sharing in dining or hiring care as needed.

VIVA BARRHAVEN

My mother-in-law lives here. It is a warm and welcoming place. The staff are lovely, caring, and patient and they know her name. The doctor on staff is a good listener and so kind to her. I find it a very cozy place, both in my mom's room as well as the communal areas. None of these places are cheap today, but you get true value here for your money.

There are endless wonderful amenities at this beautiful V!VA Retirement Community which can be found listed in the brochure or seen on the video, but what stands out for me is the warm feeling of family among the staff and community members. My parents, Della and Lawrence, were especially impressed when both staff and fellow members addressed them by name on the very day they moved in. It was a challenging move from their beloved hometown in Quebec, so all the lovely special touches, such as the ladies down the hall coming to introduce themselves and bringing a welcome basket and card from V!VA were very much appreciated and comforting. My mother is a wonderful cook, so gathering around the table to share a tasty home-cooked meal was important. Imagine their delight when Chef Eric appeared at their door to welcome them in person and chat about the food and dining experience and ask if they had some favourite recipes! The musical entertainment is fabulous. Both my parents love to sing and my dad is usually the first to get up and dance! My mother is still raving about the High Tea put on for International Women’s Day with beautiful flowers, tablecloths, crocheted doilies, and special cakes made fresh by the V!VA kitchen staff. V!VA goes above and beyond and the message they send is this: “You are important and we care about you”. My parents now call V!VA ‘home’. That is music to my ears!

I wanted to share how absolutely wonderful this retirement residence is. From the management to all the staff, everyone is also so friendly and incredible to deal with, especially for the residents. The building is always impeccable, welcoming warm, and caring. It is truly a wonderful residence and has exceptional staff.

My parents have been part of the Viva community for over a year. The staff are unfailingly kind and helpful. The gym and pool facilities are unparalleled. The flexible mealtimes and readily available snacks are an added bonus. I don’t hesitate to recommend Viva Barrhaven.

Our Mom has been a resident at Viva Barrhaven for just over a year. To say she was reluctant to go into a retirement home would be a huge understatement but after an adjustment period, she has really become a happy member of this community. At 93 she has made new friends and meets with them over a coffee in the cafe. There often is music in Mel's bar and lots of fun celebrations. The most amazing part of Viva is the staff who are genuinely interested in each resident and their families. To watch how happy people are while working there is truly heartwarming. If you are wondering about Viva for your loved one, go check it out, my family highly recommends it.

THE REDWOODS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

My Mother went into the Redwoods for a three-week trial stay and never went back to her condo. She absolutely loved it and this was someone who was dead set against “an old folks home." She loved the activities offered and still hasn’t managed to try them all after a month. The food is delicious there are always options to choose from. Her suite is newly renovated and very spacious and homey. She has a lovely balcony which she enjoys daily. The staff are excellent, so professional and caring. They went above and beyond to ensure my mother was happy and made many accommodations to suit her needs. April Johnstone is a treasure. She welcomed my mother and went out of her way to make her feel at home. Any requests or concerns we had were answered promptly and dealt with efficiently by April, even on her own time. I feel very fortunate that we were able to get an apartment (and it is a full one-bedroom with a full kitchen) at The Redwoods.

My wife had a complete knee replacement surgery and for convalescence, we spent 2 weeks at the very good Redwoods. The care which she received was excellent as were the meals which were provided. The staff is very well trained and are friendly and thoughtful and certainly surpassed our expectations. We were extremely impressed with the entire Redwoods organization. My wife will be having her other knee done within the next few months and we will be doing this again. Our stay at the Redwoods was a very comfortable and carefree 2 weeks.

I have been so impressed with just about everything. To a person the staff have been pleasant patient, kind and helpful during this convalescent period. The environment has been blissfully quiet, the bed comfortable, the food good, and quantities generous. I chose the Redwoods on the recommendation of friends. A very good decision.

My family recently moved my elderly parents from their home to an apartment and now finally to The Redwoods. We/they wanted to get used to apartment living and the downsizing that goes with it. We went to several retirement buildings and were most comfortable choosing The Redwoods. More importantly... my parents were most comfortable with this decision. The staff is very approachable and helpful. With a wide range of services that you can sign up for if needed. These services can be revisited at any time as the situation changes.

Redwoods offers residents a full range of services, with a helpful caring staff, and a secure building. There's a wide range of activities to choose from. The building is located close to residential neighborhoods with bus stops and various retailers within walking distance. And is pet friendly.

VIVA BARRHAVEN

Just minutes from Manotick and Stittsville, V!VA Barrhaven is Ottawa's premier all-inclusive retirement community with some of the largest suites in Nepean. Enjoy V!VAlicious meals and treats throughout the day. Then get moving with our stunning amenities including a wellness spa, indoor saltwater pool, fitness studio, golf simulator, movie theatre, underground parking & more! Book your tour today!

THE REDWOODS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

The Redwoods is located in West Ottawa and offers several suite styles with full kitchens & balconies. Plus we’re pet friendly! Join in our Chef-prepared meals and activities programs designed to meet your interests. Our Lifestyle Programs, with nurses available 24/7, offers peace-of-mind to keep you active & feeling your best! Meet for ice cream (or martinis) in the Fireside Lounge, jump on the shuttle bus for an excursion, or join a game of Bridge in the card room. There’s always fun to be had!

VIVA BARRHAVEN

Medical form completed by family doctor, Personal Interview, TB test required

THE REDWOODS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Chest x-ray, Medical form completed by family doctor, Personal Interview, TB test required

VIVA BARRHAVEN

Information not available

THE REDWOODS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

Information not available