Lists of reports on this page:
Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
“The thing that stands out most about our experience with Courtyard Gardens is how hard working and caring the staff are,” says Carol Tong. She and her two siblings live far away from the Verve Senior Living community in Richmond, BC, but “it meant everything that the staff was willing to facilitate video calls [during quarantine] to talk with dad and talk about what was going on. There are so many individual staff members there that we’re grateful for.”
Praise for staff is one theme that emerges in in-depth conversations Comfort Life has recently had with family members of seniors in Verve communities across Canada. “The care that staff has given my dad has really given him a boost in his golden years,” says Chip Huang, whose dad has found a home at Mississauga’s Evergreen Retirement Community.
“He’s more energetic and lively now,” says Chip. “For him, it’s a case of, you don't know what you're missing until you're in the environment that provides you with the things that you need. Once he got into Evergreen, he took to it very, very quickly. My dad's a very social guy. Having people around really boosted his emotional spirits. He found a new verve by moving there.”
His dad has completely revitalized in a setting where the focus is on "making every day" great for seniors like him, something Verve Senior Living does exceptionally well. “When I did a tour of Gilmore Gardens it felt like a cruise-ship-like atmosphere,” says Andy Wong, whose mother has been in an assisted living suite there since March of last year. That praise is genuine, coming from someone who’s spent his career in the service industry. He loves the front reception desk and the full-size dining room in particular, but “everything is very elegant.”
Since moving into Gilmore Gardens, his mom has found a whole new level of happiness. “She can socialize with anybody there.” Since his mom is happy, he’s also happy. “It’s very satisfying to see her at home with so many people that were unknown to her a couple of years ago. Our life is much better. We’re no longer fearful of something happening to her when we’re not there for her.” He also loves that he “can [now easily] visit and socialize with mom any time we want.”
Denise Foster also praises the way her mom is flourishing at Granville Gardens in Vancouver, and how much relief this has given her. Before moving, “She wasn't really motivated to connect to other people [and] wasn't taking part in any activities in her community. She had a lot of pain in her hips and just wasn’t interested.” Denise feared that her mom would decline further after moving, but “what's happened is the exact opposite. She's thriving there!”
That rejuvenation is apparent in a number of ways that excite Denise. “If somebody had told me my mom would be going to yoga I would have said there’s no way.” That’s just one of numerous activities her mom takes part in there, “all of which she loves,” says Denise. “She's made new friends there. She loves the food. She loves socializing. Staff has told me she participates in everything. She's come full circle since she's been there.”
This has obviously brought relief to Denise and her family. “I know she's well looked after [and] there's always somebody around… I know that she's in the dining room three times a day. She's getting her medications... Somebody [sees] her at least six times a day and more often because she's going to activities.” For Denise, “it’s been a real stress reducer.”
For Denise, Andy, Chip, and Carol, that relief is based in Verve Senior Living’s focus on service, care, and commitment, which started soon after they looked closely at these communities. “It’s just such a welcoming place,” says Carol Tong, about Courtyard Gardens. “Any staff member you meet is always smiling and friendly and so willing to help.”
“Evergreen had a warm feel the very minute that we walked in,” says Chip Huang. “In tours and meetings, we were treated very kindly and my dad was treated very [nicely] right from the start. They do a great job of being open, honest and welcoming.”
For Chip and others, their Verve Senior Living community checks every box they had in mind when touring and considering a retirement home. “It meets everyone of my dad’s needs and our needs as a family. As a son, I couldn’t ask for more in feeling the confidence in Evergreen’s ability to meet his needs.”
Andy Wong puts it this way, “They treat residents like special guests. They’re being served.”
One parting bit of advice that family members share is that it’s better to change sooner rather than later. “The only thing I would have done differently is I would have maybe anticipated the need for her to [move] earlier,” says Denise Foster. “If you're scrambling to find something, you [might not find it] because you really don't know what you're looking for. But we found what we were looking for.”
IN-DEPTH REPORTSVerve Senior Living retirement communities
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Palermo Village - Verve Senior Living
3136 Dundas Street West, Oakville,
Ontario, L6M 0S5
Palermo Village is a luxurious 6-storey condo style residence that offers you the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant & active social life, while our chefs and skilled health care team focuses on your nutrition & well being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
White Cliffe Terrace - Verve Senior Living
1460 Highway #2, Courtice,
Ontario, L1E 3C4
This award winning Oshawa retirement home is near parks and shopping, offering spacious seniors' suites and the option of assisted living care. Readers Choice Award Winner for Retirement living from 2016 2019.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Four Elms Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
1500 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill,
Ontario, L4J 4H6
Four Elms is an elegant Retirement Residence offering the finest in Senior Living. Choose a suite style that is perfect for you and enjoy an active lifestyle, fine dining and the company of good friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Stouffville Creek Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
40 Freel Lane, Stouffville,
Ontario, L4A 0P5
Stouffville Creek is a cozy & comfortable place to call home. Everyone is on a first name basis, and the food is exceptional. A short drive north of Toronto, close to major highways, shops, stores & nature trails.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
111 Avenue Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M5R 3J8
Luxury and quality is in every corner of Hazelton from its lobby to its inviting Bistro & Bar. Offering amenities and services, Hazelton makes it easy for you to define and enjoy your lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
649 8th Avenue, New Westminster,
British Columbia, V3M 2R2
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
70 Bernard Avenue, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0W7
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence offers full service including meals, housekeeping, active adult, independent and assisted living. Our focus is on maintaining good health, great food, new friends & lots of laughter!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Heritage - Verve Senior Living
3630 Brown Rd, West Kelowna,
British Columbia, V4T7Y9
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Lodge at Valley Ridge - Verve Senior Living
11479 Valley Ridge Drive NW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3B5V5
At The Lodge at Valley Ridge, you'll enjoy spacious suites, impressive cuisine, and exceptional services. We have recently renovated. We welcome the opportunity to show you our great community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Canterbury Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
1 Canterbury Place, North York,
Ontario, M2N 0G7
Canterbury Place offers a variety of suites styles in an elegant condo-like building for active adults & those needing assistance. We offer a unique healthcare program for our residents including palliative care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Verve Aspen Woods
10 Aspenshire Dr., SW Calgary,
Alberta, T3H 0T2
Located in one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods, with the Rocky Mountains outside and beautifully appointed amenities within, Verve Aspen Woods offers the perfect setting for your active enjoyment of life.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Lake Bonavista Village - Verve Senior Living
11800 Lake Fraser Drive SE, Calgary,
Alberta, T2J7G8
Lake Bonavista Village Retirement Residence is the perfect place for seniors to retire. You can choose from a variety of suite sizes in the main building or one of our unique cottages.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Port Credit Residences - Verve Senior Living
33 Hurontario Street, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5G 3G8
Port Credit Residence situated in the Mississauga area offers seniors a luxurious resort-inspired lifestyle. Enjoy an oversized pool, wellness centre, onsite physiotherapy, a movie theatre, library, spa/salon and more!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Credit River - Verve Senior Living
175 Rutledge Rd., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 0X7
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Evergreen Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
820 Scollard Court, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5V 0A1
Stylish Mississauga retirement home offering independent, full-service and assisted living lifestyles, featuring a hair salon, onsite bistro and much more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living
7051 Moffat Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V6Y 3W2
Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living
4088 Blundell Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V7C 5V1
Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Trinity Lodge - Verve Senior Living
1111 Glenmore Trail SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2V 4C9
Trinity Lodge Retirement Residence combines the elegance & style of a fine traditional hotel, with the security & warmth associated with senior living. Homecare staff is available 24/7 to give you support when needed.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
3235 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton,
British Columbia, V2A 6G5
The Concorde has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable dining & excellent views of the mountains, along with extensive program activities; The Concorde is perfect for an active living & entertaining lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living
1550 West 49th Avenue,, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6M 0B3
Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Roxborough Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
1 Roxborough Road, Newmarket,
Ontario, L3Y 2P8
You'll feel warmth as soon as you walk through the door. The Roxborough Retirement Residence is both elegant and cozy with a dedicated and caring staff that go above and beyond for your well-being and happiness.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Dr. Hemstock Retirement Residence and Hearthstone Place Verve Senior Living
4202 54 Ave, Lloydminster,
Alberta, T9V 2Z3
At Dr. Hemstock Residence & Hearthstone Place, our highly-skilled group of health care professionals and qualified staff are here to do whatever we can to ensure that all your needs are taken care of.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
The Richmond Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
175 North Front Street, Belleville,
Ontario, K8P 4Y8
The Richmond, combines an affordable lifestyle with comfort, security and friendly full service. You will feel a sense of warmth and know you are home the minute you walk in the door.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
