Dunbar Heights Seniors Living Inc

We were reluctant to choose this home because of the stories we’ve heard from the previous owner. After touring, we finally decided to go ahead and the experience has been great! Mom is very happy and comfortable, she’s made new friends and the new owner is so nice and down to earth.

Caring staff , management is available always..my dad loved the food and activities.

The rates are very reasonable...my mom likes it here and we are extremely happy.

Definitely five star. Very welcoming, friendly and kind. Great service for anyone in need of a feel good home. Service was excellent!

My mom moved to Vila Nova Place, 7 months ago. The staff at Villa Nova specifically the nurses and housekeeping staff, have made the journey easier. They have done everything to make my mom feel part of an extended family. Thank you for taking care of my mom.

I came across a few reviews for Vila Nova Retirement Home in Cambridge, some nice and truthful others not so much, they were completely misguided, as I personally experienced being there with my mom for quite sometime. So, in good conscious I could not just let this go and felt that I had to respond. I had my mom at Vila Nova Place located at 611 Dunbar Rd. In Cambridge until such time as my mom required more specific care due to her Altzeimers/Dementia and it’s progression. Upon my mom’s admission to Vila Nova a full Cognative Assessment was done and discussion of how much could be done in the particular setting for mom. Being a Retirement Home although able to accommodate semi independent residents at some point my mom would require more. That was well explained to the family as not to create a misunderstanding going forward, so we knew from the beginning that we would have to find a suitable Nursing Home when the situation presented itself. The Staff and Owners were very kind, displayed professionalism, always very attentive to the needs of all their residents and quite often would go over and above, very trustworthy. When mom needed help with showering just as a few others did, LHIN would come in to do that for all the residents that were in need of extra help. The LHIN employees that came in were also very caring individuals. Every week they have movie night with snacks etc., in the evenings there’s tea time and let’s not forget the evenings that owner [name removed] will play the piano and all have a sing a long, solos are also to be had by [name removed] for their entertainment. It’s always a fun time when the ladies have their hair done by the hairdresser at the home. The food is always great and plenty of it, love those deserts. Once the food is served to each table the kitchen staff start to clean up and may also start preping for the next meal, kitchen is always clean. The Housekeeping staff also makes sure the Home is well kept. As for the Nursing Staff, they do a terrific job performing their nursing duties, unlike the idiotic review saying that they clean the toilets....the Nursing staff are there to only perform their nursing duties, which they do a super job, very caring people. ALSO great that there is a Staff Doctor. I never experienced seeing any of the residents unhappy. With the exception of a couple situations where they felt abandoned by their own family. Some individuals would bring their elderly family member to the home and disappear for weeks at a time or longer. There’s always someone available and willing to help, whether it’s a PSW, who by the way we’re great, nurses and ofcourse the owners. [Name removed] are a “Hands On” kind of people, making sure everything and everyone is just right and everyone comfortable , they sure wear their hearts on their sleeves (as the saying goes) very compassionate in all they do for the Resident’s comfort and well being. Me personally along with my family wish that our mom was still a resident at Vila Nova, unfortunately mom had to go into a Long Term Nursing Home specifically for her desease. To those people who felt they had to lie about Vila Nova, their staff and owners must have certainly an AXE TO GRIND and/or big issues in their lives that find themselves having to lash out wherever it’s easier, their frustrations are obviously misplaced. When I mentioned the reviews to my family members, it took them awhile to pick up their chins off the floor, they were appalled that some people would go to those lengths. It takes all kinds.

I came across a few reviews for Vila Nova Retirement Home in Cambridge, some nice and truthful others not so much, they were completely misguided, as I personally experienced being there with my mom for quite sometime. So, in good conscious I could not just let this go and felt that I had to respond. I had my mom at Vila Nova Place located at 611 Dunbar Rd. In Cambridge until such time as my mom required more specific care due to her Altzeimers/Dementia and it’s progression. Upon my mom’s admission to Vila Nova a full Cognative Assessment was done and discussion of how much could be done in the particular setting for mom. Being a Retirement Home although able to accommodate semi independent residents at some point my mom would require more. That was well explained to the family as not to create a misunderstanding going forward, so we knew from the beginning that we would have to find a suitable Nursing Home when the situation presented itself. The Staff and Owners were very kind, displayed professionalism, always very attentive to the needs of all their residents and quite often would go over and above, very trustworthy. When mom needed help with showering just as a few others did, LHIN would come in to do that for all the residents that were in need of extra help. The LHIN employees that came in were also very caring individuals. Every week they have movie night with snacks etc., in the evenings there’s tea time and let’s not forget the evenings that owner [name removed] will play the piano and all have a sing a long, solos are also to be had by [name removed] for their entertainment. It’s always a fun time when the ladies have their hair done by the hairdresser at the home. The food is always great and plenty of it, love those deserts. Once the food is served to each table the kitchen staff start to clean up and may also start preping for the next meal, kitchen is always clean. The Housekeeping staff also makes sure the Home is well kept. As for the Nursing Staff, they do a terrific job performing their nursing duties, unlike the idiotic review saying that they clean the toilets....the Nursing staff are there to only perform their nursing duties, which they do a super job, very caring people. ALSO great that there is a Staff Doctor. I never experienced seeing any of the residents unhappy. With the exception of a couple situations where they felt abandoned by their own family. Some individuals would bring their elderly family member to the home and disappear for weeks at a time or longer. There’s always someone available and willing to help, whether it’s a PSW, who by the way we’re great, nurses and ofcourse the owners. [Names removed] are a “Hands On” kind of people, making sure everything and everyone is just right and everyone comfortable , they sure wear their hearts on their sleeves (as the saying goes) very compassionate in all they do for the Resident’s comfort and well being. Me personally along with my family wish that our mom was still a resident at Vila Nova, unfortunately mom had to go into a Long Term Nursing Home specifically for her desease. To those people who felt they had to lie about Vila Nova, their staff and owners must have certainly an AXE TO GRIND and/or big issues in their lives that find themselves having to lash out wherever it’s easier, their frustrations are obviously misplaced. When I mentioned the reviews to my family members, it took them awhile to pick up their chins off the floor, they were appalled that some people would go to those lengths. It takes all kinds.

The people here are nice and friendly and always looking out for you. Any question you have or anything you need, someone is always willing to help. I have enjoyed my time here. The owners and staff keep all things clean (very!) and check on you to see how you are doing. The food is always hot and a nice variety. I highly recommend Villa Nova.

The Livewell Seniors House in Cambridge, ON is both clean & maintained. The management and staff are excellent and very helpful to my father during his stay. The food was very good with great variety to help satisfy the residents. I would highly recommend Livewell in Cambridge for those on a strict budget. The in-house nurses and PSW's were very helpful in handling my father's condition. Have a staff doctor was an added bonus. Thank you.

Professional and friendly. Residents appeared to be happy and were quite friendly as well. The building is very bright and spacious. Some after hour freshening up, i.e. painting of walls is happening. It is assisted living not restricted living.

If considering Vila Nova for a loved one with Alzheimer's or Dementia, make sure that you are asking the right questions and investigating thoroughly before making a decision. This retirement home does not have the resources or Alzheimer's Memory Care as noted on several websites including a Place for Mom. There is a lack of communication between staff and management which makes it difficult for residents and family members. Management will tell you what you want to hear when seeking a place but things change quickly once you are there. Also, make sure that there is a proper cognitive assessment done on your loved one so that they are aware of what is required to properly care for the person. Management has trouble being collaborative with other Health Services that come into the home, a lot of conflict which also makes it difficult to provide the care that your loved one requires. It is important that you have everything in writing as stories seem to change consistently. There is also a lack of confidentiality between management, staff and residents. My loved one was evicted due to exit seeking however, this was unfairly and very deceiving as the website states that " This staff is prepared to help those who are facing Alzheimer's and dementia, and the staff will make sure that such individuals get all of the help that they need. Our staff is available at all hours of the day and night, so that our residents can know that they will always have support" - this is not the case as most of the staff is not experienced and educated enough to handle Dementia nor do they have sufficient staff to properly handle these type of residents. You will be charged with "extra services" that could double what you pay in a month. The review "Likely Most Truthful Review" is very accurate.

Clean & well maintained. Ownership group always available. Nursing staff very efficient and very capable 7/24/365. Meals and kitchen staff very good. Cleaning staff hardworking and very understanding. Exercise program, cards and game, movie night.

I took my loved one out within the first six months of being there. The food was was very well prepared and my love one enjoyed the meals provided. It’s location is very good and easy to get to. If you speak Portuguese, you have a good chance of being able to communicate there. There was no attempt to have my family member to integrate with the english speaking residents. My family member ate meals with residents who he could not speak with. Activities were limited. If you want to join others to pray the rosary, it was done in Portuguese only. Exercise class was offered a few times a week. Other than that, there wasn’t much else going on. The PSW’s on staff were very friendly. Very difficult to distinguish who was a PSW and who was a nurse. They have no idea who is coming and going into the building, you can’t always find someone to talk to when needed. I actually moved my family member out of the room without anyone noticing as they were all in the basement. They did a lot of renovations so it appears like a nice place initially but after a while if you spend time there, you notice that the quality is merely superficial. Some non certified staff members have over stepped their boundaries with residents. This was eventually dealt with by the owner but only after I had gotten upset by what I had learned. I was told my family member was “losing it” and they defended their staff member instead of protecting my family member until their liability was at stake. From that point on , my loved one did not feel welcomed and was disrespected. After losing so much so quickly due to a stroke, I was not prepared to have his dignity and self worth compromised so we ended our contract immediately.

If considering Vila Nova for a loved one with Alzheimer's or Dementia, make sure that you are asking the right questions and investigating thoroughly before making a decision. This retirement home does not have the resources for residents with Alzheimer's/Dementia. There is a lack of communication between staff and management which makes it difficult for residents and family members. Management will tell you what you want to hear when seeking a place but things change quickly once you are there. Also, make sure that there is a proper cognitive assessment done on your loved one so that they are aware of what is required to properly care for the person. Be aware of charges that will made to you regarding “extra services” with no notice. Management has trouble being collaborative with other Health Services that come into the home including LINH, a lot of conflict which also makes it difficult to provide the care that your loved one requires. It is important that you have everything in writing as stories seem to change consistently. There is also a lack of confidentiality between management, staff and residents.

Staff is very friendly and very helpful. Place is kept very clean.

Staff is very friendly and helpful

Make sure that you are getting the proper assessments done prior to moving in to Vila Nova. They will tell you that they can accommodate and promise however, things change and they will tell you that you need "extra services" and charge you extra for these without any notice or clear communication prior to doing so. There is poor communication between staff, management and residents. They are very difficult to get a hold of and also not going at returning phone calls.

Had a tour with my parents, we were very impressed the staff were very nice the rooms were over large compared to any others we had visited. The one bedroom suites were very updated with a queen bed and sofa sitting are. Spoke to the dietation and nurse on staff and we were very impressed with the food menus and the activities provided. Also met some long term resident's who only had pleasant comments about Vila Nova. Will definitely be coming back

Had tour...no communication and not satisfied with accomodations

First of all if you can get them to call you back you are lucky. I tried several times to get through at the listed number. When someone finally did set us up to see the place it was very disappointing. We walked right in a side door and saw nobody but patients sitting around. Not sure how much help they have here but none were seen. We went by front lobby where we met with a lady who said Maria could not meet with us but she would show us around. She showed us a semi room and a private room both had people in bed when we went through. The prices given were not the prices I was given over the phone! She also showed us where they eat and that was it! Never told us about activities or care or anything else. Will not give this place any consideration!!