Lea GagnonThe 5 best assisted living facilities in Montreal that truly feel like home
When my family started looking for an assisted living home for my grandmother in Montreal, we had no idea how emotional the process would be. We thought it would be as simple as finding a place with good reviews, but it quickly became so much more.
We wanted somewhere that felt like her… warm, respectful, and genuine. That’s why we became really strict with our standards when assessing our options.
If you also want the best for your loved ones, perhaps our list can help you. We looked into each home carefully and even gathered feedback from families.
How much do assisted living services cost in Montreal?
Assisted living services in Montreal typically cost between CAD $2,000 and CAD $4,500 per month. The final cost depends on the level of care and amenities.
How we chose the best assisted living facilities in Montreal
1. LUX Gouverneur Residence
Address: 5500 Sherbrooke St E
Phone: +1 514-259-5500
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Lux Gouverneur Residence offers personal support with things like getting dressed, bathing, and taking medication. The care feels very tailored, which is great because everyone’s needs are different.
There’s also a medical clinic on-site and doctors who visit regularly, so it’s reassuring to know help is close by if anything comes up.
We really liked how safety is a priority here. The building has sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and help buttons that are easy to access. It’s also very wheelchair-friendly, with elevators and wide hallways, so it’s easy to move around.
Their activities calendar here is also packed. Someone joked during our visit that you’d have to try hard to be bored here. There are gentle exercises, crafts, cultural outings, and more.
We also thought it was really convenient that they have extras like a pharmacy, a hair salon, and a wellness office all on-site. Seniors don’t need to go far to get what they need.
This place definitely leans on the luxury side and costs more. The saunas and private rooms for hosting guests make it worth it, though.
It’s a nice choice if you’re used to that kind of upscale lifestyle. But if you’re looking for something more low-key, this might feel a little too polished.
This residence gives a luxury hotel feeling
“This residence gives a luxury hotel feeling with the impressive lobby, very friendly staff and tons of activities to keep my aunt active and happy.”
Aj Goupil, Google review
Everything has been designed for the well-being of the residents
“Visit made to this residence today. I left there with stars in my eyes. The facilities are superb and everything has been designed for the well-being of the residents. If someone is bored there, they have to force themselves because there are so many activities, leisure activities and the magnificent gardens to be in nature that it is almost impossible to find long time. Nice welcome, even though I had the wrong day, I really enjoyed my visit, and the reflection is underway!”
Ghislaine Saillant, Google review
2. La Residence Steger
Address: 2450 Boulevard Thimens, Saint-Laurent
Phone: +1 514-337-0000
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 8 PM
What we loved about La Residence Steger is that everything’s included in the monthly fee. This includes the meals, laundry, and housekeeping. Even the electricity and TV are covered, so the cost is predictable.
When we asked the residents, the food here is also really good. They get three meals a day, snacks, and we saw a few people chatting happily in the dining room during our visit.
The apartments were surprisingly homey. Each one has a private bathroom, a small kitchenette, and a balcony or terrace. Everything is also wheelchair accessible.
That said, some of the hallways and common areas felt a bit dated. It’s clean and functional, yes, but it could use a fresh coat of paint or newer flooring to brighten things up.
We also appreciated how inclusive the place is. Services are available in both English and Hebrew, and everyone we met was friendly and respectful.
It’s also a bonus that they allow pets! That’s pretty rare in retirement homes and assisted living facilities, so it’s nice for people who don’t want to leave their furry companions behind.
Lastly, we don’t think anyone will be bored here as they have a packed calendar of activities. They host bingo, movie nights, and we’ve heard that the residents’ favourite is the live music every now and then.
The attention and care are very comforting to us
“My dad moved into the Steger Residence 1 week ago, and we are so grateful to Wendy and her staff. Wendy has been amazing, so helpful, compassionate and caring, as well as her staff. We would also like the thank Jasmine and her staff. The attention and care are very comforting to us. Thanks again to you all at the Steger Residence!!!”
Ellie Reisler, Google review
Everyone looked happy and in great spirits!
“I loved the place for my mother. It was beautiful, well maintained, lots of activités and everyone looked happy and in great spirits! Wendy is an absolute sweetheart!”
Jon Elbaz, Google review
3. La Residence Sheppard et James
Address: 5700 Victoria Ave #202
Phone: +1 438-814-2379
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
With only 17 units, La Residence Sheppard et James is much smaller than most other residences. We’d like to think of this as a good thing, though. Smaller means quieter space, more familiar faces, and more one-on-one attention.
In bigger places, it’s easy for residents to feel like just another name on a list. Here, the staff really get to know each person.
We’re impressed that they offer care not just for semi-independent seniors. They can also care for those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and mental or physical disabilities.
We saw how hands-on the staff were. They help with bathing, dressing, and even catheter care or incontinence.
It’s also nice to know they have a connection with the local community health centre. Doctors and nurses regularly visit on-site, and there’s a medical clinic inside.
For the lifestyle, it’s obvious that they try to create a comfortable and enjoyable living environment. All of their rooms come with all the basics, like cable, internet, and air conditioning.
They also offer a lot of activities, like yoga, Tai Chi, and even outings to local parks when the weather’s nice. We liked that the activities are adapted to each person’s abilities, so everyone can join in at their own pace.
That said, because the home is so small, spots may be limited. Getting in might also mean waiting for a vacancy.
The staff is always caring and attentive to each person’s needs
“This residence for seniors especially with cognitive issues is a wonderful place. The staff is always caring and attentive to each person’s needs. The owners and staff are on top of any issues that arise with my mother which is very comforting. Always welcoming and inviting.”
Paul Serf, Google review
The owners and staff are amazing
“I am very grateful for the warm, professional and caring environment at Sheppard & James. They were incredibly attentive and supportive of their residents needs. The owners and staff are amazing, I cannot recommend it enough!”
Nuria Basora, Google review
4. Résidence Livélia
Address: Ile des Sœurs, 325 Chem. de la Pointe S
Phone: +1 514-767-6792
One thing we noticed right away during our visit to Résidence Livélia was how much thought has gone into making the place safe and accessible.
The building has wide hallways, grab bars, ramps, and elevators. They’re also fully equipped with emergency lighting and smoke detectors.
That said, a couple of residents mentioned a constant engine-like noise in certain parts of the building. Apparently, it’s been going on for quite a while and can be pretty distracting, especially at night.
When we checked the apartments, we were impressed that they also have features like electric beds, emergency pull bracelets, and walk-in bathrooms. The bonus of air conditioning and balconies makes the space feel more like home than a facility.
The staff seems to take personal care seriously. They help with everything. We liked that they have nurses and assistants on-site to handle medication and health needs too.
They have a range of services available that make everyday life easier for residents, like housekeeping and laundry. But we were particularly impressed with the shuttle service for grocery trips or doctor’s visits.
Social life is also a big part of the experience here. They have tons of activities, like bingo, board games, and virtual golf.
My mom is really happy to be moved in
“I moved my mom there this weekend. Great amenities and outstanding service so far. The move was easy with an elevator reserved especially for us. We had a small mishap in the bedroom during the move late on Saturday, but maintenance was at the door 1st thing Sunday Morning to fix it. My mom’s apartment is just the right size for her, it looks great, and the balcony is a nice touch. My mom is really happy to be moved in, and her children feel she is safe and well looked after.”
Eric J., Google review
Appreciate the quality and comfort of my apartment
“I have been here for 5 and a half months, and continue to appreciate the quality and comfort of my apartment and, above all, the competence and kindness of the management, as well as all the staff who make you feel at home here. and respected.
Well done, thank you, and above all, keep up the excellent work.”
Maurice Decoster, Google review
5. Les Jardins de l’Aubade
Address: 6553 Pl. Beaubien
Phone: +1 514-321-1171
We loved how there are different apartment sizes in Les Jardins de l’Aubade. Each type includes a private balcony or terrace, kitchen appliances, and air conditioning. It gives residents the feel of having their own space while still being part of a community.
Safety-wise, the place checks a lot of boxes: fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and more. There’s also 24/7 staff and full wheelchair accessibility, which is great for peace of mind, both for residents and their families.
Residents told us they really appreciated being able to choose the kind of help they needed. Some are still fully independent but get assistance when they ask for it.
We think having that level of autonomy helps them feel more in control and confident about living here.
We also liked the sense of community here. The residence is located in a peaceful part of Montreal but still close to everything, so it’s kind of like the best of both worlds.
The staff speaks French, English, Spanish, and Italian. It’s a big plus in such a diverse city. And there’s a team in place that includes a chef, activities coordinator, and maintenance staff, so residents are really well looked after here.
Most of the people we spoke to enjoy the meals here, and the chef gets good reviews. However, a few mentioned to us that it can get a bit repetitive over time.
A little more variety could go a long way, especially for residents who eat all their meals on-site.
My mother lived there for five years, and it’s really good
“My mother lived there for five years. It’s not perfect, it’s true, but it’s really very good, very very good, even a little more. Thank you to the whole team, as well as to the director Mr. Maurario, for their kindness and good care. Be well.”
Claude Boismenu, Google review
All the staff are very courteous and polite
“Beautiful Residence, always clean and well-maintained. All the staff are very courteous and polite, always ready to help. It’s like living in a big family, well done!”
Etan Morris, Google review
