“My mom lives at an assisted living home, Embassy West (EWSL). When the pandemic hit, EWSL closed its doors to visitors. As well, the PSWs working at EWSL who also went to other homes were no longer invited in, resulting in a staff shortage. EWSL hired new staff, at its own cost, to make up the shortfall. Staff had to commit to not working at other locations, a measure that created a COVID-19 safety cone.

Concerned families are given daily updates confirming no COVID-19 cases. Through-the-window conversations are scheduled. Anything dropped off is sanitized and installed (medical equipment) or provided to the resident. Staff has been responsive to concerns. There have been some oversights, but staff have quickly implemented remedial solutions.

All this to say: We are hearing frightening stories about seniors’ residences. But we need to applaud and shout from the rooftops that there are many responsibly managed and staffed seniors’ residences where management is making early and hard decisions to keep the vulnerable residents in their care safe and healthy. All we can do is support them.”

Hania Grabowski, Val-des-Monts

“We so appreciated the extra mile Embassy West went in helping us out during a very difficult time with my Mother. They went above and beyond to accommodate our needs and concerns and we cannot thank them enough for their help and concern. Especially Anuj! Mother would have loved staying there long-term, I am sure, and it is unfortunate she did not get that chance. Thank you Anuj and staff! Wonderful people.”

“This is an amazing home for seniors. The staff show true compassion and are genuinely concerned with all aspects of care needs for a variety of patrons and families. Anuj goes above and beyond to ensure everything possible is accomplished to ensure all needs are well taken care of. Wishing we had had the chance to experience this facility for a longer time.”

“My Mum was there from March 2017 until March 2018, when she passed away. I couldn't have asked for a better place for her to be for her last year. The staff are so caring and treat their residents as almost family. Any questions or concerns I had were dealt with swiftly and professionally. The chef there prepares a variety of good homemade dishes. There is always some sort of activity going on throughout each day. There is even an on-site physiotherapy company which Mum had personal contact with and were a great help to her post-stroke… What is most important is to find somewhere for your loved one where you can go to sleep at night knowing that there is caring watchful eye being kept on them… It matters that your loved one is being cared for with love and compassion.”

“We are very grateful to everyone at Embassy West Senior Living! Whatever we need, whenever we need it, they are always there for us. The team at Embassy West Senior Living are understanding, supportive and work with us in every way. I can speak not just as a daughter, but as a caregiving professional working with seniors for 30 years. I know the team at Embassy West Senior Living are truly there for my parents and our whole family.” -The MacLeod Family

"I live at Embassy West with my wife, and we have lived here for 1 year. The atmosphere here at Embasssy West is good. The staff treat us very well. The dining room staff, Francine and Coco, are only too willing to get us any special food that we want or change our seating so that our family can join us for lunch or dinner. There are lots of activities planned by Lisa. My wife plays bingo, watches movies on the big screen, plays the Wii, plays Bananagrams and goes shopping with the staff at Carlingwood Shopping Centre. The cleaning staff come once a day and are friendly and very thorough. We are very happy here at Embassy West!

"I can't tell you how much it means to us (the family), that Mom is receiving such good care from such nice people.... you have a phenomenal team!"

"The staff at Embassy West are so friendly and kind. It's like being surrounded by family." 

"Mom & Dad have settled in so nicely! The food is excellent; the staff is attentive, friendly & helpful; the decor is lovely! The activities available keep Mom & Dad busy and active. The attention provided by staff for Mom's care relieves a great deal of Dad's stress. THANK YOU!"

“We are very grateful and appreciate your hard work and genuine care given to our Dad & family.”

"I just wanted to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation to Miguel for helping to organize a Family Birthday Brunch to celebrate our mother's 97th birthday yesterday. ...terrific job tastefully setting up the room and ensuring that we have everything provided for a very memorable brunch. My mother often expresses that she loves staying there and enjoys the staff and residents. After experiencing the brunch I can understand why my mother sometimes "complains" that the meals are too good - and are causing weight issues! We invested a considerable amount of time looking into and visiting seniors' residences in Ottawa before moving my mother from Pembroke - your Embassy West Senior Living Residence really stood out from the others. The conscientiousness and attention to detail exhibited by the two ladies to make this occasion special once again confirms my opinion! Many thanks!"

“Upon the arrival of our Mother on October 17, 2013, a PSW (patient support, worker) an Embassy staff member and a CCAC home care person were all involved. One of the staff who accompanied her to her room, which I had set up in advance, marvelled at her paintings and said she'd like to spend time with Mum in the morning to see more and learn more about ‘Allison the artist’. All staff are gentle and kind. In light of the circumstances regarding our Mother’s health, we could not have been more at peace, knowing she was in such good hands. The resident’s rooms are cozy, the public spaces are inviting and the décor is tasteful and elegant. We offer heartfelt appreciation for everything that was done to ensure our Mother’s comfort during the last few months of her life. Perhaps you don't hear often enough that what you provide makes a difference. I would like if this was shared with every worker, they all, in their way, contribute to what makes Embassy West a great place.”