Guest House: Ottawa Region
Book Your Tour Today at 613-247-1664 or take the virtual tour
In the early stages of dementia, health and well-being is important for both the caregiver and for the person living with dementia. Guest House is a 12-bedroom "home away from home" in Ottawa that offers short stays (up to 3 months) for those with early to mid-stage of dementia. With a thorough understanding of the transitions facing both the caregiver and the individual with dementia, Guest House is here for you from the start.
Established in 2007, the respite care Guest House is a joint project of Carefor Health & Community Services, The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa & Renfrew County, and The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. Guest House provides round-the-clock care for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other related dementias, many of whom are also participants at Day Programs in Ottawa. Guest House is located on the grounds of the Perley & Rideau Veterans' Health Care Centre at 1750 Russell Road in Ottawa.
Features of the 8,000 square foot Guest House include: private gardens, study and living room spaces, a library, spa bath and private rooms with own bathroom.
The cost is just $34.63 per day, and you can book directly with Guest House, or you can book through your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).
Guest House FAQs
What is Guest House? 
Guest House is a secure 12-bedroom bungalow located on the campus of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. It has been planned and designed to create a safe, home-like and supportive environment for individuals in the early to mid-stages of dementia. Services are available in English and French.
Who is it for?
Guest House is intended to offer caregivers of individuals with dementia a break from the stresses of caregiving, by providing a comfortable home environment and program for their loved ones who live in Eastern Counties, Cornwall, Ottawa and Renfrew County.
How long can a guest stay?
Guests can stay 24 hours a day, with day and overnight flexible accommodation available. The total maximum length of stay per guest in a year is 90 days.
Guests (clients who are already registered) may also be accommodated for sudden, unplanned stays if the caregiver experiences a health or family emergency.
What are the Admission Criteria at Guest House?
To be eligible to stay at Guest House, guests must:
- be in the early to mid-stages of dementia
- be medically stable
- not be at risk of harming themselves or others
- not require full assistance with activities of daily living because of dementia (note: respite is available in long-term care homes for clients requiring this level of assistance)
Individuals with physical disabilities may be eligible.
How much does it cost to stay at Guest House?
The cost per day to the guest is $34.63 The remainder of the per diem cost is subsidized by the Provincial Government. Options will be explored to provide financial assistance to those unable to pay the full guest co-payment.
The daily rate covers accommodation in a private room with a 3-piece bathroom, all meals and snacks, personal laundry, linen, housekeeping services and all program activities. Guests have the full use of the common spaces in Guest House - living, dining, family room, and kitchen as well as a safe and secure outdoor yard.
Is there a waiting list for Guest House?
It is expected that with advance planning on the part of caregivers there should not be a waiting list for Guest House. Caregivers may be able to schedule their planned respite around the availability of accommodation in Guest House.
What kind of activities will guests be involved in during their stay?
Guest House will provide a daily routine similar to what a guest will have had in their own home. Guests will have the opportunity to be involved in:
- meal preparation
- bed-making
- tidying rooms and common spaces
- doing laundry as needed
- caring for plants and/or gardens
In addition, guests will be encouraged to participate in meaningful leisure activities such as:
discussion groups- games
- art
- music
- walking
- reading, etc.
Who can I contact for more information about the Guest House?
Guest House is managed by Sue Kirby, who can be contacted at 613-247-1664.
Book your tour today
We have tours the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Caregivers are present to chat with families and friends. Please call 613-247-1664 to book a tour. Weekend tours may also be arranged by appointment only.
Other info:
Call directly Guest House at 613-247-1664
OR
Contact your Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) case manager to request Guest House. If you do not have a CCAC case manager, call the CCAC "intake person" in your area to arrange for an assessment:
Eastern Counties:
613-936-1171 or 1-800-267-0852
Ottawa:
613-745-5525 or 1-800-538-0520
Renfrew County:
613-732-7007 or 1-888-421-2222
- An assessment will be completed to determine eligibility.
- A referral will be made to the Guest House Program Manager.
- An onsite visit to Guest House for both the person with dementia and their caregiver will be arranged.
Trained staff and volunteers work together at Guest House to provide a relaxed and fun environment for all who visit.
Volunteers are an integral part of the team. They will work with the staff and guests by facilitating activities of daily living, participating in domestic chores with the guests, assisting in meal preparation with guests and helping with specific programs such as gardening or helphing with singsing, crafts, cards, or playing piano.
We are looking for volunteers with a positive attitude who have the ability and desire to learn how to communicate and interact with individuals living with dementia.
If you are interested in becoming part of this new, innovative and rewarding endeavour, please contact Sue Kirby at 613-247-1664. We will provide training and orientation.
Guest House is located on the grounds of the Perley & Rideau Veterans' Health Care Centre at 1750 Russell Road, Ottawa, ON.
For more information call (613) 749-7557 or e-mail info@carefor.ca.
