Francis · Google · 4 Jun 2026
Colonel By Retirement Residence
★ 3.8 (9 reviews)Ottawa, ON(613) 730-2002
Reviews
Ratings are collected by outside services and may be combined — Clinicly rates no one.3.89 reviews · Google
John B · Google · 10 May 2026
“Do not send your vulnerable loved ones here, it is profit above all else and the level of care is very poor. I am writing about my experiences regarding a family member who resided for a few years in the memory care section of Venvi Colonel By ($10k a month, by the way). We decided to move them elsewhere due to the poor level of care. The biggest issue here is the understaffing and lack of adequately trained care aids, PSWs, and nurses. Some of them are great but the majority I have come across are barely trained, unprofessional, and borderline abuse to the vulnerable residents with memory issues. I’ve heard the staff harshly telling a man to “shut up” after he repeatedly asked a question multiple times (again, this is a person with dementia). One example of the poor care is that family member was mostly bed-ridden and did not receive help from the staff when eating. I’ve come multiple times after dinner time with my family member stuck in an uncomfortable position, such as their head hanging off the bed after being left to sit up for 2+ hours by the staff. They are too weak to sit up for so long and therefore end up in uncomfortable positions. Another time a staff member was supposed to be aiding them with their meal and when I came in, they were sitting on their phone while my family member was struggling to eat. They quickly got up to help them once they saw me. Another issue is regarding that the some of the residents do not have the mental capacity to know when to use their call bell. The staff are aware of this but do not check up on them. My family member had fallen and was on the floor for hours before finally being checked on. Why are these residents not being checked on every half hour? I often see the staff sitting around in their offices and break rooms. When I’ve asked them to help with my family member, they have said multiple times that it is not their assigned patient, they are understaffed, etc. Another instance was my family member needed their diaper changed and was not complying, saying they were scared because strangers were touching them. Instead of being gentle or reassuring, the care aid ripped off their diaper and put it in their face to smell, asking them harshly if this is how they want to smell all day. How is this acceptable? I’ve also seen the staff be physically rough with my family member, roughly handling them when they were being difficult about changing positions. This work and the residents are difficult and staff members who are unable to be gentle and kind should not be working here. These are only some of the instances I’ve noticed at this place. I’m sure corporate directs most of the blame to the staff but the real issue is the management and higher ups, always finding ways to increase their profits at the expense of the elderly and pushing their staff more and more. I am expecting some generic response about how resident well-being is the number one priority but please, do not believe them. Protect your vulnerable loved ones and find somewhere better for them.”Read moreShow less
Cassandra Denis · Google · 21 Nov 2025
“As a private care provider, I have concerns about the standards at Venvi Colonel By. The environment is consistently disorganized, and there is a clear lack of oversight from management. Medication administration is unreliable — clients do not receive their medications at consistent times, even after these issues were reported directly to staff and management. This is not a minor concern; it is a basic expectation of resident safety. The public bathrooms are frequently dirty, which reflects poorly on the overall cleanliness of the facility. The limited parking only adds to the ongoing frustration, making it difficult for essential care providers and visitors to support residents properly. While a few staff members are genuinely pleasant and respectful, far too many demonstrate a lack of professionalism, care, and basic courtesy. The inconsistency in staff attitudes and work ethic creates an unsettling atmosphere for both residents and those providing support. Families deserve a retirement home that takes cleanliness, organization, and resident care seriously. Unfortunately, Venvi Colonel By does not meet those standards.”Read moreShow less
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Humphrey Gardner · Google · 2 Jun 2025
“Great atmosphere and very kind staff.”
Mayra Barbosa · Google · 3 Dec 2022
“It’s a real humanitarian care!”
Laurie S · Google · 23 Nov 2020
“This location is ideally situated in the Glebe, with walking access to shops, restaurants and community centres. The facilities, especially the garden, library and lounges, make a really nice home. The layout of the building encourage socializing, which is different than most residences. The management and staff are capable, caring, responsive and service oriented. The residents are outgoing/friendly, making Colonel By a happy place to live. I stayed at Colonel By for just under a year, following a serious car accident. I was the youngest resident, but loved the company I kept. The programming there helped expedite my recovery, and it was hard to leave because the food is delicious, the programming enjoyable and I made many good friends while I stayed there. I would have no trouble recommending Colonel By.”Read moreShow less
Julie Murray · Google · 18 Jul 2020
“My mother moved into Colonel By in September 2019 and has never been happier. We looked at several retirement homes in Ottawa and Colonel By was by far the most welcoming, warm, and inviting place we visited. When we first visited Colonel By, it was clear how much the residents love living there. The place is always buzzing with laughter, conversation and activity. Like many retirement homes, Colonel By offers an array of activities and outings but what sets Colonel By apart from the rest is the focus on community in every sense. Some of the events and activities at Colonel By are run by people who live in the neighborhood and know the residents by name. When the residents go for a walk they encounter faces and people they know. The community spirit extends to the staff and residents themselves. The staff are caring and warm, and the residents are deeply connected to Colonel By. It is a wonderful place to live and I am so happy my mother is somewhere that feels so much like home.”Read moreShow less
greg moore · Google · 27 Apr 2020