History
Perley Health is a vibrant and forward-thinking community in Ottawa, dedicated to enabling Seniors and Veterans to live life to the fullest. Home to over 600 residents in long-term care and independent living, Perley Health extends its reach beyond its walls, providing a growing array of clinical, therapeutic, and recreational services to the wider region.
As one of Ontario's largest and most progressive long-term care facilities, Perley Health distinguishes itself as a hub for research, education, and clinical innovation. Its Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ leads the way in generating and disseminating practical research to elevate care standards. Moreover, it serves as a vital training ground for future caregivers, offering invaluable hands-on experience.
The commitment of Perley Health's 800-plus employees and 400 dedicated volunteers brings its core values to life daily, fostering a strong connection with the community. Together, they champion the well-being of Canada's expanding population of older adults.
Perley Health, a not-for-profit, is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and guided by a 15-year strategic plan. Under the leadership of CEO, Akos Hoffer, Perley Health has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare service provider, renowned for its high-quality care for Seniors and Veterans and its strong advocacy for person-centered approaches while providing services that range from short stay to long-term care.
Rooted in over a century of excellence, Perley Health's legacy began in 1897 with the Perley Home for Incurables, established through the generosity of William Goodhue Perley's heirs. This evolved into a specialized hospital. Separately, the Rideau Veterans Home was created in 1945 to support veterans of the Second World War and Korean War. Recognizing the evolving needs of Seniors and Veterans, these entities amalgamated in 1995 into the state-of-the-art Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. This project was made possible through a collaborative funding effort involving Veterans Affairs Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton, and significant community donations exceeding $40 million to the Perley Health Foundation.
Recent years have been marked by innovation at Perley Health, fueled by strong stakeholder engagement and effective partnerships.
Key milestones:
- 2007: Opening of the 12-bed Respite House for individuals with early to mid-stage dementia.
- 2013: Launch of the Seniors Village, comprising 139 independent-living apartments, including specialized "Commons" units and affordable housing, thanks to government support and community donations. Priority access is provided to former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP.
- 2016: Development of SeeMe®, a person-centered care framework empowering resident to customize their care plans.
- 2017: Establishment of the 20-bed Specialized Behavioural Support Unit (SBSU) to address the complex needs of seniors with dementia exhibiting challenging behaviours.
- 2017: Perley Health receives approval to establish 25 Specialized Veteran beds, in recognition that the broader Veteran population has specific health and social needs. Later, this program is expanded to 130 beds for Veterans.
- 2017: Creation of a living classroom in partnership with Algonquin College to provide practical training for Personal Support Worker students. Later, this training for RPNs is added.
- 2019: Inauguration of Canada's first Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care, followed by the establishment of a Chair in Frailty-Informed Care through a $2 million donation from Commissionaires Ottawa.
- 2021: Following community consultations on our name and visual identity, we embarked on a rebranding journey to help us develop an effective voice and empower us to continue transforming care for Seniors and Veterans. By design, the Perley Health brand aligns with and supports our strategic objectives, including Excellence in Care and Service; Ensure Sustainability; Maintain a Quality Workforce; and Lead & Advocate for Change.
- 2023: Achievement of Accreditation Canada's highest designation – Exemplary Status – for the second time.
- 2024: Full management and rebranding of The Care Clinic at Perley Health, enhancing integrated services such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, audiology, and stuttering-cluttering therapy.
- 2024: The Board of Directors establishes the target of doubling the number of seniors served by 2035.
Today, Perley Health remains the region's top choice for long-term care and a popular home for independent living. At the forefront of transforming care for Seniors and Veterans, Perley Health serves as a leading voice in advocating for their well-being. Through its person-centered, frailty-informed approach and impactful research, Perley Health ensures that Seniors and Veterans can experience the best possible quality of life at every stage of aging, living our motto: Together, we improve the well-being of the people we serve.