Veterans' Care Overview

With roots in compassionate care dating back to 1897, Perley Health emerged from the amalgamation of The Perley Hospital, the Rideau Veterans' Home, and the National Defence Medical Centre. Originally named The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, the facility is situated on Russell Road in the Riverview Park area. It features 450 predominantly private rooms and offers a comprehensive mix of long-term care, short-stay accommodations, and diverse community programming designed to benefit Seniors and Veterans within the Perley Health community and throughout the region. In 2021, the organization officially rebranded as Perley Health.

When the facility opened in 1996, it included 250 beds specifically for Veterans, supported by both federal and provincial governments. These contract beds are reserved for those who served in the Second World War or the Korean War - known as War Service Overseas Veterans (WSOV) - as well as other qualified Veterans determined by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). As the largest not-for-profit long-term care home in the Champlain region, Perley Health collaborates closely with all levels of government and community stakeholders to advocate for these services while ensuring priority access and enhanced care for Veterans.

Beyond standard long-term care, Perley Health is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the broader Veteran population. In 2017, the facility received approval for 25 Specialized Veteran beds to serve those ineligible for traditional contract beds but still requiring VAC-supported care. With continued federal support, Perley Health has expanded this capacity to 130 beds, many of which serve Veterans who served after the Korean War. Notably, Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) provide the same level of funding for both contract and specialized beds.

Perley Health's established history highlights a specialized dedication to complex care. In 2023, a 20-bed secure unit opened within the Rideau Veterans Residence specifically for those living with dementia. Additionally, Respite House - a 12-bed bungalow on the property - includes a VAC-funded bed that provides safe, compassionate care for Veterans in the early to mid-stages of dementia, offering their caregivers essential time to recharge.

Perley Health has been instrumental in providing essential care for Veterans in Eastern Ontario through enduring partnerships with federal and provincial bodies. The funding structure for Veteran care at Perley Health includes "enhanced care" services that far exceed standard requirements. This includes access to Psychogeriatric Resource Nurses, specialized dental care, and the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts program. This model is supported by a dedicated team of over 400 volunteers, many of whom are former service members themselves, driven by a desire to honour and support Canada's Armed Forces.

At the core of the organization's mission is the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, a hub for innovation in research and education. The Centre spearheads projects designed specifically benefiting the Veteran community and has a unique view on the needs of older Veterans that attracts researchers and organizations nationwide.

A standout feature of Perley Health's commitment is its priority access policy for the two Senior Living independent apartment buildings within the Seniors Village. All former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and retired members of the RCMP receive priority, ensuring they can access a continuum of care that encourages independence and community living as their needs change.

In 2025, the Active Seniors and Veterans Living Centre was launched to serve the broader Ottawa and Eastern Ontario region. Supported by the Perley Health Foundation and the Government of Ontario, the Centre offers affordable, accessible programming aimed at fostering engaged and purposeful aging. These programs are specifically designed to combat social isolation among Veterans living in long-term care, the apartments, and the surrounding community.

Among the many ground-breaking initiatives is the weekly intergenerational playgroup that invites members of the public from the local neighbourhood to interact with Veterans. In 2026, the new Andrew Fleck Children's Services Intergenerational Early Learning Centre willl open at Perley Health with the goal of connecting different generations with Canada's Veterans. Perley Health's journey remains a testament to an unwavering - and constantly evolving - commitment to the well-being of those who served.