Penmarvian Retirement Home

Verified by N49

My mother has lived at Penmarvian for 3 1/2 years now. When my stepfather died I encouraged her to go to a retirement home but she was very reluctant. When she was no longer able to completely care for herself, she was "forced" to accept that she needed help. She choose a private room at Penmarvian and has on several occasions said "I should have done this earlier". We held an Open House for her 90th birthday in the newly done Tea Room and the staff was very helpful and accommodating. Mom will soon be 93 and wants to be now where else.

From the moment you first walk in you know you are somewhere special. Penmarvian is not simply a retirement home it is a very special place with a unique history and charm unmatched anywhere in Canada. The original building was called Riverview Hall and was built by the founder of Paris Hiram “King” Capron in 1845. At the time it was a modest two storey building overlooking the Grand River and stayed that way until 1887 when local industrialist John Penman purchased the home and began an ambitious plan to turn the building into what we now recognize as Penmarvian with all of its glorious and extensive arrays of turrets, towers and arches. When Mr. Penman passed away in 1931 he willed the home and an operating budget to the local Presbyterian Church for use as a retirement residence for church clergy. The home was operated this way until the church could no longer afford the costs in 1970. The home then lay empty until 1978 when a Cambridge businessman purchased it from the Church for a reasonable price on condition that it was to be restored. Only one year later the costs proved to be too much and the building was again put up for sale. The current owners Joseph and Maria Toncic who had already been operating nearby Paris Nursing Home for ten years then purchased the building. Another transformation was about to begin. The initial renovation was modest in order to get the business up to code and safe for all but was still lacking in conveniences for a modern Retirement Home. In order to address the short comings the Toncic’s undertook a massive addition project in 1987 and added the back half of the third storey, the dining lounge, an addition to the second storey and an elevator while preserving the original character of the building. Today as in the past Penmarvian stands as an imposing and elegant example of days gone by. It is a testament to the wonderful heritage of Paris and some of its business people now available to you as a truly unique place to retire. With 40 years of experience in the retirement business you are in very good hands.

Location
Penmarvian is located majestically overlooking the Grand River on 4.5 acres of landscaped grounds. It is only a short stroll to the picturesque and friendly downtown Paris bustling with shops and activity.

Activities & Care

Penmarvian has an activity program to keep you on the move and active. Our caring staff will attend to your needs in a positive and respectful environment. Your laundry will be taken care of on a regular basis along with professional assistance with medications. We have a dedicated Director of Care who will ensure you are properly tended to at all times. There are also bi-monthly meetings of the residents council which you will automatically be a part of to air out any questions or concerns regarding your residency, this is a fun event that allows you to make a real difference in your residency.

Accommodations

At Penmarvian we offer a full range of options in accommodation. You can choose from ward, semi-private and private rooms filled with all of the charm the grand old home can offer. Furnished rooms feature either wardrobe or closet facilities and washrooms. If you wish you are more than welcome to bring your favorite belongings in order to personalize your room. All rooms feature a nurses call bell for added safety and security.

Dining

Dining at Penmarvian is a delicious fun and family style event. All meals are home cooked and served to you at your table. You will receive 3 full meals and a snack service in between meals each day. Our kitchen staff will gladly accommodate special diets and varying appetites.