Idlewyld Manor

Residence Amenities & Services

• Arts and crafts
• Billiards
• Games Room
• Hairdresser

• Internet
• Laundry machines
• Library
• Onsite foot care

• Party room
• Patio/Courtyard/BBQ
• Private bus for outings, regular trips
• Private dining room for family/friends

Programs & Activities

• Bible Classes
• Bingo
• Entertainment

• Excursions
• Exercise Program
• Movie Nights

• Parties
• Religious & Holiday Services
• Theatre

Community Description

Idlewyld Manor is an accredited, not-for-profit, charitable long-term care facility situated on Hamilton’s west mountain. The facility sits on a picturesque 13-acre corner lot, dotted with trees and gardens.

The Manor is governed by a volunteer Board, and operated by professional staff under the direction of an Executive Director. The Manor is accountable to meet the requirements of the Long Term Care Home Act 2007 and Regulations.

Idlewyld Manor is steeped in a rich history of community service, and celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary (150 years) in 1996.

The institution first began as a soup kitchen on John Street, in 1846, under the auspices of the Ladies’ Benevolent Society. This group of Hamilton women banded together to help the needy in cold winter months. In 1848, the ladies established the “Destitute School”, for children of the poor. Following an epidemic of cholera in Hamilton, a great need for a home for orphan children arose. In 1853, the Ladies’ Benevolent Society was able to purchase two acres of land on Charlton Street, where they erected the “Hamilton Orphan Asylum”.

Eventually, as Boys’ and Girls’ Homes were opened, it was decided the greater need was now a home to provide care for the aged women. This dream was made possible by a bequest of $4,000 donated by Mrs. Edward Jackson in 1875. Mrs. Jackson is considered to be the Founder of our Manor. The first two ladies were admitted to this residence, located on Wellington Street South, in 1877.

In 1948, the name of the facility was changed to “The Aged Women’s Home of Hamilton”. Extensive alterations to the building continued, until the decision was reached to build a new facility. The site chosen is our current location, a lot offered to the Trustees by the Hamilton Health Association on the property of the Mountain Sanatorium. The corner stone was laid for our former building on June 4, 1958. In 1959, The Garden Club of Hamilton presented and erected a pair of beautiful wrought iron gates at the entrance to the property. They were a gift from “Idlewyld”, the estate of the late Col. Gordon and Mrs. Henderson. Thus, in 1964, the name Idlewyld was added to The Aged Women’s Home.

The new 192-bed facility started construction in May 2002 with the award of 96 new beds from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Construction was completed in May 2004 and the Residents were able to move into the new facility. Today, Idlewyld Manor is home to 192 residents consisting of both males and females. It is our privilege to serve their needs in a continuum of care setting.

Care Type

Long Term Care (Nursing Homes)