About St. Michael’s Centre Extended Care
Life at St. Michael’s Centre Extended Care is shaped by genuine compassion, meaningful connection, and the steady presence of dedicated staff who treat every person with dignity and respect. Located at 7451 Sussex Ave in Burnaby, BC, St. Michael’s Centre is a not-for-profit, faith-based care home and hospice that has been serving residents and families in the greater Vancouver area for decades, welcoming people of all backgrounds and faith traditions through its doors.
Living Options & Care Levels
St. Michael’s Centre operates two distinct programs under one roof. The care home supports up to 128 residents who are living with complex and challenging health needs, providing the kind of structured, around-the-clock support that goes well beyond what can be managed at home. For those in the final chapter of life, the hospice program offers 16 private beds and a level of specialized, sensitive care that the community has come to know and trust. The hospice at St. Michael’s Centre has been serving families since it opened in February 1992, and it is widely regarded as a place where people can spend their final days with comfort, peace, and genuine human warmth. Both programs are grounded in a person-centred philosophy, meaning care is tailored to the individual rather than delivered in a one-size-fits-all way.
What You’ll Love About Living Here
Daily life at St. Michael’s Centre has a rhythm that feels both reassuring and enriching. Mornings begin with a chef-prepared breakfast, one of three full meals served each day in a setting where food is taken seriously and enjoyment at the table is encouraged. Between meals, residents can access snacks at any time, so there is never a need to wait until the next scheduled mealtime to satisfy a craving or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of tea. Housekeeping is handled by the team, keeping living spaces clean and comfortable without residents having to lift a finger, and laundry and dry cleaning services mean that personal clothing and linens are always fresh and cared for. For those with a spiritual life that matters to them, worship services are available on-site, reflecting the facility’s faith-based roots while remaining open and inclusive to residents of all traditions. And through it all, staff are present around the clock, every hour of every day, so residents and families always have someone nearby who knows them and can respond to their needs.
Why Residents Choose St. Michael’s Centre Extended Care
Families who choose St. Michael’s Centre often describe the decision as one of the best they have ever made for a loved one. The consistency of care here is something that stands out again and again in the words of those who have experienced it firsthand. Residents are not just looked after physically but are genuinely engaged in daily life through meaningful activities and real relationships with the people around them. The facility’s roots go back to a collaboration between Anglican, United, and Roman Catholic faith communities in the mid-1970s, and that founding spirit of warmth, openness, and accountability continues to guide everything that happens here today. Families frequently note that they feel kept in the loop, supported, and treated as true partners in their loved one’s care. The not-for-profit structure also means that decisions at St. Michael’s Centre are driven by the well-being of residents rather than financial gain, which gives many families an added sense of confidence and trust in the long-term.
Location Benefits
Situated in Burnaby, BC, St. Michael’s Centre benefits from a location that is both accessible and nestled in a relatively quiet residential pocket of the city. Burnaby is one of the most livable communities in the Lower Mainland, known for its green spaces, well-maintained neighbourhoods, and strong sense of community. The Sussex Avenue address places the facility within reach of local parks, shops, and transit connections, making it convenient for family members who visit regularly. Burnaby’s central position within Metro Vancouver also means that residents and their families are never far from the broader resources and services of the region, while still enjoying the calmer pace that comes with being away from the busiest corridors of downtown Vancouver.