Baycrest

Baycrest Our vision: To create a world where every older adult enjoys a life of purpose, inspiration and fulfilment.

Baycrest does not post to social media or issue official communications during the Jewish Sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Baycrest is unique in the world, combining a comprehensive system of care for aging adults, one of the world’s top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, dedicated centres focused on mitigating the impact of age-related illness and impairment, and unmatched global knowledge exchange and commercialization capacity.

Today marks the last day of Chanukah. Over the past eight days and nights, Chanukah carts have travelled throughout Bayc...
12/22/2025

Today marks the last day of Chanukah. Over the past eight days and nights, Chanukah carts have travelled throughout Baycrest, bringing candle-lighting, song and celebration to our community. With multiple beautifully decorated carts, we have sung blessings and songs in dining rooms, at patients’ bedsides, in communal spaces and beyond. We have also distributed handmade cards from school groups and shared dreidels with all.

We are deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers and community partners who have taken part in this initiative to bring the spirit of the holiday throughout the campus. Chag Chanukah Sameach and Happy Chanukah.

🙌 The Defy Dementia™ podcast is celebrating 1,000,000 engagements. Thank you for listening and gathering key points of i...
12/19/2025

🙌 The Defy Dementia™ podcast is celebrating 1,000,000 engagements. Thank you for listening and gathering key points of information, resources and infographics with us. By discovering the many dimensions of brain health, you've helped us achieve this milestone.

If you haven't tuned in, you're invited to explore our range of episodes including stress, caregiving, stigma, women’s brain health and even surprising links to air pollution, oral health and pet ownership.

🎧 From our very first episode on Senses to our latest Be Pet Smart, check out defydementia.org, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Keep the learning and engagements going into 2026.

Cheers to You Baycrest ❄️ This week there was a drop-in session, as well as numerous mobile carts, with leaders from acr...
12/18/2025

Cheers to You Baycrest ❄️ This week there was a drop-in session, as well as numerous mobile carts, with leaders from across Baycrest sharing sweet treats, refreshments and holiday cheer to all.

Our staff keep programs running, computers working, environments clean, make sure everyone is happy, comfortable and safe - all year round. They ensure our patients and residents are healthy, treated with dignity and respect. Our research staff are ever curious, learning and developing... Thank you to all of our amazing staff from all areas of the organization.

🗨️ Your commitment and support make a difference every day. Thank a colleague, department or team - share your messages of appreciation in the comments.

We have been bringing our “Museum on Wheels” from Baycrest’s Morris and Sally Justein Heritage Museum across the campus ...
12/17/2025

We have been bringing our “Museum on Wheels” from Baycrest’s Morris and Sally Justein Heritage Museum across the campus this Chanukah, sharing our collection directly with residents, patients and clients. During these interactive sessions, participants explored a curated collection of Chanukiyot with our Museum Coordinator and discovered how these ritual objects carry stories of Jewish experience across generations.

Through Museum on Wheels, these historic items become a catalyst for memory, conversation and connection - sharing family traditions, reflecting on the theme of continuity and celebrating Chanukah together.

Volunteering has been associated with better self-reported health and reduced loneliness. Now, science is suggesting tha...
12/17/2025

Volunteering has been associated with better self-reported health and reduced loneliness. Now, science is suggesting that it may also boost brain health. As we celebrate the spirit of giving at this time of year, we’re celebrating how volunteering not only benefits others, but can also help protect your brain and reduce your dementia risk. We’ll speak to lifelong volunteer Rev. Dianne Parker and learn how volunteering may have shaped her brain health. Later, we’ll hear from researcher Dr. Nicole Anderson, who has examined the link between volunteerism and brain health, and how volunteering supports physical activity, cognitive engagement and social interaction, each known to support healthy aging.

🎧 Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

📢 Research Summer Student Program - now open for applications.The program provides opportunities for university students...
12/15/2025

📢 Research Summer Student Program - now open for applications.

The program provides opportunities for university students to conduct research in a laboratory or clinical setting at The Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest under the supervision of a practicing Scientist from the Research Division.

🌎 Apply online and learn more by visiting https://www.rotman-baycrest.on.ca/index.php?section=668.

This evening, we begin Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights - eight days and nights that celebrate courage, resilienc...
12/15/2025

This evening, we begin Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights - eight days and nights that celebrate courage, resilience and joy. A core element of this holiday is sharing and publicizing its miracle with the world, placing our lit Chanukiah (an eight branched candelabra) prominently, where its candles can be seen including our Chanukiah on Bathurst Street.

Chanukah reminds us that even a small flame can dispel a great deal of darkness. At Baycrest, that spirit lives in our community through relationships, stories and traditions that connect us across generations. Throughout Chanukah, we gather to light candles, sing familiar melodies, eat traditional foods and reflect on how Jewish life and heritage endure. Our Chanukah celebrations affirm the strength and continuity of our tradition, both here at Baycrest and far beyond. Wishing a Chag Chanukah Sameach to all who are celebrating with us.

Last week, we had the honour of recognizing residents who were called to the Torah for the very first time at a special ...
12/12/2025

Last week, we had the honour of recognizing residents who were called to the Torah for the very first time at a special B’nai Mitzvah ceremony at Baycrest.

Twelve residents who hadn’t marked this milestone in their youth were finally able to mark this important moment in Jewish life. The ceremony, which included a Torah service with prayers and blessings, was deeply grounded in the learning they had done together as they prepared for this day. After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed partying with cake, lively music from The Magen Group and joyful dancing.

Thank you to the staff, volunteers, residents and families who helped make this beautiful event possible and who shared in this simcha. Thank you to the Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation for supporting this meaningful celebration.

💡 People Spotlight - Meet Julieper, Medical Secretary at Baycrest’s Ambulatory Clinics. “Working with seniors has tau...
12/11/2025

💡 People Spotlight - Meet Julieper, Medical Secretary at Baycrest’s Ambulatory Clinics. “Working with seniors has taught me patience, compassion and the importance of providing care that’s safe, respectful and well-organized.”

From coordinating appointments to supporting the Interprofessional Primary Care and Neighbourhood Care Team, Julieper keeps things running smoothly. “Even from behind the desk, I believe kindness, patience and clear communication can make a big difference.” Every day brings something new, “No two days are ever the same. The fast pace keeps me engaged and motivated.”

Thank you Julieper, we're grateful to you and your team for bringing a welcoming experience to all those you interact with. Thank you for making a difference.

🌎 See for yourself, learn more about Baycrest by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/.

Cross-industry innovation in action, Baycrest and OCAD University collaboration around human-centered design for older a...
12/10/2025

Cross-industry innovation in action, Baycrest and OCAD University collaboration around human-centered design for older adults.

This fall, second year Industrial Design students from OCAD University completed placements at the Baycrest Terraces Memory Care and Assisted Living floors, where they engaged with residents and staff to understand day-to-day routines, hobbies and challenges. Students then created products on which they gathered further feedback from residents and staff. The prototypes were presented, shared and displayed earlier this week at Baycrest.

This collaboration shows how learning from lived experiences can lead to meaningful innovation. Thank you to all the Baycrest Terraces staff for their involvement as well as the students and faculty for their inspiring work.

🎉 At Baycrest, our people benefit from a workplace that values innovation, mentorship, recognition, restorative environm...
12/09/2025

🎉 At Baycrest, our people benefit from a workplace that values innovation, mentorship, recognition, restorative environments, inclusivity and ample career development opportunities.

Looking for a workplace where you can grow, innovate and make a difference? Baycrest has been named a Top Employer for 2026 — join our award-winning team today.

🌎 Want to learn more? Visit https://reviews.canadastop100.com/top-employer-baycrest?_gl=1*146rr2x*_ga*NDA1NDUwODk0LjE3NjQ2ODI3MzA.*_ga_H481FDLVWD*czE3NjQ2ODk2MDYkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjQ2OTAzMTYkajYwJGwwJGgw

📢 From Baycrest Volunteer to Health Leader: Dr. Shaira Wignarajah Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal.Today ...
12/05/2025

📢 From Baycrest Volunteer to Health Leader: Dr. Shaira Wignarajah Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Today is International Volunteer Day and we're celebrating the journey of Dr. Shaira Wignarajah - a former Baycrest youth volunteer whose passion for service shaped her path as a healthcare leader. This year, Dr. Wignarajah was nominated by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, for the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Ontario’s healthcare system and her unwavering dedication to community service.

Dr. Wignarajah became a Baycrest volunteer in 2010. For over eight years, she gave her time and heart to support residents living with dementia - an experience that shaped her understanding of person-centred care and inspired her medical career. “It's a little surreal,” she reflects. “To receive this award made me realize that in a way, I really wouldn't be here without Baycrest.”

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Wignarajah and our deepest gratitude to every volunteer who continues to make a difference.

🌎 Volunteers will always play a key role at Baycrest, learn more by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/Baycrest-Pages/Get-Involved/Volunteer.

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3560 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON
M6A2E1

Telephone

+14167852500

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