What is a retirement home or residence?
Retirement Homes are designed for seniors with varying levels of independence. Residences usually offer accommodations ranging from studios to two bedroom suites. Residents can participate in care services as needed. For more information, please contact the ORCA (Ontario Retirement Communities Association) website, or follow this link www.orcaretirement.com
What is Independent Living?
Retirement Residences usually offer accommodations ranging from studios to bedroom suites. Residents have access to a variety of amenities, activities and social events. Independent Living provides all the comforts of home, without the responsibilities.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted Living provides a home environment with the benefits of additional support services such as medication administration, daily activities of living and housekeeping.
What is a Long-Term Care Home?
Long-Term Care Homes are for adults requiring help with most or all daily activities and access to 24-hour nursing and personal care. Long-Term Care Homes are licensed by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Admission into a Long-Term Care Home is coordinated by your local Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). For more information, please contact your local HCCSS office at http://healthcareathome.ca.
What is the difference between a Retirement Home and a Long-Term Care Home?
Retirement residences (or retirement homes) are for seniors who are independent but may be seeking services such as meals or need some support and care services.
Long-Term Care homes (or “nursing homes”) are for adults requiring help with most or all daily activities and access to 24-hour nursing and personal care.
When do I know if I should move to a Retirement Residence?
People consider a move if:
- they are lonely
- find themselves with too much time and too little to do
- find maintaining their home difficult
- are feeling nervous or insecure in their home
- would benefit from better nutrition or have health care issues
Where can I learn more about Retirement Homes / Residences in my area?
The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) represents more than 90% of the retirement homes in Ontario and maintains a list on its website:
www.orcaretirement.com.
There are also many websites that can provide information listings such as
www.senioropolis.com and
www.thecareguide.com.
Can I bring my pet to a Retirement Home / Residence?
Many Retirement Residences welcome pets but ask to be certain. If pets are allowed, you are fully responsible for your pet and to provide an emergency contact should you be unable to care for it.
Is alcohol served in Retirement Homes / Residences?
It depends on the residence. Many have fully licensed dining rooms, pubs or other areas. Happy hours are very common. Ask at those Homes you are interested in to determine if this is the case.
Where can I learn more about Long-Term Care Homes in my area?
Please contact your
Ontario Health atHome branch.
