Retirement Home vs. Long-Term Care In Ontario: What's The Difference

Planning for your future or a loved one’s can be stressful. There are many factors to consider, like budget, lifestyle and care needs. It’s a smart idea to have a plan in place early on, so when the time comes the transition is easier. 

In Ontario, you can choose from a variety of options. More than 58,000 people across Ontario are living in  licensed retirement homes. Here is some information that can help you make the best decision.

Management. A licensed retirement home is a privately-owned business that gives residents certain rights and privileges and is regulated by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority. They are different than long-term care homes, which require residents to meet admission criteria and are government run.

Assistance. People who live in retirement homes are generally more independent. residents may purchase any of the care services offered by the retirement home, or arrange for external care providers, including private-pay or publicly funded. Whereas, in long-term care facilities residents have their clinical care needs assessed and met through the home.

Funding. Retirement homes do not receive government funding and residents pay the full cost of their accommodation and any care services they purchase from the home directly. They can also arrange to have services provided through Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS).

Eligibility. There are no specific criteria to be eligible to live in a retirement home and you may look into as many retirement homes as you wish. With a long-term care home, there may be assessment criteria to determine placement and a waitlist for entry.

Find more information at www.rhra.ca.