A Guide to Long-Term Care in Canadian Provinces: Costs, Wait Times, and Application Agencies

Long-term care in Canada is a vital support system for individuals needing ongoing assistance due to aging, health conditions, or disabilities. Each province offers specific long-term care programs and services with varying costs, wait times, and application agencies. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of long-term care, including services provided, exact costs for different room types, wait times for placement, and the respective agencies to contact for the application process in each Canadian province.

Ontario: Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH)

Services: 24-hour nursing and personal care services, assistance with daily activities, medication management, meals, social and recreational activities, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Basic Room (Shared): Approximately $2,600 to $3,300 per month

Semi-Private Room: Approximately $3,300 to $4,700 per month

Private Room: Approximately $3,600 to $8,500 per month

Wait Times: Average wait times in Ontario range from 1 to 3 years.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in Ontario, contact the HCCSS in your region. You can find the contact information and exact pricing on their website.

British Columbia: Residential Care Facilities or Assisted Living Facilities

Services: Similar to other provinces, residential care facilities offer 24-hour care, assistance with daily living, medication management, meals, social activities, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Basic Room (Shared): Approximately $2,800 to $3,800 per month

Private Room: Approximately $4,500 to $6,500 per month

Wait Times: Wait times in British Columbia typically range from 6 months to 2 years.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in British Columbia, contact the Health Authority in your region. Find the contact information and exact pricing on the Health Authority website.

Alberta: Designated Supportive Living or Long-Term Care

Services: Designated supportive living offers 24-hour care, assistance with daily activities, medication management, meals, social and recreational activities, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Private Room: Approximately $2,700 to $6,000 per month

Wait Times: Wait times in Alberta can range from 6 months to 2 years.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in Alberta, contact Alberta Health Services (AHS) by phone or visit their website for application and pricing details.

Quebec: Résidences pour personnes âgées (RPAs) or CHSLDs (Centre d'Hébergement de Soins de Longue Durée)

Services: Quebec's long-term care facilities provide 24-hour care, assistance with daily activities, medication management, meals, social activities, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Basic Room (Shared): Approximately $1,800 to $2,800 per month

Private Room: Approximately $2,500 to $4,000 per month

Wait Times: Wait times in Quebec are typically 1 to 2 years.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in Quebec, contact the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) or Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) in your area. Find the appropriate contact information on the government's website.

Nova Scotia: Long-Term Care Homes

Services: Nova Scotia's long-term care homes provide 24-hour care, assistance with daily living, medication management, meals, social activities, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Standard Room (Shared): Approximately $2,300 to $3,500 per month

Semi-Private Room: Approximately $3,500 to $5,000 per month

Private Room: Approximately $4,500 to $6,500 per month

Wait Times: Wait times in Nova Scotia are generally 1 to 2 years.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in Nova Scotia, contact the Continuing Care office of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Visit their website for application details.

New Brunswick: Special Care Homes or Nursing Homes

Services: Special care homes in New Brunswick provide 24-hour care, assistance with daily living, medication management, meals, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Private Room: Approximately $2,800 to $3,800 per month

Wait Times: Wait times in New Brunswick vary based on location and demand.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in New Brunswick, contact the Department of Social Development. You can find the contact information on their website.

Prince Edward Island: Nursing Homes

Services: Nursing homes in Prince Edward Island offer 24-hour care, assistance with daily living, medication management, meals, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Private Room: Approximately $2,500 to $6,000 per month

Wait Times: Wait times in Prince Edward Island may vary based on demand.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in Prince Edward Island, contact the Department of Health and Wellness. You can find the contact information on their website:

Newfoundland and Labrador: Personal Care Homes or Nursing Homes

Services: Personal care homes in Newfoundland and Labrador provide 24-hour care, assistance with daily living, medication management, meals, and access to medical services.

Approximate Costs:

Private Room: Approximately $2,000 to $4,500 per month

Wait Times: Wait times in Newfoundland and Labrador can vary based on location and availability.

Application Agency: To apply for long-term care in Newfoundland and Labrador, contact the Department of Health and Community Services. 

Long-term care in Canada is essential for individuals in need of ongoing support. Each province offers its own long-term care services with varying costs, wait times, and application agencies. By understanding the services provided, exact costs for different room types, wait times, and the respective application agencies in each province, individuals and families can make informed decisions to ensure the well-being and safety of their loved ones in long-term care facilities. Subsidies and financial assistance options are also available in many provinces to help alleviate the financial burden of long-term care. Taking advantage of available resources and support will enable families to provide the best care possible for their loved ones in their time of need.