Helpful Questions and Answers

We hope these questions and answers help you to find what you are looking for.

If you have specific questions please feel free to contact us:

What is the difference between long term care and retirement living?

Long term care is when you require the availability of 24-hour nursing care and supervision within a secure setting. In general, Long Term Care Homes offer higher levels of personal care and support than those typically offered by either retirement residences or supportive housing.

Government funded and regulated through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The government pays for your care and services. You pay a co-payment to cover accommodation.

If you cannot afford the basic accommodation rate, there is a subsidy available. Subsidies are only available for basic accommodation. On average, residents in basic, subsidized accommodation pay 35% of costs and the province pays 65%.

Retirement is 100% private pay.  Additional services may be part of a basic service package or may be available as options.  These often include daily housekeeping, laundry of personal items, medication administration, bathing, parking, room service, guest dining, guest accommodation, on-site hair salon and esthetic services, banking and more.

Many residences offer additional health care services such as visiting physician, foot care, physiotherapy and lab service.

Anyone can apply to a retirement residence. The service package available will determine whether a residence meets your desires and needs.

What does the term “independent living” mean?

Independent living is a term used to describe accommodations that consists of a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment.  Independent living provides a home environment without the responsibility of home maintenance or cooking. Residents have access to social activities, excursions and special events as well as all amenities such as libraries, exercise rooms or cafes. Certain care services, such as medication administration, may be included or may be available for additional fees. Emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day. Here, residents also enjoy delicious and nutritious meals, can enjoy a feel of ‘home’ in any way that they wish, and may be able to access additional services as needs change.

What does the term “assisted living” mean?

Assisted living is a term used to describe accommodations if you need extra help but are still independent. Assisted living provides the home environment of independent living with extra care services such as assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming and medication. Depending on the home, you may be able to stay in the same independent living suite while obtaining assisted living services. The benefits with assisted living is that you can access additional supportive services, medical services and personal support while still being able to live as you wish and enjoy life within your residence.

What does the term “memory care living” mean?

Memory care living is a term used to describe a supportive, safe and secure environment for people with mild dementia all the while providing opportunities for residents to live life to the fullest through social, recreational and fitness activities. Memory care living are equipped with the expertise to support seniors with different forms and levels of dementia.

What does the term “respite” mean?

Respite is a term used to describe a short stay.  Respite is a really good way to determine if retirement living is for you.  Retirement residences offer short-term stays, called respite, for seniors coming from hospital for extra recovery time, caregiver relief and also to try it out. Respite stays provide seniors the opportunity to really understand the benefits of retirement living, with access to nutritious and delicious meals, social and recreational programming, and access to specialized support services.