Part of my role as an Lifestyle55+ Affiliate (formerly Accredited Senior Agent - ASA) is to help mature buyers and sellers learn more about their options regarding senior housing in Ontario.
Many seniors prefer to live an independent lifestyle in their current home or community with added support from family, friends and external care providers. However, some mature clients prefer or need a residential care option that provides more support, social interaction, services and amenities geared toward their needs.
In the province of Ontario, there are three main types of residential care for seniors. They are retirement homes, long-term care homes and supportive housing. All three are very different and provide specific amenities and services for residents.
Let's take a closer look at each option:
Retirement Homes in Ontario
A retirement home or retirement community is a privately-owned residence that accommodates at least six seniors and makes at least two care services available, such as meals and medication administration. Residents enjoy flexible, independent living with minimal to moderate support and can fund this lifestyle on their own.
In a retirement community, the resident pays for accommodation, care and services without any subsidy from the government or organization. Therefore, rates vary between residences based on the housing and services provided, and the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority regulates the facilities.
There is no medical benchmark for seniors wanting to live in retirement residences. Many choose to transition to a retirement community as it's an ideal environment for mature residents to enjoy many amenities, services, support, social activities and more.
Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario
Long-term care homes (commonly called "nursing homes") are designed for mature adults who require the availability of 24-hour nursing care and supervision, sometimes within a secure setting. Long-term care homes generally offer more personalized care and support than retirement communities or supportive housing.
Long-term care facilities are licensed by the government and receive funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. However, residents pay a co-payment for their accommodation, which helps cover the cost of meals, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and administration.
Many long-term care homes have a waiting list and do require a referral.
Supportive Housing in Ontario
Supportive housing is designed for seniors who require minimal-to-moderate levels of personal care to live independently within an apartment-like setting. This accommodation type usually consists of rental units within a building or even a small group of residences.
Accommodations, on-site services, cost and the availability of geared-to-income government subsidies vary with each building. Like long-term care homes, many supportive housing options have waiting lists and require residents to be eligible for home support services.
For more information on Ontario's senior living options, please get in touch with Deborah Clerk, Real Estate Sales Representative and Lifestyle55+ Affiliate at Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage, in Mississauga, Ontario. As a Lifestyle55+ Affiliate, I love working with seniors and their families by putting their needs first.
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