Retirement Homes vs. Nursing Homes In Ontario

In today’s rapidly aging society, the decision of where to spend one’s “golden years” has become a pressing concern for many families. As seniors and their loved ones navigate the complex landscape of elder care, two main options often emerge: nursing homes and retirement homes. While both serve the purpose of providing a safe and comfortable environment for the elderly, they differ significantly in the level of care, amenities, and cost. The key distinctions between a nursing home and a retirement home is discussed below while examining the advantages and drawbacks of each, to empower you to make the best-informed choice for your family’s unique needs and preferences.

Highlights

• Families weigh options between nursing homes and retirement homes for senior care.
• Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care, while retirement homes offer varied assistance levels.
• Nursing homes receive partial government funding, while retirement homes’ costs vary widely.

What is a Nursing Home?

In Ontario, Canada, the terms long-term care facilities, also known as a “nursing home”, and a retirement home refer to different types of facilities that cater to the needs of seniors, but they serve distinct purposes and offer different levels of care. Long Term Care Facilities (Nursing Home):

1. Also known as Long-Term Care homes in Ontario, skilled nursing facility that provides 24-hour care to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities, medical care, and support (at times it can be considered assisted living residence depending on the amount of care needed)
2. Nursing homes are regulated by the provincial government, specifically the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Ontario.
3. Residents in a nursing home typically have more complex medical needs or may require specialized care for conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
4. Admission to a nursing home is usually based on an assessment of need, which is conducted by the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) or Home and Community Care Support Services.

What is a Retirement Home?

1. Retirement homes, also known as retirement residences, cater to seniors who are relatively independent but may require assistance with some daily living activities or prefer the convenience of community living (independent and assisted living residences vary in terms of amount of care services offered)
2. Retirement homes are privately owned and operated and are not directly regulated by the provincial government. However, they must comply with the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) in Ontario.
3. Retirement homes generally offer a range of accommodations, services, and amenities, such as meals, housekeeping, recreational activities, and varying levels of assistance with personal care. Generally promoting activities that also promote retirement living and independent living.
4. Admission to a retirement home is typically based on the individual’s choice, and residents pay for the services and accommodations they require.

Nursing homes provide a higher level of medical care and support for seniors with more complex needs, whereas retirement homes cater to seniors who are more independent but may need some assistance or prefer a community setting. Nursing homes are regulated by the provincial government, while retirement homes are regulated by the RHRA in Ontario. Some Nursing Homes in Ontario funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:

1. Baycrest Health Sciences (Toronto)
2. Sunnybrook Veterans Centre (Toronto)
3. Bridgepoint Active Healthcare (Toronto)
4. The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre (Ottawa)
5. West Park Healthcare Centre (Toronto)
6. The Village of Erin Meadows (Mississauga)
7. The Village of Humber Heights (Etobicoke)
8. The Village of Riverside Glen (Guelph)
9. The Village of Taunton Mills (Whitby)
10. The Village of Tansley Woods (Burlington)

Some retirement homes in Ontario funded privately and owned by corporations:

1. Amica Senior Lifestyles
2. Chartwell Retirement Residences
3. Revera Retirement Living
4. Delmanor Seniors Communities
5. Hazelton Place Retirement Residence
6. The Dunfield Retirement Residence
7. V!VA Retirement Communities
8. The Village of Winston Park
9. The Village of Arbour Trails
10. The Redwoods Retirement Residence

Cost of Long-Term Care Homes

Long-Term Care (LTC) homes and nursing homes in Ontario are partially funded by the provincial government. Residents are required to pay a co-payment fee for accommodation costs such as room and board for the skilled nursing facility. These fees are standardized across the province and are updated periodically. The monthly co-payment fees for a long-term care home in Ontario were approximately:

1. Basic or ward room (shared by 3 or 4 residents): $1,891+CAD
2. Semi-private room (shared by 2 residents): $2,280+ CAD
3. Private room (single occupancy): $2,701+ CAD

In addition to the accommodation costs, residents may also be responsible for other expenses such as personal hygiene products, telephone, cable television, or additional services not covered by the government funding. The rates mentioned earlier are the co-payment fees residents pay for staying in a nursing home in Ontario, which are already subsidized by the provincial government. The government covers the cost of nursing, personal care and health services, while residents contribute towards their accommodations and meals.

Cost of Retirement Homes

The cost of staying in a retirement home in Ontario can vary widely depending on factors such as location, type of accommodation, services, and amenities provided by the facility. Retirement homes are privately owned and operated, so there is no standardized fee structure across the province. The monthly cost for a retirement home in Ontario can range from around $1,500+ CAD for basic accommodations and services to over $6,000+ CAD for luxury suites and a comprehensive list of services and amenities. Typical expenses in a retirement home can include:

1. Rent for the living space, which can be a private room or apartment-style accommodation.
2. Meals, which are often provided in a communal dining area.
3. Housekeeping and laundry services.
4. Personal care services, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, or medication management.
5. Recreational and social activities.
6. Additional amenities, like fitness centers, swimming pools, or transportation services.

Some retirement homes may offer a la carte services or tiered pricing plans, allowing residents to choose the services they need and pay accordingly. It’s essential to carefully review the costs and services offered by each retirement home to find one that fits the individual’s budget and needs.

Which One Do You Need?

In Ontario, nursing homes (long-term care homes) and retirement homes cater to different needs and levels of care for seniors. Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care and support for seniors with complex needs, while retirement homes are suited for relatively independent seniors who may require some assistance or prefer a community setting. The cost of staying in a nursing home is partially funded by the provincial government, with residents paying a co-payment fee that varies based on the type of room. Retirement homes are privately owned, and the costs of a retirement home can vary widely depending on factors like location, accommodations, and services. When choosing a nursing home or retirement home, it is essential to research and visit the facilities to find the one that best suits the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and budget.