What is a retirement home?

A retirement home is a privately-owned residence that provides rental accommodation with care and services for seniors who can live independently with minimal to moderate support and are able to fund this lifestyle on their own. Read more in Retirement Living.

What is the difference between a retirement home and a long term care home?

Retirement homes provide rental accommodation with care and services for seniors who can live independently with minimal to moderate support and are able to fund the lifestyle on their own. You can choose your retirement home and wait lists depend on the individual home. There is flexibility to choose your type of suite, the services you need and the activities you want to participate in.
Long-term care homes (such as homes for the aged and nursing homes) are designed for people who require the
availability of 24-hour nursing care and supervision, sometimes within a secure setting. They receive government funding, with residents paying a co-payment for accommodations. There is likely to be a waiting list and you may not get your first choice of facility.

What are the benefits of living in a retirement home?

Living in a supportive, safe and secure environment that can accommodate varying levels of changing service needs
Belonging to a community of peers and participating in that community
Having the flexibility and option to enjoy privacy with support and caring staff available 24/7
Freedom from maintaining a home and preparing meals
In a retirement community you no longer have to worry about maintaining a yard, shovelling snow or doing house repairs. You have your own suite and your own privacy but are able to share meals, activities and time with others with support for your changing needs as necessary.

Are retirement homes regulated?

Retirement homes are regulated by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority in accordance with the Retirement Homes Act. Other legislation that set standards for retirement homes include the Residential Tenancies Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Fire Protection Act, the Personal Health Information Protection Act and College of Nurses standards. See more under Acts and Regulation.

What Types of Care are Provided at Retirement Homes?

Retirement communities are about choice. They are designed for seniors who want to live a somewhat independent lifestyle but who may need minimal to moderate support with their daily living activities. At a retirement home, you will find a safe, comfortable environment that is your home, not a facility. You can choose how much to do for yourself, how much
to have done for you, how to spend your time and with whom to spend it.
As defined by the Retirement Homes Act (RHA), a retirement home is a building that is occupied primarily by persons who are 65 or older, are occupied by at least six people not related to the operator and make available at least two of the thirteen care services set out in the Act. These include providing meals, assistance with bathing, personal hygiene, dressing or ambulation, providing a dementia care program, administering medicine, providing incontinence care or making
available the services of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.