RETIREMENT RESIDENCES

If you are looking for your own room or apartment near other people who have similar lifestyles and social interests, which is generally wheelchair-accessible, and provides optional services (i.e. meals in common dining rooms and minimal personal and/or nursing and support services), then Retirement Residences may be your category of choice. Retirement residences provide individuals with accommodation plus meal options, and some support. They organize monthly social activities.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

If you are looking for an apartment or suite near other people who have similar lifestyles and/or social interests, and are able to live without on-site support services then

Independent Living may be your preferred housing category. Independent living units are self-contained apartments or suites, which may or may not provide support services. Some independent living communities also include subsidized housing that offers rental assistance from the federal government.

They are available in private, not-for-profit and social housing sectors.

LONG-TERM CARE HOMES (LTC)*

If you require nursing and higher levels of personal care, and a setting that can accommodate varying health needs with on-site supervision for your personal safety, but do not require 24-hour hospital care then Long-Term Care Homes may be your category of choice. Long-term care homes provide nursing care, personal care, and support services in private and shared rooms with meals in common dining rooms.

In Ontario, the Community Care Access Centre is the single point of access to information about, and to apply for admission to Long-Term Care Homes. You cannot apply directly to the Long-Term Care Home.

Long-term care homes are licensed by the Ministry of Health and long term care. They are either owned by the government or privately.

* Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care & the Community Care Access Centre website