Retirement homes are privately owned rental accommodations for seniors who are able to manage and pay for their own care. Generally, retirement homes are designed for seniors who need minimal to moderate support with their daily living activities. These settings enable residents to live as independently as possible, while providing certain services and social activities. Retirement homes are also called "retirement residences".

Anyone can apply to a retirement home. You do not need to provide medical evidence that you need a minimum level of care. The retirement home, however, may assess your needs to ensure that it can provide you with appropriate support, or that you do not need more support than it can provide.

• Accommodations
• Services
• Costs
• Government Legislation and Monitoring
• Contract/service agreements
• How to apply
• Related links

Accommodations range from shared rooms to bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The amenities offered by retirement homes vary considerably. Most retirement homes have dining rooms and common areas or lounges. Some homes may have a gift shop, beauty salon, or chapel. A library, garden, swimming pool, or rooms for social events may often be available. Some retirement homes are located on the grounds of a long-term care home or other type of seniors housing.

Most retirement homes offer meals, housekeeping, laundry, and recreational and social programs. The types and levels of homemaking help, personal care, and health services offered by retirement homes vary significantly, as do their costs.

Retirement homes can be an appropriate option for people who do not require 24-hour nursing care.

Since retirement homes are not subsidized by the government, you would be responsible for the entire cost of both your accommodation and care. Typically, retirement homes offer packages that include accommodation and services. Fees can range from approximately $1500 to $5000 per month for a private room. You may arrange to purchase additional services or higher levels of service.

Retirement homes offer considerable flexibility. For example, you can often choose to opt in or out of meal plans and/or other services. You may also leave for extended periods of time -- such as for a vacation -- and retain your residence, as long as you continue to pay your rent and any associated service fees. However, if you are hospitalized indefinitely or you decide to move, you must give written notice prior to leaving your accommodation in accordance with the Tenant Protection Act.

Except for public health issues, retirement homes are not regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). However, your tenancy is governed by the Tenant Protection Act, 1997. If you move into a retirement home, the owner of the retirement home becomes your landlord. The accommodation and food preparation in retirement homes are regulated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act, and the associated guidelines for safe meal preparation, sanitation and water quality. All kitchen facilities are inspected by local Public Health departments. Some municipal governments have created laws to govern the delivery of care services within retirement homes.

The MOHLTC does not set standards for retirement homes, as they are not government funded. However, the provincial association -- Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) -- does set standards for retirement home performance. ORCA is funded by the Province of Ontario to help resolve complaints and provide information to the public about all retirement homes in Ontario. To find out more about the ORCA, visit the Links and Resources page.

If you move into a retirement home, the retirement home owner becomes your landlord. The retirement home must provide you with lease or a Written Tenancy Agreement that outlines rent you will pay and terms of tenancy. In addition, as a requirement of the Tenant Protection Act, the home must also provide a Care Home Information Package (CHIP). These documents describe your accommodation, and service package, fees for services, the home's staffing levels and qualifications, the emergency response system, and the complaint procedure. The CHIP should be signed before you move in. For more information on monitoring and accreditation of retirement homes, visit the Links and Resources page.

You can apply directly to the retirement home provider of your choosing. The Community Care Access Centre can get you started by providing you with a list of retirement homes in your area. For other ways of finding retirement homes, visit the Finding a Provider section and the Links and Resources section.

• The Ontario Residential Care Association
• The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors

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