People entering long-term care homes are generally older, frail adults who require substantial medical care and/or nursing assistance with activities of daily living and who have difficulty living alone. These homes are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care and must meet standards established by the Ministry. In Ontario, the resident pays a co-payment in addition to a government subsidy. If a resident cannot meet basic accommodation fees, a provincial subsidy may be requested.

In British Columbia, Long-Term Care homes are licensed by the province and they must meet provincial standards. There is no subsidy provided by the government.

In Ontario, the Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) is an organization which establishes and measures standards for retirement residences. All Ontario Diversicare retirement residences meet or exceed these standards. Diversicare is a member of ORCA.

The British Columbia Retirement Communities Association (BCRCA) is a group of owners and operators of market responsive Retirement Communities providing choice in accommodation, hospitality and personal care services. They provide leadership and networking for their members who are committed to innovation, resident choice and excellence. Diversicare is a member of the BCRCA.

In some provinces there is a subsidy for the care portion of the cost of living at the residence. Please contact the closest Diversicare residence for more information.

The type of home needed depends on the person's needs and their capacity of functioning in their daily life. If the person is independent or requires minimum assistance in the daily routine, a retirement residence suits their needs. If the person needs some type of assistance, they can choose a retirement residence that offers extra care or assisted living.

If your loved one requires full support in activities of daily living, you could consider long-term care. In Ontario, the CCAC or Discharge Planner in hospital will assist in the process. With their advice and the assessment from your physician, you will be better able to make the right decision.

For more information on Long-Term Care placement, please contact the Diversicare residence closest to your area.

Yes. A retirement residence can provide assistance with activities of daily living.

If you need more assistance, you may choose a retirement residence that offers assisted living, which means assistance with meals, medication, recreational activities, and basic activities of daily living.

In Ontario, retirement residences are not funded.

Please check with your closest Diversicare residence and ask what the government policy is regarding funding for retirement residences.

Prices vary with the location and the services offered. They are specific to each retirement residence.

Please call the closest Diversicare residence in your area for more information of services and costs.

In Ontario, long-term care homes receive government funding for care. In addition, the resident pays a ‘co-payment' which is determined according to the type of accommodation requested.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care establishes the rates that may be charged. These rates are generally revised only once per year. If additional services such as cable TV, hair salon appointments or specialized foot care are desired, an additional fee may be charged to the resident.

In British Columbia, Long-Term Care is not subsidized by the government.

Diversicare suggests a checklist of criteria to look for when visiting a retirement residence.

SUITES

• Choice of accomodations
• Kitchenette
• Individual Climate Control
• Wheelchair Accessibility
• 3 Meals with Alternate Choices
• Coffee/Tea Bar
• Housekeeping/Laundry Services

LEISURE & ACTIVITIES

• Recreation Coordinator
• Day, Evening and Weekend Recreation Programs
• Walking Distance to Bus/Banks/Shopping
• Lounges/Library/Fitness Room
• Billiard Room/TV Room
• Chapel
• Outdoor Patio/Gardens
• Beauty Salon/Spa
• Van for Outings

HEALTH CARE

• 24 Hour registered/trained staff
• Emergency call response in all suites
• Assistance available for individual needs as required
• Respite stays
• Trial stays/Vacation stays
• Convalescent stays

The criteria to consider when choosing a long-term care home are:

1. The availability of registered staff 24 hours daily
2. A secure environment
3. The quality of meals; is food prepared on site?
4. The home meets accreditation standards as established by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation
5. The general appearance of the residents and the home
6. The recreation calendar is well balanced, to suit the needs of residents
7. The process of handling concerns, questions or special situations
8. The staff are trained to meet any special or unusual needs