Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a retirement home?

Retirement homes are private residences that offer housing to seniors, as well as other services that may include providing meals, assistance with bathing, feeding, and dressing, dementia care programs, and more. Retirement homes in Ontario are regulated by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA).

2. What is a long-term care home?

A long-term care home is a provincially subsidized care home for people who are at least 18 years of age, who no longer have the capabilities, or sufficient support to live independently. A long-term care home may also be referred to as a long-term care home.

3. How do I determine the best type of care for my loved one? Ie retirement home vs long-term care home. What are the differences?

Retirement home is private care and is all out of pocket and more available whereas long-term care home is public and subsidized by the government but you still pay around $2K, which is much cheaper than most retirement home options that start around $4K. long-term care homes also offer an all inclusive type of service where everything is covered the same for everyone, meals, daily assistance programs etc. However, long-term care homes have a long waitlist and your loved one will need to be assessed to see if they are even eligible. That assessment is done through Ontario Health at home and there is an application process. A case worker will be assigned to your loved one once you go through them. GALA is here to support you in this journey.

4. What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is a non-medical approach to enable high risk seniors and older adults with disabilities to live independently and to remain in their homes for as long as possible through assistance with personal care and essential housekeeping.

5. What is the eligibility criteria for long-term care?

To live in a long-term care home, you must:

  • be age 18 or older
  • have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) card
  • have care needs that:
    • require 24-hour nursing care and personal care
    • require assistance with the activities of daily living
    • require on-site supervision or monitoring to ensure safety or well-being
    • cannot be met through publicly-funded community-based services and other care-giving support in the community

For more information or to apply for long-term care, contact Ontario Health at Home.

6. What is Ontario Health at Home and what do they do?

Ontario Health at Home provides home care and facilitates access to community support services. Ontario Health at Home also provides long-term care home placement services and can provide information about, and referrals to, other providers of health and social services.

7. How long will it take me to get into a long-term care home?

Currently, there is no estimate of time of acceptance into a long-term care home. You can see on the ministry website the number of people waiting, but that's it. GALA is trying to provide more transparency on these waitlists to provide people with a better idea of wait times.