Canada-wide
Provision of housing is a provincial responsibility. However, there are several Federal Government resources available for direction and information.
Seniors Canada is a resource hub that provides links to primarily provincial information on housing. The site describes four levels of care and related care facilities: Health Care, Home Care, Long Term Care Homes and Special Care Homes.
Fr: Établissements de soins
Seniors' Info.ca is a collaborative online resource that provides alternatives related to housing decisions, such as Adaptation, Independent Living, Maintenance and Repairs and other resources and programs.
Fr: Habitation
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation operates the provincial Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs (RRAPs) and provides information including contacts.
Fr: les programmes d'aide à la remise en état des logements (PAREL)
The Comfort Life site helps Canadian families find the best retirement option, prepare them for the transition to a new home and provides information to support their decision-making.
The Care Guide provides searchable information on a variety of housing issues including what providers are available and what type of housing environment they offer. Valuable information on the assessment of housing needs is outlined including key considerations when seeking an appropriate living arrangement. The CareConnect information line is also available, once registered, at 1-800-311-CARE (2273) ext. 1 or 416-287-CARE (2273) ext. 1.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
Alberta
Government of Alberta Sites
Alberta Health Services describes the three continuing care options for Albertans in Care Options for Seniors; Home Care, Supportive Living and Long-Term Care.
You may be involved in helping your care recipient apply for a different type of accommodation or housing service or may be supporting them through the move and adjustment to a new housing situation. For these care options, an assessment process by health care professionals is explained.
Home Care support is an option for older adults and care recipients with multiple health conditions who are still able to stay in their home, safely and independently, but with some level of in-home care. An assessment will help determine what services should be provided and who will provide them.
Supportive Living is recommended when living at home is no longer a safe option for your care recipient. The Home Care team will help determine the timing and type of care needed. There are three levels of supportive living to consider; enhanced living, designated assisted living and a personal care home. Questions and answers about these choices are provided.
Long-Term Care is provided when more intensive care is required to deal with complex health needs or end-of-life care. This includes nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals.
The Alberta Seniors and Community Supports department provides educational information on the Continuing Care system and related links to the housing registries for care recipients who will not be staying in their homes.
Special housing options exist. The Seniors Self-Contained Housing Program is for low and moderate-income seniors who are mostly independent and need apartment-style accommodation. Supportive Housing is available for various special needs groups and persons with disabilities, including those who need residential modifications through the Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP). Seniors Lodge provides basic accommodation to protect low-income residents.
Non-Government Sites
The Comfort Life site helps Canadian families find the best retirement option, prepare them for the transition to a new home and provides information to support their decision-making.
A guide, Long Term Care in Alberta, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on retirement and nursing homes.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Alberta, searchable by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities may offer a range of supports for residents, including continuing care options such as Alzheimer's Care, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
British Columbia
British Columbia Government Sites
SeniorsBC.ca provides an overview of the housing options available. You may be involved in helping your care recipient understand their options, seek assistance or adjust to a new housing situation. Progressive levels of care are available for those not able to stay in their homes, including Supported Housing options.
For those able to remain in their homes, there are two financial support programs through Canada Mortgage and Housing for home repairs and for making homes safer and more accessible; Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) and Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence Program (HASI).
Housing supports for eligible seniors who rent their home and for low-income seniors needing some form of subsidized housing are available.
BC Housing is the primary site for connecting residents with housing choices applications. Independent Living BC (ILBC) bridges the gap between home care and residential care for those who need some assistance but don’t want or need 24-hour professional nursing care.In the Housing Options section, both Seniors Supportive Housing (SSH) and Assisted Living options are explained,with the application process detailed.Assessment by local health authorities is required for assisted living options. Contacts are provided on this site. For those requiring Supportive Housing, a listing of locations is provided.
The Office of the Assisted Living Registrar oversees the housing options covered by the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, for those that require some help with daily activities in a semi-independent environment to those who are fully dependent and vulnerable.
The BC Ministry of Health oversees residential care for those with complex care needs that require 24-hour professional and protective care. Access to the care process and applying for a health care assessment and placement is through the home and community care office of the local health authority. Contact information is provided.
Non-Government Sites
The Comfort Life site helps Canadian families find the best retirement option, prepare them for the transition to a new home and provides information to support their decision-making.
The Seniors' Services Society of British Columbia provides the Seniors Housing Directory of BC.
A guide, Long Term Care in British Columbia, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on retirement and nursing homes.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout British Columbia, by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities offer a range of supports for residents, including continuing care options such as Alzheimer's Care, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
Manitoba
Manitoba Government Sites
Manitoba Department of Health oversees the Aging in Place program, to provide the right housing option to residents based on the level of care they need. This may range from living independently with Services to Seniors and Home Care, to Supportive Housing solutions, where the resident lives in a secure apartment setting with personal support services, to a Personal Care Home for those needing 24-hour nursing care due to significant physical or mental deteriorations. Eligibility for programs requires an assessment by the Regional Health Authority (RHA). You may be helping your care recipient make a housing decision, complete an assessment for support or application for long-term care, or, adjust to a new housing environment. Contacts for Manitoba Regional Health Authorities are provided.
Manitoba Housing and Community Development provides a list of affordable housing options. These options include: financial support programs for making modifications and repairs to houses in order to keep seniors and persons with disabilities at home, safe and independent; the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP); and, the Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence Program (HASI).
Non-Government Sites
A guide, Long Term Care in Manitoba, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on retirement and nursing homes.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Manitoba, by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities offer a range of supports for residents, including continuing care options such as Alzheimer's Care, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Government Sites
The Department of Health and Community Services provides information about admission to long-term care homes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Individuals who can not remain in their homes safely and independently, will have their housing needs and financial ability assessed by staff from one of four Regional Health Authorities. As a caregiver, you may be helping your care recipient with the application or assessment process or supporting them through a move into a new housing arrangement.
Long Term Care Services are delivered in long term care homes (nursing homes) and in some hospital/health centres. They provide a range of 24-hour health care including space for persons with special needs. Personal Care Homes are privately run facilities for individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) but do not require continual medical attention. Protective Community Residences are equipped with safety features to provide specialized care for individuals with dementia.
Home support services are provided to individuals who need some assistance over and above that provided by caregivers and informal support networks. Referral is made through the regional health authorities and services may be purchased privately or application made for public funding.
The Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP) provides financial subsidies so that seniors and physically challenged individuals can remain safely in their homes for a longer time.
Other Residential Options are outlined by the Department of Health and Community Services. These add to the care continuum provided to New Brunswick residents with disabilities. The Cooperative Apartment Program, Alternate Family Care Home Program and other Individualized Living Arrangements are described.
Non-Government Sites
CareGivers of Newfoundland and Labrador provides private home support programs and client care managers. An online assessment will help caregivers determine if home care is right for your care recipient.
An excellent plain-language guide called Long Term Care in Newfoundland and Labrador, provides information on retirement and nursing homes. The guide is provided by Manulife Financial, working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Newfoundland, searchable by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities may offer a range of supports for residents.
The Newfoundland Servpro.ca business listing is searchable by type of retirement home or community.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
Nova Scotia
Government of Nova Scotia Sites
The Department of Community Services oversees affordable housing programs for residents of Nova Scotia. You may be involved in making housing decisions with your care recipient and should be informed about the variety of options and the application process.
The Independent Living Support Program helps semi-independent individuals remain in their home by providing required assistance for activities of daily living (ADL). A financial and functional assessment is required and is supplied by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. Contact information is provided.
Approved Community-Based Homes are residences with programs to support persons with disabilities. Assessment and application are required.
A range of Licensed Homes for Special Care is provided by the Services for Persons with Disabilities (SPD) Program. The level of support and supervision is based on the individual's needs. Eligibility is based on a functional and financial assessment by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. The types of housing arrangements include Group Homes / Developmental Residences, Residential Care Facilities, Adult Residential Centres and Regional Rehabilitation Centres.
The Department of Community Services provides information on housing programs for seniors including: the Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI), which provides financial assistance for home modifications that will allow seniors with age-related disabilities to remain in their home; and, another housing assistance program is the Parent Apartment Program, for modifying or adding an addition to a single family dwelling to accommodate a senior.
The Department of Health and Wellness oversees the Continuing Care program in Nova Scotia, which includes long-term care and home care. This site provides links on many issues related to housing options for care recipients.
Non-Government Sites
A guide, Long Term Care in Nova Scotia, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on retirement and nursing homes.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Nova Scotia, by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities offer a range of supports for residents, including continuing care options such as Alzheimer's Care, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
Ontario
Government of Ontario Sites
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care oversees housing placements in a variety of residential care settings for seniors with age-related challenges and persons with disabilities. You may be helping your care recipient make decisions about housing options or be assisting them through the assessment process or supporting them through a move away from their family home. There are a lot of options available in Ontario for you to be informed about. The preference is to keep individuals living safely and independently in their homes, often with assistance from a variety of home and community support services. Admissions to long-term care homes (often called nursing homes), retirement homes or supportive housing takes place after an assessment by a Case Manager from one of 14 Community Care Access Centres (CCAC). To find the CCAC for your area, use the CCAC locator.
Fr : Emplacement des CASC
The Ministry site provides an overview of care options and related housing options including a useful glossary of terms. The CCAC assessment process, eligibility and admission information is explained.
Fr: Services et soins à domicile, dans la collectivité et en établissement
Fr: Soins aux aînés : Glossaire
Fr : Admissibilité et admission
Home and Community Support Services may include visiting health professionals, personal care and support, homemaking or community support services; all optional and flexible services designed to keep your care recipient living in their home.
Fr: Soins aux aînés : Si vous restez chez vous
There are three categories of residential care in Ontario;
Supportive Housing is for individuals who are quite independent but need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), although not 24-hour nursing support.
Fr: Soins aux aînés : Si vous déménagez pour obtenir l'aide qu'il vous fautl
Retirement Home options provide more care, with 24-hour access to nursing care and a variety of other supports.
Long-Term Care Homes provide higher levels of nursing care for more complex health issues, without needing a hospital setting.
Fr: Soins aux aînés : Si vous déménagez pour obtenir l'aide qu'il vous fautl
Fr : Logements avec services de soutien
Fr: Maisons de retraite
Fr: Foyers de soins de longue durée:
A checklist for choosing a home and directory of long-term homes in Ontario are provided by CCACs.
Fr: Choix d'une maison
Fr: Répertoire des maisons de soins de longue durée
A Residential Care Checklist is provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Fr: Aide-mémoire relatif aux soins en en établissement et aux services en résidence
Non-Government Sites
The Comfort Life site helps Canadian families find the best retirement option, prepare them for the transition to a new home and provides information to support their decision-making.
The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) sets standards and conducts reviews of residential care facilities, so is an important resource if you seeking a retirement home for your loved one.
The Ontario Association of Residences Treating Youth (OARTY) promotes the provision of high quality residential care for vulnerable children, youth and young adults, so may be an important resource when seeking appropriate residential care.
A guide, Long Term Care in Ontario, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on retirement and nursing homes.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Ontario, by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities offer a range of supports for residents, including continuing care options such as Alzheimer's Care, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island Government Sites
PEI's Department of Health overviews the types of residential care that are available. You may be involved in helping your care recipient make a housing decision, apply for an assessment or a placement or adjust to a new living situation. The PEI Home Care Program provides a range of health care and support services to help keep seniors and individuals with disabilities in their homes. They also oversee admissions to nursing homes or other supportive living. A listing of Home Care contacts is included.
The Department of Health and Wellness provides information on and a list of the licensed Community Care Facilities that provide residents with assistance for their daily activities but do not offer 24-hour nursing care.
Long-term care facilities include public and private nursing homes for those who can not remain in their home or be supported in a community care facility. Assessment through a coordinated team headed by the Home Care office is required in order to receive a placement. A listing of nursing homes and educational fact sheets are also provided.
The Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour oversees affordable housing programs for residents. Apartment-style accommodation is available under the Seniors Housing Program. An assessment process to determine needs is required.
The Seniors Home Repair Program provides eligible residents with financial assistance for repairing their home, in order to remain in it safely and independently.
Non-Government Sites
A guide, Long Term Care in Prince Edward Island, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on home care and nursing homes.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Prince Edward Island, by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities may offer a range of supports for residents.
Quebec
Government of Quebec Sites
The Government of Quebec service portal provides information on housing options for residents. As a caregiver, you may be helping your care recipient to make a housing decision, or may be involved in the assessment and application process. Alternately, you may be helping your loved one move and settle into a new accommodation. Depending on the individual’s level of health and autonomy, an assessment by the Local Community Services Centre (CLSC) will help match your care recipient’s needs to an appropriate housing option. Ability to pay for accommodation will also be assessed. A CLSC locator is provided.
Fr only: http://wpp01.msss.gouv.qc.ca/appl/m02/M02RechInfoSante.asp
Remaining in the home, with home assistance services, is the first priority. The Regie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec provides information on what services are covered in terms of domestic help services and home help and support services.
Fr: Les services couverts au Quebec: http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/citoyens/assurancemaladie/serv_couv_queb/
serv_couv_queb.shtml
If it is no longer possible for your care recipient to remain at home, long-term housing and care facilities (CHSLDs) are available. Rehabilitation centre and hospitals are other care options. Two fact sheets describe the services and application process; Financial contribution of adults in long-term care in Québec and Placement of adults in a residential or long-term care centre
Fr: Contribution financière des adultes hébergés en établissement de soins de santé au Québec
http://www.aines.info.gouv.qc.ca/fr/fiche.asp?sujet=82
Eng only: Placement of adults in a residential or long-term care centre
http://www.formulaire.gouv.qc.ca/cgi/affiche_doc.cgi?dossier=11416&table=0#entete
A new Government of Quebec booklet called Programs and Services for Seniors contains all the detail and contact information required to understand a range of programs including home care assistance, long-term care facilities and other affordable housing programs.
Fr: Programmes et services pour les aines: http://www.aines.info.gouv.qc.ca/dossier_clients/file/pdf/
guide_aines_francais_2010_2011_web.pdf
The Department of Handicapped Persons provides information on financial assistance in adapting a home for persons with disabilities to help keep them safe and independent at home.
Fr only: Adaptation de domicile pour personnes handicapées http://www.personneshandicapees.info.gouv.qc.ca/fr/fiche.asp?sujet=7
Non-Government Sites
The Comfort Life site helps Canadian families find the best retirement option, prepare them for the transition to a new home and provides information to support their decision-making.
An excellent plain-language guide called Long Term Care in Quebec, provides information on retirement and nursing homes. The guide is provided by Manulife Financial, working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Quebec, searchable by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities may offer a range of supports for residents, including continuing care options such as Alzheimer’s Care, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation and Nursing Care.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Government Sites
The Department of Health provides continuing care options and the related housing choices. You may be helping your care recipient make a housing decision, or may be involved in the assessment and application process or may be supporting them through a move and settling into a new living arrangement. The primary objective is to keep seniors and persons with disabilities in their homes, safely and independently, as long as possible.
An assessment of Home Care needs, such as homemaking, meal preparation and nursing services, will be provided by a case manager from your local regional health authority. Contact information is provided.
Personal Care Homes are an option when individuals can no longer remain in their home. There is a range of care provided; mostly supportive care and access to nursing but not 24-hour care. Some provide full palliative services. These homes are government licensed but not publicly funded. A question and answer section is provided as well as access to the Personal Care Home listing.
Special Care Homes, also called nursing homes, provide long-term care services for complex health needs that require full service. Support to family care providers through respite care and adult day programs is often provided as well. The assessment process is described and questions and answers are provided.
The Department of Social Services provides seniors housing programs aimed at keeping seniors in their homes longer, safely and independently:
The Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence (HASI) provides financial assistance to make modifications to a home to accommodate a senior with age-related disabilities.
The Social Housing Rental Program provides low-income seniors with long-term accommodation.
The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) provides financial assistance when repairs are made to a home to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region provides a listing of Long-Term Care Facilities on its site.
Non-Government Sites
A guide, Long Term Care in Saskatchewan, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on retirement and nursing homes.
Retirement Homes.com provides a listing of private retirement residences throughout Saskatchewan, by community and by type of housing required. Individual facilities offer a range of supports for residents.
The Top Retirement Homes helps you find the very best retirement home for your loved one. Feedback from retirement home residents and residences has been used to select the featured homes. A search function helps you sort by exact needs.
Yukon
Yukon Government Sites
The Department of Health and Social Services provides Continuing Care options for Yukon residents and housing choices available. You may be helping your care recipient to make a housing decision, be involved in the assessment and application process, or supporting your loved one through a move and resettlement in a new housing situation.
Home Care services assist clients to live independently in their own homes and are based on the clients' assessed health needs. See the list of Yukon Home Care offices.
Residential Care homes are available for those who are no longer able to stay in their own homes. Contact information for the three Yukon facilities is provided.
The Yukon Housing Corporation oversees affordable housing programs for residents which includes: Social housing for low-income seniors requiring financial
subsidy; and, the Home Ownership and Home Repair Program, may provide financial assistance for home modifications and repairs needed to better accommodate a senior or person with disabilities.
Non-Government Sites
A guide, Long Term Care in Yukon, 2010, Manulife Financial (working with TAKINGCARE Inc., an organization that promotes and supports caregiver wellness and wellness for seniors) provides information on nursing homes and subsidized home care.