Erie St. Clair Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
Making the Move
to a Retirement Home
www.healthcareathome.ca/eriestclair | 310-2222
The Erie St. Clair CCAC
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................2
Options for Care ................................................................................2
Care in your Home................................................................................2
Care in your Community ........................................................................2
Retirement Homes .............................................................................3
Admission to a Retirement Home ............................................................4
Choosing a Retirement Home .................................................................4
Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) .....................................4
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 ................................................. 5
The Retirement Homes Act, 2010 ......................................................5
Residents’ Bill of Rights .........................................................................6
Appendix ...........................................................................................7
Choosing a Retirement Home .................................................................7
Comparing Residential Care Options ........................................................9
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 1
Introduction
When a person’s care needs can no longer be met at home, transitioning to a retirement home may be the
best option. Retirement homes can provide residents with assistance to meet their varying needs. The Erie St.
Clair Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) has developed this information booklet to assist individuals, their
families and caregivers in making an informed decision.
Options for Care
Care in Your Home
The Erie St. Clair CCAC offers a wide range of options covered by Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) that
may help you to stay at home for a longer period of time. Our Care Coordinators can conduct a personal
health assessment with you and your family or caregiver(s) from which they develop a care plan that best
suits your needs and wishes. Your Care Coordinator will also check in regularly with you and adjust your
plan if your needs or wishes change.
If eligible, your Care Coordinator will arrange CCAC services for you. These may include:
• Nursing;
• Social work;
• Personal support;
• Speech and language therapy;
• Occupational therapy;
• Nutritional counselling; and
• Physiotherapy;
• Specialty medical equipment and supplies.
Care in Your Community
Your Care Coordinator can also connect you to community based services that support you in remaining
independent and at home. In some cases, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will cover the cost of
these services, while others may have a fee. These services include:
• Meals on Wheels;
• Friendly visits;
• Counselling;
• Private pay homemaking and nursing services;
• Support groups;
• Shopping;
• Reassurance calls;
• Supportive housing; and
• Adult day programs.
You can explore the many community services in the Erie St. Clair region by visiting eriestclairhealthline.ca.
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 2
Retirement Homes
Retirement homes are privately owned and operated. They are suitable for seniors who are independent, but
may require minimal assistance. A senior entering a retirement home should be independently mobile, either
alone or with the use of a cane, a walker or a wheelchair. The senior may have a chronic or ongoing medical
condition, but is stabilized either by medication or by other measures.
Seniors requiring this type of care are commonly able to perform most daily grooming tasks, such as washing,
dressing and shaving. However, due to physical or mental limitations, they may require someone to monitor,
supervise or provide minimal assistance to ensure that these tasks are completed. The individual should be
independent with their toileting needs, requiring only a gentle reminder or assistance locating washroom
facilities when needed.
Retirement homes
are suitable for
seniors who are
independent,
but may require
minimal assistance.
The care provided in a retirement home is primarily supervisory; treatments, if any, are standardized and
include maintenance, medication and preventative care. The individual receiving residential care should
expect:
•
Supervision on a 24-hour basis by non-professional staff, such as nursing aides and access to professional
nursing consultation, either by a staff member or a visiting nurse;
•
Access to periodic professional health care, either by transport to a medical practitioner, or through regular
visits by either the house physician or the individual’s personal physician;
•
Assistance as required with personal and non-personal care;
•
Assistance with the administration of medication;
•
And access to social and recreational activities.
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 3
Admission to a Retirement Home
Admission to a retirement home is a direct admission, which is a private arrangement between the resident,
the family and the home. The Erie St. Clair CCAC does not process applications or coordinate admission to
retirement homes.
It is recommended that when looking to move to a retirement home, the resident and his or her family
contact the manager of the home to arrange a tour and discuss available services and related costs. Under the
Residential Tenancies Act, you are also entitled to receive a Care Home Information Package (CHIP) from the
manager, providing you with a variety of information about the home.
The cost of accommodation varies by home. The resident or family is completely responsible for payment.
There are select homes in Windsor and Essex County that accept subsidized residents. For more information
on these subsidies, please contact the City of Windsor or the County of Essex.
Choosing a Retirement Home
There are numerous retirement homes located in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex. A list of
retirement homes in your region can be accessed by visiting www.healthcareathome.ca/eriestclair or by talking
to your Care Coordinator. In addition, you can find local homes by visiting the eriestclairhealthline.ca.
Residents are highly encouraged to tour several retirement homes in their area before making a decision.
Homes vary in location, size, price, amenities, programs and services. You are searching for your potential new
home and should consider carefully before choosing.
Refer to the Retirement Home Tour Checklist on page 7 for help in comparing the retirement homes you visit.
Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA)
The Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) has developed standards for safety and security, recreation,
meals, quality of resident care, housekeeping, building maintenance and more. Retirement homes that are
ORCA members are monitored regularly to ensure that they comply with these industry standards.
ORCA offers a Complaints Response and Information Service (CRIS). CRIS provides individuals with
information about retirement living and offers a forum to express concerns or complaints about retirement
homes in Ontario.
ORCA can be contacted by calling 1-800-361-7254 or online at www.orcaretirements.com.
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 4
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 applies to most residential rental units including retirement homes
(referred to as care homes). The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 includes the following for care homes:
•
The home must give every new tenant a Care Home Information Package (CHIP), which includes:
-A list of the different types of accommodation provided in the home;
-Charges for the different types of accommodation and for any alternative packages of care services
and meals;
-Minimum staffing levels and qualifications of staff;
-Details about the emergency response system;
-A list and fee schedule for any additional services and meals available from the landlord on a user pay
basis; and
-A description of any internal procedures for dealing with complaints;
•
The home must give the tenant at least 90 days’ notice in writing of any increase in rent and the rent can
only be increased once every 12 months;
•
The home must give the tenant at least 90 days’ notice in writing of any increase in fees for care services
(no restrictions on these fee increases); and
•
The tenant must give the home at least 30 days’ notice to end their tenancy.
You can acess the full Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 at http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/
elaws_statutes_06r17_e.htm#BK193.
The Retirement Homes Act, 2010
The Retirement Homes Act, 2010 protects the rights of those living in a retirement home. The act includes:
•
The requirement of retirement homes to possess a licence to operate;
•
Residents’ rights;
•
Care standards and staff training requirements;
•
Protections against abuse and neglect;
•
Inspections and powers of inspectors; and
•
Offences, penalties, appeals and enforcement.
You can access the full Retirement Homes Act, 2010 at http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_
regs_110166_e.htm#BK14.
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 5
Residents’ Bill of Rights (Retirement Homes Act, 2010)
Every resident of a retirement home has the following rights which constitute the Residents’ Bill of Rights:
1. The right to:
i. know what care services are provided in the home and how much they cost;
ii. be informed in advance of any increases in charges for care services provided in the home;
iii. receive advance notice of a decision of the licensee of the home to discontinue providing a particular
care service;
iv. have the licensee of the home take reasonable steps to facilitate the resident’s access to any
external care providers that the resident needs, if the resident receives the notice described in
subparagraph iii and indicates that he or she is going to continue to reside in the home; and
v. have the licensee of the home take reasonable steps to find appropriate alternate accommodation
for the resident, if the resident receives the notice described in subparagraph iii and indicates that he
or she is going to cease to reside in the home.
2. The right to apply for publicly funded care services and assessments.
3. The right to be informed about and to apply for care services and assessments from an external care provider.
4. The right to have his or her choice of care services provided by staff who are suitably qualified and trained to
provide the services.
5. The right to:
i. participate fully in making any decision concerning any aspect of his or her care;
ii. participate fully in the development, implementation, review and revision of his or her plan of care;
and
iii. give or refuse consent to any treatment, care or service for which his or her consent is required by
law and to be informed of the consequences of giving or refusing consent.
6. The right not to be restrained except in accordance with the common law.
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 6
7. The right to be afforded privacy in treatment and in caring for his or her personal needs.
8. The right to live in a safe and clean environment where he or she is treated with courtesy and respect and
in a way that fully recognizes the resident’s individuality and respects the resident’s dignity.
9. The right to have his or her lifestyle and choices respected and to freely pursue his or her social, cultural,
religious, spiritual and other interests as long as the resident’s lifestyle, choices and pursuits do not
substantially interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of the home for all usual purposes by the licensee and
other residents.
10. The right to raise concerns or recommend changes in policies and services on behalf of oneself or others to
the Authority or any other person without interference and without fear of coercion, discrimination or reprisal,
whether directed at the resident or anyone else. 2010, c. 11, s. 51 (1).
Appendix
Choosing a Retirement Home
While touring the residence, consider the following checklist:
SERVICES AVAILABLE:
… Meals
… Medication supervision/administration
… Personal laundry
… RN/RPN on staff
… Transportation
… Nursing care
… Tray service to suites
… Visiting physician
… Assistance with feeding
… Physician on call
… Assistance with bathing
… Visiting dental service
… Assistance with dressing
… Visiting lab services
… Assistance with ambulation
… Visiting podiatrist
… Daily housekeeping
… Visiting physiotherapist
… Weekly housekeeping
… Respite/convalescent care
… Recreational programs
… Dementia unit
… Pharmacy services
… Vitals monitoring
BUILDING AMENITIES:
… Central dining room
… Parking
… Library
… Tuck shop
… Lounges
… Sprinkler system
… Private dining room/area
… Fire and/or smoke alarms
… Beauty salon
… Horticulture area
… Chapel
… Wheelchair accessible
… Resident storage
… Air-conditioned common areas
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 7
SUITE AMENITIES:
… Private bath
… Heating: individually controlled
… Kitchenette
… Air-conditioning: individually controlled
… Fire and/or smoke alarms
… Call bell system
… Sprinkler in each suite
COMMUNITY SERVICES:
… How close is the nearest hospital, medical clinic,
dentist office?
… How accessible is public transportation?
… Is there a transit service for the disabled?
… Are there churches, parks, shops and seniors’
centers nearby?
FINANCIAL MATTERS:
… What is the daily/monthly rate?
… Are there charges for additional services that you
may want or need?
… Is phone or cable service part of your package?
… Is there a resident petty cash account with
separate accounting?
… What type of notice period is required should you
need or decide to move?
… How often are rates for accommodation and/or
services increased?
… What is the average annual rate of increase over
the last few years?
ADMISSION POLICIES
… Are wheelchairs and walkers accepted?
… Are any forms of oxygen therapy allowed?
… Are scooters permitted?
… Is a health assessment required?
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
… Is the home accredited by ORCA*?
*ORCA is the Ontario Retirement Communities Association. For more information on ORCA-accredited
retirement homes, go to www.orcaretirement.ca.
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 8
Comparing Residential Care Options
Retirement Homes
Supportive Housing
Long-Term Care
Homes
Also referred
to as:
Retirement Residence, Care
Home, Assisted Living, Rest
Home
Non-profit housing, Social
Housing, Seniors’ Housing
Homes, Nursing Homes,
Homes for the Aged
Levels of
Care
Individuals or couples who
need light housekeeping,
meals, low levels of
personal care and
availability of staff on
a 24-hour basis, to live
independently.
Individuals or couples who
need daily personal care,
24-hour availability of a
trained personal support
worker, meal preparation
and/or homemaking to live
independently.
Individuals who need higher
levels of daily personal care,
availability of 24-hour nursing
care or supervision, and a
secure environment.
Accommodation style
Ranges from shared living
to bachelor, one or twobedroom apartments.
Ranges from shared living
to bachelor, one or twobedroom apartments.
Ranges from rooms with 4
people, to semi-private and
private rooms.
Owned and
Private corporations and
managed by: in a few cases, non-profit
corporations.
Building management
varies. Services managed
by non-profit corporations.
Municipal governments,
Non-profit corporations or
Private corporations.
Cost Ranges
(per person)
Costs for accommodation
and care can range from
$1500 to $5000 per month
for a private room.
Rental costs vary but
usually range from $600
to $1200 per month. Rent
subsidies are available
in some locations. The
support services costs are
covered by MOHLTC.
The co-payment rates
change from time to time
(at minimum, annually). For
the most up-to-date rates,
contact your local Community
Care Access Centre.
Government
Funding
None
Government can subsidize
the rent to the level of 30%
of gross household income
for those who qualify. The
MOHLTC funds support
services.
Government can subsidize
accommodation to the “basic
or standard” rate for those
who qualify for this subsidy.
The MOHLTC funds the care
provided in homes.
Governing
Legislation
The Residential Tenancies
Act, 2006
Some municipalities may
also have “care home” bylaws.
Building Tenancy:
The Residential Tenancies
Act, 2006
Service Provision:
The Long Term Care Homes
Act, 2007
The Long Term Care Homes
Act, 2007
Accreditation
Voluntary accreditation
through the Ontario
Residential Care Association
(ORCA)
Voluntary accreditation
through the Council
on Health Services
Accreditation.
Voluntary accreditation
through the Canadian
Council for Health Services
Accreditation.
How to
Select and
Apply
You select and apply
directly to the retirement
home.
You select and apply directly to the supportive housing
unit.
Apply via your local CCAC,
and if eligible, select your
choices.
MAKING THE MOVE TO A RETIREMENT HOME | 9
The Erie St. Clair Healthline helps connect caregivers, patients and community members to health and
social services in the communities of Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex. A database of all
health services in the community, the Erie St. Clair Healthline is a comprehensive source for all residents in the
Erie St. Clair LHIN.
Users can simply visit the site - eriestclairhealthline.ca - choose their region and search for health services
in their community, from prenatal classes to walk-in clinics to retirement homes. Each service or organization
has a profile that will provide users with a variety of information, including the organization’s address, phone
number and website.
Erie St. Clair
Community Care Access Centre
Phone: 310-2222
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