Retirement residences meet the needs of those individuals who need greater security or who are no longer able to manage all the activities of daily living by themselves. These facilities aim to allow residents to continue to live with dignity and as independently as possible, while providing the security, care and supportive services necessary.
Retirement Homes Act by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority. The Ontario Retirement Community Association is a non-profit voluntary organization that represents approximately 80 per cent of the retirement home sector in the province. ORCA has set standards for operational excellence and is a leader in the development and provision of quality education for the retirement community industry. Additionally, ORCA’s website includes tips and useful information for those looking to learn more about retirement home living, including a home finder tool to help people find a retirement home in their community.
Retirement residences vary widely in terms of care and supportive services provided (limited services to assistance with daily living and personal nursing), amenities offered (dining/living room to extensive common areas), types of accommodation (shared rooms to spacious apartments) and physical structure (small converted house to high-rise buildings). Accordingly, prices also vary widely. Since most retirement residences are privately owned and operated, and do not receive any government funding, the resident has to pay the full cost. Tenure is typically rental and rates are subject to rent control.
Most retirement residences provide accommodation, meals, social/recreational programs, 24 hour supervision, laundry and housekeeping services. Other care and supportive services such as assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), assistance with medications and personal nursing care may also be included in the posted rates or available at an additional cost. Residents may also qualify for services under the Ministry of Health's Home Care Program and some homes allow residents to purchase additional care services through outside agencies.
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