Retirement residences provide accommodation, varying levels of care and supportive services in a residential setting for those who can no longer manage daily living with independence. Retirement residences typically provide meals, social/recreational programs, 24-hour staffing, laundry and housekeeping services, supervision or administration of medications and often a degree of personal care and assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Rates are not subsidized and depend on the amount of services and quality of accommodation.

Typically apartment-style accommodations that provide supportive services such as housekeeping, companionship, meal preparation and/or communal dining, social and recreation programs, 24-hour emergency response, shopping assistance and transportation. The tenure is usually on a rental basis often with a standard service package included in the rent. There is usually a menu of optional fee-for-services made available as well. In some cases, the units are fully "self-contained" (each having its own kitchen) so that the meal program might be optional.

Long-term care or continuing care centres, also known as nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals, are homes for people who are not able to live independently in their own homes. They provide room and board and a range of care services, from personal care with nursing supervision to skilled medical and nursing care. Eligibility for placement in a long-term care centre is based upon a person's care needs, determined and arranged for by Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) or Home Care through Regional Health Authorities. The resident pays for the accommodation, while the government pays care and programs.

In Ontario, Assisted Living refers to providers that cater to persons who require supervision, hands-on personal nursing care services and frequent assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Care is often provided in a designated section of a Retirement Residence.

In Alberta, Assisted Living is part of the Supportive Housing continuum and also referred to as Supportive Housing (Levels 3 & 4) or Enhanced Residential Care. In addition to the provision of 24 hour supervision and emergency response, meal services, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and social and recreational activities, these residences also provide health and personal care services such as medications management and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing. Some residences are subsidized.

In British Columbia, Assisted Living Residences provide accommodation, varying levels of care and supportive services in a home-like, residential setting. Services typically include meals, social and recreational programs, 24-hour supervision, laundry and housekeeping services, supervision or administration of medications and varying degrees of assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Nursing services may or may not be provided. Most costs to residents are market driven and, in some cases, may be subsidized by government programs.

Specialized care and supportive programs for persons with Alzheimer Disease or other forms of memory loss or cognitive impairment. Providers may include Retirement Residences or Long-Term Care Homes in a designated, secure section of the residence, as well as Home Health Care and Community Support Services.

Hospice Care, also referred to as Palliative Care, may be provided in the person's home or in a residential setting. It aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for persons and/or families living with, or at risk of developing, a life-threatening illness. Key aspects may include pain or symptom control, and an array of emotional, spiritual and physical supportive services.

Services which help to support the client's independence in their own home. Services are non-medical in nature and include meal preparation/delivery, homemaking, home maintenance, transportation, security checks and friendly visiting, among others.

For people who need help to remain comfortably and safely at home. Services range from nursing care and specialized therapies, to non-medical services such as meal preparation and homemaking. Certain services may be eligible for funding through Community Care Access Centres (CCACs).

Services which help to support the client's independence in their own home. Services are non-medical in nature and include meal preparation/delivery, homemaking, home maintenance, transportation, security checks and friendly visiting, among others.

Retirement Senior Communities are oriented toward an active lifestyle, although "active" is not a criteria. Enriched with choices and opportunities of how to fill your days seems to be. Communities usually have a minimum age restriction of 55 for at least one of the residents. Sometimes the age minimum is 60 or 62. If it is 62 then all occupants must be at least that age. Check resident restrictions before purchasing. Adult Retirement Communities may offer golf, tennis, swimming pools, hiking and biking trails, exercise rooms and a variety of clubs and interest groups.

Supportive Housing (Levels 1 & 2) options are geared to seniors who require varying degrees of support and assistance, but who do not require the services of a long-term care centre. Accommodation may consist of self-contained apartment-style units, private bed-sitting rooms or shared options, and tenure may be rental or some form of ownership such as condominium or life-lease, on a non-profit or for-profit basis. Rental subsidies may be available for residences operated under the government's Senior Citizen Lodge Program. Supportive Housing typically provides 24 hour supervision and emergency response, meal services, housekeeping, transportation and social and recreational activities.

Self-contained apartment-style accommodation geared to seniors who are able to live autonomously. In some cases, coordination of community-based supportive services are provided through Home Care to residents. Tenure may be rental or some form of ownership such as condominium or life-lease. Independent Living Residences may be non-profit or for-profit; rental subsidies may be available for independent living options operated under the government's Senior Citizen's Self-Contained Program.

Personal care, skilled nursing and specialized therapies delivered to the client in their own home. These services can be provided temporarily or an ongoing basis. Services can include assessing needs, planning and providing care, or teaching clients to care for themselves. Visiting health professionals include nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech-language pathologists and dietitians.