News & Articles on Retirement Issues in Ontario

Retirement Living Options are Many and Varied - Toronto Star - What’s the difference between a retirement home and a nursing home? If you don’t know the answer, find it at senioropolis.com. The webs most comprehenisive lising of retirement homes.

It's Your Move (Good Time's Family Care Solutions special issue) - Planning the big move to a smaller house or retirement community in Toronto Ontario? To pave the way for a smooth transition, HELPS (Household & Estate Living Planning Services) answers five basic questions.

Comparing Retirement Living Options - What are the differences between retirement living options such as Independant Seniors Apartments, Supportive Housing, Retirement Homes or Continuing & Chronic Care facilities.

Other Retirement Living Options - If retirement homes don't seem to be the right option for you at this time, there are other types of housing that might meet your needs.

Long Term Care Homes - Ontario - Long-term care homes (which include Nursing Homes, Charitable Homes and Municipal Homes) are licensed, regulated and funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). If retirement homes do not appear to be able to meet your care needs, you may require a long-term care home.

What are CCAC's (Community Care Access Centres) - Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) are local agencies (divided by regions across the province) that provide information about care options in your area. The CCACs were established by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) in 1996, to help the public access government-funded home and community services and long-term care homes

Community Care Access Centres in Ontario - CCAC, Community Care Access Centers in Ontario

What is ORCA? (Ontario Retirement Community Association) - ORCA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that sets professional standards, inspects and accredits retirement residences in Ontario. Not all retirement homes belong to ORCA as membership is voluntary and prospective members must undergo an accreditation process by ORCA. Only those that pass and continue to meet ORCA’s standards for accreditation are ORCA approved and can display their membership.

WHAT IS OANHSS? - The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes & Services for Seniors (OANHSS) is a provincial membership-based association that has represented, promoted and supported not-for-profit providers of care, services and housing for seniors for over 85 years.

New Legislation for Ontario Retirement Homes - The Government of Ontario has announced that it will introduce legislation to govern retirment homes in the province.

Caring for the Caregiver - It's most important that the caregiver, care for themselves as much as their loved one. First and foremost they must communicate with medical personnel, family, friends and their support network.

How to Make the Transition to Retirement Living Easier - The reality is that moving to a retirement home ranks among one of the more difficult things anyone has to raise and discuss with someone they care about.

Key Factors When Selecting a Retirement Residence - What are the most important things to look for when searching for a retirement home?

Relocation Basics & Downsizing Tips - Deciding to relocate a senior to a retirement home can be a monumental decision and can involve an tremendous drain on relationships and one's own emotional well-being.

The Cost of Retirement Living - For someone on basic pensions choice is limited to seniors buildings that are rent geared to income or long term care - this is unfortunate because there are a whole group of people that fall between the cracks here.

Which Retirement Home would you choose for your parent? - Retirement Residences differ greatly across so many dimensions including environment, amenities, services & care and; every person's needs and desires are unique. What one person might think is the perfect home, another might not. It is imperative that the family/caregiver (and if physically possible, the person themselves) assess their needs, shop around and compare what is available.

Take the Chaos out of Crisis® - Having easy access to a list of your parents contact numbers takes the chaos out of the crisis. Suggested list of important numbers to keep handy in case of an emergency.

HOME BASE CAN BE "HOME SAFE" © 2004 - Good orgainzation and thinking ahead can keep a home safe for seniors who might be frail and unaware of risks in the home.

Nursing Home Rates Across Canada - Nursing home/Long-Term Care across Canada varies in terms of terminology and cost factors. Long-term care is regulated & monthly rates are determined by each provinces’ Ministry of Health. Every province determines what their rates are, when they are increased and by how much and what subsidies are available for those below the income level of the minimum accommodation rates.

Health And Wellness - Got Pain???? - There are no magic bullets for any health problem but, it sure is amazing what happens when you deal with the root cause instead of taking a pill to mask the symptoms.