FAQs

You may have lots of questions, so we’ve prepared the below to help you find the answers. However, those answers may vary depending on where you live. To ensure we give you the most relevant and accurate information possible, please select a location below.

LONG-TERM CARE IN ONTARIO
 
What is the difference between a long-term care community and a retirement or assisted living residence?

 

Long-Term Care

Retirement/Assisted Living

Description

Serves frail seniors with  complex health needs who require personal support and nursing services 24 hours a day, 7 days per week

Offers an independent or assisted lifestyle to those who want freedom from the chores of home maintenance or cooking, and the comfort of knowing that employees are available (if needed) 24/7

Accommodation

Private and shared rooms

Variety of suite styles and amenities including studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units

Rates

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care covers the care services, and the resident/family is responsible for a co-payment for accommodation

Private pay based on market rates

Making the Decision

In Ontario, you can apply for long-term care through your Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). They will determine if you are eligible, and assist you in applying to the homes you choose.

You can arrange to move directly with the residence of your choosing, based on availability and preferences.

 
How do I apply for long-term care?
Your Local Health Integration Network is responsible for assessing your needs and assisting with the application process. You find their contact information on their website.
 
To start the application process, contact your Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and inform them of the type of accommodation you would like to apply for (basic, semi-private or private). They will send someone to help with the application process, and issue you with information on room rates and the guidelines to apply.
 
The LHIN will request you select five homes, and specify three of them as priority homes. It is recommended that you tour the homes in advance before making your final decision. Applications will be sent to these homes, and they will notify you that you are on their waiting list. You will then be notified by the LHIN when the appropriate accommodation becomes available.
 
How do I make a decision? 
After you have been informed of an available accommodation, you will have 24 hours to make a decision to accept. If you decline, you will need to reapply for long-term care again, and be will placed back on the waiting list. This is why we recommend touring the homes first before submitting your application to LHIN. Once you have accepted an offer for accommodation, you will be invited to move into the home within the next 24 hours.
 
Didn’t answer your question? Click here for more FAQ.


LONG-TERM CARE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
 
In British Columbia, you have the option of paying for your long-term care privately or having it government-subsidized. There are also several comfortable retirement residences available for independent seniors who want a break from home maintenance and cooking. The below chart explains the differences between the three options.

At the bottom, you will find answers to questions that apply to all three options.

Questions

Retirement or Assisted Living

Long-term Care

Private Pay

Government-subsidized

Which is right for me?

You want freedom from the chores of home maintenance or cooking, and need some help with personal care.

Serves frail seniors with complex health needs who require personal support and nursing services 24/7.

Serves frail seniors with complex health needs who require personal support and nursing services 24/7.

How do I apply?

Contact the residence of your choice to book a tour and get started!

Contact the care home of your choice to book a tour and get started!

Contact your local health authority to get things started. Click here for more information.

What are the rooms like?

Various suite styles - including studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom.

Spacious private rooms with adjoining bathroom.

Spacious private rooms with adjoining bathroom.

What funding options are there?

Private pay based on market rates. Contact your insurance company or veteran's affairs. They may cover part of the cost.

Private pay based on market rates. Contact your insurance company or veteran's affairs. They may cover part of the cost.

You will pay a monthly rate of up to 80 per cent of your after-tax income, subject to a minimum and maximum monthly rate. Click here for more information.

Is there a waiting list?

No. Waiting lists depend entirely upon the residence's availability.

No. Waiting lists depend entirely upon the home's availability.

Yes. The government waiting list uses a series of factors, including urgency, to place residents in the first available room.

Do I have to fit specific government criteria?

No. Eligibility is entirely up to the residence you apply to.

No. Eligibility is entirely up to the home you apply to.

Yes. To get subsidized long-term care placement, there are specific government criteria that you need to meet.

What else should I know?

You will enjoy the same degree of freedom you would have in any apartment building or private home. You can come and go as you please. There are no restrictions or curfews, and it’s up to you how you spend your time. For security reasons, we do ask that you let us know if you plan to be away for any length of time. This gives you, and us, peace of mind.

You can use Private-Pay services short-term while you wait for government subsidized services. Using Private Pay will not affect your status on the government waiting list for subsidized services.

You will be expected to move into the first room available within 24-48 hours. If you refuse the first available room, you will no longer be eligible for subsidized government long-term care services. After you have moved in, you can apply to join a waiting list to be moved to the home of your choice.

Our Pro Tip!

Make sure you tour the residences you're interested in, and ask about their services and amenities as they may differ between residences.

Make sure you tour the homes you're interested in, and ask about their services and amenities as they may differ between residences.

You can use Private-Pay services short-term while you wait for government subsidized services. Using Private Pay will not affect your status on the government waiting list for subsidized services.

 

Other questions you may have…
These answers are applicable to both Ontario and British Columbia.
 
Will I be able to bring some of my own furniture?
Yes. We encourage our residents to bring their favorite furniture, pictures, and other personal items. It’s your space, and we want you to make it your own and be as comfortable as you wish.

Can I have my own television and phone in my room?
Yes. All rooms are pre-wired for both cable television and private phone lines. Residents arrange for hook-up and ongoing billing directly with our service provider.

Who provides nursing and personal care services to residents?
Experienced registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and personal support workers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Everyone who works in a Sienna Senior Living Care Community is here to make you feel well cared for.

Can my family come for a visit?
Yes. In many of our residences, there are guest suites for your family to stay in, and larger rooms you can reserve for family reunions or parties. You can even reserve a table at mealtimes to eat with your family or visiting friends.

What is the purpose of the Residents’ Council?
Every Sienna Senior Living Care Community has its own Residents’ Council. This is a forum for residents to actively participate in planning and decision-making around issues that affect them. It’s a great opportunity to share information with fellow residents, offer constructive feedback about the quality of our care and services, and participate in the planning of special events.
 
What is the purpose of the Family Council?
Every Sienna Senior Living Care Community has its own Family Council. The Family Council is a voluntary group of family and friends of the residents living at the home. It provides a strong, open line of communication between residents and the home’s administration.
 
DEFINITIONS: 
What is respite stay/ short stay care?
Respite care is designed to give you a short break. You may need respite care if:

  • Your caregiver is going away on vacation, needs a short break or is staying in the hospital

  • You feel a short stay at a retirement residence or long-term care community would help you stay at home longer; or

  • You expect to stay in a retirement residence or long-term care home for fewer than 60 days.

For more information about respite care, contact a retirement residence or long-term care community near you.

What is restorative care?
Restorative care is provided to all long-term care residents and helps you maintain or improve your independence in all aspects of daily living.
 
What are therapy services? 
On-site physiotherapy is provided on an individual basis, or in a group setting, based on an assessment of your care needs. It also includes occupational therapy and speech-language therapy, as required.
 
My question hasn’t been answered. What can I do?
Let us help! For more information, contact a Sienna Senior Living Care Community near you.

Resources to help you decide

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