Retirement homes (which may also be called retirement residences or retirement communities) are ideal for older persons who are in relatively good health and have minimal to moderate care needs and either cannot, or do not want to be, in their own private home. They provide safety and supervision, while allowing for privacy and independence. Retirement homes usually have organized activities allowing seniors to socialize with people their own age. Most prepare all meals for residents, provide housekeeping, in some cases laundry services, and have the added feature of care provision as required.
Retirement homes vary greatly in location, size, accommodation, cost, services, staffing and amenities. In general, costs are market-driven and dependent on location, ownership, care needs, amenities, and other factors. In general, because Scarborough is a main city, Scarborough retirement homes will be priced higher than those in rural areas. As well, many are owned by corporations, which will offer more services and programs than a small independently owned home, but also will be at a bit of a higher cost than those owned by independent people without corporate backing and funding.
Most residents enter a retirement residence when they are still healthy, active, fairly independent, and cognitively alert. They usually can look after some of their personal care and get to the dining room unassisted. Most Scarborough retirement homes have health care aides and/or nursing staff available in the event of a medical emergency. Many Scarborough retirement homes can provide supervision with medication administration and bathing, if required, though there may be an extra fee for those services. Meals, housekeeping, and in-house recreational programs are generally included in the monthly cost. All applications for retirement homes are submitted directly to the home you are interested in.
The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) is an independent, non-profit organization that licenses, oversees retirement homes in Ontario, and enforces the Retirement Homes Act. They maintain a public register of all retirement homes, respond to calls about harm to residents, investigate complaints and, inspect homes to ensure they meet the prescribed standards in the Act.
The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) is a provincial non-profit association that represents operators of Retirement Homes in Ontario. Approximately 95% of all licensed retirement suites as well as many commercial businesses catering to seniors, are members of ORCA. ORCA’s role encompasses education of members and the public as well advocacy for the retirement sector.
