What is a Retirement Residence?
When it comes to retirement living options, choices abound. Esther Goldstein investigates the many types available and offers some valuable advice on making an informed decision when choosing a retirement setting for yourself or a loved one.
By Esther Goldstein, B.Sc., B.S.W., RSW
Retirement residences, also referred to as retirement homes or retirement communities, are ideal settings for seniors who are relatively independent and in fairly good health, but who for various reasons choose to move from their own homes into a more supportive environment.
In the majority of retirement settings, residents have the privacy of their own room, suite or apartment, and can bring a limited amount of their own furnishings. While some places also include semi-private or shared accommodation, these are few and far between. For people who own and drive their own cars, several residences also provide reserved parking spots.
Residents usually have the freedom to come and go as they please, with added security provided by 24-hour staff to ensure both the residents themselves and their families have the peace of mind of knowing they are safe and cared for.
Organized activities and occasional day trips allow people the opportunity to socialize and remain active. In addition, many homes now focus on ‘active living’, offering exercise programs with specialized gym equipment and staff on hand. Some homes also provide spa services, with many resembling hotels in both their accommodation and their service provision.
In general, most meals are included and served in a central dining room, although some homes have small kitchenette areas in the suites to allow for light meal preparation and the option of meal packages for purchase. Housekeeping is usually included, although laundry services are dependent on the individual home and often the package chosen. Many homes also allow small pets, and some have resident animals and pet visiting programs.
Recently, there has been a trend to separate care from accommodation. As a result, many homes now have a ‘rental’ cost which may include: accommodation, basic housekeeping and meals, and a ‘care’ cost which may include: personal care (such as bathing, medications, etc.), laundry services, and perhaps more frequent housekeeping.
As retirement residences are all privately owned and operated, they tend to vary considerably in terms of location, size, cost factors, services, amenities and staffing. Costs are usually market-driven and somewhat dependent on location, with a city-based home being more expensive than a home in a small community or rural area.
In Ontario, there are currently over 700 retirement residences, with many more under construction. Although most follow the rental model, a few new ones are condominium style for purchase.
As there is no government funding for retirement home accommodation, the cost of a retirement residence can range from the low to mid-$2,000 per month range to as much as $8,000 per month or more, depending on the location, ownership and purchased amenities, as well as a number of other factors determined by the individual residence.
Some homes are owned by religious, charitable or community organizations and are not-for-profit. They may have available subsidies or rent geared to income, but places tend to be limited and these homes may have a waiting list.
Until recently, there was no legislation governing retirement homes in Ontario. In June 2010, however, the provincial government passed the Retirement Homes Act which will govern residences across the province. For the first time, Ontario’s retirement residences will be subject to mandatory standards for resident care and safety.
In December 2010, the government appointed five people to the interim Board of Directors of the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA). The RHRA is the body that creates the legislation and will license homes, conduct inspections, investigate complaints and support residents’ rights. The proposed draft legislation, released in February of this year, will go through a process before being passed. To view information related to this legislation, visit www.seniors.gov.on.ca/en/index.php.
Since retirement homes are all independent, there is no standard application form or central processing agency. While many homes prefer that people enter while they are quite independent and functional, several also offer the option of ‘aging in place’ and are willing to offer a continuum of care. This allows people to remain in their ‘home’ (provided they can afford the increase in cost this entails) should their care needs increase over time.
Several homes also offer the option of ‘secure care’ for those with forms of dementia and those who may be at risk of wandering, as well as assisted living for those with increased care needs, short-term respite care for those who need time to recuperate after an illness, vacation care to provide caregiver relief, and trial stays for prospective tenants.
When it comes to retirement residences, choices are almost unlimited. However, that doesn’t make choosing one easy. It is of utmost importance that you be an informed consumer. No decision of any kind should be made without visiting a few residences, meeting with staff, sampling the food, meeting residents, talking to other families, and if possible, staying in the home you are most interested in for a few days or a week.
There are some wonderful retirement homes in Ontario, but what is perfect for one person might not be right for someone else. Choosing a home is a very personal decision and the utmost care must be taken when making that choice.
Esther Goldstein, B.Sc., B.S.W., RSW, is a former acute care hospital social worker and the author of the Comprehensive Guide to Retirement Living®, now in its 14th edition. She also administers the affiliated national website www.senioropolis.com, and lectures on eldercare issues in various venues. For further information on this and other topics related to seniors and relocation, visit www.senioropolis.com.
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