This is my first year attending the Together We Care conference, and I decided I'm going to document it.

# Why am I at Together We Care?

1. Network
2. Raise Awareness about Elderado
3. Learn more about the problems facing retirement & long-term care homes.

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# Tuesday at Together We Care
At the opening of the conference it was remarked that Together We Care is the biggest senior care conference in Canada.  Together We Care is co-hosted by the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) and the Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA).  There's 1,800 people here today.

This conference began with the usual opening remarks by leaders of the host organizations, and then was followed up by an address by the Minister of Long-Term Care, Stan Cho.  This was the first time I've seen Minister Cho speak live - he was a great story teller and seemed to turn the room after Premier Doug Ford's video remarks only got a luckwarm response.  I managed to get a minute with Minister Cho before he had to depart.  Minister Cho invited me to the Ministry office to demo Elderado.  It's out there now, so Minister Cho, if you happen to read this, I'm going to follow-up with you until it happens!

## Senior Living Occupancy Recovery Roadmap
During the morning session I was most interested in Jodi Flanagan's session, Senior Living Occupancy Recovery Roadmap.  Jodi is the President of [Senior Living Pro](https://www.seniorlivingpro.ca/).  Two of my takeaways from Jodi's session were:

- Vacancy value - what is the cost of an empty retirement home suite for an operator?
- Relationship based selling - building real trust and connections with perspective sellers.

Jodi does a lot of work helping retirement homes put their best foot forward for prospective residents, but I wanted to know from Jodi what she thinks someone who is looking at moving into a retirement home should look for during a tour.  This is what she said:
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# Tradeshow

I really like how they set up lunch.  There were buffet stations set up around the tradeshow floor, which encouraged attentees to meet in mingle - which was a big positive for me.  Together We Care doesn't have as many natural opportunities to connect as the AgeCare Age Tech Conference did, so I need to create opportunities to network.  I ate lunch with a lovely woman named Sam from Tender Care Living Center, who is in charge of culinary at her long-term care home.  After lunch it was time to walk the tradeshow floor.

There are a lot of exhibits.  I didn't count, but I heard there are over 200.  I only got to explore half the floor today.  There are lots of pharmacutical companies and staffing agencies, but I was looking for cool tech, or products that I think could be useful for caregivers.


## Gerry

[Gerry](https://mygerry.com/) helps share information with families who have a loved one in long-term care.  Currently family members have to rely on calling or visiting the long-term care home.  Gerry automates this process by providing you access to information that care providers to your loved ones are inputting into their own system.  Gerry co-founder, Kamran Kirmani, shared more about this.
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TEimQ0imoFg
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## ONESource Moving Solutions
Moving an aging loved one comes with all sorts of challenges your don't have to deal with during a typical move.  Typically there will be a need to sell, store, or discard items.  This can be a difficult process that needs a compassionate touch.  Nicole Ridley from [ONESource Moving Solutions](https://onesourcemoving.ca/) shared their approach to helping a senior relocate.
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/X-SL4qtwDlU
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## Chef Jasper
Interested in a robot chef?  [Chef Jasper](https://www.chefjasper.com/) is a robot that can prepare up to 9 different meals per hour.  Chef Jasper Engineer, Milad Asgari, shared more information about their robot cook.
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_QGRQsDbvDI
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## Smpl Technology
Technology can be complicated.  [Smpl Technology](https://smpltec.com/) aims to simplify that.  Easy-to-use phones, one touch radios, and more.  Smpl COO, Gary Rotman, shares details about their aging at home electronics.
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B1GihV6XjlY
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## wissner-bosserhoff
The [wissner-bosserhoff](https://www.wi-bo.com/en-WI) booth was getting a lot of action.  I stopped by to hear from Christopher Loy about their Sentida bed.
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E15pBQjN0vs
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# Afternoon sessions

In the afternoon I had a more relaxed schedule.  [PointClickCare](https://pointclickcare.com/) is a name I hear a lot, so I decided to attend their session where they outlined their updates for 2024.  After that I attended a Newtorking Bootcamp put on by Sheri Tomchick, Founder of [Plan A Long Term Care Staffing & Recruitment,](https://www.jointheateam.com/) and [StaffStat](https://staffstat.ca/).  It's the first time I've attended a networking 'bootcamp' at a conference, and Sheri shared a number of nuggets that were good reminders.  If you've ever read Dale Carnegie's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, it was almost a coles note version.

# Day 1 Verdict

I had a good day 1.  The custom t-shirt was a good investment.  I had 8 people come up to me because of it.  I was really happy I was able to connect with the Minister of Long-Term Care, Stan Cho.  Also, it was great to meet so many new people, and learn about some of the challenges facing elder care.  I've heard tonight's dinner is the best opportunity all conference to network, but you know what they say - what happen's at the Together We Care 'Margarittaville' dinner stays at the TWC Margarittaville dinner!
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xvs5sCXJJco
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Tuesday at the 2024 Together We Care Conference co-hosted by ORCA and the OLTCA

Today, April 2, is National Caregivers Day.  It's a day to honour all caregivers - a job that can feel lonely, and be thankless at times, but it can also be the best job in the world.  I didn't know what a caregiver was when I first started - I thought I was just helping out my Grandparents and my Mom.  But with time I've been able to see the crucial role caregivers play.

# What is a caregiver?
The [Ontario Caregiver Organization](https://ontariocaregiver.ca/) defines a caregiver as ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour.

# Why should young people be caregivers?
When we think about caregivers to seniors, most of us think of adult children taking care of their aging parents.  Today, I want to make the case to younger people why they should be caregivers to their Grandparents.  Here's 5 reasons Grandchildren should be caregivers.

**1. The stories.**

I'm telling you, the stories you will hear are incredible.  It can be hard to think of grandparents as their younger selves, but they were your age at one point.  You may hear stories that make you laugh and cry, be inspired and in awe - you might even hear some stories your parents have never been told.  Just the stories alone are worth it.

**2. Life lessons.**

Your Grandparents have lived through times we can hardly imagine.  The world has changed a lot in the 20th and 21st century, and it will continue to change.  Your Grandparents have lived through it, and they have incredible perspective.  Sure, they might not be on Tik Tok, but you will learn a lot by listening to what they have to say.

**3. Moments.**

You will create so many snapshots in time that you will cherish.  When I reminisce about my Grandparents, the big events and celebrations are great, but it's the spontaneous moments that make me smile.  It could be something that happened at lunch, an inside joke you shared, really anything.  You can't predict when you will create these moments, but if you keep showing up, they will happen.

**4. Family history.**

Maybe you don't really care about your family history today, but I bet one day you will.  When your Grandparents are gone, parts of your family history will be harder to piece together.  Take the opportunity to learn about where your Grandparents grew up, what their parents were like, and what traditions they had.

**5. It feels good.**

Whether you are helping with daily tasks, or chatting over a cup of coffee, you have the power to make your Grandparents day.  Even if they can't show it, making time to be there matters, and it feels pretty damn good to be able to brighten up someone's day.

You don't have to be a nurse or have any medical training to be a caregiver, you just have to be present.  Some days will be hard, and at times life will get in the way, but I'm telling you that you wont regret the time you spend together.


5 reasons why Grandkids should be caregivers

# The Learn and Earn Accelerated Program is training 90 French-speaking long-term care staff to become personal support workers

The Learn and Earn Accelerated Program is training 90 French-speaking long-term care staff to become personal support workers (PSWs). $2.5 million will be spent on this program to address the labour shortage in the field and to provide an all-encompassing education of online coursework and paid clinicals to allow participants to complete the course without leaving their communities. When care providers can speak the mother tongue of residents it improves their quality of life and independence. 

To find care in a language besides English, use [Elderado](https://www.elderado.ca/view?address=) to filter care options by 22 languages best suited to your needs.

Read more about this story on [BayToday.ca](https://www.baytoday.ca/more-local/number-of-french-speaking-personal-support-workers-in-long-term-care-increasing-8488932).

## Chartwell Heritage Glen Retirement Residence in Mississauga is closing, leaving 200 seniors looking for a new home


Chartwell Heritage Glen Retirement Residence in Mississauga is closing, leaving 200 seniors looking for a new home. Chartwell claims that due to its aging infrastructure, the residence is unstainable preventing it from operating. Therefore, Chartwell has compensated residents with three months’ rent and will be covering the cost of all relocation within a 50 km radius to help with the transition process. Residents are left devastated and stressed as they face challenges looking for another care home including location, affordability, eligibility, and wait times. This news follows the closing of Cedarvale Terrace long-term care in Toronto, and fears that as many as 7 other long-term care homes in Toronto could shut their doors by the end of 2025.

Read more about this story on [CBC.ca](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/chartwell-heritage-glen-sale-1.7154114&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1711656594968397&usg=AOvVaw058gUYaTwn5w3cNdzaCmRh).

## Ontario Hospitals and Long-term care homes spent almost $1-billion on staffing agencies for nurses and personal support workers last year

In 2023, Ontario Hospitals and Long-term care homes spent almost $1 billion on staffing agencies for nurses and personal support workers. Due to staff shortages, hospitals and long-term care homes have relied on staffing agencies to fill shifts with temporary employees and nurses. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said Ontario's growing reliance on staffing agencies means more tax dollars are ending up in the hands of agencies that are allowed to charge whatever they want. Despite Health Minister Sylvia Jones claiming that the usage of agencies has reduced in the province, the results continue to display a rise in usage and costs as Ontario’s Healthcare continues to face challenges of labour shortage.  

Read more on [CP24.com](https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-hospitals-ltc-homes-spent-nearly-1b-on-agency-staff-last-year-1.6820593).

## Lancaster Care Home Unveils New Bright Mural

In a positive and bright display of art, The Lancaster Long Term Care Residence unveils a newly hand-painted floral mural across the 200 wing of the facility. Artists Sara Leger and Erynn Doherty express the joys of painting the mural and the sense of community it fosters. Residents quickly fell in love with this newly painted space and claimed that, “The bright colours and flowers make me feel at home.”

Find this story on [Cornwall Seaway News](https://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/community/lancaster-care-home-brightened-by-new-mural/).

## Family struggles to move mother across country to B.C. care home

In Kelowna, B.C., residents Darla Brown and Nikki Drinkwalter face challenges moving their mother from a subsidized care home in Crapaud, P.E.I., to a care home in British Columbia due to the province’s residency requirements. Brown and Drinkwalter’s 71-year-old mother who is blind, partially paralyzed, and depressed, is experiencing declining health. They want to move their mother closer to family but struggle to apply on the waitlists of B.C. care homes due to the province’s three-month residency requirement. The daughters expressed that over their two-year application process, Interior Health declined their application to waive the requirement and left them with the alternative of moving their mother to B.C. and paying for private care until her application gets approved which can be long and costly.

Find this story on [CBC.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/family-struggles-to-move-mother-across-country-to-b-c-care-home-1.7151209).


This week in elder care news - March 29, 2024

Are you looking for long-term care for a senior of Chinese heritage? When we are looking for a long-term care home for loved ones, we want to find a home that will make the experience as comfortable and familiar. Choosing a long-term care home that offers care in Cantonese or Mandarin, or holds a Chinese Cultural Designation, can offer many benefits that can help your loved one feel at home.

# Why pick a Chinese culturally designated home that supports your loved one’s culture?

## Dementia

*Food*

People with Alzheimer’s and dementia may develop a poor appetite. The Alzheimer’s Association says this may be due to food being unfamiliar. By selecting a home that serves Chinese cuisine, you’ll help your loved one get access to foods they know and reduce chances of them developing a poor appetite.
Senior administrator Stella Leung from Mon Sheong Long Term Care Centre said in a CBC news article that seniors will be more likely to eat foods they are familiar with which will improve their nutrition and health.

*Language*

Language barriers are difficult, and even more so with dementia. Seniors with dementia often forget second and third languages they learned later in life like English and fall back on their mother tongue. Picking a long-term care home that can speak your loved one’s Chinese dialect will help communicate so they can remain independent longer.  Staff that can speak your loved one’s language allows seniors to communicate their needs properly and they can feel as comfortable as possible. Family members of those living in a culturally designated long-term care home feel that their loved ones are doing better off there than they would be if they lived in non-culturally designated long-term care homes.

*General comfort*

Placing your loved one in a Chinese long-term care home can also help them avoid issues like isolation, culture shock, and discrimination.


Unfortunately, there is also a price to pay for this. Chinese long-term care homes can often have longer than usual wait times with more people on the waitlists.

# What do long term care homes with cultural designations offer?

## Cultural Food Options

Long-term care homes that serve Chinese residents may have special menus or food options to cater to them. Homes may offer Chinese vegetables like bok choy(白菜) and dishes such as congee (稀饭), char siu/chāshāo (叉烧), and cheung fun/ chángfěn/ rice noodle roll (肠粉). 

## Cultural activities

It’s also nice to have your loved one have access to entertainment options catered towards Chinese culture that they will enjoy. Some of the activities may include:

- Calligraphy
- Chinese Opera
- Mahjong (麻将)
- Chinese Church Services

Chinese long-term care homes will also celebrate Chinese culture holidays like Chinese New Year. Holidays are a great opportunity to join your loved ones in their new home and build new traditions.

## Language

Mandarin and Cantonese are the two most common Chinese dialects in long-term care in the Greater Toronto Area. Homes may or may not offer support for other dialects. We recommend that you phone potential home choices ahead of applying to see if they have staff that speak that dialect. 

# Chinese long-term care (nursing homes) in Toronto


## Mon Sheong Home for the Aged (孟嘗安老院)

Located at 36 D’Arcy Street in Kensington-Chinatown, just south of the University of Toronto, [Mon Sheong Home for the Aged](https://www.elderado.ca/info/84/mon-sheong-home-for-the-aged) is a non-profit nursing home that caters towards Chinese residents. All signs in the home are bilingual (Chinese-English) and Mon Sheong Home for the Aged has a built-in barber shop and physiotherapy room. The dialects offered at this home are Mandarin and Cantonese and Mon Sheong Home for the Aged offers memory care and has a dementia unit. Mon Sheong also offers a home in Scarborough at 2030 McNicoll Avenue. 

## Yee Hong (頤康) Long-term care centres

Yee Hong has 4 locations - 2 in Scarborough, 1 in Mississauga, and 1 in Markham. Yee Hong Long-term care centres are non-profit homes, and they cater to Chinese residents. 
The Yee Hong Long-term care centres are:

- [Yee Hong Centre – Markham](https://www.elderado.ca/info/19/yee-hong-centre-markham)
- [Yee Hong Centre – Mississauga](https://www.elderado.ca/info/166/yee-hong-centre-mississauga)
- [Yee Hong Centre - Scarborough McNicoll](https://www.elderado.ca/info/35/yee-hong-centre-scarborough-mcnicoll)
- [Yee Hong Centre – Scarborough Finch](https://www.elderado.ca/info/29/yee-hong-centre-scarborough-finch)

Yee Hong homes offer Chinese food menus & activities, as well as support in Cantonese and Mandarin, and they celebrate Chinese holidays. 

## Tendercare Living Centre

Located near the intersection of McNicoll Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, [Tendercare Living Centre](https://www.elderado.ca/info/46/tendercare-living-centre) is a for-profit long-term care home. Tendercare Living Centre allows its residents to order dishes through tablets and offers Chinese vegetables during meals such as Gai Lan/ jièlán (芥兰), Yóucài/Choy Sum (油菜/菜心) and Bok Choy (白菜). Other dishes include Bāozi/buns (包子), congee (稀饭),  char siu/chāshāo (叉烧), mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐). White rice is offered at every lunch and dinner session. 

Relevant activities include Mahjong, Buddhist services, Kung fu films, and Chinese church services.
Languages offered here include Mandarin and Cantonese.

## The Heritage Nursing Home

Not far from the lake, the Heritage Nursing Homeis a for-profit nursing home in Leslieville that offers a range of Chinese activities such as Mahjong, bingo in Chinese, and Cantonese opera as well as services from two Chinese churches. In addition, Heritage Nursing Home provides a menu specifically designed for Chinese residents. The languages offered here are Cantonese and Mandarin. 

For more details check out [The Heritage Nursing Home's page on Elderado.](https://www.elderado.ca/info/68/the-heritage-nursing-home) 

# Conclusion

Finding a home that looks and feels like the home a resident is moving from helps them to transition to their new surroundings.  You can use Elderado to filter retirement homes and long-term care in Ontario by 22 languages and 21 cultural designations.  It is important to note that not all staff in a home will be able to speak the language, but they will do their best match residents who are most comfortable speaking a language besides English with a care provider that can speak their language. 


Chinese long-term care homes in Toronto 

Elderado is looking for a Social Media Marketing Intern to manage the Elderado social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.  

We are looking for someone who is excited about the opportunity and responsibility associated with working at a startup.  As a startup, you will be asked to wear many hats, take initiative, and work independently.  We are looking for someone who can take ownership over our social media accounts for the summer.  You need to be comfortable planning content, and then also getting in-front of the camera (likely your cell phone) to produce that conten - we need someone who is creative and resourceful. 

Responsibilities include:

- Researching opportunities
- Pitching ideas
- Planning the social media posting schedule
- Producing content (images, video, blogs, captions, hashtags)
- Engaging with comments on owned accounts, and other accounts
- Analyzing results
- Reporting on progress and results to the rest of the team

You don't need to be a professional videographer, but understanding how to use CapCut, VN, or other video editing software/apps will be important for success.  Additionally, an understanding of how to use Canva, Unfold, or other simple photo editing platforms/apps is important.  If you don't know how to use any of these Apps but are interested in the role, it will not take you long to download the free version and learn the basics.  

Experience managing a social media account is an asset, but not a requirement for this role. Also, experience in the elder care industry is an asset, but not a requirement for this role.

**Who Should Apply**

This is a great role for someone in College or University, or a recent graduate, but if that's not you and you think you will be a great fit, reach out.

**How to Apply**

Applications can be sent to Daniel - daniel@elderado.ca.  Send a resume and a video that is 1-minute long or less that tells us about who you are, and why you would be a good fit for this role.  Only applications including a resume and video will be considered.

**Application Deadline**

Applications will be considered on an on-going basis with the first interviews scheduled on or after April 11, 2024.  

**Start Date**

Early May.

Elderado Social Media Marketing Internship - 2024

# Nearly 300 Ontario seniors moved to long-term care homes they didn't choose  


Under Bill 7 (*[More Beds, Better Care Act, 2022](https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-7)*), about 300 seniors have been moved from hospitals to long-term care homes they did not choose. The long-term care home can be up to 150 km away. Not only can it happen without consent, but the hospital can charge the patient $400 per day if the transfer to long-term care is refused. While these moves were made to free up space in hospitals, it has caused significant stress and difficulty for the relocated seniors and their families.

You can find the full story by Allison Jones and Liam Casey from The Canadian Press [HERE](https://www.cp24.com/news/nearly-300-ontario-patients-moved-to-ltc-homes-they-didn-t-choose-1.6815299).  

# Calls are growing for family caregivers to have a formal role in hospitals & long-term care 


As healthcare continues to be plagued with shortages, many family caregivers are calling to have a more formal role in the care of their loved ones who are in hospitals and long-term care homes. A volunteer at the Sault Ste. Marie Area Hospital, Louis Ferron says, "It's a matter of educating people to accept caregivers as part of the health team."

You can find the full story by Kate Rutherford on [CBC.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sault-ste-marie-caregivers-medical-care-family-1.7145360).   


# Winnipeg senior sets provincial weight lifting record 


81-year-old Ron Brunner set a new bench press record in the province of Manitoba at the “The One Power Lifting Classic” event. Brunner managed to bench 71.5 pounds, or 32.4 kg. Bunner said he started with small weights and worked upwards during his workouts at his home at Riverwood Square Retirement Living. Brunner preserved even when those around him warned him he could be risking injury. Bunner is not worried and believes the exercise will help his health rather than hurt it.

You can find the full story by Jon Hendricks on [CTV](https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg-senior-citizen-sets-provincial-weight-lifting-record-1.6811009).  

# Ontario expands nurse-led teams for long-term care 

To support Ontario’s long-term care system, the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario (NPAO) and the government of Ontario have created nurse-led outreach teams. These teams work by providing tailored healthcare interventions in the homes to provide personalized and timely care without needing to rush seniors to the hospital.

You can find the full story by Emma Butler on [Pembroke Today](https://www.pembroketoday.ca/2024/03/20/ontario-expands-nurse-led-teams-for-long-term-care/).  

# UNB project helps nursing home patients, takes pressure off hospitals 

In late 2022, The University of New Brunswick launched a pilot project that aims to alleviate the stress from the healthcare system. Called the Radiography on Wheels project, it consists of a mobile x-ray unit that can be transported in a van. Radiography on Wheels supported 13 long-term care homes in Saint John, New Brunswick. Instead of having to arrange transport to and from the hospital and waiting for an appointment, it’s in and out in 15 minutes with the results delivered in about an hour.


You can find the full story by Lane Harrison of CBC [HERE](https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/movies/unb-project-helps-nursing-home-205205273.html). 

This week in elder care news - March 22, 2024

Getting started on your search for a long-term care home can be daunting. It’s a big decision that is often made during a stressful time. While Elderado makes it easy to narrow your long-term care options to the homes that are the best fit, how do you begin the process of applying for long-term care? You need to contact [Ontario Health atHome](https://ontariohealthathome.ca/long-term-care/).

# What is Ontario Health atHome?

Ontario Health atHome offer services in the form of:
- Comprehensive care through needs assessment, care planning, and coordination for post-acute, and long-stay patients, including emergency responses and placement into specialized care settings.
- Direct in-home services facilitated by care coordinators, including assessment, eligibility determination, service authorization, and coordination of various therapies, nursing, and support services to aid transitions and manage care plans.
- Direct care encompassing a range of professional health services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology, dietetics, and nursing, including specialized care and medical assistance in dying.
- Support for in-home care extends to arranging medical supplies, equipment, and drug benefits for eligible persons, as well as training for caregivers to assist with or provide specific services.
- Admission processes for long-term care homes are managed, assessing need and eligibility.
- Educational support services provided to children with special needs in public and private schooling, including necessary medical supplies and equipment.

In 2024 Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) was rebranded Ontario Health atHome.  In 2021, Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) were rebranded as Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS).  Ontario Health atHome is funded and regulated by the Ministry of Health and is directed by a Board of Directors chosen by the provincial government.

# How can Ontario Health atHome help?

One of Ontario Health atHome's core services is their care coordination, ensuring patients receive the vital services and supports to thrive at every health care phase. This includes providing information, conducting health assessments, creating care plans, and facilitating connections to community services or long-term care homes, all personalized to meet individual needs. Care coordinators, equipped with a broad range of expertise in areas like nursing, social work, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, serve as vital links between patients, their families, and the wider health care system. Care coordinators ensure seamless communication and support across various settings, including hospitals, schools, and homes. By developing customized care plans, these professionals work alongside primary care providers and other health specialists to modify care as needed and connect patients with additional community resources, enhancing their recovery and overall well-being.

To get referred with a care coordinator, call Ontario Health atHome at 310-2222 (no area code required) or visit a local branch near you. You may call for yourself or call on behalf of a loved one or friend that has given you consent. If the perspective long-term care resident in question is unable to give consent, then the substitute decision maker who holds Power of Attorney for Personal Care may make the decision on their behalf.

Care coordinators determine your eligibility for placement into a long-term care home by conducting a multi-part assessment. This assessment consists of capacity, functional, behavioural assessment, and a health assessment. Ontario Health atHome will use this information to assess your eligibility into long-term care and level of need as you may be able to get by through other forms of care such as home care with community support. 

# How much does Long-Term Care cost?

Personal and nursing care costs in long-term care is covered by the Ontario government, however, residents at a long-term home are required to pay for accommodation and meals. As of July 1, 2024 the maximum fees for long-term care set by the Ministry of Long-Term Care is as follows:

Basic - $2,036.40

Semi-Private - $2,455.24

Private - $2,909.36

This cost does not include fees for additional services such as internet, cable TV and transportation. 

# Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program

The Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program is available if you are unable to cover the cost of long-term care.  The Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program only applies to Basic accommodations – even if a home doesn’t have basic accommodations, or non are available.  Eligible for the Rate Reduction Program is as follows:

- If you are 65 or over; you may qualify for Old Age Security(OAS) 
- If you are 65 or over, you may qualify for Guaranteed Income Supplement (if you’re age 65 or older)
- If you are under 65, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

You are required to re-apply every year for a rate reduction.

More information on rate reduction calculations can be found on the [Ontario Health atHome website](https://ontariohealthathome.ca/long-term-care/eligibility-and-admission/).

# Next steps in Applying for Long-Term Care

To qualify a placement into a long-term care home, you must:

- Be 18 years old or older.
- Own a valid Ontario Health Card
- Have health care needs that cannot be met with any combination of caregiving, care in your home, or care in your community. 
- Have health care needs that can be met in a Long‐Term Care Home

Upon being deemed eligible, you will have to provide a shortlist of up to five homes in order of preference and will be placed into a waitlist for these homes.
 
# Compare long-term care homes with Elderado

You can use Elderado to compare every long-term care home in Ontario - click [HERE](https://www.elderado.ca/get-started) to get started. Information about long-term care home’s used to be fragmented across multiple websites including Ontario.ca, Ontario Health atHome, Public Reporting on LTC, HQ Ontario, the homes own webpage, YouTube, and Google Reviews. Elderado simplified the process of comparing homes by combining the most valuable information from all of these resources into one place. 

With Elderado you can search anywhere in Ontario, and filter your options by care services, languages of care, cultural designations, and more.

When comparing homes you can review video tours, inspection reports, sample menus, activity calendars, room layouts, HQ Ontario stats, and Google Reviews.

You can also contact long-term care homes directly from their page on Elderado to ask questions or schedule a tour.

We want to help simplify the process of finding the right long-term care home so you can spend less time looking for information, and more time with your loved ones.

# What should you consider when comparing long-term care homes?

Everyone’s situation is unique, and it should be treated as such.  With that being said, for most of us the top priority when considering homes is whether they can provide the care that is needed.  After care, priorities are largely individual.

Location is typically near the top of most people’s priority list.  Is the long-term care home in a location where it’s easy for friends or family to visit?  This might mean it’s in the community where you are already living, or it could mean moving to a home closer to loved ones.

Language is also very important, especially if dementia or Alzheimer’s is a concern.  Being in an environment that speaks your native tongue allows you to remain independent longer. It can also make it easier to adjust to your new surroundings.

Matching the cultural designation of a long-term care home with the lifestyle you’ve been living can help make the transition to long-term care easier.  In a culturally designation long-term care home the meals and activities are tailored to the culture, and many of the residents will be from that culture.

Activity calendars and sample menus give a glimpse into day-to-day life at the long-term care home.  Google Reviews & HQ Ontario stats both provide an idea of how a home is performing.  And a video tour is a great way to get a sense of the environment and feel in the home.

Despite being able to compare long-term care homes on Elderado, we recommend touring your top choices in person to get the best understanding of what life is like in the home.  You can contact long-term care homes directly through Elderado on their individual pages.

# Waitlists and wait-times for long-term care

The waitlist represents the number of people waiting for an available space in their preferred bed type and specific long-term care home.  This means that a person can be on multiple waitlists. Each person on the waitlist is assigned a priority category.  The categories are as follows:
- Category 1: This category is for individuals requiring urgent placement into long-term care facilities due to the inability to meet their care needs at home or for those currently hospitalized during a hospital crisis. It also includes residents of a long-term care home that is scheduled to close within 12 weeks.
- Category 2: This category encompasses individuals aiming to be reunited with their spouses or partners who are already living in a long-term care home, provided they meet the necessary care and eligibility criteria.
- Category 3A: This category covers individuals awaiting admission to a long-term Care Home that caters to specific religious, ethnic, or cultural groups. It includes those with significant care needs who can receive support at home until a placement is available, individuals in hospitals awaiting long-term care, and current long-term care residents looking for transfer to their preferred facility.
- Category 3B: Individuals in this category are also waiting for a long-term Care Home serving specific religious, ethnic, or cultural communities. This group can manage their care needs at home with assistance, though they face longer waiting periods for placement.
- Category 4A: Similar to Category 3A, this category includes people with substantial care requirements who are supported at home while awaiting a bed, those in hospitals in need of long-term care, and long-term care residents seeking transfer to a facility of choice.
- Category 4B: This group consists of individuals managing their care needs at home with support services, experiencing longer wait times for long-term care placement, akin to Category 3B.
- Veteran: This category is designated for veterans applying for placement in a Long-term Care Home that offers Veteran Priority Access Beds

Your priority category will have a significant impact on how long you can expect to remain on the waitlist. People in the highest (most urgent) categories are offered spaces that become available first. This means that someone who is assigned to Category 3A will need to wait until everyone in Category 1 & 2 is moved off the waitlist for the same bed type in the same long-term care home before a space would be available to them.

# Placement Offer

After making your list of up to five long-term care homes and being put on a waitlist, the next steps would be:
- Responding to a placement offer, a response must be made within 24 hours
- If accepted, you will have up to 5 days to move in
- If your offer is not for your first choice you can accept the offer and move in but choose to remain on the waiting list for your first choice

Failure to respond, rejecting a placement offer or failing to move-in within 5 days will mean the removal from every waiting list you’re on. A 12-week waiting period will follow before you can reapply.

# Other Services from Ontario Health atHome

Perhaps you are hoping to remain in your home for the time being, but could use some help. Ontario Health atHome can also asses you for home care services.  When you contact Ontario Health atHome for home care services they will evaluate your care requirements, assess if you qualification for services, and if you qualify - create a care plan tailored to your needs. Should you not meet the criteria for home care services, Ontario Health atHome can offer guidance or refer you to alternative resources more aligned with your needs. 

Home care services may include nursing care to assist with medications, bandage changes, wound cleaning, and recovery from injuries or health issues. Physiotherapy services can offer support for back pain, mobility challenges, circulation issues, pain relief, and relaxation. Occupational therapy cab help simplify daily activities and improve mobility within your home, while speech-language pathology can provide support for seniors struggling with speech or comprehension. Social workers are available to assist caregivers in managing stress and help families navigate conflicts, and nutrition experts can assess eating habits to develop healthy eating plans. Additionally, personal support services from a personal support worker (PSW) may be available to aid with everyday living activities such as washing, bathing, mouth care, hair care, skin care, mobility assistance, dressing, eating, and toileting.

For those also receiving personal support services or needing constant supervision due to cognitive impairments or brain injuries, homemaking services can be accessed. These include housecleaning, laundry, shopping, banking, bill payments, menu planning, and meal preparation, along with child care, ensuring comprehensive support for a healthier, more manageable daily routine.

Referral for home care can be made on your own, or anyone you consent to contact Ontario Health atHome. To start the application process call 310-2222 (no area code required). These services are publicly funded and will be at no cost to you if you qualify. To determine whether you qualify, contact Ontario Health atHome and speak with a care-coordinator.

## What’s the application process for home care?

When you seek home care services from Ontario Health atHome, a care coordinator will initially evaluate your needs and check your eligibility for their services, which may include a home visit for a thorough assessment.

Ontario Health atHome will determine your qualification for government-funded services, considering your specific needs and available community resources, and might direct you to other local care providers if necessary.
If eligible, Ontario Health atHome collaborate with you and any person you choose to develop a personalized home care plan, reflecting your preferences influenced by ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, familial, and cultural factors.

The care plan is enacted by Ontario Health atHome’s staff or through affiliated service providers, with arrangements made for scheduled care visits.

Should your situation or needs evolve, your care plan can be reviewed and adjusted by your case manager or care coordinator, who remains your point of contact for updates or concerns regarding your care. 

# In Conclusion

[Ontario Health atHome](https://ontariohealthathome.ca/long-term-care/) provides a range of services for anyone seeking support for themselves or a loved one. If you are looking for elder care support you should connect with Ontario Health atHome at 310-2222 to speak to a care coordinator.


Navigating Long-Term Care and Ontario Health atHome

Choosing a long-term care home for yourself or a loved one is a big decision that can impact quality of life and well-being. [Get Started on Elderado](https://www.elderado.ca/get-started) makes it easy to narrow your focus to the long-term care homes that are likely to be the best fit.  Once you are focused on 4-7 homes, an in-person tour is an important step in the selection process, offering a first-hand look into day-to-day life, amenities, care, and conditions in long-term care homes.

We recently came across a [long-term care home checklist](https://concernedfriends.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/LTCH-Checklist.pdf) from [Concerned Friends](https://concernedfriends.ca/) that we feel is a great resource for anyone conducting in-person tours of long-term care homes.

# Why we like the Concerned Friends LTCH Checklist

## It's easy to follow

The [Concerned Friends LTCH Checklist](https://concernedfriends.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/LTCH-Checklist.pdf) is broken up into nine sections:

1. Physical Facility
2. Community
3. Daily Life for a Resident
4. Activities
5. Meal Services
6. Staffing and Staff Training
7. Medical Care
8. Approach to Care
9. Additional Services

All of us will have different priorities when choosing a long-term care home.  You don't need to ask every question on the Concerned Friends LTCH Checklist, but they make it easy to ask questions about the aspects of long-term care that are most important to you.  And because the Concerned Friends checklist is thorough, just reviewing it can help you start thinking about your priorities.

## You don't need to be an expert in long-term care

Many of us start the process of looking for long-term care overwhelmed, stressed, and under time-pressure. 
 Despite our best intentions, about 90% of families don't begin considering their options for long-term care until it is needed.  The Concerned Friends long-term care home checklist is a great way to get up to speed on what you might want to consider when choosing a long-term care home.

## Tours of long-term care care homes can be overwhelming

It can be hard to know what to look for at a long-term care home.  Whether you've visited someone in long-term care, or your tour is the first time you step into a long-term care home, it's a different feeling when you are looking for a new home for yourself or a loved one.  

We may not be in the best head-space when we are touring a long-term care home.  Typically we are touring long-term care during a stressful time that most of us are not prepared for.  At the end of a long-term care home tour, referencing the Concerned Friends LTCH Checklist is a great way to ensure you've collected all the information you are looking for to help make a decision on the right care.

## Conculsion
Touring long-term care homes can be difficult and time consuming.  The Concerned Friends long-term care home checklist helps make the process of touring long-term care homes a little bit easier.  Whether you used the Concerned Friends checklist, or you make your own, you are going to want to be prepared to ensure the time your are spending is a product visit that answers your most important questions.

*You can learn more about Concerned Friends at [ConcernedFriends.ca](https://concernedfriends.ca/).*

Maximizing Your Visit: A Guide to Touring Long-Term Care Homes

*Image courtesy of [Peter Istvan Photography](https://www.peteristvanphotography.com/)*

It’s March 15, 2024, and this is the week in elder care news.

## Six of Ontario's largest long-term care providers are facing class action lawsuits related to their handeling of the COVID-19 pandemic 
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice certified class action suits against six of Ontario's largest long-term care providers, claiming gross negligence that led to illnesses and deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This comes less than a month after the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a ruling to allow a class action suit against Ontario's long-term care minister. 
*[You can find the full story by Ethan Lang on CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/class-action-ltc-1.7143572)*

## Park Street Place retirement home in Dresden, Ontario is closing it's doors after licence revoked by the RHRA
The Park Street Place retirement home in Dresden announced on social media that they will be closing their doors. The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) was set to revoke the Park Street Place license, effective May 29, 2024.

## It was picture day for residents at Gardens of Parry Sound
In brighter news, residents at Gardens of Parry Sound got dressed in their best for picture day!  Photographer Peter Istvan of [Peter Istvan Photography](https://www.peteristvanphotography.com/) offered complementary headshots to residents.  The day was a big hit, creating lasting memories for residents and their loved ones.  

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