*In April 2024 the NORC Innovation Centre at University Health Network published [A Home Care Model for Natrually Occuring Retirement Communities in Ontario](https://norcinnovationcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/A-Home-Care-Model-for-NORCs-in-Ontario.pdf).  This is a summary of our key takeaways from that report.*

With an aging population, the demand for home care services in Ontario is increasing, and the current system is straining to keep up. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) are a new-ish concept designed to improve home care in Ontario, making it easier for older adults to receive the care they need while remaining in their homes.

# What Are NORCs?

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, or NORCs, are residential areas where a large number of older adults live, even though these areas were not specifically designed for seniors. In Ontario, nearly 2,000 such communities have been identified, housing over 200,000 older adults. These communities provide a unique opportunity to improve home care delivery due to the high concentration of seniors living in close proximity.

# Current State of Home Care in NORCs

## Challenges Faced by Residents

Residents in NORCs face several challenges with the current home care system:

- **Confusion and Frustration**: Many older adults are confused about how the home care system works and what services they are eligible for. This leads to frustration with scheduling and coordinating care from multiple agencies.
- **Underfunding**: The home care sector is underfunded, which limits the ability to provide adequate compensation and training for staff.
- **Fragmentation**: Over one-third of NORC buildings in Ontario have four or more home care agencies providing services, leading to a lack of coordination and inefficiency.

## Statistics

- **Service Hours**: Personal support workers (PSWs) delivered nearly 3.5 million hours of home care services in Ontario's NORCs in 2022-23, valued at over $120 million.

## Proposed NORC-Based Home Care Model

The report suggests a new model for delivering home care in NORCs that is client-centered, efficient, and better for workers. Here are the key features:

- **Single Lead Agency**: Each NORC would have one lead home care agency responsible for coordinating and providing care. This would reduce fragmentation and improve coordination.
- **Dedicated PSWs**: Personal support workers would be dedicated to specific NORCs, allowing them to work full-time or part-time shifts with minimal travel. This would enable PSWs to provide more consistent and personalized care.
- **Local Decision-Making**: The lead home care agency would make day-to-day care scheduling decisions, making the system more responsive to the needs of residents.
- **Population-Based Funding**: Funding would be based on the population of the NORC rather than individual service episodes, providing more flexibility to meet the needs of residents.

## Benefits of the New Model

Implementing this new model across all NORCs in Ontario could significantly improve home care services:

- **Increased Efficiency**: The model could provide an additional 754,976 hours of PSW services annually, worth $26.8 million, without requiring significant new funding.
- **Improved Quality of Care**: By having dedicated PSWs and a single coordinating agency, the quality and consistency of care would improve, leading to better health outcomes for residents.
- **Better Working Conditions for PSWs**: The new model would improve working conditions for PSWs by reducing travel time and providing more stable employment, which could help address the chronic shortage of home care workers.

## Recommendations for Implementation

To implement this new model, the report makes several recommendations for the Government of Ontario:

1. **Adopt and Promote the New Model**: The government should adopt and promote the new NORC-based home care model.
2. **Establish Thresholds**: Criteria should be established to identify which NORCs are best suited for the new model.
3. **Pilot the Model**: The model should be piloted by selected Ontario Health Teams to refine and evaluate its effectiveness.
4. **Develop Population-Based Funding**: A funding formula based on the population of NORCs should be developed to support the new model.
5. **Enable Staffing Model Changes**: Home care agencies should be enabled to develop new staffing models that are place- and shift-based.

## Conclusion

With the demand for home care expected to grow by 50% by 2031, it is crucial to find new ways to deliver these services effectively. The proposed NORC-based home care model offers a promising solution to improve the quality and efficiency of care for older adults in Ontario's naturally occurring retirement communities. By leveraging the natural densities of these communities, we can create a system that is better for both residents and workers, ultimately leading to a healthier and more sustainable home care system.

### References

- [NORC Innovation Centre (2024). A Home Care Model for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities in Ontario. Toronto, ON: University Health Network](https://norcinnovationcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/A-Home-Care-Model-for-NORCs-in-Ontario.pdf).
- [Statistics Canada (2023). Census Profile. 2021 Census of Population - Ontario](https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Ontario&DGUIDlist=2021A000235&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1,4&HEADERlist=0).
- [Canadian Institute for Health Information (2023). Wait times for home care services](https://yourhealthsystem.cihi.ca/hsp/inbrief?lang=en&_ga=2.198027503.1962867211.1709062167-1285306854.1696609997&_gl=1*pix7bs*_ga*MTI4NTMwNjg1NC4xNjk2NjA5OTk3*_ga_44X3CK377B*MTcwOTA2MjE2Ni41LjAuMTcwOTA2MjE2Ni4wLjAuMA..#!/indicators/089/wait-times-for-home-care-services/;mapC1;mapLevel2;/).

This article provides an overview of the proposed improvements to home care in NORCs, highlighting the benefits and recommendations for implementation. By adopting this new model, Ontario can ensure that its aging population receives the care they need in a more efficient and coordinated manner.

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) - A New Approach to Home Care in Ontario

**Written by: Rachel Merucci, Licensed Paralegal**

**Note: Information applies to residents of Ontario, Canada only.**

*About 6 years ago (2018), I was faced with the challenge of jumping into caregiving together with my dad, who was quickly losing the ability to care for my mom (his wife) later diagnosed with severe dementia (suspected Alzheimer's). My parents refused all help, and by the time I was "allowed" into their world my mother was not "mentally capable" of creating a Power of Attorney (POA) of any kind.* 

*With much research, pieces of information eventually led me to the idea of "Adult Guardianship". It was (and still is) difficult to find a lawyer providing this service. And the legal fee to attempt the Guardianship process was much higher than my father or I could afford. 
Inspired by my experience as a caregiver, I recently became an Ontario licensed Paralegal. Equipped with this knowledge, I want to share how Adult Guardianship can support your caregiving journey.*

Ideally, every adult should have a legal Will and Powers of Attorney properly prepared and in place, but unfortunately many adults do not. Sometimes, people who suffer from various forms of dementia are diagnosed "too late" and the individual is no longer mentally capable of creating Powers of Attorney. Sometimes our care recipients develop or are born with a developmental disability and therefore may not have the mental capacity to create Powers of Attorney. In either of these scenarios, caregivers, or Substitute Decision Makers (SDM) of the individual should be referred to information regarding how to obtain "Adult Guardianship" to ensure their care recipient's personal care and their property finances are properly and securely managed. 

# There are two types of Powers of Attorney:
1. Continuing Power of Attorney for Personal Care
2. Continuing Power of Attorney for Property

You must be considered "mentally capable" to create these documents, and the definition of "mentally capable" is different for each document. When Powers of Attorney have not been, or cannot be created, Adult Guardianship may be the solution. 

Adult Guardianship is when someone steps in, of their own volition, and is appointed by the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, or appointed by a judge in court, to make decisions for the adult person who is incapable. 

# There are two main types of Adult Guardianships
1. Guardian of Personal Care
2. Guardian of Property

These guardianships essentially "mirror" the purpose of Powers of Attorney. To date, legal fees for seeking Guardianship of Personal Care, Guardianship of Property, or both which is called Guardianship of the Person, can cost caregivers up to approximately $25,000.00. 

Fortunately, for a resident of Ontario, Canada, a default "Substitute Decision Maker" is AUTOMATICALLY appointed to them for medical decisions they are incapable of making, under the Health Care Consent Act. Having an "Automatic SDM" gives the caregiver the opportunity to decide if obtaining Guardianship of Personal Care (or Guardianship of the Person) is necessary since medical decisions can and are made without this legal documentation. 

To learn more about Substitute Decision Maker in Ontario, please review [the Ontario Making Substitute health Care Decisions document](https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/ISBN-0-7794-3016-6.pdf).

## But what happens to the incapable adult's property? 

"Property" in this context means not only real estate, but also managing the incapable adult's bills, belongings, bank accounts, taxes, etc. It contains many required, daily tasks the incapable adult cannot manage. Without legal documentation such as a POA/or Guardianship of Property, caregivers are unable to act on behalf of the incapable adult, REGARDLESS of their relationship. That means even spouses cannot step in to act on behalf of their husband/wife, and parents cannot step in to act on behalf of their incapable adult child once they are 18 years old. 

## There are two ways to become someone's Guardian:

1. Through a judge in court - for one or both guardianship types. (If seeking both guardianships, together it is called "Guardian of the Person")
2. Through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) by application - only available for certain individuals, and only available for Guardian of Property. 

## Things to keep in mind: 

- It is difficult to obtain Guardianship of Personal Care or Guardianship of the Person without the help of a lawyer who specializes in the area of healthcare. (ie: a health lawyer)
- You should thoughtfully consider whether obtaining this is necessary for the benefit of your incapable care recipient.

Process for obtaining Guardianship of the Person through a lawyer can be:
- Lengthy in time,
- Involves extensive paperwork,
- A significant out of pocket expense in legal fees/disbursements. 

For most caregivers and SDMs, Guardianship of Property is the one type of Guardianship that is needed and will ultimately save them much unnecessary hardship. *NOTE: If the incapable adult will be admitted to Long Term Care, POA of Property or Guardian of Property is required to apply for the government of Ontario's Long-Term Care Home Rate Reduction Program.*

Having been in your shoes, my goal is to help caregivers understand and obtain "Adult Guardianship of Property" at an affordable fee. Service is available and applicable to residents of Ontario, Canada only. 

**For more information, please email info@tbhlegal.ca, visit [www.tbhlegal.ca](www.tbhlegal.ca/adultguardianship) or call Rachel Merucci, Licensed Paralegal at 519-777-9303.** 


What Caregivers need to know about Adult Guardianship

Wellesley Central Place is hosting a Pride Party, and you're invited!

**Who?** You are invited.

**What?** 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Seniors at Pride.  It's a free events highlighting local queer performances with food, ice cream, music, & Special Guest Sofonda!

**When?** Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1:00PM–3:00PM.

**Where?** The Rekai Centre at Wellesley Central Place, 160 Wellesley Street East, Toronto. ([Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRdqJynijwZrkr6V6))

**Why?** For a celebrations of 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Seniors at Pride.

[HERE](https://www.rekaicentre.com/assets/pdf/Rainbow%20Seniors%20Event%20Rekai%20&%20Pride%20Toronto%20June%2015th,%202024.pdf) is a link to the invitation.

![image](https://storage.googleapis.com/elderado-prod/wd5STLTB-Rainbow%20Seniors%20Event%20Rekai%20%26%20Pride%20Toronto%20June%2015th%2C%202024.jpg)

## Home to the first 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Wing in Long-Term Care in North America

The Rainbow Wing at Wellesley Central Place became the first Long-Term Care Home in North America to offer a wing designated to members of the 2SLGBTQI community in 2022. To facilitate this change staff were provided cultural education about providing care for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Additional support and programs catering to the inclusive needs of our residents continue to be offered to staff. The physical changes to the Rainbow Wing have already begun with reflective artwork. The Rainbow Wing helps Wellesley Central Place to provide residents as well as the general community with the assurance that they offer an inclusive environment that respect and values the needs of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

## The Rekai Centres

The Rekai Centres, a non-profit, charitable corporation owns and operates two Long-Term Care Homes in downtown Toronto. The Rekai Centres strive to enrich the lives of their residents by transforming its long-term care model, ensuring that they remain part of their downtown community.



2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Seniors at Pride

You need to file a complaint about something in a long-term care home, how do you do it?

# How do I file a complaint about long-term care?

1. File the complaint with the long-term care home.
2. Contact the Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line.
3. Escalate your complaint to the Patient Ombudsman.

## 1. File the complaint with the long-term care home

The first step is filling the complaint with the home.  Every long-term care home is required to post the process to file a complaint in a place where it is easy for residents and the public to see.  If you can't find the process, speak to office staff at the home. If your complaint is in regard to harm or risk of harm to a resident, the home must investigate the complaint right away. They must also immediately send the complaint to the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

For all complaints, a member of staff must let you know that the home has received your complaint within 10 business days.

If the home finds your complaint is valid, they must call or write to let you know:

- what they are doing to resolve your complaint now
- what they plan to do to resolve your complaint in the future
- when you can expect the complaint to be resolved

If the home believes there is no cause for complaint, they must explain why.

## 2. Contact the Ministry of Long-Term care with your complaint 

If you are not happy with the home’s response to your complaint, the next step is to contact the Ministry of Long-Term Care.  For the quickest response, call the Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line at: 1-866-434-0144.  The Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line is available 7-days a week from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If your concern is not time sensitive, you can contact the Ministry of Long-Term Care by email, at mltc.correspondence@ontario.ca, or by mail, at:

Director
Long-Term Care Inspections Branch
Long-Term Care Operations Division
Ministry of Long-Term Care
438 University Avenue, 8th floor
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3

## 3. Escalate to the Patient Ombudsman

If you weren't satisfied after speaking to the home, and the Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line didn’t resolve the issue, you can escalate it to the Patient Ombudsman.  You submit your complaint online [HERE](https://www.patientombudsman.ca/Complaints/Make-a-complaint/Submit-Complaint) or call 1-888-321-0339.  The Patient Ombudsman acts as a neutral body of last resort for complaints about the healthcare system in Ontario.


*Find more information about filing a complaint about something happening in a long-term care home in Ontario on [Ontario.ca.](https://www.ontario.ca/page/long-term-care-home-complaint-process)*

How to file a complaint about long-term care in Ontario?

# Could you use an extra $400/month as a caregiver?

Wayne Gates, MPP for Niagara Falls, and the official Opposition critic for long-term care, introduced legislation for an Ontario Caregiver Support Benefit.  The Caregiver Support Benefit would provide a $400/month caregiver allowance to help offset some of the financial challenges of caregiving for a loved one.  Caregivers are often spending 10-20 hours a week or more providing care, and 77% of caregivers are having to dip into their savings.  According to Gates the Caregiver Support Benefit can save Ontario $480-million on long-term care.

# Ontario Caregiver Support Benefit supporters
The Caregiver Support Benefit is supported by a number of organizations including the Ontario Caregivers Coalition, the Young Caregivers Association, the Alzheimers Society, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, the Canadian Cancer Society, MS Canada, and Community Living Ontario.  It's also supported by Liberal MPP John Fraser & Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner.

If you support the motion for an Ontario Caregiver Support Benefit, Wayne Gates is asking you to write a letter of support to your MPP, which can be done [HERE](https://www.ontariondp.ca/motion-94?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3j-O9cz_CqeL2iwyvCVypaMdceRKl24iJFg_467UGqhPFkjFEMknca2EM_aem_Aco2VWNGohdDURpVfWf8U2eXRzzN0w3Iau2NgedMKuX299Ge0DvhhHuBj6EjFF1v1ESL7qbBOubf7vCZ8W4uFC-O#newmode-embed-9886-66220).

# Conservative Response
Conservative MPP Nolan Quinn provided a rebuttal to the Caregiver Support Benefit.  Although Quinn agreed the status quo for home care is not working, Quinn promoted investments in the current budget, including $2-billion over the next 3 years for Home and Community Care.

# What do you think?
So what do you think?  Is the Ontario Caregiver Support Benefit a good step to supporting caregivers, or would you rather see those resources go towards home and community care?

Ontario Caregiver Support Benefit - $400/month for caregivers proposed by MPP Wayne Gates

# Is Stoney Creek a good place for older adults to live?
Stoney Creek, a suburban community in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for seniors looking for a comfortable and vibrant retirement. With its unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, Stoney Creek offers retirees a lifestyle that is both active and peaceful. This article explores the key aspects of retirement living in Stoney Creek, highlighting healthcare, recreation, and other essential amenities for seniors.

# Population and Senior Demographics in Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek, with a population of approximately 76,000, has a considerable senior community. Seniors aged 65 and over make up about 16% of the population, a figure that underscores the area’s appeal among retirees. The community is predominantly Caucasian, with a growing diversity reflective of the larger Hamilton area.

# Healthcare Facilities Near Stoney Creek

Access to quality healthcare is crucial for seniors. Stoney Creek is in close proximity to several major healthcare facilities, including the Hamilton Health Sciences network. The nearest major hospital is the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, offering comprehensive medical services. In addition, Stoney Creek has numerous health clinics and medical centers, providing routine healthcare and specialized services for seniors.

## Recreational Activities and Programs for Seniors

Stoney Creek offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for seniors. Community centers in the area, such as the Stoney Creek Recreation Centre, provide a range of programs tailored to older adults, including fitness classes, arts and crafts workshops, and social events. The area’s natural attractions, like the scenic trails along the Niagara Escarpment and the waterfront parks, are perfect for outdoor activities.

## Libraries in Stoney Creek

The Hamilton Public Library serves Stoney Creek with branches offering a broad selection of books and digital resources, along with programs and activities designed for seniors. These libraries act as important community hubs, facilitating learning and social connections.

## Transportation in Stoney Creek

Efficient transportation is key for seniors, and Stoney Creek is well-served by public transit. The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) provides bus services throughout the area, and the nearby QEW and Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway offer easy access to surrounding regions.

## Safety and Crime Data in Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek is generally considered a safe community. While it experiences the typical range of urban crime, the rates are relatively low, and the Hamilton Police Service actively works to maintain a safe environment for all residents, including seniors.

## Primary Shopping Options in Stoney Creek

Shopping in Stoney Creek caters to a variety of needs and preferences. The area boasts a few shopping centers, like Eastgate Square, offering a range of retail stores, services, and dining options. In addition, the historic Downtown Stoney Creek offers unique shopping experiences with local boutiques and specialty stores.

# Retiring in Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek stands out as an attractive destination for seniors seeking a retirement lifestyle that combines suburban comfort with access to urban amenities. With its accessible healthcare facilities, diverse recreational and cultural activities, efficient transportation, safe neighbourhoods, and varied shopping experiences, Stoney Creek offers a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. Whether it’s enjoying the area’s natural beauty, participating in community events, or exploring local shopping and dining, Stoney Creek provides a rich and enjoyable retirement experience.

**Retirement Homes near Stoney Creek, ON**

- [Lakeview Retirement Centre (1.1km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0086)
- [Seasons Stoney Creek (1.2km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0439)
- [Amica Stoney Creek (2.5km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0403)
- [Orchard Terrace Care Centre (3.52km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0169)
- [Grandview Retirement Living (3.7km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0546)
- [Residence on Main Street (6.7km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0516)
- [Heritage Green Retirement Home (6.8km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0149)
- [Abington Court Retirement Residence (7.1km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0542)
- [Summit Heights Retirement Residence (8.2km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0508)
- [Kingsberry Place Seniors Residence (9.3km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0123)
- [Tara Retirement Home (9.4km)](https://elderado.ca/info/S0381)

**Long-Term Care Homes near Stoney Creek, ON**

- [Clarion Nursing Home (1.0km)](https://elderado.ca/info/251)
- [Pine Villa Nursing Home (1.3km)](https://elderado.ca/info/250)
- [Orchard Terrace Care Centre (3.5km)](https://elderado.ca/info/248)
- [Arbour Creek Long-Term Care Centre (4.7km)](https://elderado.ca/info/255)
- [Heritage Green Nursing Home (6.8km)](https://elderado.ca/info/269)
- [Ridgeview (8.1km)](https://elderado.ca/info/275)

*With Elderado you can compare all 1,400 long-term care & retirement homes in Ontario.  [Get started HERE.](https://elderado.ca/get-started)*

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