2024 marks the first ORCA Conference for Elderado.  Daniel created a daily video to recap what happened.  ORCA Con was an opportunity to learn, network, and share ideas.  It was attended by leaders from retirement homes, commercial partners, and other industry stakeholders.  It took place at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario from September 10 - 12, 2024.

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Today was an easy introduction to my first ORCA Conference with a round of golf at Deerhurst Highlands.  I'm here solo, but I hit the jackpot getting paired with Krystal, Arta, and Ashley.  Kids might say the vibes were high, but so was our score.  I'm looking forward to a full day of keynotes, panels, and information sessions tomorrow.

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What do they actually talk about at a retirement home conference?  I’m at the Ontario Retirement Communities Association Conference, and these are my top 3 takeaways from today’s education program.

1. 79% of families want transparent pricing and fee info before contacting a retirement home. 
2. “We’re actually paying for more expensive care that nobody wants.”  Hospital care, and even long-term care is very expensive for tax payers, and rarely is it the care we want.
3. “When we improve life for seniors we improve life for everyone because we all want to be seniors one day.”  The Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, Raymond Cho, shared these words during his opening remarks to kick off the day.

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Day 3 at ORCA Con focused on staff retention.  Staffing shortages are a big problem among frontline staff like PSWs, nurses, and housekeepers.  I was impressed by how openly different retirement homes shared the challenges they are facing, and what they tried.  (And yes, it wasn't lost on anyone in the room that higher pay is an important factor)

ORCA Con 2024 - My first ORCA Conference

In Ontario, there are significant differences between long-term care homes and retirement homes, primarily in terms of the level of care provided, the regulatory framework, and the cost structure. Understanding these differences is crucial when making decisions about senior living options.

**1. Level of Care**

***Long-Term Care:*** These are designed for individuals who require 24-hour nursing care, supervision, or higher levels of personal care. They cater to residents with significant health challenges, including chronic illnesses, disabilities, or cognitive impairments like dementia.

***Retirement Homes:*** Retirement homes are generally suited for seniors who are more independent but may still require some assistance with daily living activities. These homes offer a more residential environment with optional support services like medication management, meal preparation, and housekeeping.

**2. Regulatory Framework**

***Long-Term Care Homes:*** They are highly regulated by the Ontario government under the Long-Term Care Homes Act. This act sets stringent standards for care, staffing, resident rights, and facility operations.

***Retirement Homes:*** Retirement homes are governed by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) under the Retirement Homes Act. The regulations are less stringent compared to long-term care homes and focus on safety and consumer protection.

**3. Cost and Funding**

***Long-Term Care Homes:*** 
The cost of living in a long-term care home is partly subsidized by the provincial government. Residents pay a co-payment for room and board, but the care services are covered by the government.

***Retirement Homes:*** Retirement homes are primarily privately funded by the residents. Costs can vary significantly based on the type of accommodation and level of services provided. There is no government subsidy for these costs, though in specific situations some residents may qualify for financial assistance programs.

**4. Admission Process**

***Long-Term Care Homes:*** Admission to a long-term care home is coordinated through Ontario Health atHome in Ontario, and there is usually waiting list. Ontario Health atHome assesses each individual’s care needs to determine eligibility.

***Retirement Homes:*** Admission to a retirement home is typically a private arrangement between the resident (or their family) and the home. There's more flexibility in choosing a home, and no formal health assessment is required for admission.

**5. Lifestyle and Environment**

***Long-Term Care Homes:*** These homes focus more on healthcare and personal support, with less emphasis on lifestyle and social activities compared to retirement homes.

***Retirement Homes:*** They often offer a wider range of social, recreational, and cultural activities, promoting a more active and community-oriented lifestyle.

Understanding these differences helps in making an informed decision based on the specific care needs and lifestyle preferences of the individual.

*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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ORCA Con 2024 - My first ORCA Conference

5 Differences Between Long-Term Care & Retirement Homes

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