Long-term care homes vs. Retirement homes Guide

Choosing senior living can feel overwhelming. Many families aren’t sure whether a retirement home or a long-term care home is the right fit for their loved one. This guide explains the key differences to help you better understand your options and plan with confidence.

Understanding the Difference

Families apply directly to retirement homes. No government approval or doctor referral is required.

Long-Term Care Homes

Long-term care homes are designed for people who require significant daily support and access to nursing care 24 hours a day.

Many residents need assistance with most activities of daily living and have complex medical needs.

Applications and placements are coordinated through Ontario Health atHome. Families cannot apply directly to a long-term care home. You can contact Ontario Health atHome at 310-2222.

Retirement Homes

Retirement homes are designed for older adults who want housing, community, and the option of support services.

Residents may be completely independent or receive assistance.  Assistance ranges from medication reminders, bathing and dressing, and meals to high level medical care.

Levels of care:

• Independent Living
• Assisted Living
• Memory Care
• Respite Care

At a Glance

	Long-Term Care Home	Retirement Home
Primary Focus	Medical care and support with activities of daily living	Housing, lifestyle, and support
How to apply?	Ontario Health atHome coordinates admission	Family applies directly
Who pays	Co-pay between government and resident	Private-pay
Nursing Care	24/7 nursing care	Available at some homes
Waitlists	Every home has a waitlist	Some homes have a waitlist
Inspection Reports	Ministry of Long-Term Care	RHRA

Costs, Care, and Admissions

How Much Does It Cost?

Long-Term Care Homes

In Ontario, accommodation rates for long-term care homes are set by the provincial government and are standardized across the province.

Current accommodation rates (effective July 1, 2026):

Room Type	Monthly Rate
Basic	$2,129.17
Semi-Private	$2,421.47 – $2,567.17
Private	$2,785.56 – $3,041.97
Short-Stay (Respite)	$45.31/day

The higher end of the Semi-Private and Private ranges applies to newer long-term care homes.

The government covers the cost of care. Residents pay only the accommodation charge, and costs do not increase if a resident requires more care.

There is a Rate Reduction Program for low income residents in basic rooms.

Retirement Homes

Retirement homes are private-pay and each operator sets their own rates.

Pricing varies based on:

• Location
• Suite size
• Services included
• Care requirements

Common pricing models include:

• All-inclusive
• Service packages
• À la carte services

There are no provincial accommodation subsidies for retirement homes.

How Are Admissions Different?

Long-Term Care Homes

Ontario Health atHome coordinates all applications and placements. Currently, every long-term care home in Ontario has a waitlist. For standard applicants you can add your name to up to 5 waitlists.

The waitlist is triaged, and applicants deemed to have the highest needs, such as an unsafe living situation at home, are given priority.

Retirement Homes

Families contact and apply directly to the home.

Before move-in, the home completes assessments to ensure the resident can be safely supported.

Important Things Families Should Know

Inspections Are Public

Both long-term care homes and retirement homes undergo inspections, and inspection reports are publicly available.

Long-Term Care Homes are inspected by the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

Retirement Homes are inspected by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA).

A Note About Bill 7

Ontario’s More Beds, Better Care Act (Bill 7) was introduced to help free up hospital beds occupied by Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients waiting for long-term care.

Under Bill 7, some hospital patients waiting for long-term care may be discharged to a long-term care home they did not select.

This can include homes located up to:

• 70 km away in Southern Ontario
• 150 km away in Northern Ontario

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Is safety becoming a concern at home?
• Is personal care becoming difficult?
• Is caregiving becoming overwhelming for family members?
• Would more social opportunities improve quality of life?
• Are care needs increasing over time?

Need Help Exploring Your Options?

Elderado is a free resource created by caregivers, for caregivers.

We help families understand and compare retirement homes, long-term care homes, and home care services so they can make informed decisions with greater confidence and less stress.

Try Elderado for yourself: elderado.ca/search