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Retirement Home > Criteria for moving into retirement home in Canada
The facility you choose will, of course, depend on the health of your elderly relative. However, other fundamental criteria will also be taken into account such as proximity to the family, the available budget, the activities and services on offer, the quality of service delivered by the care team and the preferences of the person concerned. Is your loved one dependent or do they suffer from a specific medical condition? What are the retirement home admission criteria in Ontario?
Moving to a retirement home involves preparing the individual for admission, ensuring that they receive a warm welcome, personalising their surroundings, helping them to move in and evaluating the entire process once completed. All of these vital steps should complement each other in accordance with the resident’s wishes to ensure that your loved one makes the most of their new way of life.
The admission criteria for retirement homes in Ontario may vary depending on the specific facility and its policies, but there are some common criteria that are generally applied.
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Generally, residents must be a certain age (usually 65 or older) to be eligible for admission to a retirement home.
Retirement homes are designed for individuals who are generally independent and do not require extensive medical care or supervision. They should be able to manage their daily activities with minimal assistance.
Some retirement homes may require an assessment of the individual's physical and cognitive health to ensure they can safely live in the facility. This assessment helps the facility determine if they can meet the resident's needs adequately.
While retirement homes are not equipped to provide full-time medical care, some minor health conditions may be accommodated. However, individuals with significant medical needs that require 24/7 skilled nursing care may not be eligible for admission.
Different retirement homes have varying financial criteria, including pricing structures, fees, and payment options. Potential residents need to consider their financial situation to ensure they can afford the chosen facility.
Some popular retirement homes may have waitlists, so admission is subject to availability and may require waiting for an opening. ( Contact a Retirement Home Plus advisor so they will help you save time and tell you which RH has availability).
| Admission Criterion | What It Means for Residents |
|---|---|
| Age | Many retirement homes are designed for adults aged 65 and older. |
| Level of Independence | Residents should generally be able to manage daily activities independently or with minimal assistance. |
| Health Assessment | A physical or cognitive assessment may be required to determine whether the residence can safely meet the person's needs. |
| Medical Needs | People requiring continuous skilled nursing or intensive 24/7 medical care may need a higher level of care. |
| Financial Requirements | Residents should review accommodation costs, additional care fees, services, and payment terms before admission. |
| Availability | Popular retirement homes may have waiting lists, so families should check availability early. |
Prospective residents and their families may need to sign an agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of living in the retirement home, including the level of care provided, fees, and house rules.
Retirement homes often aim to create a community of like-minded individuals, so compatibility with the existing residents may be taken into consideration during the admission process.
It's essential to note that regulations and policies can change, so it's best to directly contact a Retirement Home Plus advisor for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the Ontario government has resources available to assist individuals in understanding their options and rights when considering retirement home living.
Throughout the entire process and following the actual move to a retirement home, the individual’s state of mind and the support they receive from their family will be fundamental in helping them settle in. Retirement Home Plus advisors are always available to answer questions and can contact the relevant establishment on the family’s behalf. They will also keep a close eye on the new resident after they have moved to their new accommodation.
We are here to help you choose a retirement home or facility best suited to your needs. Do not hesitate to contact us on the following number: 343 309 5289
Failure to thrive (FTT) in older adults is a serious condition involving a sudden decline in appetite, independence, mobility, physical strength, and psychological well-being. It may cause an elderly person to stop eating, drinking, moving, or accepting care despite previously being able to perform these activities independently.
Common symptoms of failure to thrive in older adults include loss of appetite, refusal to eat or drink, severe fatigue, dehydration, malnutrition, withdrawal, silence, cognitive decline, refusal of care, depression, unusual behavior, and refusal to get out of bed or move around.
Failure to thrive can have physical or psychological causes. It may develop after an illness, surgery, hospitalization, fall, fracture, bereavement, emotional shock, or a poorly prepared move to a care home. Frail older adults and people with chronic health conditions may be particularly vulnerable.
No. Failure to thrive and depression can have similar symptoms, such as withdrawal, sadness, loss of appetite, and lack of motivation. However, failure to thrive can also involve significant physical decline, dehydration, malnutrition, loss of mobility, and refusal of essential care. A medical assessment is important to determine the underlying cause.
Prevention is possible by closely monitoring older adults after illness, hospitalization, surgery, falls, bereavement, or other difficult physical or emotional events. Providing regular assistance, emotional support, adequate nutrition and hydration, and essential daily care can help reduce the risk of failure to thrive.
A poorly prepared move to a care home can be experienced by an older person as abandonment, particularly if they are frail or recovering from an illness. Involving the person in the decision, visiting the care home beforehand, showing them their new environment, and providing emotional support can help make the transition more positive.
A sudden or persistent loss of appetite should be taken seriously, especially when it occurs alongside withdrawal, severe fatigue, refusal to drink, dehydration, weight or strength loss, unusual behavior, or refusal to get out of bed. These changes may be warning signs of failure to thrive and require prompt medical attention.
Treatment depends on the individual's condition and underlying causes. Professional care may include nutritional support, rehydration, medication, psychological support, physiotherapy, prevention of bedsores, and treatment of complications. Some older adults may require admission to a care home, nursing home, or hospital for more intensive care.
Yes. Failure to thrive can be severe, but recovery is possible when the condition is identified and treated promptly. With appropriate medical, nutritional, physical, and psychological support, some older adults can regain their appetite, communication, mobility, and independence.
If an elderly relative suddenly refuses food, fluids, movement, medication, or personal care, contact their GP or another healthcare professional promptly. Do not assume the behavior is simply caused by aging or temporary tiredness. If urgent medical help is needed and the GP is unavailable, emergency services should be contacted.
Older adults living alone may be particularly vulnerable because symptoms can go unnoticed and help may be delayed after a fall, illness, or emotional shock. Regular contact, monitoring, assistance with daily activities, and rapid intervention when behavior changes can help reduce the risk of serious deterioration.
Hospital care may be necessary when failure to thrive causes serious complications or when the person requires medical treatment that cannot be safely provided at home. Severe dehydration, malnutrition, infection, significant physical deterioration, or other acute complications may require urgent medical assessment.
This article explains the key steps involved in moving into a retirement home and outlines the common admission criteria in Ontario. It covers aspects such as age requirements, independence level, health assessments, financial considerations, and contractual agreements. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition and help individuals and their families choose a suitable residence that meets both personal preferences and care needs.
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