Overview
One of the most commonly asked questions people have when it is time to make the move into residential care is what the difference and costs between Long-Term care and Assisted Living.
Different types of care homes work differently and provide different levels of care. Sometimes, what people refer to as a ‘care home’ may in fact be a care home that only provides residential care, known as an Assisted Living home.
Residential Assisted Living is different from a Long-Term care home. The main difference is that a Long-Term care home always has a qualified nurse on-site to provide medical care.
Both Long-Term care and Assisted Living homes provide care and support 24 hours a day, however the main difference is that a Long-Term care home is able to provide a higher level of care.
This also means that Long-Term care homes can be significantly more expensive, depending on what type of care you need.
The average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Canada starts at $4000.00, whereas the average cost of living in a Long-Term care home is $ 5000.00.
These figures are for self-funded residents. Fees vary depending on where you live, in Canada, and what level of care you need.
As outlined above, Long-Term care homes have qualified nurses on-site around the clock to provide medical care as needed whereas residential homes help people with personal care and support them to engage in physical activity
What Do Assisted Living Homes Provide?
Assisted Living homes provide 24-hour personal care and support for people who need help with daily tasks, such as washing, dressing or eating, but do not need nursing care. This can be provided on a short-term or long-term basis.
Although some Assisted Living homes can cater for some nursing needs through special care facilities or visiting health professionals, they are mainly for older adults who are unable to live independently and manage their personal hygiene, medication and toileting or struggle with mobility.
Assisted Living home residents may have a physical disability, a learning disability, mental health issues or other care needs due to old age, but do not need frequent medical treatment.
Staff at residential care settings are trained to provide the care and support residents need on a daily basis, such as administering medication, but may not be qualified to provide medical care.
In addition to the care provided, residential settings also help residents engage in social and physical activity, host events and parties and organise trips out.
In short, a residential care home provides a lower level of care compared to a nursing home. This means that the cost of living in an Assisted Living home is also lower than a Long-Term home.
What services are provided by Long-Term care homes?
Long-Term care homes care for people who struggle significantly with daily life or have various medical conditions and need regular treatment from registered nurses.
Nurses are supported by qualified care assistants, trained to identify symptoms and changes to residents’ conditions.
A Long-Term care home, sometimes referred to as a nursing home, also offers 24-hour residential care but is equipped to look after people with complex needs, either on a temporary or permanent basis.
This means Long-Term care homes are able to provide a higher level of care, which in turn means that they are more expensive.
Some Long-Term care homes specialise in a specific condition. This could be anything from severe learning disabilities, dementia or complex conditions to cancer, mental illness or severe physical disabilities.
Although a person living with dementia could be supported in an Assisted Living home, a specialist dementia Long-Term care home will be equipped to care for people in the advanced stages of the disease.
Finding out which setting is right for you
Determining your care needs can be challenging—how do you know if residential or nursing care is right for you?
The first step is to request an assessment from your doctor or local hospital. This will help identify your specific needs and determine whether nursing care is necessary. Below, you’ll find a link to Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Homes, along with additional information to assist you in this important step.                                                          Simply select your province for local resources.                            Hover over your province on the map below, then click ‘See Resources’ to access the information for your area.
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Newfoundland Labrador
Meritimes
Yukon
Nunavut
Northwest Territories
British Columbia
Resources Here >>>
Alberta
Resources Here >>>
Saskatchewan
Resources Here >>>
Manitoba
Resources Here >>>
Ontario
Resources Here >>>
Quebec
Resources Here >>>
Newfoundland and Labrador
Resources Here >>>
Meritimes
Resources Here >>>
Yukon
Resources Here >>>
Northwest Territories
Resources Here >>>
Nunavut
Resources Here >>>