Long-term care homes in London, also known as nursing homes or 24-hour care residences, provide high-level medical and personal support for individuals who can no longer live safely at home or in a retirement residence. These government-licensed facilities are designed for seniors with complex needs — such as advanced illness, disability, or dementia — and offer around-the-clock care in a secure and supportive setting.
In Ontario, admission to long-term care is coordinated through Ontario Health atHome. You cannot apply directly to a home. Instead, you'll work with a Care Coordinator who will assess your needs and guide you through the application process.
Applications are managed by your local Ontario Health atHome office. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Ontario Health Card, and undergo an assessment. Learn more at: Find Your Local Office.
The government covers medical and personal care. Residents pay only for accommodation (room and board), with fees set by the province. Financial assistance may be available. Visit: Paying for Long-Term Care.
All long-term care homes are inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care. Reports are publicly available at: LTC Home Public Reporting.
While both support older adults, retirement homes and long-term care homes differ in regulation, funding, care level, and admission process. Here's a comparison:
Feature | Retirement Home (RH) | Long-Term Care Home (LTC) |
---|---|---|
Care Level | Light to heavy (varies by home) | High/complex care needs |
Admission Requirements | No assessment; apply directly | Assessment via Ontario Health atHome |
Funding Model | Private pay | Government-funded care; pay for accommodation only |
Licensing Body | Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) | Ministry of Long-Term Care |
Legislation | Retirement Homes Act | Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 |
Monthly Cost | $3,500–$10,000+ | From ~$2,000/month |
Wait Times | Varies by home | Waitlisted via Ontario Health atHome |
Regulation & Inspections | Inspected by RHRA every 3 years or more often if needed | Inspected by Ministry; reports are public |
Some retirement homes can provide care similar to long-term care, but costs are often much higher and access is more flexible. Long-term care offers subsidized, high-level support for those who qualify through assessment.
Long-term care homes in London follow government-set monthly rates that cover accommodation, meals, and personal care. Pricing depends on room type — basic, semi-private, or private — and typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per month. These rates are reviewed annually by the Ontario Ministry of Health. For the most up-to-date fees, visit the Ontario long-term care cost page.
Yes. Ontario offers income-based subsidies to help lower the cost of basic accommodations in long-term care homes. If a resident’s income is below a certain threshold, they may qualify for a reduced monthly rate. Additional assistance may also be available to couples. For example, if one spouse enters care and the other remains at home, the partner at home may be eligible for programs like the Allowance benefit, available to those aged 60–64 whose spouse receives the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Residents approved for a subsidy also keep a monthly comfort allowance, currently around $150, to help cover personal needs such as toiletries, clothing, or phone bills.
Yes. If you know the estimated cost of a long-term care home and want to compare it to your current living expenses at home, try our Senior Housing Cost Calculator. It’s especially helpful when evaluating whether long-term care might be financially feasible in your situation, even before applying for subsidy assistance.
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