Types of Support Services

Check with your provincial or territorial Ministry or Department of Health to see if you qualify for government-funded services. If you don’t qualify, you can arrange and pay for services through a private company. Some provinces and territories offer government programs to help you find private services in your community.

Range of services available includes home and community as well as long-term care. They are all called different things in different regions, but generally speaking, they are referred to as follows:

  • Home care, community care – services provided in the home that range from home making supports to personal and nursing care – most home care is government funded, but you will have to check to see if you qualify
  • Respite care – temporary care for the caregiver, provides patient care in the home or in a care facility or adult day program usually offered by both government programs and private companies for a fee
  • Assisted living – a range of support services provided such as meal preparation and laundry, and may include some health-related services (this is the middle option between independent living and long-term care) Most assisted living services are offered by private companies for a fee
  • Nursing home/long-term care facilities, mandated by the healthcare system – receive 24 hour, 7 day a week professional care usually offered by government or private companies – most facilities are government funded, but you will have to check to see if you qualify

“Home and community care” services help people to receive care at home, rather than in a hospital or long-term care facility, and to live as independently as possible in the community. Home and community care services are delivered by regulated health care professionals (e.g., nurses), non-regulated workers, volunteers, friends and family caregivers.

Goals of home and community care

  • Help people maintain or improve their health status and quality of life
  • Assist people in remaining as independent as possible,
  • Support families in coping with a family member’s need for care
  • Help people stay at or return home and receive needed treatment, rehabilitation or palliative care
  • Provide informal/family caregivers with the support they need

Services delivered in the home can help people with minor health problems and disabilities as well as those who need intensive and sophisticated services and equipment. Home care services may include:

  • Nursing
  • Personal care such as help with bathing, dressing, and feeding
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Social work
  • Dietitian services
  • Homemaking
  • Respite services

There are other services available in the community, such as day programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease, Meals on Wheels, or friendly visitor programs.

Source: Health Canada

In general, assisted living facilities provide accommodation for anyone with some limitations in physical/cognitive health and require on-site assistance with personal care, mobility, medication management and support. Assisted living benefits individuals who need regular help with daily activities but do not need nursing home or long-term care.

In general, long-term care facilities provide living accommodation for people who require on-site delivery of 24 hour, 7 days a week supervised care, including professional health services, personal care and services such as meals, laundry and housekeeping. Long-term facilities-based care is not publicly insured under the Canada Health Act. It is governed by provincial and territorial legislation. Across the country, jurisdictions offer a different range of services and cost coverage. Consequently, there is little consistency across Canada in:

  • what facilities are called (e.g. nursing home, personal care facility, residential continuing care facility, etc.)
  • the level or type of care offered and how it is measured
  • how facilities are governed or who owns them

Source: Health Canada

Retirement home is a broad term used to include all sorts of seniors’ homes. There are retirement home association that are membership-based organizations that allow seniors’ homes to voluntarily submit themselves to increased scrutiny. Homes that are members of such associations must meet standards to maintain association approval. When searching for a home, inquire if they are a member of an association.

Note: This navigation guide provides information on services that are available in each province/territory that are both publicly (government) and privately owned and operated.  They are generally described as “home and community care” for in home services, and “long-term facilities-based care”, for 24 hour, 7 day a week professional care. Each province and territory provides a different level of coverage or funding for these services. Please check with your province or territory to determine your funding eligibility.

What's Available by Province

ON

A place to start

Community Care Access Centres (CCAC) are local agencies that provide information about care options in your area. They help people to:

  • live independently at home
  • apply for admission to a day program, supportive housing our assisted living program, or certain chronic care or rehabilitation facilities, and
  • apply for admission to a long-term care home

Select this link for more information or go to CCAC Locator to find a CCAC near you.

Community support services

If you are a senior or someone living with a disability, there are many community support services available to help you live comfortably in your own home.
Some services are offered by not-for-profit organizations funded by government, and others may be operated by private organizations. Some services may be paid for by government, and some services are provided for a fee. Visit this webpage for more information. You can also visit the Healthline website to find a broad range of health and community services in your area.

Home care

Home care in Ontario is both government funded and privately purchased. Publicly (government) funded home care is administered by CCACs (see above). For privately run home care services offered for a fee, visit Home Care Ontario members website and/or search for a SPO (service provider organization/ home care services) in your community or call 905-543-9474. You can also visit the Healthline website to find a broad range of health and community services in your area.

Respite care

Respite care can be provided through facility-based care or adult day programs. Your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) CCAC Locator will assess your eligibility for government funded respite services. You may also wish to contact Home Care Ontario at home care service provider organization directly to arrange for respite care. You can also visit the Healthline website to find a broad range of health and community services in your area.

Long-term care/nursing home

Long-term care homes serve adults 18 or older who need the 24-hour, seven days a week nursing care or supervision. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term care regulates, inspects and sets out accommodation fees for all long-term care homes. All personal and nursing care provided by long-term care homes are funded by the government. Residents pay accommodation charges such as room and board. To get more information, select this link. All applications and admission to long-term care homes are arranged by Community Care Access Centres (CCAC). Visit the CCAC website at CCAC Locator.
In addition to the government subsidized long-term care homes, there are a number of private nursing homes, check the yellow pages or search the Internet for nursing homes also referred to as retirement homes.

Complex continuing care

In Ontario, the term “complex continuing care” (CCC) is used interchangeably with “chronic care”. Complex continuing care provides continuing, medically complex and specialized services to both young and old, sometimes over extended periods of time. CCC is provided in hospitals for people who have long-term illnesses or disabilities typically requiring skilled, technology-based care not available at home or in long-term care facilities. CCC provides patients with room, board and other necessities in addition to medical care.
For more information, visit this webpage.

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, visit the Care Guide website or call 1-800-311-2273.

The VON

The VON provides a variety of nursing care, personal care, homemaking and custom care services. To find more information about what services are available near you, visit the VON website or call 1-888-866-2273.

QC

A place to start

Health and Social Services Centres (CISSSs) ensure accessibility, continuity and quality of services for people in their local territory. They are reference points where people can go in case of health or psychosocial problems. There, they can receive appropriate services or be directed to another part of the local services network. To find the coordinates of your local CISSS, select this link.

Home care

In Quebec, it is possible to obtain home care services through your local community service centres (CLSCs) or your local health and social services centres (CISSSs). These services are intended for people who are unable to leave their home due to temporary or permanent incapacity or loss of autonomy and who are not admitted to a hospital. To find the coordinates of your local CSLC, visit this webpage.

Home care services include:

  • personal care, such as help with personal hygiene and eating
  • domestic help, such as housekeeping, meal preparation and laundry
  • assistance with activities such as budgeting and filling out forms
  • meals-on-wheels services, accompaniment or home visits
  • learning assistance, including assistance with rehabilitation and occupational activities or training and stimulation exercises
  • family support, including child care, help with homework and home organization

You may also receive help from a domestic help social economy business. You may be referred to one of these not-for-profit businesses by your local CLSC or to find one near you visit this website.

You may receive financial help by the government for domestic help services, which varies depending on your economic status. For more information about financial help, select this link.

Assisted Living and Long-term care/nursing home

In Quebec, residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs) offer care to adults who are no longer able to continue to live on their own. People who are referred to a CHSLD usually require more than 3 hours of care per day.

CHSLDs provide:

  • accommodation, assistance, support and/or supervision
  • psychosocial services (psychologists, community organizers)
  • nursing care
  • drug administration, medical and rehabilitation services

There are public, private funded and private unfunded CHSLDs. Private unfunded residential centres charge their own fees, whereas public and private funded centres charge a fixed rate which is determined by the person’s financial means.

To apply for a place in a CHSLD, you will need to contact your local health and social service centre (CSSS).

To find the coordinates of your local CISSS, select this link.

Intermediate resources

An intermediate resource is a residential environment adapted to the needs of people with decreased independence who require help in their daily activities. These accommodations offer people a residential environment as close as possible to a home environment in which they receive the support and assistance they require. People are usually referred to an intermediate resource if they require one to three hours of care per day.

For more information, contact your local CISSS or visit this website.

Private senior’s residences

Private senior’s residences are housing complexes that are mainly occupied by people of 65 years and over. These complexes offer room and apartment rentals, as well as assistance services.

There are two categories of private senior’s residences. Residences in the self-sufficient category must offer at least two of the following services:

  • meal services (7 days a week)
  • domestic help services
  • security services
  • recreational services

Residences in the semi-self-sufficient category must offer at least two of the following services, including at least one personal assistance or nursing service:

  • meal services (7 days a week)
  • domestic help services
  • security services
  • recreational services
  • personal assistance services
  • nursing

Private senior’s residences are not subsidized by the health care system. To find a certified private senior’s residence near you, visit this website (in French).

NS

A place to start

Continuing care services are available throughout the province. To find information about the programs and services available, visit this website or call 1-800-225-7225.

Home care

Home care is available to seniors or people with disabilities who require help in their own homes in order to remain as independent as possible. Home care services include:

Home support

  • personal care
  • respite care
  • essential housekeeping

Nursing

  • dressing changes
  • catheter care
  • intravenous therapy
  • palliative care

Home care costs are based your income and on the type of service you need. For more information, you may call Continuing Care, a department of the provincial health authority, at 1-800-225-7225 or select this link.

Respite care

Caregivers who require short-term help caring for their loved one may apply for respite care through Continuing Care. The Department of Health and Wellness provides access to respite beds for loved ones in licensed long-term care facilities across the province. For more information, visit the webpage or call 1-800-225-7225.

Self-managed care

The Self-Managed Care Program allows people with physical disabilities to hire their own care providers and develop their own care plans, which gives them control over the services they need and the providers they choose. In addition, individuals may appoint a third party “Care Manager” to act on their behalf in carrying out these tasks. For more information, select this link or call 1-800-225-7225.

Long-Term Care

People who require assistance and can no longer live at home may apply for long-term care through Continuing Care.
Long-term care facilities are funded and licensed by the Department of Health and Wellness. There are two types of long-term care facilities:

  • Nursing homes for medically stable people who need assistance with everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting;
  • Residential care facilities for people who need personal care, supervision and accommodation in a safe and supportive environment. These are the middle ground between home care and nursing homes.

For more information, visit this website. To apply for long-term care, call 1-800-225-722

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, visit the Care Guide website or call 1-800-311-2273.

The VON

The VON provides a variety of nursing care, personal care, homemaking and custom care services. To find more information about what services are available near you, visit the VON website or call 1-888-866-2273.

NB

A place to start

Seniors or people with disabilities who need help with daily activities may be eligible for long-term care services. Long-term care services are not covered by medicare, however the government may provide financial assistance to those who are unable to pay the full cost of these services. Long-term care services include:

  • Home support services for people who need help at home for daily activities (feeding, grooming, bathing), housekeeping and meal preparation;
  • Day activity services for seniors;
  • Special care homes where supervision and assistance with daily living is provided for people with limitations who can no longer remain in their own home. Some special care homes also offer enhanced services for people with dementia or a physical frailty such as arthritis;
  • Nursing homes for people who are medically stable but need full-time nursing care;
  • Relief care to give support to families or caregivers in order to keep seniors in their own homes.

To apply for long-term care services, contact your regional office of the Department of Social Development. To find a list of regional offices, select this link.

Active adult living homes

To find an active adult living home, you may search the Internet or visit the Retire Net website.

Nursing homes

If you are no longer able to live at home and require 24-hour 7 day a week professional care, you may apply for a place in a nursing home. You must contact your local office of the Department of Social Development to apply for a place in a nursing home. For more information, select this link or call 506-453-5369.
For a list of licensed nursing homes in New Brunswick, visit this website.

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, visit the Care Guide website or call 1-800-311-2273.

MB

A place to start

Manitoba Home Care Program provided by the Government of Manitoba. Home Care is provided to Manitobans of all ages based on assessed need and taking into account other resources available to the individual including families, community resources and other programs. For information about the program and eligibility, consult this document.

The Regional Health Authorities are responsible for Home Care service delivery. For information, select this link to get contact information for your regional health authority.
A Senior’s Guide resource booklet is available for download here.

Home care services

Home Care services are available for those individuals who are able and wish to remain in their homes, but require some assistance. For information about the eligibility criteria, consult this document.

The regional health authorities (RHAs) have operational responsibility for home care including planning, delivery and ongoing management of the services. For more information about home care services in Manitoba, contact your regional health authority office:

Personal care services

Personal care services assist Manitobans who can no longer remain safely at home because of a disability or their health care needs. Personal care services are offered throughout Manitoba. For a list of services and charges, select this  link.

Supportive Housing

Supportive Housing is for people who require access to 24-hour supervision and some assistance managing with physical limitations, or ongoing health conditions. For a list of privately run supportive housing facilities in Manitoba, visit this  website or call 204-477-9888 Toll free 1-855-477-9888.

Aging in Place Community (Campus Care)

Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba provides information and a directory on a range of services, known as “Aging in Place Community” or “Campus of Care”. These services and facilities can be a residence or group of residences, where more than one type of living and/or care option is offered on the same property. The options could include two or more of the following settings:

  • Independent apartment or condo living (for those over 55 years of age)
  • Retirement Residence or Independent Living with Services (sometimes referred to as Assisted Living)
  • Supportive Housing Residence
  • Personal Care Home

For more information and a directory of facilities, select this  link or call 204-477-9888 – Toll free 1-855-477-9888.

Financial Resources

Financial assistance for those requiring care and/or services is available. There are a variety of provincial and federal tax credits, benefits, subsidies, and supplements to assist you depending on your situation including:

  • Financial Programs
  • Rent Supplement
  • Homeowner RRAP
  • Cost Calculators

For more information, visit this webpage or call 204-477-9888 – Toll free 1-855-477-9888.

Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba

The Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba is a membership based not-for-profit organization. For more information, select this link or call 204-477-9888 – Toll free 1-855-477-9888.

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, visit the Care Guide website or call 1-800-311-2273.

BC

A place to start

Visit the “Accessing Health Care” webpage on the BC’s Health Care System website for information on finding care near you or on applying for financial aid.

Download this comprehensive guide to
Planning for Your Care Needs: Help in Selecting a Residential Care Facility 2013 (pdf) or visit this website or https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care

Download this comprehensive guide to Home and Community Care –
BC Guide to Your Care Booklet 2007 (pdf) or visit this website.

To determine if you are eligible for services provided by the Government of BC, select this link

Care options

In BC, there are a range of care and support options  from both publicly subsidized and private pay service providers. For a list of publicly subsidized or private pay services available, select this link.

Home and community care services

Publicly Subsidized Home and Community Care Services:

  • Are accessed through the health authority;
  • Are accessed by the individual/representative who meets general provincial eligibility criteria and agrees to participate in a formal assessment that is conducted  by their health authority and are assessed as having needs that can be met by the services;
  • Are subsidized by the Ministry of Health and administered and delivered by the health authorities and other contracted providers; and
  • While individual preference for service is considered, the individual’s need as determined by a formal assessment is the primary consideration in determining which service is provided.

Private pay services are also available directly from the service provider.

For more information about home and community care services and who pays, visit this  webpage

Community nursing/rehabilitation services

Community nursing/rehabilitation services are provided by a licensed nursing professional/ physical therapist or occupational therapist to clients in the community who require acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative support.

Services are available on a non-emergency basis for individuals in the following circumstances:

  • following discharge from an acute care hospital;
  • at home or in a clinic setting to prevent or reduce the need for hospital or emergency department services or admission to a residential care facility;
  • because of a life-limiting illness; or
  • to meet time-limited acute nursing needs.

For more information about community nursing services available and who pays, visit this  webpage.

For more information about community rehabilitation services and who pays, visit this  webpage

Adult Day Services

Services assist seniors and adults with disabilities to continue to live in their own homes by providing supportive group programs and activities in the community. Adult day services are provided in locations in the community usually 1-2 days per week. For more information about adult day services and who pays, select this  link.

Home Support

Home support services help you to remain independent and to live in your own home as long as possible.
Home support services are direct care services provided by community health workers to clients who require personal assistance with activities of daily living, such as:

  • mobility;
  • nutrition;
  • lifts and transfers;
  • bathing and dressing;
  • cueing (providing prompts to assist with the completion of tasks); and
  • grooming and toileting.

For more information about home support services and who pays, visit this  webpage

Choice in Supports for Independent Living

Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is a self-directed option for eligible home support clients. CSIL clients receive funds directly from their local health authority to purchase their own home support services. CSIL clients become employers who manage all aspects of their home support from hiring and supervising staff to overseeing how CSIL funds are spent.

For more information about home and community care services and who pays, visit this webpage.

Caregiver Respite/Relief

Respite services are suitable if your family member or friend caring for you could benefit from a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Contact the home and community care office of your health authority or you can have a health care professional make a referral on your behalf.

For more information about caregiver respite/relief services and who pays, visit this  webpage

Assisted Living

Assisted living services provide housing, hospitality services and personal care services for adults who can live independently and make decisions on their own behalf but require a supportive environment due to physical and functional health challenges. Residences can range from a unit in a high rise apartment complex to a private home. If you receive publicly subsidized assisted living services, you will pay a monthly rate based on your income.

For more information about assisted living services and who pays, select this link

Group and Family Care Homes

Group home services are provided in a non-licensed congregate housing arrangement where clients with disabilities or other unique conditions share personal care resources. For more information about group homes and who pays, visit this  webpage.

Family care home services are provided in a single family residence that accommodates clients with specialized care needs that cannot be optimally met in a residential care facility. For more information about family care homes and who pays, visit this  webpage.

Short and Long-Term Residential Care

Short-term residential care services are provided, usually for less than three months, for people who require care as follows:

  • Respite care
  • Convalescent care
  • Residential hospice care

For more information about short term residential care services and who pays, select this  link.

Long-term residential care services provide 24-hour professional supervision and care in a protective, supportive environment for people who have complex care needs and can no longer be cared for in their own homes or in an assisted living residence.

For more information about long-term residential care services and who pays, select this link

Health and Home Care Society

The Health and Home Care Society of BC is an independent and BC-based not-for-profit organization. Providing supportive health services to people in the comfort of their own homes, communities and workplaces. Services include:

  • Meals on Wheels
  • Family and Respite Care
  • Community Integration Project
  • Health Promotion Services

For more information visit this website or call 604-733-6614.

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, visit this website or call 1-800-311-2273.

PEI

A Place to Start

For information about services available in PEI, visit Department of Health and Wellness website.

Call 811 Telephone Service: Call with non-emergency situations, when you need health information.

The PEI Senior’s guide provides a general introduction to programs and services, as well as contact information for PEI residents.

Senior’s Services

Health PEI offers a variety of programs and services designed to support improved health for Island seniors. More information are available on this webpage.

Home Care Program

The Home Care Program supports you and your caregivers so that you can remain in your home safely, with independence and quality of life, for as long as possible.
Home Care provides a range of health care and support services if you have acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative health care needs, including:

  • Nursing care – nursing procedures including health monitoring, IV therapy,  injections, wound care and patient teaching.
  • Home Support – assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing.
  • Social work – individual and family counseling for illness, loss or end-of-life issues.
  • Dietitian Services – nutrition assessment and education.
  • Physiotherapy – to maximize independence, function and mobility.
  • Occupational therapy – support for daily living, special devices, equipment or modification to home or workplace.
  • Home Dialysis – supports peritoneal dialysis in your own home.
  • Adult protection – for vulnerable adults who need protection from neglect or abuse.
  • Long-term care – assessment for nursing home admission.
  • Adult Day Programs – enriching social activities for seniors.

For more information, select this link

Adult Day Programs

If you are a senior living in your home, there are Adult Day Programs available across PEI that offer social activities and personal care services in a safe and comfortable environment. The programs also support caregivers by giving them a break, or respite, from providing day-to-day care to their loved ones. For more information, visit this webpage.

Disability Support Program

The Disability Support Program (DSP) is the first program in Canada to distinguish disability-specific support from income support. The purpose of DSP is to assist with personal planning and to help meet the needs related to an individual’s disability. These supports are needs-based, and they are not intended to provide income. For more information, see the AccessAbility Supports webpage.

Community care facilities and nursing homes

Community care facilities and nursing homes are housing options that provide Islanders with care and support for their daily life.
For more information, select this link or call 902-368-4953.

Public Nursing Facilities

Admission is based on a coordinated assessment and a priority needs process which is conducted by committees in each region and is made up of representatives from hospitals, home care, housing and long-term care programs. For more information, visit this  webpage or call 8-1-1.

Private Nursing Homes

A Private Nursing Home is a privately owned and operated establishment with five or more residents that is licensed by the Community Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Board under the authority of the

Community Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Act.

The care required by the residents is carried out by or under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The type of care provided involves skilled professional assessment and observation on a 24 hour basis.

Guide from Community Legal Information Association

Community Legal Information Association of PEI has prepared a guide that answers many questions that you may have about  Moving to a Community Care Facility or Nursing Home.

SK

A place to start

Visit the Government of Saskatchewan –  Care at Home and Outside the Hospital website for information about services are available for people who can no longer live independently, or need assistance to do so.

Home care services

Home Care Services for seniors and others to assist them in maintaining their independence while living at home.  Home care helps people remain at home for as long as possible.  It also helps reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and the length of hospital stays.

  • Assessment;
  • Case management and care coordination;
  • Nursing;
  • Homemaking that includes personal care, respite and home management; and
  • Meal service.

For more information about home care services and funding, go to select this  link or call 306-787-7239.

Personal care homes

Personal care homes provide lodging, meals, and assistance with, or supervision of the activities of daily living. They are privately owned and operated businesses, licensed and monitored by the Ministry of Health.
While personal care homes usually accommodate individuals with lighter care needs, some do provide care to those with greater care needs. The number of residents also varies from home to home.

As a private business, personal care homes set their own fees. For more information about personal care homes, visit this website or call 306-787-7239.

Special Care Homes

Special care homes or nursing homes provide care when your needs can no longer be met in the community. Special care homes are run by the health region or operated by a provider that has a contract with the health region. Types of services include:

  • Special Care Home Admission
  • Planned Respite Care
  • Emergency Respite Care
  • Adult Day Programs
  • Convalescence
  • Palliative Care
  • Other Housing Options

For information on these services, select this  link or call 306-787-7239.

Regional Health Authorities

Most publicly available home care and community care services, including day programs, respite and palliative care services are provided through your local health authority. Information regarding these services is generally in the Services – Home Care section of their website. For a map of health regions in Saskatchewan, list of regional health authorities with contact information and websites, visit this webpage.

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, visit the Care Guide website or call 1-800-311-2273.

Eden Care Communities

Eden Care Communities is a not-for-profit housing and health care provider located in Regina, operating a long-term care facility as an affiliate of the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. For information, consult the Eden Care Communities website or call 306-206-0259.

AB

A place to start

Visit the Alberta Health Services website or call 8-1-1 Health Link for more information about health services in Alberta

Home and community care services

Home Care services from Alberta Health Services are provided by geographical zones: North, Edmonton, Central, Calgary and South.  All Home Care Clients are assigned a Home Care Case Manager who will identify your needs and link you with the most appropriate available home and community support services. Services differ by zone but include:

  • Home Care
  • Supportive Living
  • Long-Term Care
  • Community-based service information (e.g. Meals on Wheels)
  • nursing services
  • personal care services
  • respite services
  • palliative care
  • Integrated Home Living
  • Day programs
  • CHOICE (Comprehensive Home Option of Integrated Care for the Elderly)

For more information on the services in each zone including providers, service locations and contact information, visit the Continuing Care webpage.

CapitalCare is a continuing care organization that operates in Edmonton. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alberta Health Services and provides the following services:

For more information about additional CapitalCare services, visit this  website or call 780-496-1300.

Adult Day Services

CapitalCare’s adult day programs provide nursing care and supervision, socialization, rehabilitative services and assistance with personal care to adults living in the community. For more information, visit the Adult Day Support Programs webpage or call 780-496-1300

Supportive Living

Supportive living provides accommodation in a home-like setting, where people can remain as independent as possible while they have access to accommodation and services that meet their changing needs.

Supportive living includes many different types of settings, such as (but not limited to) seniors lodges, group homes, mental health and designated supportive living accommodations. These settings can be operated by private for-profit, private not-for-profit or public operators.
For information on access, costs, locations and brochures, consult the Supportive Living Guide.

Caregiver Respite/Relief

This service gives caregivers a short period of rest or relief from their responsibilities. The service is provided in a respite bed in the Continuing Care area of the facility.  The person can usually stay up to 6 weeks a year. Information on referrals, fees, providers and locations provided here:

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service&rid=5436

For a list of caregiver support and respite care provided as adult day programs in the Edmonton Zone, select this link.

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, consult this list or call 1-800-311-CARE (2273).

NL

A place to start

The province offers community based services that include community support program, residential services, community health nursing services. These services are offered by various health professionals at community offices located throughout the province. The level and eligibility of service is based on an assessment by staff of the regional health authority. For more information about the health and community services available in your community, you must contact your regional health authority. To find your regional health authority, visit this website.

Home and respite care

If you are living at home and require additional assistance than what is provided by your family or support network, you may apply for home support services. These services are delivered by an approved home support agency.
Home support services may be subsidized from the government depending on your financial status or may be purchased privately.
For more information or to apply for home support services, contact your regional health authority.

Personal care homes

Personal care homes are privately owned homes for seniors or people with disabilities who need assistance with daily living. Individuals living in these homes do not require on site health or nursing services but may require the service of a visiting professional.
For a place in a personal care home, you must contact your regional health authority. For more information or for a list of personal care homes, select this  link.

Long-term care services

In Newfoundland and Labrador, long-term care services are delivered to people who can no longer live at home in long-term care facilities as well as in some hospitals or health centres.
In order apply for long term care services, you must contact your regional health authority. The cost will vary depending on your financial status. To find your regional health authority, visit this webpage

Care providers

For information about a variety of care providers including retirement homes, home care, and long-term care, visit the Care Guide website or call 1-800-311-2273.

YT

A place to start

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada –  The Assisted Living Program is an income dependent residency-based program that provides funding to assist in non-medical, social support services to seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (mental and physical) so that they can maintain functional independence and achieve greater self-reliance. There are three major components to the program:

  • in-home care
  • adult foster care
  • institutional care

For more information and eligibility, visit this website.

Yukon’s Continuing Care Branch provides Residential, Home Care and Regional Therapy services for the citizens of the Yukon Territory.

For information on the services, visit this website or call 867-667-5945 or toll free 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5945.

Home Care Program

Yukon Home Care Program delivers health-related services to individuals who have difficulty accessing services in the community due to mobility or health restraints. Services include:

  • Social Workers
  • Home Support Workers
  • Nurses

For more information and eligibility, select this  link.

Respite Care Services

Respite Care Services are available to provide short-term relief to caregivers looking after a relative or friend at home in the community. Respite services are available at all Yukon Continuing Care residential care facilities for periods of up to four weeks.
For more information, visit this website or call 867-667-8961.

Adult Day Programs

The Community Day Program provides services and support to adults with cognitive or physical impairments and to their caregivers, making it possible for them to experience an optimum quality of life while continuing to live in the community. For more information, select this link.

Residential care programs

There are five continuing care facilities in the Yukon. For more information, visit this  website.

NT

A Place to Start

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada –  The Assisted Living Program is an income dependent residency-based program that provides funding to assist in non-medical, social support services to seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (mental and physical) so that they can maintain functional independence and achieve greater self-reliance. There are three major components to the program;

  • in-home care
  • adult foster care
  • institutional care

For more information and eligibility, visit this webpage.

The Health and Social Services Authorities are responsible for the planning and delivery of health and social services to the people of the NWT.
There are eight Health and Social Services Authorities in the NWT. For more information, go to one of the following:

Home Care

The Home Care Program helps people when they are sick or in need of medical help or support with daily living activities. The program assists people to stay in their homes rather than going to a hospital or long term care facility which may not be located in their community.

  • home intravenous therapy
  • home support
  • nursing
  • palliative care
  • rehabilitation
  • respite care

For more information, select this link or call 867-767-9030.

NU

A place to start

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada – The Assisted Living Program is an income dependent residency-based program that provides funding to assist in non-medical, social support services to seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (mental and physical) so that they can maintain functional independence and achieve greater self-reliance. There are three major components to the program;

  • in-home care
  • adult foster care
  • institutional care

For more information and eligibility, visit this webpage.

The Home and Community Care program provides health care and support services, based on an assessment, in the comfort of an individual’s home when he or she needs extra attention due to illness, poor health, or disability.

  • Homemaking – house cleaning and assisting with meals and/or groceries
  • Personal care – bathing and dressing
  • Nursing care – injections and bandage changing
  • Respite care – relief for family members
  • Rehabilitation – recovery exercises

For more information and eligibility, visit this webpage or call 867-975-5776.

Disclaimer: This resource is meant solely to be a guide for information. While Arthritis Society Canada strives to provide up to date and comprehensive information, these types of services vary from province to province and times from region to region and community to community. Users are requested to check all sources from provincial/territorial, regional and community levels, as well as public, private and not-for-profit/charitable resources. This guide is not and cannot be a complete listing of all sources of services available.