Chartwell’s long term care residences provide comfort, security and exceptional care to our residents and peace of mind for their loved ones. We know that the decision to move to an LTC residence is an important one and one that takes thoughtful planning and careful consideration.

You will want to ask yourself if long term care is the right option for your loved one and, if so, which LTC residence is the best fit.

An informed decision is a good decision. Here are some questions* that can lead you to a conclusion you feel good about:

• Can you provide the safety, medical attention and round-the-clock supervision that could be required?
• Will living with you in your home, or on his own, meet your relative’s companionship and care needs? Will you be able to provide a relatively safe and secure environment? Will your loved one be able to participate with friends in the activities he enjoys?
• If your relative lives with you, or on her own, how will that affect your life and the other relationships important to you? How do your spouse, your children and your siblings feel about the impact it will have on your time and attention?  
• Have you considered the financial and emotional means needed to be responsible for your relative’s care on a constant basis? What happens when care needs become more complex?  

Once you’ve decided that a long term care residence is best for your loved one, your next step is in selecting the right one.  

How to Apply

In Ontario, all applications to LTC homes are coordinated by your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).  

Once your CCAC has determined that you are eligible, the next step is to choose the homes you wish to apply to.  You may apply to a maximum of 5 homes. The only exception to this rule is if you are applying for the “short stay” program or if you are deemed by the CCAC to require “immediate admission.”

To contact the local CCAC office near you, please click the following link to the CCAC website.

In British Columbia, admission to subsidized beds are managed by the Regional Health Authority (RHA) and clients can apply for admission directly by contacting their local RHA.  Contact information for the RHA in your area can be obtained by visiting here or by calling the Health and Seniors Information line at 1-800-465-4911

In Alberta, you need to undergo an assessment by a Home Care Registered Nurse to determine long term care eligibility.  To get more information on seniors living options or to book an assessment, contact the local community Home Care program or call HEALTHLink Alberta Toll-Free 1-866-408-5465.

 

When you are ready to tour a long term care residence, you can use the following checklist* to select the three residences that best suit the needs of your loved one:

• Is the home clean? Does it smell fresh?
• Do you feel welcome and is your relative treated with respect?  Are staff compassionate, and do they take as much time as you need to answer all your questions? How do staff interact with the people who live in the home?
• How will staff come to understand the unique needs of your relative? Will your relative be involved in making decisions about medical treatment and diet choices, for example? Will the menu appeal to your loved one?
• What can friends, family and others tell you about the home’s reputation? Is the home accredited?
• Can residents make choices about the programs they participate in? Does the home offer activities and therapies your loved one will enjoy, such as art, horticulture, aromatherapy, massage, or pet therapy? What about foot care or physiotherapy? What about spiritual programs? Are there social, recreational, and cultural resources available, such as movies, games, books and music?
• What role can you play in caring for your loved one? How will you have an ongoing opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions that will improve your relative’s care? How will your concerns be dealt with? Can you join a Family Council or Advisory Board? Are there support programs for family caregivers?
• Under what circumstances will your family member be sent to hospital?
• How do home management and staff make sure that residents’ rights and choices are respected, as laid out in the Resident’s Bill of Rights?  
  

*Source: Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA)

 

All of the Long Term Care residences Chartwell operates in Ontario are proud members of the OLTCA. For more information, please click here.