Rydel Long Term Care Planning

Long-term care homes offer a variety of accommodation options. People living in a home pay a fee for accommodation that is based on the type or style of accommodation. "Preferred Accommodation" is the term used to describe private or semi-private rooms with special features (such as an ensuite bathroom), whereas "Basic or Standard Accommodation" refers to the style of rooms that the home offers in this category.

Not all homes offer the same level of accommodation.  Older homes and homes that have been renovated or retrofitted to comply with Ministry Standards may have fewer amenities on-site; smaller rooms and no suitable area for dementia residents who feel compelled to walk.  In older homes, Basic or Standard rooms may have four beds per room.  The residents of the Basic or Standard rooms will be either all male or all female.  Married couples may be able to share a room depending upon availability.  All nursing homes have dining rooms and common rooms, and may also have features such as a lounge, gift shop, beauty salon, chapel, or garden.

All nursing homes offer 24-hour supervision and nursing care.

The basic package includes the following services:

• Furnishings (e.g. bed, chair), meals (including special diets), bed linens and laundry, personal hygiene supplies, medical/clinical supplies and devices (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs for occasional use*), housekeeping, pastoral services, social and recreational programs, medication administration, and assistance with the essential activities of daily living.
• Nursing and personal care on a 24-hour basis and access to a physician, and other health professionals.
• Baths or showers twice a week.
• *if resident requires a wheelchair, walker for more than occasional use, the family must supply the device.

Optional services are usually available for a fee. They may include hairdressing, cable TV and telephone services, transportation, etc.

Shortly after the resident is placed in the Home, a "plan of care" outlining the care requirements and levels of service needed is written specifically for that resident. This plan must be reviewed at least every three months and adapted as your needs change.  The resident or their Substitute Decision Maker has to be informed about this plan and any changes to it.  

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) provides funding for homes. The amount paid by residents for their accommodation is called a "co-payment".

There are two different terms used to define the length a person stays in a home:

1. Long Stay refers to accommodations that are obtained for an indefinite period of time.
2. Short Stay refers to temporary stays at a home. The maximum number of days a person can stay is 90 days per year. There are two types of short stay :

• The short-stay respite service provides a caregiver with a break from caregiving duties.
• The supportive care service provides daily care to a senior who might need a higher level of care than they would get at home.  This service is usually confined to seniors following surgery or a hospital stay.

The MOHLTC sets accommodation co-payment rates. The following table shows resident co-payment rates effective July 1, 2007. The co-payment rates change from time to time (at a minimum, annually). For the most up-to-date rates, contact the staff at your local Community Care Access Centre.

**Optional services (e.g. cable TV or hairdressing), can be purchased for an additional fee.**

There is no preferred accommodation surcharge for short-stay residents.

Some long-stay residents in basic accommodation may be eligible for a rate reduction. The home Administrator can provide a rate reduction application form to residents to complete.