
The Difference Between a Retirement Home and a Long Term Care Home
There are a lot of differences between a retirement home and a long term care home. Even though they are both places where seniors can live, the cost, services, and moving in process are very different.
Here is a clear understanding of what these residences are and how they are different.


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Retirement home services can include:
- Full-service dining
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Recreation programs
- Modern amenities (fitness centre, hair salon, library etc.)
- Parking and/or transportation for outings/outings transportation
- Care services (falls prevention, wellness programs, and access to nursing services)
Long term care services are heavily centred around care. These types of services can include:
- Medication administration
- Meals service and special diets
- 24 Hour Nursing Care
- 24 Hour Staff
- Injury Reduction
- Falls Management
- Emergency Call System
- Physiotherapy
- Assistance with essential activities of daily living
- Social, recreational and spiritual programs
Choosing a Long Term Care Home
In order to move into a nursing home or long term care home, there are some requirements such as a referral from a physician or agency. Once a referral is completed, the agency will provide some choices based on the level of care needed, and will notify you when a spot becomes available. If you’re deciding which long term care home might be right for your loved one, or if you have questions around long term care, you can always call or arrange a visit at one of our Revera long term care homes across Canada. No one with a referral to a long term care home can be turned away, although you should be aware than sometimes the wait list can be extensive.
Retirement Home & Long Term Care Home FAQs
There are many different types of senior living. Whether you’re looking for yourself or have a loved one who is in need of care, Revera has a variety of retirement residence options, including independent living, independent supportive living, assisted living, designated supportive living (Alberta), residential care (BC), memory care, short term stay, or respite care. So, no matter what your needs are, there is an option for you at one of our retirement residences in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
