Home care, retirement home or long-term care: which is right?
The right choice depends on how much care is needed and how safe home still is. Home care and retirement homes suit people who are mostly independent; long-term care is for people who need nursing care around the clock.
By ParentCare Ontario Editorial, published by Otonabee Marketing. Facts checked October 28, 2026. General information, not tax, legal or medical advice.
| Care at home | Retirement home | Long-term care home | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Can live at home safely with some help | Mostly independent; wants meals, company and some help on site | Needs 24-hour nursing care and supervision |
| How you get it | Ontario Health atHome assesses and arranges public home care; or hire privately | Apply directly to the home | Apply through Ontario Health atHome; placed from a waitlist |
| Who pays | Public home care is free if eligible; private care is paid by the family | You pay rent and any care you buy; no government subsidy | Government pays for care; you pay a set fee of $2,129.17 to $3,041.97 a month |
| Rules | Depends on the agency | Licensed by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority; tenancy law applies | Ministry of Long-Term Care; Fixing Long-Term Care Act |
Signs it may be time for more care
- Falls, or fear of falling, are stopping daily activities.
- Meals, medications or bills are being missed.
- The main caregiver can no longer keep up.
- Care is needed at night, or by more than one person at a time.
A care coordinator at Ontario Health atHome can assess needs at no cost and explain which option fits. Call 310-2222 (no area code needed).
Next steps
- How to get home care through Ontario Health atHome
- Find a licensed retirement home
- Find a long-term care home and see its waitlist
- Funding to help someone stay at home
Facts checked October 28, 2026. We take every amount from the official source and recheck each January and July. Always confirm with the program before you apply.