Convalescent, transitional and restorative care in Ontario
When someone is well enough to leave hospital but not yet strong enough to go home, Ontario has short-term recovery options. Convalescent care, transitional care and restorative care all aim to get a person home safely, but they work differently.
By ParentCare Ontario Editorial, published by Otonabee Marketing. Updated November 2, 2026. General information, not medical, legal or financial advice.
| Convalescent care | Transitional care unit | Restorative care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | A long-term care home with convalescent beds | A dedicated unit, usually in or run by a hospital | Hospital rehab units, some long-term care homes and community programs |
| Who it's for | Adults who need 24-hour care while they regain strength, endurance or function | Patients who no longer need acute care and are waiting for their next step | People who can actively take part in therapy to regain abilities |
| How long | Expected to return home within 90 days; at most 90 days a year | Varies by hospital | Varies by program |
| How you get in | Referral through Ontario Health atHome, often from the hospital team; self-referral is possible in some regions | Hospital team decides | Hospital team or care coordinator |
| Cost | Ontario Health atHome program sheets list no co-payment; confirm when you apply | No charge while you're a hospital patient | Usually covered when publicly funded |
Convalescent care
Convalescent care is a short-stay program in some long-term care homes. Residents get nursing care, help with daily activities and therapy such as physiotherapy, with the goal of going home. To qualify, a person is usually 18 or older, has OHIP, has care needs a long-term care home can meet, is likely to benefit from a short stay, and is expected to go home within 90 days.
Not every home offers it, and beds are limited. Ask the hospital's Ontario Health atHome care coordinator, or call 310-2222.
Transitional care units
Some hospitals move patients who no longer need acute care to a transitional care unit while they wait for home care, a retirement home or long-term care. Care continues, often with more focus on activity and getting ready to leave. Ask the unit what the plan and timeline are, and keep working with the discharge planner.
Restorative care
Restorative care focuses on therapy to help someone regain abilities after illness, injury or surgery. It may happen in a hospital rehab unit, a long-term care home or at home through Ontario Health atHome. The hospital team decides who is referred.
Private recovery stays
If public beds aren't available, some retirement homes offer short recovery stays with meals, medication help and personal care, paid privately. They don't replace the nursing care in convalescent care, so check what the home can manage. Retirement homes that offer short stays.
Questions to ask before leaving hospital
- Which of these options is my parent eligible for, and how long is the wait?
- What happens if a convalescent bed isn't available on the discharge date?
- Will home care be set up for when the stay ends?
Next: Leaving hospital: discharge planning.