Skip to Main Content

What is long term care?

Long term care homes, sometimes referred to as nursing homes, offer a safe, secure and specialized care environment. Long term care facilities welcome people who can no longer live independently because of the high level of care or supervision they require and/or because they need significant support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing or eating.

The population within long term care is primarily comprised of seniors with multiple complex chronic conditions, and a significant proportion of the people in long term care homes live with cognitive challenges such as dementia. Sometimes, the journey to long term care is a quick one, precipitated by a major health event; more often it is longer, and something a senior and their family come to gradually as health conditions worsen. Whatever the path taken, we at Revera are here to help.

Our goal is to help residents live their lives to the fullest extent possible; we also believe that every individual is unique and has their own needs and preferences. That’s why we embrace the philosophy of person-centred care in our long term care homes. Each resident receives an individualized assessment and care plan with our highly trained team, whose focus is on delivering care while supporting the comfort, dignity and safety of each resident.

Learn more about moving to long term care

What programs and services do long term care homes offer?

Revera’s long term care facilities offer a number of signature care programs to support the needs of residents, including Falls Management, Dementia Care, Wound Care, Rehab and Restorative Care, Continence Care and more. Revera is also committed to enabling a “least restraint” environment, in which each resident has the right to make informed choices.

Food is a big part of life, including in long term care. The menus in our long term care homes are developed by a team of registered dietitians and nutrition managers. We provide healthy meals that meet the nutritional needs and dietary requirements of residents. Our homes also strive to meet cultural needs and preferences.

An older woman is holding hands with a younger caregiver

There is also a lot to do in our long term care homes, with programs and activities aimed at supporting residents’ minds, bodies and spirits. Popular recreation programs include art and creative classes, music therapy, fitness classes, intergenerational activities, and gardening and horticultural initiatives. Many homes also have on-site personal services, such as hair salons. And each home has a Resident Council, a Family Council and a Resident Food Council, as well as a dedicated team of volunteers, so there are many ways to become involved.

Life in long term care is not just about care; it’s also about a strong sense of community. Our dedicated, compassionate staff – our doctors and nurses, our personal support workers and healthcare aides, our chefs and recreation professionals, our administrators and the people who make sure our homes are clean and safe – are all committed to creating a positive, welcoming home environment. With numerous activities, outings, spiritual services, special events and celebrations, life in long term care is meaningful and can also be bustling.

Learn more about our programs
Lea, a Director of Care in a long term care home with Ian, a resident

Unforgettable Ian

Learn what life is like in a long term care home as one family makes that transition. Meet Ian Doig, a resident at Stoneridge Manor Long Term Care Home in Carleton Place, Ontario.

More about Ian's journey

What is the cost of long term care?

Long term care costs are very different from costs associated with retirement homes. In the provinces in which Revera operates, long term care residents generally pay for their accommodations, while the government covers the costs of things like care, food, programming and certain medications.

Accommodation costs are established by the provincial governments. The resident accommodation portion typically ranges between $1,000 to $3,000 per month, depending on factors such as the province, the resident’s income, the type of room chosen (private or semi-private), and the age of the home. In some provinces, lower-income residents may be eligible for additional financial support.

Long term care offers a safe, secure environment for people who can no longer live independently and who require care and support for their complex chronic conditions and/or cognitive challenges such as dementia.

Ann older woman with a walker is walking in the woods with a younger woman

Questions about admissions and availability?

Once the decision has been made to seek and select a long term care facility, the rest of the process can vary depending on where you live in Canada. The first thing you’ll need is a referral from the appropriate government agency. These government agencies will lay out your available choices based on your care needs, help arrange for the move to a long term care home, and evaluate your eligibility for government-funded services and support.

In Manitoba, contact the local Home Care Program office at 1-866-626-4862 or check out Manitoba Health and Seniors Care. Revera operates only in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA).

In Ontario, contact the Home and Community Care Support Services at 310-2222 (no area code required) or check out healthcareathome.ca.

Care Comes in Many Forms

You may need different kinds of support over time. Our experienced team is ready with highly personalized care services.

An older couple sitting on the couch

Retirement Guide

Understanding Your Care Options

There’s never been a better time to grow old. We know that aging brings a wealth of experience, so let’s really embrace it!

Read Understanding Your Care Options