Table of contents
Introduction
Getting started
Regulations
Taxation
Financing
Other resources
Introduction
Seniors are one of the fastest growing population groups in Canada and the demand for senior care services is rising.
Examples of services that may be provided to seniors are:
- Meal preparation
- Assisted daily living (such as ambulatory care or bathing)
- Laundry
- Entertainment
The most common types of personal care facilities for seniors include:
- Retirement homes
Privately-owned accommodations for seniors who are able to manage and pay for their own care. Retirement home clients generally need minimal support with daily living activities.
- Supportive housing
Designed for people who need minimal to moderate care - for example housekeeping or personal care - to live independently.
- Long-term care homes
Designed for people who require the availability of 24-hour nursing care and supervision in a secure setting.
Getting started
Publicly funded home care services
To become a publicly funded home health care service provider you need to:
- Register with the Ontario Tenders Portal
- Apply for prequalification through Ontario Health atHome
If you are approved for prequalification you can bid on procurements for home health care services and sign up to be notified about future opportunities.
You must prequalify annually.
For more details on prequalification, refer to the Ontario Health website.
Regulations
Licences, permits and regulations that apply to starting a senior care facility include:
Retirement home licensing
In Ontario, you must have a licence from the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) to operate a retirement home.
Retirement homes are locations where residents pay for accommodation and care services.
The location could be a building, group of buildings or part of a building (with one or more rental units) where:
- Most residents are over the age of 65
- There are at least six residents who are not related to you
- You (the operator) provide at least two care services (directly or indirectly) to residents
You are providing “care services” if you:
- Administer a drug
- Provide a meal
- Assist with feeding, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene or walking
- Provide continence care, a dementia care program or a wound care program
- Provide any service that a physician, surgeon, nurse or pharmacist would provide in the practice of their profession
For licensing and more information contact the RHRA:
1-855-275-7472 (ASK-RHRA)
Applying for a Licence
Long-term care home licensing
You need to meet specific requirements and have a licence to operate a long-term care home (sometimes referred to as a 'nursing home') in Ontario. Some of the requirements that you need to meet are:
- Providing 24-hour supervision and nursing care
- Providing basic accommodations, such as furniture, meals, laundry and medical devices
- Preparing a care plan for each resident
- Reviewing the care plan at least once every three months and making changes when needed
Your long-term care home will be inspected at least once per year to make sure you are meeting all of the requirements and standards.
You can find licensing information on the following page: Apply to build new or redevelop existing long-term care beds.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Long-Term Care website or email them at
LTCdevelopment@ontario.ca.
Landlord and tenant rights
Ensure that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, including rent increase guidelines. Refer to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website or contact them directly for details.
416-585-7041
Renting in Ontario: Your rights
Personal information protection
You must follow the rules for collecting, using and disclosing any personal information you collect from your clients. Refer to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada website or contact them directly for more information.
1-800-282-1376
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada - For businesses
Health information protection
In Ontario, health information gathered from your residents and clients must be protected. Make sure that you follow the rules of collection, use and disclosure of heath information. Consult the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario website or contact them directly.
1-800-387-0073 (within Ontario)
Guidance published by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
Working at other locations
If you plan to offer services in a space that is not controlled by your business, such as a medical facility or a client’s home, you are responsible for meeting legal and regulatory requirements for your services. Some services require certification, licensing and inspections or need to meet certain set standards including:
- Prepared food services
- Nursing support
- In-home and telehealth medical consultations
- Medical testing
- Social and mental health counselling
- Handling personal and health data
Taxation
Financing
Business Benefits Finder
Business Benefits Finder
Get a tailored list of government programs and services for your business in less than 2 minutes.
Other resources
- Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility: A guide to programs and services for seniors
- CMHC: Managing affordable housing
- Family Councils Ontario
- Canadian Institute for Health Information
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Aging and seniors
- Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority: Licensees and Operators
- Canadian Red Cross: Ontario
- Older adults and population aging statistics
- Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62): Ontario