How to Choose a Dementia Home in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
by Joy Birch, President, Highview Residences
Choosing a dementia home for someone you love can feel overwhelming.
Families often ask:
When is it time?
What type of home is right?
How do we know we’re making the right decision?
This step-by-step guide is designed to help you understand your options in Ontario and move forward with clarity.
Stage 1 – Start with Discovery
Some families begin planning early. Others are making decisions in urgent situations.
This stage is about learning what matters most—to your loved one and to your family.
Start with:
Searching “dementia care homes in Ontario” or your local city
Reviewing websites and reading patterns in reviews
Talking to people you trust who have been through this
Also consider location. A home that is easy to visit often makes a meaningful difference.
Take time to reflect on what matters most:
Private room or shared
Dementia-specific care or continuum of care
Outdoor space and daily life
All-inclusive vs additional care fees
Ability to support changing needs over time
Stage 2 – Understand the Cost of Dementia Care in Ontario
In Ontario, there are two main options:
Long-term care (LTC)
Government-funded
Set monthly fees
Often longer waiting lists
Retirement homes with dementia care
Private pay
Flexible care options
Typically shorter wait times
When comparing homes, ask:
What is included in the monthly fee?
What costs extra?
What happens if care needs increase?
Planning for future care needs can help avoid unexpected costs later.
Some families choose a retirement home as a temporary step while waiting for long-term care.
Stage 3 – Visit Dementia Care Homes
Once you have a shortlist, book tours.
Bring questions. Take notes. Visit with someone you trust.
And also—pause when you walk in.
How does the home feel?
Families often say they “just knew” when something felt right.
Stage 4 – Understand the Waiting List
Waiting lists are part of the process.
For retirement homes:
Ask about timelines and how rooms are offered
For long-term care:
Applications are completed through Home and Community Care
A coordinator will guide you through your options
Many families place their name on multiple waiting lists to keep options open.
When Is It Time to Move to Dementia Care?
This is one of the hardest decisions.
Your loved one may want to remain at home—and that is completely understandable.
At the same time, dementia can affect memory, safety, and daily functioning. Often, families reach a point where more consistent care is needed.
Changes to watch for:
Safety concerns
Increased care needs
Caregiver exhaustion
What If You Need Dementia Care Urgently?
Sometimes situations change quickly.
If you need care right away:
Contact homes directly and explain your situation
Reach out to your Home and Community Care Coordinator
Consider interim options
Retirement homes are often able to support more immediate needs while waiting for long-term care placement.
Stage 5 – Saying Yes and Moving Day
When a room becomes available, decisions often need to be made quickly.
Many families hesitate—but waiting too long can sometimes limit options.
Once you say yes:
An assessment is completed
Admission paperwork is finalized
A move-in date is scheduled
There are services available to help make the transition easier for both your loved one and your family.
A Final Thought
Many families later share:
“We didn’t realize how much better things could be.”
With the right care in place, daily life can become more settled—for your loved one and for you.
We’re Here to Help
This is a big decision, and every situation is different.
If you would like to talk through your options, we are here.
The goal is to create a place where people are supported to live with independence, connection, and purpose in daily life.
Joy Birch is the President of Highview. She draws on personal experience, research, and—most importantly—the many conversations she has with families navigating this journey.
Highview offers thoughtfully designed homes where people living with dementia are cared for in ways that feel familiar, calm, and truly like home.
The goal is to create a place where people are supported to live with independence, connection, and purpose in daily life.