How to Choose a Retirement Home in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide
by Joy Birch, President, Highview Residences
Choosing a retirement home is an important decision—and often one that comes with a mix of questions, emotions, and timing considerations.
Many people begin by asking:
What type of retirement home is right for me or my loved one?
What does retirement living cost in Ontario?
How do we know when it’s time to make a move?
This guide is designed to help you understand your options and move forward with clarity.
Stage 1 – Start with Research
Some people begin exploring retirement homes early. Others start when daily living becomes more difficult or support is needed.
Begin with a simple search:
“retirement homes in Ontario” or your city (London, Kitchener, Lucan, or nearby communities)
As you research, look for:
Consistent reviews and overall ratings
Clear information about services and daily life
A sense of how each home feels and operates
It can also be helpful to speak with others who have made this move and ask what mattered most in their decision.
Location is important. A home that is easy for family and friends to visit often makes a meaningful difference.
Retirement Homes vs Long-Term Care in Ontario
As you begin your search, it’s important to understand the difference between retirement homes and long-term care. Many people use these terms interchangeably—but they are quite different.
Retirement Homes
Privately paid
Flexible levels of support available
Shorter or no waiting lists in many cases
More independence, with care added as needed
Retirement homes can be a good option for those who want a balance of independence, daily support, and community.
Long-Term Care (LTC)
Government-funded
Set monthly fees
Accessed through Home and Community Care
Often longer waiting lists
Long-term care is designed for people who require more consistent, around-the-clock support.
Some families choose a retirement home as a next step while waiting for long-term care, particularly if care needs are increasing and timing is a concern.
At Highview, including our Lucan Home, we’ve thoughtfully arranged living to offer both independence and support within a smaller, more connected setting.
Stage 2 – Understand the Cost of Retirement Homes in Ontario
Retirement homes in Ontario are privately paid, with costs varying based on accommodation, services, and level of care.
When comparing options, ask:
What is included in the monthly fee?
What services are additional?
How will costs change if needs increase?
Common services to understand include:
Meals and snacks
Housekeeping and laundry
Medication support
Personal care or bathing assistance
Mobility support
Specialized diets
Planning ahead can help you feel more confident about your decision.
Stage 3 – Visit Retirement Homes
Once you’ve created a shortlist, book tours.
Bring questions. Take notes. Visit with someone you trust.
And also—pause when you walk in.
Take a breath and notice:
How does the home feel?
Many people say they “just knew” when something felt right.
Stage 4 – Waiting Lists and Availability
Some retirement homes have waiting lists, especially for specific suite types or preferred layouts.
Ask:
How long is the wait?
How are suites offered?
What happens if you decline?
Placing your name on more than one list can help keep options open.
When Is the Right Time to Move to a Retirement Home?
This decision is deeply personal.
Some people choose to move earlier—while they can fully enjoy the social environment, daily activities, and ease of living.
Others wait until more support is needed.
It may be time to consider a move if:
Daily tasks feel more difficult
There are concerns about safety or mobility
Managing a home feels overwhelming
There is a desire for more connection and community
Stage 5 – Saying Yes and Moving Day
When a suite becomes available, you may need to decide quickly.
It can feel like a big step—but it is also the beginning of a new chapter.
Once you say yes:
An assessment may be completed
Paperwork is finalized
A move-in date is scheduled
There are also services available to help with downsizing and moving, which can make the transition easier.
A Final Thought
Many people later share:
“I wish we had made the move sooner.”
With the right setting, daily life can feel lighter, more connected, and more supported.
We’re Here to Help
Every situation is unique.
If you would like to talk through your options for retirement living in Ontario, we are here.
The goal is to create a place where people are supported to live with independence, connection, and purpose in daily life.
Download our free retirement home planning guide (PDF),
with checklists, questions, and space to plan your next steps.
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.