Abstract
Objectives
In this study, we (1) identify the terms used to describe the assisted living sector
and the legislation governing operation in all Canadian provinces and territories;
(2) identify the cost estimates associated with residency in these homes; and (3)
quantify the growth of the sector.
Design
Environmental scan.
Setting and Participants
Internet searches of Canadian provincial and territorial government websites and professional
associations were conducted in 2021 to retrieve publicly accessible sources related
to the assisted living sector.
Methods
We synthesized data that identified the terms used to describe the sector in all provinces
and territories, the legislation governing operation, financing, median fees per month
for care, and growth of the sector from 2012 to 2020. Counts and proportions were
calculated for some extracted variables. All data were narratively synthesized.
Results
The terms used to describe the assisted living sector varied across Canada. The terms
“assisted living,” “retirement homes,” and “supportive living” were prevalent. Ontario
was the only province to regulate the sector through an independent, not-for-profit
organization. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta had some of the highest median
fees for room, board, and care per month (range: $1873 to $6726). The licensed assisted
living sector in Ontario doubled in size (768 in 2020 vs 383 in 2012), and there was
a threefold increase in the number of corporate-owned chain assisted living facilities
(465 in 2020 vs 142 in 2012).
Conclusions and Implications
The rapid growth of the assisted living sector that is primarily financed through
out-of-pocket payments may indicate a rise in a two-tier system of housing and health
care for older adults. Policymakers need better mechanisms, such as standardized reporting
systems and assessments, to understand the needs of older adults who reside in assisted
living facilities and inform the need for sector regulation and oversight.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 22, 2022
Accepted:
July 16,
2022
Received in revised form:
June 24,
2022
Received:
January 18,
2022
Footnotes
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 AMDA - The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
