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Assisted living

Respiratory illness season information

To keep people safe, the province is enhancing infection control measures in health authority-operated facilities, and in sites contracted by the health authority for services such as hospitals, long-term care and assisted-living, outpatient clinics and ambulatory care settings for the respiratory season (generally in the fall through spring each year).

Starting January 6, 2023, visitors to long-term care (LTC) and seniors’ assisted living settings should wear a medical mask when participating in indoor group events, celebrations, gatherings, and activities, except when eating and/or drinking.

Exceptions to wearing a medical mask in LTC include:

  • Visiting a single resident in a patient-care area, multi-bed rooms or communal areas
  • Visiting directly with one individual resident

Residents in LTC and assisted living settings must wear a mask over their nose and mouth, and other PPE when directed by a health care worker during the provision of direct patient care, if medically tolerated.

Assisted living emphasizes the principles of individuality, choice, dignity, privacy, and independence for individuals.

Assisted living residences provide housing, hospitality and personalized assistance services for adults who can live independently but require regular assistance with daily activities, usually because of age, illness or disabilities. Support services promote occupants’ independence, while involving family and friends in their care.

When does a person move into an assisted living unit?

When health care needs become more complex, moving to a facility that provides a higher level of care than is possible to provide in the home. Home Health professionals are responsible for determining whether the individual requires, and is eligible to move to, either a publicly subsidized assisted living residence or a long-term care facility.

Moving to assisted living

Assisted living services are for adults who can no longer live safely in their homes, but meet the criteria for care. They will have the ability to make decisions on their own behalf and are able to live independently, but require assistance with personal care.

If eligible they will be offered placement in an assisted living residence in their community when a vacancy is available. If a unit is not immediately available, they will be placed on a wait list. Eligibility does not guarantee occupancy. Vacancies at each site vary and predicting an occupancy date is often not possible. Please see your family doctor for supports available to you while you wait.

There are costs associated with assisted living. Your monthly assisted living payment provides you with rental accommodation, hospitality services, and personal care services. For more information on these, see the costs page.

  • Rental accommodation – your unit is a private, lockable, unfurnished studio or one-bedroom suite that you furnish with your own belongings. Each suite has its own bathroom and kitchenette with a small refrigerator and usually a stove or microwave.
  • Hospitality services – consist of lunch, dinner, housekeeping, laundry for bedding and towels, social and recreational opportunities, and a 24-hour response system.
  • Personal assistance services – may include assistance with tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing and mobility.

Contact your local Home Health / Community Services office to ask for an assessment if you feel the assisted living option is right for you or your family member.

Resident handbook

Assisted living resident's handbook

More information