Long Term Care - FAQs
1. How do I get on a Long Term Care waiting list?
Interested individuals must contact a Community Care Access Centre (CCAC):
- North Simcoe Muskoka Community Care Access Centre (Georgian Manor, Sunset Manor, Trillium Manor): 1-705-721-8010
- Simcoe Central Community Care Access Centre (Simcoe Manor): 1-888-470-2222 (TTY number: 416-222-0876)
2. What is the monthly cost to reside in a Long Term Care Home?
The cost of residing in a Long Term Care Home in Ontario is set by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
3. What additional costs are associated with living in a Long Term Care Home?
Advanced services are available to residents at their expense: hair, barber, pharmacy, non-prescription medication, prescription co-payments, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, preferred personal care products, outings and assistive devices and associated costs, etc. Non-prescribed powder products are not permitted in County of Simcoe Long Term Care Homes.
4. I'm concerned that I can not afford to pay LTC rates.
The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has a process in place to assist residents who may require a rate reduction for their co-payment. A resident in a basic long stay or interim bed may apply for a rate reduction after accessing all income available to him/her. The home will be able to provide advice on the specifics of this process.
5. With my spouse living in Long Term Care, how can I financially continue to live independently in my home in the community?
To assist seniors in financial hardship, who must live apart, not by choice, the Federal Government uses a means called "Involuntary Separation". Use of involuntary separation does not affect one's marital status or rights, but may qualify the resident and spouse to receive higher OAS, GIS and possible Gains supplements. Forms can be obtained from Service Canada.
6. What does my accommodation cover?
Accommodation covers room and board.
7. Can I keep my own physician?
Residents can keep their own physician, so long as the physician signs a contract with the home and adheres to the Long Term Care Home Act of 2007 (Legislation and Regulation).
8. Can I bring in my own medication?
Under the Long Term Care Home Act of 2007 (Legislation and Regulation), a Long Term Care Home must have a contract in place with an accredited pharmacy for the purpose of storing, ordering and administering the medication required for each resident. All medications must be acquired through the contract pharmacy provider.
9. Can my family member use herbal medications/preparations?
All herbal medication/preparations need to be vetted by a pharmacy to ensure that there are no contra-indications with any non herbal medications a resident may be taking. Pharmacies must be able to identify the makeup of herbal medications/preparations, and ensure they are regulated.
10. Can I bring my own furniture into the Home?
The home supplies a bed, bedside table, chair and closet. Residents are encouraged to personalize their rooms to create a homelike environment, so long as resident and staff safety are not endangered.
11. Can I bring my pet?
Pets are encouraged to visit, but must be vaccinated and well controlled when in the home.
12. Does your home allow smoking?
All County of Simcoe buildings are non-smoking facilities.
13. Does your home permit consumption of Alcohol?
All alcohol must be ordered by a physician, provided by the family and kept in a locked storage area that is only accessible by staff.
14. Can I have a phone, TV, and Internet?
Yes, but it is the responsibility of the resident or Power of Attorney (POA) to arrange an approved vendor to install (satellite dishes are not permitted). At this time, wireless Internet is not available and cell phone reception is limited.
15. Is laundry available and provided?
The County of Simcoe Long Term Care Homes provides laundry services with the exception of dry cleaning. Resident clothing will be labelled by home staff.