What is the average wait time for long-term care in Ontario?

With half of all long-term care residents waiting at least 165 days, navigating the system requires understanding its complexities. Understanding what is the average wait time for long-term care in Ontario is the first step for many families planning for the future and seeking placement for a loved one.

Quick Summary

Wait times for long-term care in Ontario vary significantly, influenced by location, urgency, and accommodation choice, with many waiting months or even years depending on circumstances. There is no single 'average' wait time.

Key Points

• Median Wait is Over 5 Months: Half of Ontario's long-term care residents wait at least 165 days, but many wait much longer, especially for specific homes or locations.

• Location is a Major Factor: Wait times are significantly longer in high-demand urban areas like the GTA compared to rural regions.

• Urgency Determines Priority: Applicants in urgent situations, such as those in a hospital awaiting discharge, receive higher priority than those waiting at home.

• Accommodation Choice Matters: The type of room desired (basic, semi-private, private) and specific home preferences can influence the length of the waitlist.

• Ontario Health atHome Manages Applications: All applications for long-term care are handled centrally by Ontario Health atHome, which assesses eligibility and placement.

• Waitlists are Significant: More than 48,000 people are on the waitlist for long-term care across Ontario, highlighting high demand and limited supply.

• Alternatives Exist: Families can explore private retirement homes or utilize home and community care services while waiting for a publicly funded long-term care bed.

Understanding the Complexities of the Waitlist

Determining the wait time for a long-term care home in Ontario is not straightforward. The wait is not a single provincial average, as times vary significantly based on individual factors and location. While half of residents wait at least 165 days, many experience much longer waits. Urban areas like the GTA often have significantly longer median waits than other regions. With over 48,000 people on the waitlist, demand consistently exceeds available spaces.

Key Factors Influencing Wait Time

Several factors determine your place on the waitlist and the duration of your wait, managed by Ontario Health atHome:

• Urgency or Priority Category: This is a critical factor. Priority is given to those needing immediate admission, such as hospital patients requiring placement. Those with high needs who can remain at home typically wait longer.
• Applicant's Current Location: Whether an applicant is in a hospital, at home, or a retirement home impacts wait times. Historically, hospital patients have had shorter median waits than those at home.
• Number of Homes Chosen: Applicants can select up to five preferred homes. Choosing popular or ethno-specific homes can increase the wait. Listing multiple homes may lead to an earlier offer from a less requested facility.
• Desired Room Type: Wait times can also be influenced by the preference for basic (shared), semi-private, or private rooms.

Navigating the Application Process

Applying for long-term care is a structured process through Ontario Health atHome.

1. Initial Contact: Contact your local Ontario Health atHome to explore care options.
2. Health Assessment: A care coordinator will assess your needs to determine eligibility and priority.
3. Choose Your Homes: Select and rank up to five homes on a choice form.
4. The Waitlist: Your name is added to the waitlists for your chosen homes.
5. Placement Offer: Ontario Health atHome will make an offer when a bed is available. Offers usually require a response within 24 hours. Refusing an offer may result in removal from waitlists for a period.

Comparison: Long-Term Care vs. Retirement Home

It's important to understand the distinctions between long-term care and retirement homes, particularly regarding wait times and costs.

Factor	Long-Term Care	Retirement Home
Funding	Publicly subsidized, government-set rates.	Privately funded, rates vary based on services.
Eligibility	High care needs, strict criteria.	Open to those who can afford it and whose needs can be met.
Wait Times	Can be significant (months to years).	Generally no waitlist. Based on availability.
Application	Through Ontario Health atHome, requires assessment.	Directly with the home, no government assessment.
Care Level	24-hour nursing and personal support for complex needs.	Various services, including assisted living, but typically not 24-hour skilled nursing.

What to Do While on the Waitlist

Waiting can be challenging, but there are ways to manage care during this time:

• Explore Home and Community Care Services: Ontario Health atHome offers services like personal support and nursing to help people at home.
• Re-evaluate Your Needs: Inform your care coordinator of any health or living situation changes, as a reassessment might alter your priority.
• Consider a Retirement Home: A private retirement home can offer support and bypass the long-term care waitlist if affordable.
• Maintain Up-to-date Contact Information: Ensure your details with Ontario Health atHome are current to avoid missing an offer.
• Spousal Reunification: Discuss spousal reunification priority with your care coordinator if applicable.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to what is the average wait time for long-term care in Ontario. Wait times depend on numerous factors, including individual needs, location, and chosen homes. Understanding the application process, influential factors, and available options, such as home care and retirement homes, empowers families to navigate the system. Consistent communication with Ontario Health atHome is key to managing expectations and facilitating placement. For official application details, visit the Ontario Health atHome website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary factor determining my wait time for long-term care in Ontario?

Your priority category is the most significant factor. Individuals with urgent, high-care needs, especially those in hospital, are prioritized for placement. Those waiting in the community are typically in a lower priority category and have longer wait times.

Does my location in Ontario affect how long I have to wait?

Yes, location significantly affects wait times. Urban centers, particularly the Greater Toronto Area, often experience longer wait times due to higher demand. Wait times can vary substantially even between different regions or homes.

Can I choose which long-term care home I want to go to?

Yes, you can list up to five preferred long-term care homes on your application. However, requesting specific or highly sought-after homes, like those that serve a particular ethnic or cultural group, can result in a longer wait.

What happens if I refuse a placement offer from a long-term care home?

If you refuse a placement offer, your application may be closed, and you could be removed from all waitlists for a period of time, unless you meet specific exceptions. This could mean a significant delay in receiving another offer.

How do I get on the waitlist for a long-term care home?

To get on the waitlist, you must first contact Ontario Health atHome. A care coordinator will complete an assessment to determine your eligibility and help you fill out the application to select your preferred homes.

Is the average wait time for long-term care in Ontario getting longer?

Reports indicate that waitlists have been growing and wait times have been trending upward over recent years. Factors like the increasing aging population and a shortage of staff contribute to the lengthening waits.

What options are available while waiting for a long-term care placement?

While waiting, families can explore several alternatives. These include increasing publicly funded home and community care services, or if resources allow, considering a private retirement home. Your care coordinator can discuss these options.