Senior living care types explained
The right option depends on independence, health, safety, daily routines, social needs, budget and the amount of support required. Names and regulations vary by province, so confirm exactly what each provider includes.
| Care type | Best suited for | Typical support | Support level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | Older adults living independently | Meals, housekeeping, activities, maintenance | Low | Explore |
| Assisted Living | People needing help with daily activities | Personal care, medication support, meals, activities | Moderate | Explore |
| Memory Care | People living with dementia or Alzheimer’s | Secure setting, specialized staff, structured routines | High | Explore |
| Home Care | People wishing to remain at home | Scheduled personal care and household support | Varies | Explore |
Independent living
Independent living is generally designed for older adults who can manage day-to-day life but want a maintenance-free home, meals, activities and community. It may not be appropriate when frequent personal assistance or continuous supervision is required.
Assisted living
Assisted living combines accommodation with support such as bathing, dressing, medication routines, meals and housekeeping. Ask how care is assessed, what is included in the base fee and how costs change when needs increase.
Memory care
Memory care provides structured routines, dementia-informed programming and additional safety for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Families should ask about staff training, nighttime support, security, behavioural care and communication.
Home care
Home care brings scheduled personal or practical support into a person’s home. It can work well when needs are predictable and the home remains safe, but costs can rise as the number of care hours increases.
Long-term care
Long-term care is intended for people with higher or more complex ongoing care needs. Access, assessment, funding and terminology vary across Canada. Contact the appropriate provincial authority and prospective homes for current requirements.
Which option is right?
Start with the person’s goals and current needs, then consider safety, caregiver capacity, location, total cost and likely future support. Take the care quiz for a useful starting point or request free guidance.