When considering retirement home options in Ontario for yourself or a loved one, making an informed choice is key to maintaining safety, dignity and peace of mind.

Licensed retirement homes offer flexibility and independence, but did you know that “retirement home” is not a protected title? Understanding what makes a licensed home different, and the rights and protections that come with licensing, can help you choose with confidence.

What is a licensed retirement home?

Licensed retirement homes are designed for adults, primarily aged 65+, who want to live in a supportive retirement community, with the option to access care services from the home or from an external provider when needed. This differs from long-term care homes, which provide 24-hour nursing care and are funded and managed through a separate system.

Under Ontario’s Retirement Homes Act, 2010, a licensed retirement home must:

  • Accommodate six or more unrelated residents
  • Offer at least two of 13 regulated care services (e.g., meals, medication assistance or personal care)

Why licensing matters

Only licensed retirement homes in Ontario:

  • Are regularly inspected by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA)
  • Must follow Ontario’s Retirement Homes Act
  • Maintain clear processes for complaints and emergencies
  • Uphold residents’ rights
  • May qualify residents for RHRA’s Emergency Fund payments under certain circumstances

These protections do not apply to unlicensed homes, and this added level of accountability and oversight can help you feel more confident in your choice of home.

Start your search with RHRA’s Retirement Home Database

This free public resource provides essential, unbiased details about all licensed retirement homes across Ontario – all in one place. You can:

  • Check licensing status
  • See available care services
  • Review inspection reports and compliance history

 

Visit rhra.ca/en/retirement-home-database to begin your search.

Need more information?

Visit rhra.ca or contact:

The RHRA is an independent, self-funded, not-for-profit organization created by the Retirement Homes Act, 2010, to protect the safety, rights and well-being of residents in Ontario’s licensed retirement homes.

Be informed. Understand your rights. Choose with confidence.