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ORCA Frequently Asked Questions | |
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I'm looking for the right retirement residence for me or a loved one. What do I do? What's the difference between a retirement residence and a nursing home? Does the government regulate retirement residences in Ontario? I have more questions about retirement residences. Who can I speak to? I own a retirement residence. How can my residence become a member of ORCA? I am interested in opening a retirement residence, what steps should I take? My company has products and services that retirement residences need. Can we become a member of ORCA? What annual events does ORCA have for its retirement residence members and commercial supplier members? |
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I'm looking for the right retirement residence for
me or a loved one. What do I do?
Please begin by clicking on the Tips on Choosing a Retirement Residence section and reviewing the information we have prepared to help people like you become informed consumers so they can make good quality choices and find their best-suited retirement residence. It is a good idea to print a copy of the tips sheet for future reference. ORCA offers a free consumer directory which provides information on all the care options, including information on ORCA approved retirement residences. To order a free directory on-line click here. You can also phone ORCA at 1-800-361-7254 and leave your address so we can mail a copy to you. Our website also includes listings, pictures, virtual-reality tours and pricing for ORCA approved retirement residences. Go to Find A Retirement Residence for more information. Still have questions? Please call 1-800-361-7254, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. What's the difference between a retirement residence and a nursing home?
Nursing homes and Homes for the Aged are now called "Long-Term Care Facilities". They are mostly for seniors who have significant health care issues and require a great deal of care. To be assessed for a long-term care facility and to get on a waiting list, please contact your local Community Care Access Centre in Ontario. A list of all Community Care Access Centres can be found here. Retirement residence living is a flexible lifestyle option for older adults who want to make their own choices. Retirement residence living lets you choose - how much to do for yourself; how much to have done for you; how to spend your time; and with whom to spend it. Retirement residences take the work and worry out of day-to-day living. Please see the Tips on Choosing a Retirement Residence section of this website for more information. Does the government regulate retirement residences in Ontario?
The Province of Ontario does not regulate the operations of retirement residences. ORCA is the only agency that sets standards, inspects and accredits these residences. Not all retirement residences are ORCA approved, only those that meet and maintain ORCA's standards for accreditation. When searching for a retirement residence, be sure to ask for proof of ORCA membership. If it is not an ORCA member, it has not been accredited. For a list of ORCA's standards, please click on here, or contact JoAnn Prior, ORCA at 1-800-361-7254 ext. 224 or email joann@orca-homes.com. I have more questions about retirement residences.
Who can I speak to?
ORCA receives funding from the Province of Ontario to operate a toll-free Retirement Home Complaints Response and Information Service (CRIS), for all retirement homes in Ontario. CRIS resolves complaints and provides information and advice about the services and accommodations offered in retirement residences. Please call 1-800-361-7254 to speak to an Information Officer. Also view the Complaints Response and Information Service section of this website. I own a retirement residence. How can my residence become a member of ORCA?
Please send an email to info@orca-homes.com or call 1-800-361-7254 (Mon.- Fri. 9 am to 5 pm) and we'll send you information on membership and accreditation. We are pleased to answer any questions you may have. I am interested in opening a retirement residence,
what steps should I take?
To protect residents, ORCA has developed a comprehensive set of professional operating standards pertinent to safety and quality. To become an ORCA member, a retirement residence must voluntarily meet and maintain these standards. ORCA regularly audits its member to ensure compliance. Consumers look for the ORCA logo as it represents a well-maintained, safe, professional and pleasant living environment.
My company has products and services that retirement
residences need. Can we become a member of ORCA?
Yes. Please contact Vera Shewell, ORCA at 1-800-361-7254 ext. 223 or email vera@orca-homes.com, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. What annual events does ORCA have for its retirement
residence members and commercial supplier members?
ORCA holds two annual events for our retirement residence and commercial supplier members. In March or April, we have an annual convention and trade show in Toronto. ORCA's summer conference is held in September and the location changes (2007 - Collingwood). Please contact ORCA at 1-800-361-7254 or info@orca-homes.com for more information. |
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