Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the application process for long term care in Ontario?
Q: Are there waiting lists for long term care and how long are they?
Q: What special training do the team members in the Home have?
Q: What types of accommodation does Pine Villa Care Centre offer?
Q: What is short stay accommodation?
Q: What is the cost of long term care accommodation?
Q: What subsidies are available in Ontario?
Q: Do you have accommodations for couples?
Q: Can I bring my pet to live with me in the Home?
Q: If I am a smoker, can I be a resident?
Q: What is the application process for long term care in Ontario?
A:

All applications to long term care Homes in Ontario are managed by the Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). As you begin the application process to long term care, you will be assigned a HCCSS caseworker who will act as your main contact throughout the process. To find the HCCSS that serves your area, follow this link and enter your postal code.

Once the local HCCSS has determined that you or your loved one are eligible for admission to a long term care Home, your next step is to choose the Homes to which you would like to apply. It is recommended that you tour several long term care Homes and select the ones where you think you or your loved one would be most comfortable living. When a bed becomes available at one of the Homes you selected, you will be notified by the HCCSS (in accordance with the waiting list). You will then have 24 hours in which to accept or decline the bed offer.

Q: Are there waiting lists for long term care and how long are they?
A:

The majority of long term care Homes have waiting lists based upon the type of accommodation for which you have applied. Waitlists are managed by the Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). If you have a question about the status of your application, or place on a waiting list, it is best to contact your HCCSS caseworker directly.

Q: What special training do team members in the Home have?
A:

The team members who provide care and services at Pine Villa Care Centre are all fully qualified and trained in their roles. In addition, each year team are provided with ongoing education on regulated topics and are given opportunities to participate in additional relevant education relating to their job function.

Q: What types of accommodation does Pine Villa Care Centre offer?
A:

Pine Villa Care Centre offers three types of accommodation for residents;

  1. Private – one bed in a room with a private bathroom
  2. Semi-Private – two beds in a room with a shared bathroom
  3. Basic- four beds in a room with a shared bathroom
Q: What is short stay accommodation?
A:

Short stay accommodation is offered by long term care Homes for individuals who only require a brief stay in a care setting for reasons such as recovery from an illness or surgery, or the temporary absence of a caregiver. Long term care Homes offer short stay programs for accommodation up to 60 days at a time, to a maximum of 90 days during the calendar year. There are several different types of short stay programs are not available at Pine Villa Care Centre at this time.

Q: What is the cost of long term care accommodation?
A:

The cost of long term care accommodation is regulated by the Ministry of Long Term Care (MLTC). Rates are typically reviewed annually by the MLTC and are standardized across Ontario. A breakdown of the current rates (effective July 1, 2012) is available on the MLTC website. <!–or by clicking on the following link–>

Q: What subsidies are available in Ontario?
A:

For individuals with lower incomes who may have difficulty affording Basic Accommodation in long term care, the government offers an accommodation cost subsidy. The subsidy is not available to people requesting Semi-Private or Private accommodation.

If you require a subsidy you will be asked to provide the Home with a copy of the applicant’s Income Tax Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada for the previous tax year. The Home will in turn apply to the MLTC for subsidy consideration on your behalf.

Q: Do you have accommodations for couples?
A:

Yes, we have accommodations that are suitable for couples. Couples who would like to live together should discuss their request with their local Home and Community Care Support Services or the Social Worker/Admission Coordinator at Pine Villa Care Centre. If a suitable room is not available upon admission, a couple can be admitted to separate rooms and placed on a waiting list for a shared room.

Q: Can I bring my pet to live with me in the Home?
A:

You cannot bring your pet to live with you in the Home. However, your pet may visit you provided that all their vaccinations are in order and up-to-date. For more information on the conditions for pet visitation talk to the Programs Manager at Pine Villa Care Centre.

Q: If I am a smoker, can I be a resident?
A:

Yes, you can. Smokers are not restricted from living in long term care Homes, however, they must be able to smoke safely without supervision. All smoking must be done outside of the Home in accordance to the Smoking bylaws of 9 metres away from the building.