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To start looking for a retirement home, begin with three things: your care needs now and in the future, your lifestyle and budget, and your preferred location. Working through them in that order turns a big decision into clear, manageable steps.
This guide walks you through each one, along with what to look for on a tour and the questions worth asking, so you can move at your own pace and choose with confidence. If you’re still deciding whether it’s the right time, these signs it may be time to consider retirement living can help you gauge where you or your loved one are today.
Not every retirement community offers the same lifestyle or level of support. From fully independent seniors who still want to do their own cooking to individuals who require Memory Care, understanding what options are available can help you narrow your search.
Here’s a summary with frequently asked questions about retirement living. There’s no minimum age required, however the below illustrates typical scenarios. The table below compares Seniors’ Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care across age, suite features, meals and housekeeping, amenities, security, and level of care.
| Care Level/Features | Seniors' Apartments | Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age of residents | 55+ These apartments are designed for fully independent seniors | 65+, with exceptions. Suites are designed for independent seniors who no longer want to cook, clean, and keep up with home maintenance | 65+, with exceptions. Designed for seniors who require some help, or constant support, with their daily routine | 65+, with exceptions. Designed for seniors experiencing memory loss from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia |
| Suite features | Full kitchens; Accessible private washrooms with a tub or shower | Kitchenettes in some suites; Accessible private washrooms with a tub or shower | Kitchenettes in some suites; Accessible private washrooms with a tub or shower | Memory boxes on suite doors in some suites; Accessible private washrooms with a tub or shower |
| Housekeeping and Meals | Some meals and housekeeping may be included, with optional meal plans and housekeeping plans available at an additional cost | Meals and weekly housekeeping are usually included | Meals and housekeeping services are typically included. Many Assisted Living programs take place on one floor and have a dedicated dining room | Meals and housekeeping services are typically included. Many Memory Care programs take place on one floor and have a dedicated dining room |
| Access to amenities and activity calendars | Includes daily recreational programs and occasional outings | Includes daily recreational programs and occasional outings | Includes daily recreational programs and occasional outings. Special adapted programming is usually available | Includes daily recreational programs and occasional outings, usually with activities tailored to Memory Care |
| Security Benefits | 24/7 support available and an emergency pendant given to all residents | 24/7 support available and an emergency pendant given to all residents | 24/7 support available and an emergency pendant given to all residents | 24/7 support available, emergency pendant, and a secure floor or building to prevent wandering |
| Level of Care Available | Residents may receive care from outside the residence, such as by a homecare agency, but no care can be provided by the retirement residence | Some care, such as medication management and help with your morning and evening routine can be added on at an additional cost | Several levels of care packages are available, depending on the residence you choose. Care levels range from light care to total care | Several levels of care packages are available, depending on the residence you choose. Care levels range from light care to total care |
Plan For The Future: Many retirement homes offer multiple levels of care, making it easier to remain in the same community if needs change over time. If you’re weighing your options, it helps to understand the difference between Long-Term Care and Assisted Living before you compare communities.
It’s about more than just amenity spaces. Consider whether the community feels like home. Speak to residents, sit down for a meal, look at the activity calendar and ask if you can join morning fitness. Your new home should feel like a place you belong.
As you compare communities, consider:
The goal isn’t to find a beautiful building, it’s to find a place that feels like home.
A tour is one of the best ways to learn about a retirement community. Ask plenty of questions and take notes.
Questions to Consider:
If possible, bring a family member or trusted friend with you. A second set of eyes can help you notice details and remember important information after the tour.
All “retirement homes are regulated by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority in accordance with the Retirement Homes Act,” according to the Ontario Retirement Communities Association website. “Other legislation that set standards for retirement homes include the Residential Tenancies Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Fire Protection Act, the Personal Health Information Protection Act and College of Nurses standards.”
But that doesn’t mean all retirement communities are the same. As you begin your search, use this simple checklist to compare communities.
Sometimes, the community that feels right isn’t necessarily the one with the longest list of amenities. It’s the one where you feel comfortable, supported, and at home.
Choosing a retirement community is a personal decision, and the earlier you start asking questions, touring communities, and learning about what’s available, the more confident you’ll feel.
Whether you’re looking for an active, maintenance-free lifestyle, additional support with daily living, or peace of mind for the future, taking the first step today can help you find a community that truly feels like home.
Ready to see what’s out there? Start by exploring retirement communities near you, then book a tour at the ones that feel like a fit. Have more questions? Speak to one of our sales consultants today.
We are here to help you every step of the way. Explore our locations and discover the perfect environment for your loved one.
The timeline varies depending on suite availability and your individual circumstances. Some people move within weeks, while others begin planning months in advance.
Not necessarily. Some seniors choose to sell their home before moving, while others wait until after they’ve settled into their new community. The best approach depends on your financial situation and personal preferences.
Not at all. Many seniors choose to move while they’re still active and independent so they can enjoy the lifestyle, build friendships, and make the transition on their own timeline. Seniors’ Apartments usually accept anyone 55 years or older, while Independent Living and more care-intensive programs generally start at 60 years of age, but there are exceptions.
Yes. Many retirement communities offer suites designed for couples who wish to continue living together.
What’s included varies by community but often includes meals, housekeeping, activities, utilities, emergency response systems, and access to amenities. Some care services may also be included or available for an additional fee.
Most retirement communities encourage visits from family and friends, though specific visiting policies may vary
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