Directories – Child Care and Elder Care
Ensuring that our children and our aging parents are well looked after when we are not with them is of paramount concern for all of us. Finding the time to search for good quality care and resources is particularly important when both parents are working. Juggling the demands of work, children and elder care can be difficult. The following information can begin to point you in the right direction. If you would like more help with this, please call a Source Line Counsellor.
Child Care
In Ontario parents can choose between three types of child care arrangements: Licensed Centre based care, Licensed private home day care or Informal (unlicensed) child care (including Nannies in the home).
Each of these options has both positive benefits and some disadvantages. Making the decision as to what option is best for you and your child is a personal one. There are a couple of helpful places to begin your search: your local Ontario Early Years Centre (1-866-821-7770) or www.ontarioearlyyears.ca. Another helpful site is: www.helpwevegotkids.com
Elder Care
There are a number of options for care and resources available to support your elderly parent/relative in Ontario. These range from in-home support, private retirement homes and long term care facilities that provide 24 hour care, 7 days a week.
- In-home support can be purchased privately through agencies that provide Personal Service Workers or can be obtained through the government for those that meet specific eligibility criteria based on level of functioning (CCAC - Community Care Access Centre).
- Private retirement homes provide room and board in settings that are designed for the elderly resident. These homes frequently provide additional support such as assistance in dressing etc. for a fee. Private retirement homes are not regulated by the government, however the ORCA (Ontario Residential Care Association) certifies its member homes based on quality of care.
- Long Term Care facilities (formerly known as "Nursing Homes" or "Old Age Homes") provide 24-hour care for those whose needs can not be met in the community. Eligibility is determined for residents with a valid Ontario Health Card through the Community Care Access Centre. The government pays for the nursing and personal care costs and the resident pays for the accommodation costs. (Subsidies are available for those who can not afford their share of the cost).
Your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) is the best place to consult regarding what option is best suited for your elderly parent/relative. Visit www.oaccac.on.ca and choose 'locator' option to find the link to the CCAC in your area.
For more information on private Retirement homes – visit Ontario Retirement Community Association.
