Find the best retirement homes in Ontario's major centers like Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and Niagara as well as smaller towns throughout the province.

In recent years, retirement homes have changed drastically from outdated assumptions about "nursing homes" held by previous generations. Today, it is not uncommon to find retirement homes with on-site lounges, swimming pools, fitness training, putting greens and every conceivable luxury that residents may not at first think they need... but soon come to love.

The new face of retirement homes in Ontario

As one retirement home provider says there's nothing wrong with combining comfort with care. The Ontario retirement home industry is moving toward making retirement homes prized destinations, a worthy reward at the end of the long road of life for many residents.

Retirement homes focus on giving seniors independence within the bounds of providing adequate care. Suites and apartments now feature motion-triggered indoor lights, front-load appliances, two way call systems and a variety of new technologies as these come onto the market. In addition, standard services may include laundry, on-call transportation and in-house gourmet dining.

Membership in the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA)

When searching for retirement homes in this province, confirm that homes have membership in the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA). Membership requires that homes meet high standards of care and service.

Don't forget to check out advice on financing a residence stay. Many residents of Ontario retirement homes have been surprised to find that they can afford superb accommodations that far exceeded what they considered when they were originally thinking of the move into a retirement home.