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Nursing Homes and Personal Care Homes Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a nursing home and a personal care home?
2. How do I move into a nursing home or personal care home?
3. How much does it cost to live in a nursing home?
4. How much does it cost to live in a personal care home?
5. How much money can I keep if I move into a nursing home or personal care home?
6. How does the RHA determine if I am eligible for a subsidy?
7. Do I have to sell my house if I move into a nursing home or personal care home?

1. What is the difference between a nursing home and a personal care home?

The difference is in the ownership and the level of care available in the home. Publicly operated nursing homes provide on site professional health and nursing services; personal care homes are privately owned and operated facilities and provide assistance with personal care and activities of daily living and avail of visiting health professional from the regional health authority.

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2. How do I move into a nursing home or personal care home?

You must first contact your regional health authority. They will arrange for you to have an assessment completed which will determine if you are suitable to reside in a nursing home or a personal care home. Arrangements may be made to visit the home of your choice.

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3. How much does it cost to live in a nursing home?

The maximum an individual will be charged to live in a nursing home is $2,800 per month. Upon moving into a home you may have a financial assessment completed to determine if you are eligible to receive a subsidy toward this cost. The subsidy may cover the full amount or a portion of the cost.

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4. How much does it cost to live in a personal care home?

If you are a private paying resident the cost may vary depending upon the home in which you wish to reside. Prior to moving into a home you may request a financial assessment to determine if you are able to receive a subsidy as established by the province.

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5. How much money can I keep if I move into a nursing home or personal care home?

A single individual can keep $10,000 and a couple can keep $20,000 in liquid assets. Liquid assets include a possession or valuable that is in the form of cash, or can easily be converted to cash without losing much, if any, of its value. The following are a few examples:

• Cash
• Bank accounts
• Guaranteed income certificates (RHAs may work with you to maximize funds where penalties apply to early liquidation)
• Bonds

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6. How does the RHA determine if I am eligible for a subsidy?

If you have less than the liquid asset amount allowed, your income (less some expenses or debts) will be taken into consideration toward the cost of your care and accommodation. If your liquid assets are above the allowed amount you are required to pay for the full cost. All subsidized residents retain $150 per month for personal use.

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7. Do I have to sell my house if I move into a nursing home or personal care home?

No, you do not have to sell your home if you move into a nursing home or personal care home. However any income you receive from renting or selling your home may be considered in the financial assessment and may affect whether you receive a subsidy. A single personal care home or nursing home resident is permitted to keep sufficient income to maintain their house for a three month period.

For further information on nursing homes or personal care homes contact your regional health authority.

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