Have questions about senior living? We're here to help.
FAQ
Retirement living, also commonly referred to as independent living, is for those who may not have the ability, or the time, to maintain their own home, but wish to live as independently and actively as possible. Retirement Living suites are typically one or two bedroom apartments that have a full kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Residents pay privately to live in one of these communities.
Assisted living is for those who wish to maintain as much of their independence as possible, but may require supervision or assistance when performing activities of daily living. We have staff that will offer help with managing and administration of medications (except insulin), grooming, feeding, bathing, housekeeping, personal laundry services, meals, and other activities of daily living. Residents pay privately to live in one of these communities.
For more information about our Retirement and Assisted Living communities, please contact us or visit one of our locations.
Long-term care* facilities are licensed and funded by the Department of Health and Wellness and provide services for people who need ongoing care; either on a long-term basis (permanent placement) or short-term basis (respite care). There are two types of long-term care facilities available, nursing homes and residential care facilities.
Our long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia are licensed by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness and all admissions are gained through their single entry access system. To speak with a representative please call (800) 225-7225 or visit their website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs/.
Long term care admission for our Ontario homes goes through the Ontario Ministry of Health’s single entry system. For more information please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/about-long-term-care.
Residential care* (also known as Level 1 Residential Care) is typically chosen when Home Care does not meet the needs of a person and nursing home care is not required. Residential care facilities provide people with personal care, supervision and accommodation in a safe and supportive environment. (People living in residential care facilities must have the ability to self-evacuate in the event of an emergency.)
Nursing Homes* (also sometimes referred to as long-term care or a Level 2 nursing care facility) are important options for people who have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as, dressing, bathing and toileting. Nursing home placement is appropriate for people who are medically stable but have nursing needs that cannot be met through home care.
*Definitions are from https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/long-term-care.asp.
Respite Care is for those who need temporary care for a scheduled amount of time when their regular caregiver is unavailable. During his/her stay, the person gets the necessary care and support, including meals, from the facility staff, and returns home at the end of the scheduled time in the facility.
Respite care is offered by the Department of Health and Wellness, as well as privately though our assisted living services.
The Department of Health and Wellness provides access to respite beds in licensed long-term care facilities (nursing homes) across the province. There is also an option available for children. To apply for a respite bed in a nursing home, call 1-800-225-7225 (toll free). A Care Coordinator will assess the applicant’s care needs and eligibility. Once the applicant is confirmed eligible for the service, the Care Coordinator will arrange for a respite bed for the applicant on a first-come, first served basis.
For more information, please visit https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/respite-care.asp.
GEM Retirement Living is independent and assisted living for seniors. We have three retirement living locations in Nova Scotia: Yarmouth Heights (Yarmouth), Melville Heights (Halifax), and Centennial Villa (Amherst). All GEM Retirement Living locations are owned by GEM Health Care Group.
The next step would be to sit down with a representative from one of our facilities. They can assess your needs and assist you through your next chapter. Please contact one of our retirement living locations or call 1-800-820-7404.
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Our retirement living suites (also referred to as independent living) are located in Halifax, Amherst, and Yarmouth. For more information on what we offer, please visit one of our retirement living locations.
You may be looking for residential care (also known as Level 1 Residential Care) OR assisted living. Assisted living is offered privately at our retirement living locations in Halifax and Yarmouth.
Our residential care facilities are licensed by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. To apply for residency in a residential care facility, contact Continuing Care toll-free at 1-800-225-7225 to find out about the application process and to arrange for a Care Coordinator to assess your care needs.
You may require a long term care facility (also referred to as a nursing home or a Level 2 nursing care facility). Our long term care facilities in Nova Scotia are licensed by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. To apply for residency in a nursing home, contact Continuing Care toll-free at 1-800-225-7225 to find out about the application process and to arrange for a Care Coordinator to assess your care needs.
Long term care admission for our Ontario homes goes through the Ontario Ministry of Health’s single entry system. For more information please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/about-long-term-care.