FAQs

This section aims to answer top of mind questions that you might have in the process of choosing a Long-Term Care Home that’s right for you or someone you love. Should you have any additional questions not answered in this section, please do not hesitate to contact us - we’d be happy to assist you.

Who is Primacare™?

Primacare is a privately owned and operated boutique long-term care provider based in Toronto, ON. It currently manages three Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH) in Ontario; Burton Manor in Brampton, Henley House in St. Catharines and Henley Place in London. Each LTCH is ethically and professionally managed according to the highest standards in people-focused, quality care and has achieved the prestigious CARF International accreditation.
All Primacare Homes are pre designate Best Practice Spotlight Organizations (BPSO). Following a rigorous 3 year process, Primacare Homes will earn their BPSO designation from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) in 2021 recognizing that each Home has optimized care and services through evidence based practice.



What is a Long-Term Care Home?

Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH) are for adults and seniors who require 24 hour nursing care and professional support services to assist with physical or cognitive impairments. LTCH offer the highest level of care and support services and typically much more than retirement residences. They are licensed and regulated by the province’s Ministry of Long-Term Care. Seniors living within LTCH are financially supported by government subsidy and funding. Admission policies and programs to LTCH are governed by Home & Community Care Ontario and meet the government’s standards. Once you have made the decision that this option is the right one for you or a loved one, a tour of various Homes in your community is highly recommended.



What is the application process for long-term care in Ontario?

The application process and wait list for long-term care are managed by the Home & Community Care Centres in your local area. Please contact your local Home & Community Care Centre (HCCC) and they will assign a case manager to work with you. To find the HCCC nearest you, visit the Find Home And Community Care website.



Are there waiting lists for long-term care? If yes, how long are they?

Most Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario do have waiting lists. The Home & Community Care Centres in your area manage the wait lists and are able to advise as to their length.



What types of accommodation are available?

Primacare Homes are designed with unique neighborhoods named after local parks that function as a small community. We are pleased to offer both private and basic (2 person shared) accommodations. Couples are able to reside together in shared accommodations.
Primacare Homes have uniquely designed and programmed dementia care areas based on the internationally acclaimed Butterfly Model of Care. Each Butterfly Home Area is designed specifically to enable human, dignified care in an engaging, person centred approach. This innovative approach to care ensures “Feelings Matter Most” resulting in the best lived experience for our residents and their families.



What are the current long-term care rates?

The Ministry of Long-Term Care sets the rates for room accommodation across the Province of Ontario. Rates are consistent across all Homes and governed by provincial legislation.



What subsidies are available?

The Ministry of Long-Term Care will subsidize Basic (shared) Accommodation according to income. Proof of income includes the notice of assessment received from Revenue Canada for the previous year’s taxes. Our social workers will be pleased to assist you with the rate reduction process.



Can I/we bring our own furniture?

Families are encouraged to bring pictures and personal items that make the room feel like home for the resident. A memory box is provided for each resident at the entrance to the room and residents are encouraged to add unique items about themselves here. A hospital bed is provided for resident use. Residents can bring their own furniture as long as the bed is still easily accessible in case of emergency and the amount of furniture does not pose a safety risk to the resident or roommate.



Do you allow smoking/vaping in your homes?

Primacare has a No Smoking/Vaping policy across all our Homes. This includes a 9-meter zone outside all Home entrances. If residents chose to smoke/vape, they must be able to do so independently and safely in designated outdoor areas only.



What is a Residents’ Council?

Each Primacare Home actively supports and facilitates a formal body of residents who come together to discuss and share ideas and issues that affect where they live. Every person by virtue of living in the Home is a member of the Residents’ Council. Each Council will elect an Executive from their members. Positions include: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Executive must represent the population of their Home and bring any recommendations, concerns or questions forward to the Administration. Minutes are documented and posted for all residents to review. While it must be recognized that there are some items the Residents’ Council cannot change because of Government regulations, most recommendations made by the Council will be seriously examined and every effort made to make the appropriate changes. The Resident’s Council must also be consulted by the Administrator on certain areas of operations of their Home, budget and planned improvements. Members of the Residents’ Council actively participate on many of their Home’s committees and teams and make a significant contribution to their Home. A Staff Liaison from individual Homes is appointed to support and facilitate the Council, if desired.



What is a Family Council?

Each of our Homes is proud to have an active Family Council that works together to provide support, share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. The Family Council at each Primacare Home is an organized, self-led, self-determining, democratic group composed of family and significant others of the residents who reside there. A Staff Liaison from the Home is appointed to support and facilitate the Council, if desired. While it must be recognized that there are some items the Council cannot change because of Government regulations, all recommendations made by the Council will be seriously examined. If these items are found valid, every effort will be made to fulfill the recommendations. The Administrator must consult the Family Council on matters affecting the Home including budget, quality and planned improvements. The Family Council provides mutual support, empowerment and advocacy to the family and the residents of each of our Homes. Family Council supports and organizes educational workshops for family members, staff and residents.
Although all primacare Family Councils will have common goals, each individual Family Council will be unique in meeting the needs of its members, the residents and the Home.



What is people focused, quality care?

Residents, families and staff form a person centred team at Primacare Homes and together we work to create cozy Homes of colour and love; Homes where people are engaged and nurtured by staff whose hearts and skills are focused on the well-being of the people who live there. We accomplish this by hiring great people and providing them with excellent training as well as inspiring leadership. We also adopt the Butterfly Model to implement emotion focused care in each of our Homes. Finally, it takes a strong dose of diligence, focus and good old-fashioned hard work to ensure that our residents, families and staff always feel engaged, connected and cared for. Our approach is all about injecting humanity and compassion into care. Within minutes of a visit to our Homes, people can clearly see that residents and staff thrive well in a nurturing environment where those living and working together are person centred with one another and form a family.