Make sense of your options

A little clarity before the search.

A community's name does not tell you everything it offers. Start with these broad categories, then ask about the support, routines and details that matter to you.

Explore communities
An older adult and a family member looking through options together.

Three places to start

These are directory categories, not a care assessment or a complete list of living options.

Canada

Start with your province or territory.

Provinces and territories organize long-term care, so local terminology and access routes matter.

Read Health Canada's overview

United States

Look beyond the listing.

For nursing homes, Medicare provides guidance on comparing options and visiting before a decision. Check the rules and oversight that apply to the specific setting.

Read Medicare's nursing-home guidance