Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the application process for long term care in Ontario?
Q: Are there waiting lists for long term care and how long are they?
Q: What special training do the teams in the Home have?
Q: What types of accommodation does Banwell Gardens Care Centre offer?
Q: What is short stay accommodation?
Q: What is the cost of long term care accommodation?
Q: What subsidies are available in Ontario?
Q: Do you have accommodations for couples?
Q: Can residents have their personal pets live with them in the Home?
Q: Are smokers eligible to live at Banwell Gardens Care Centre?
Q: What is the application process for long term care in Ontario?
A:
All applications to long term care Homes in Ontario are managed by the Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). As you begin the application process to long term care, you will be assigned a HCCSS caseworker who will act as your main contact throughout the process. To find the HCCSS that serves your area, click here and enter your postal code. Once the local HCCSS has determined that you or your loved one is eligible for admission to a long term care Home, your next step is to choose the Homes to which you would like to apply. It is recommended that you tour several long term care Homes and select the ones where you think you or your loved one would be most comfortable living. When a bed becomes available at one of the Homes you selected, you will be notified by the HCCSS (in accordance with the waiting list). You will then have 24 hours in which to accept or decline the bed offer.
Q: Are there waiting lists for long term care and how long are they?
A:
The majority of long term care Homes have waiting lists based upon the type of accommodation for which you have applied. Waitlists are managed by the Community Care Access Centre (HCCSS). If you have a question about the status of your application, or place on a waiting list, it is best to contact your HCCSS caseworker directly.
Q: What special training do the teams in the Home have?
A:
The team members who provide care and services at Banwell Gardens Care Centre are all fully qualified and trained in their roles. In addition, each year team members are provided with ongoing education on regulated topics and are given opportunities to participate in additional relevant education relating to their job function.
Q: What types of accommodation does Banwell Gardens Care Centre offer?
A:
Banwell Gardens Care Centre offers two types of accommodation for residents; 1) Semi-Private – two beds in a room with a shared bathroom
Q: What is short stay accommodation?
A:
Short stay accommodation is offered by long term care Homes for individuals who only require a brief stay in a care setting for reasons such as recovery from an illness or surgery, or the temporary absence of a caregiver. Long term care Homes offer short stay programs for accommodation up to 60 days at a time, to a maximum of 90 days during the calendar year. There are several different types of short stay programs available at Banwell Gardens Care Centre. For more information on these short stay programs click here
Q: What is the cost of long term care accommodation?
A:
The cost of long term care accommodation is regulated by the Ministry of Health Term Care (MLTC). Rates are reviewed annually by the MLTC and are standardized across Ontario. A breakdown of the current rates is available on the MLTC website or by clicking here.
Q: What subsidies are available in Ontario?
A:
For individuals with lower incomes who may have difficulty affording Basic Accommodation in long term care, the government offers an accommodation cost subsidy. The subsidy is not available to people requesting Semi-Private or Private accommodation.
Q: Do you have accommodations for couples?
A:
Yes, we have accommodations that are suitable for couples. Couples who would like to live together should discuss their request with their local Home and Community Care Support Services or the Social Worker/Admission Coordinator at Banwell Gardens Care Centre. If a suitable room is not available upon admission, a couple can be admitted to separate rooms and placed on a waiting list for a shared room.
Q: Can residents have their personal pets live with them in the Home?
A:
Residents cannot have personal pets live with them in the Home. However, pets may visit provided that all their vaccinations are in order and up-to-date. For more information on the conditions for pet visitation talk to the Programs Manager at Banwell Gardens Care Centre.
Q: Are smokers eligible to live at Banwell Gardens Care Centre?
A:
Yes. Smokers are not restricted from living in long term care Homes however they must be able to smoke safely without supervision. All smoking must be done outside of the Home in accordance to the Smoking bylaws of nine (9) metres away from the building.