Canadian DUers, a question regarding long-term care and nursing homes...

[Hekate]

Cross-posted from GD at Spazito's suggestion :hi:

My hubby asked me to ask you:

My husband is concerned about long-term care and nursing homes, since he's watched both his parents lose most of their savings as they grew older, grew ill, and died. He's anticipating retirement, and worries that a long stint in a long-term care facility or nursing could reduce or eliminate our savings and leave next to nothing for our children and grandchildren.

What's the situation like in Canada? Do the old face the same level of anxiety?

Thanks for any info!

edited to add:
Mr. Hekate has become very worried about our old age, which is rapidly approaching. We've done everything "right" in terms of savings and all, but so have a lot of other people -- and one stroke of bad luck can wipe everything out, and we know it. For the past 8 years I have been totally resistant to the notion of leaving the US, but Mr. H is more lightly attached, having been born elsewhere in the first place. For him, the virulence of the health care debate in this country is approaching the last straw.

He's done the online research, and oddly, despite our age we do qualify to live there thanks to a combination of his career and language skills. My PhD provides the last few "points" that put us over; other than that I am useless, LOL.

Hekate

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. Systems vary by province

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Here's a couple of links to get you started for the Province of Ontario

http://www.toronto.ca/socialservices/Policy/ODSP.htm

http://www.toronto.ca/socialservices/Policy/ODSP_assets.htm

There are more links within the links,

I suspect programs throughout Canada may be similar, but I really have no knowledge for certain.

Happy hunting!

[CHIMO]

2. Unfortunately

I can not give you specifics.

One word of caution. The federal government does not handle this area. Each province has the authority. Sort of like states rights. Although in Canada the provinces hold most of the cards.

In Alberta it is my understanding that if you are sick and require medical attention then one may receive hospital care and there is no charge for residents.

Long term care that is not medical, I believe, is a different kettle of fish.

I believe that each individual is on their own unless they can not afford it.

[murphyj87]

3. Health care and long term care

In order to be eligible for the Canadian health care system you must have lived in Canada for three months. In Nova Scotia at least, you have to live in a municipality for a year to be eligible for assistance with long term care (nursing home) costs.