Seniors Housing in Canada: 2011 report

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing report on seniors housing for 2011 shows that the vacancy rate for standard spaces (those occupied by a resident who receives less than 1.5 hours of care per day) hasn't really changed since last year. The rate was 10.7 % for 2011 compared to 10.8 % in 2010.



On average it cost $1,909 per month in 2011 to rent a bachelor unit or private room with at least one meal per day. Ontario seniors paid the highest rent at $2,677. per month compared to Quebec seniors who paid the lowest at just $1,397. per month.

British Columbia highest for heavy care

Average rents for seniors who needed heavy care (more than 1.5 hours per day) were $3,530. per month in 2011. This time the most expensive province was British Columbia at $5,290. per month compared to Saskatchewan with the lowest at $2,294.

Rental types

More than half of the retirement spaces across Canada were semi-private, wards, bachelors and private rooms.

Services

As has been the case for the past several years, seniors are demanding a 'lifestyle'  in senior living rather than just a place to call home.  That includes meal plans which are standard in many residences. The seven most popular services in residences surveyed were: 24-hour call bells, nurses on site, transportation, exercise facilities, movie theatres, pharmacies and swimming pools.

Read the full report here.