AdvantAge Ontario is the re-branded name of the Ontario Association of Non-profit Housing and Services for Seniors (OANHSS) as of 2017. Despite increasing membership, expanding mandates, and changes in culture, this organization has retained a central vision for over 100 years. As its previous name indicates, AdvantageOntario represents not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors. Its primary goal has always been "to provide a forum for effective leadership and support and to represent members’ issues with a strong voice so that they remain viable in a competitive and changing environment." From its inception, it has aimed to be "the recognized leader and champion" in its industry. Go to the website to learn more about AdvantAge Ontario.
Not-for-profit retirement homes in Ontario are also accountable to the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA), which was created in 2011. This legislative body inspects, regulates, and licenses retirement homes from across the province. It maintains a public registry of licensed senior residences in Ontario. In addition, the RHRA educates residents about their rights and what they should expect from any retirement home. The RHRA will give you some tips on what to look for in a senior community.
AdvantAge Ontario members: non-profit homes
3758 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario, M1T 3K9
Shepherd Terrace offers a variety of independent and assisted living suites within the renowned Shepherd Village. With its long history of providing caring service you’ll love the amenities and the excellent services.
Pillars of AdvantAge Ontario
Under the name OANHSS, this organization worked with four fundamental organizational pillars. They are:
- Advocacy: theFor 100 years, it has been one of the foremost advocates for not-for-profit senior homes. It assists members in ensuring that their needs are taken care of.
- Communication: it has always worked to inform members about information that is relevant to them.
- Members Services: Check out their overview of membership levels.
- Education: "Timely, sector-specific, high quality educational programs and sessions are intensive, interactive and hands-on, addressing new developments, issues and challenges and providing the knowledge and information organizations need in their day-to-day operations."
Advantages of Non-Profit Retirement Homes
AdvantAge Ontario lists several distinct benefits of not-for-profit housing. Some of these include:
- A Community Atmosphere: Because these homes do not earn profit, they require a lot of volunteers who are motivated to help a given community’s residents.
- Re-investment in Care: Taxpayers’ money goes exclusively to caring for a residence’s seniors rather than to investors as profit.
- Innovation: "not-for-profits have been at the forefront of innovation in service and delivery."
- Direct Accountability: "Local people, either appointed or elected, sit on the boards and committees of management that govern not-for-profits, and their books are open to the public."
(Updated May 2017 and September 2021. Check back as this organization moves forward with changes.)
