Personal Care Homes

Personal care homes are licensed, privately owned and operated residential homes. These homes are licensed by Eastern Health in consultation with Service NL. Personal Care Homes are monitored by a team of professionals on an ongoing basis, including a yearly review of compliance with Provincial Personal Care Home Operational Standards.  

Placement

Planning and preparing for placement may be difficult for you and your family. At Eastern Health, we believe that asking questions and developing a good plan will help you and your family adjust to the change. We recommend that you prepare for decision making prior to your admission. Placement into a personal care home involves the following:

Assessment
Assessment for placement in a personal care home is completed by a community health nurse or social worker for individuals living at home, and may be arranged by contacting your community health office.

Admission
If you live in the community, the application process includes a visit from a nurse or a social worker who completes a needs assessment to determine your care requirements, and the best options for you. You must also have a medical form completed by your doctor, and a chest X-ray taken. If you are in a hospital, a social worker will assist you with the application process.

Wait times
Often times, there may not be a vacant bed available that can provide the care you need at the time of your application. When this happens, your name will be added to a waitlist.

Our waitlist is based on need rather than length of time you are on the list. If a suitable bed becomes vacant, and you are assessed as being in the greatest need, you will be offered placement.

If you are in hospital waiting for a bed, you will be expected to accept the first available bed offered to you – even though it may not be in your preferred facility.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance, including monthly personal care home rates and cost for other services (i.e. medical supplies, transportation) may be available for individuals who meet the financial eligibility criteria. Applications are available here. The nurse or social worker assisting you with your application can provide information on rates and the financial application process.

Locations

There are a number of personal care homes across the Eastern Health region. For a full listing, please see a Long-Term Care Sites – Personal Care Homes.

Choosing a personal care home

Although you are not guaranteed a bed in your preferred personal care home, you can request a transfer once you have been admitted. It is important for you to move to a facility that can best meet your care needs as soon as possible.

We recommend that you tour a few homes before naming your preferred home on your application. To pre-arrange your visit, please contact the manager of the personal care home.