Older Adults and Retirement Homes: Who Gets Left Behind?

Retirement homes play a big role in supporting older adults as they age. But not everyone can access them. People with lower incomes or those from minority groups often face barriers. This is especially true in places where these homes cost a lot out of pocket. Also, there aren't enough options that cater to different languages and cultures. Most research on health inequalities in care facilities focuses on long-term care. This leaves a big gap in understanding the experiences and health outcomes of retirement home residents. A new project aims to change that. It wants to build a solid evidence base. The goal is to provide policy recommendations. These recommendations should improve equity in Ontario's retirement home sector. The project will look at different factors. It will consider socioeconomic status, language, and cultural background. The hope is to make retirement homes more accessible and fair for everyone. This project is important. It could help shape policies that make a real difference. It could ensure that all older adults have access to the care they need.