Frequently Asked Questions

What is a licensed residential care facility?

A residential care facility is a facility that provides care and services for 3 or more vulnerable adults who are dependent on caregivers for continuing assistance or direction in the form of 3 or more prescribed services. Licensed residential facilities have 24 hour staff and may have onsite nursing care.

What is the role of the Licensee?
The Licensee is responsible for ensuring that the facility complies with the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Child Care Licensing Regulations and the Adult Care Regulations. They may delegate this responsibility to the Manager of the facility who would be responsible for the day to day operation of the facility.

What is the role of the health authority Licensing Program?
The Licensing Program is responsible for monitoring compliance of licensed facilities to the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Child Care Licensing Regulations and the Adult Care Regulations. Licensing staff monitor facilities through an inspection process. Licensing staff also perform other duties outlined in the Community Care and Assisted Living Act including investigating complaints, reviewing new applications, and considering exemption requests

How often are facilities inspected?

Licensing staff prioritize work according to risk - investigations, inspections, applications, exemptions, etc. Facilities with a history of non-compliance receive more frequent routine inspections. This website only reflects routine inspections and follow up related to routine inspections.

Why is the government doing web-based public reporting on licensed residential care facilities for seniors?

The Provincial government made a commitment to “build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, those with special needs, children at risk, and seniors.”  Public reporting is important because it will strengthen public accountability and transparency.

Other jurisdictions already have public reporting; for example, Ontario, several US and Australian states and the UK post reports on the web in some format. The goal is to provide everyone with accessible information about community care facilities. This website contains information collected on residential care facilities that serve primarily seniors under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act: Adult Care Regulation. If you do not find a facility you are looking for it may be because the facility is governed by another Act, such as the Hospital Act.

Can I register a concern/complaint through this website?

Not at this time. Contact your nearest Public Health Protection Office.

Are the facilities’ ranked or rated on this website?

No.  The Ministry of Health and the health authorities are providing the public with access to routine inspection information about the performance of each facility operator in meeting Ministry legislation and regulations for a specified period of time.

Facilities are inspected to ensure they meet the minimum requirements laid out in Community Care and Assisted Living Act, Child Care Licensing Regulation and Adult Care Regulation.

How do I access information on complaints/investigations? 

Contact your nearest Public Health Protection Office.

Where does the information on the website come from?

Information comes from the Community Care Licensing program in each health authority.

Is the information on the website current?

The information on this website is updated monthly.