Canada's population is aging and as a result the need additional care is growing. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care recognizes three levels of care for seniors:

Retirement Homes: also known as "assisted living" or "rest homes", for individuals or
   couples requiring low levels of care available 24 hours a day.
Supportive Housing: also known as social or seniors housing, for individuals or
   couples who needs higher levels of trained care available 24 hours a day.
Long Term Care Facilities: also known as "nursing homes" or "homes for the aged",
   for individuals who need high levels of trained care, supervision and a secure environment.

The demands on long term care are growing more complex. Previously, the average age for admission to long term care was 74. Today, it's 84. A fourth level of care exists that is not funded by any level of government in Canada.

Hospice Care: also known as "community palliative care" includes volunteer support for
   all individuals and families living with life-threatening illnesses. The focus of hospice care
   is on caring, not curing - and on life, not death. The goal is to make the last months of
   life as comfortable as possible and to improve the quality of life of the patient, family
   members and friends. (Hospice Association of Ontario)

In many communities, hospice care is delivered in the home. The past few years have seen the emergence of residential hospice facilities and there are currently six in Ontario. The Hospice Association of Ontario projects there will be fifteen residential hospices before the end of 2004. With no funding from any level of government, the need to provide this care for our aging population is significant and growing.