Not-for-profits play a unique and vital role in the provision of senior care in Ontario. They stand apart because of their commitment to putting residents first, reinvesting in care, and for their dedication to local accountability, strong community support, quality and innovation. This is important for you to know and keep in mind as you begin to explore and investigate various care and service options.
Not-for-profits have a very rich history of supporting seniors in communities across the province. They have been leaders in providing culturally-sensitive care, creating homes, housing projects and community services to meet the specific religious, ethnic, and cultural needs of the people in their communities.
Service clubs may be the catalyst behind a not-for-profit, or it may be that the municipal government is the managing body (every upper or single-tier southern municipality in the province is required to maintain at least one long term care home and they are also mandated to oversee many other housing and social service agencies for the benefit of local citizens).
Not-for-profits are truly developed by local people for local people.
The providers that are members of AdvantAge Ontario represent a dynamic and innovative not-for-profit social services sector that is at the heart of our cities, towns and villages. They are dedicated to providing the services that help people make the very most of their lives.
There are many things that set not-for-profits apart:
- 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.
- Re-investment in care – not-for-profits re-invest millions in donations and municipal contributions in new services and improvements to care homes.
- Strong volunteer base – tens of thousands of people – young and old – volunteer their time to help others and to support the trained professionals caring for seniors in not-for-profits.
- Spectrum of services – together, AdvantAge Ontario members provide the broadest range of care, services and housing for seniors in the province.
When you start to look at long term care homes, housing options, or community services and programs, be sure to ask whether they are operated on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis. It is also good to ask to see the mission statement to find out what the organization is all about and what they are trying to achieve.
Make an informed choice about senior care!
For more information, click here to download “The Not-for-Profit Difference in Services for Seniors” brochure.