The Continuum Of Care
Understanding The Terminology
The Terminology
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The continuum of care often refers to the range of housing, services and supports available to older adults as their needs, preferences and circumstances change. These options can help people support their independence, maintain their quality of life and find the right level of support for their situation.
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It’s also important to understand, the continuum of care is not a one-way path. Not everyone will need every type of support, and a person’s needs may change over time. Some people may remain in their own home with additional supports, while others may choose to move to a community that provides more services or a higher level of care. Aging isn't linear, and it's definitely not one-size-fits-all. The goal is not necessarily to move from one level to the next. Rather, it is to find the right place, at the right time, with the right supports.
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In Saskatchewan, there are many options ranging between living completely independently and receiving 24-hour complex care. Understanding the terminology can make it easier to compare the options, plan ahead and have conversations with family members, health professionals and service providers.
Housing
Staying at Home
In-Home Services & Supports - Overview
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Home services and supports can help older adults remain in their own homes as their needs change. Support can range from occasional help with household tasks to more regular assistance with personal care, meals, medications or other health-related needs. In Saskatchewan, home care and home-based supports may be accessed through public government funded programs or through private providers, depending on a person's needs, eligibility, finances, circumstances and preferences.
Public/Government Funded Home Care
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The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) offers home care for people who need support while living in their own homes. Home care can be used for a variety of needs, including short-term health concerns, recovery and rehabilitation, ongoing support and end-of-life care. Services are based on an individual's assessed needs and may include care assessment and coordination, nursing, personal care and homemaking, respite, meal services, certain therapies and other community supports. Some services may involve a client fee based on factors such as income and the level of service received. Financial assistance or a subsidy may be available for eligible clients. For current information about eligibility, available services, fees and how to access home care, contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority in your area.
Private Home Care & Support Services
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Private agencies provide services that individuals and families arrange and pay for directly. These services can offer additional choice and flexibility and may include personal care, companionship, housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation or delivery, transportation, errands and shopping, medication reminders, respite, mobility assistance, help with everyday routines and activities, and palliative or end-of-life support. Services and costs vary between providers, so before choosing one, ask what is included, the hourly rate, minimum hours or commitments, and whether there are additional fees for evenings, weekends, holidays or overnight care. It is also important to ask about caregiver screening and training, supervision, insurance, backup coverage and whether the provider can accommodate changing or more complex needs.
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An important note: Don’t compare providers based on hourly cost alone. Reliability, consistency, caregiver qualifications, supervision, backup coverage and the ability to respond as needs change can be just as important. The right combination of public, private, family and community supports can also be an option to help an individual remain safe, comfortable and as independent as possible, whether they live in their own home or in an independent, retirement, enriched or other supportive living community.
Independent & Community Housing
Independent Living
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Independent living generally refers to apartments, condominiums, private homes or retirement communities where older adults live independently with little or no routine personal care provided by the housing operator. Independent living communities can still offer a range of enriched services and amenities, particularly found in retirement communities. These may include meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, social and recreational activities, fitness and wellness programs, common spaces, security or wellness checks, and connections to community programs. Some services may be included in the monthly cost, offered as optional services or available for an additional fee, and may be provided by the housing operator, residents, volunteers or outside service providers. Always ask what is actually available, what is included and what costs extra.
55+ Apartment Rentals
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55+ apartment rentals are a type of independent housing intended for older adults who want to live in their own private apartment within a community of other older adults. Buildings may offer features such as elevators, accessible or mobility-friendly units, common areas, laundry facilities, parking and social/common spaces. Some may also offer resident-organized activities or other amenities, but generally the housing itself does not provide any additional services. Residents can arrange additional support through family, community services, the Saskatchewan Health Authority or private providers if needed.
Enriched Living
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Enriched living generally refers to independent housing for older adults that offers additional services, amenities and supports to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. It is often associated with retirement homes or retirement communities and may include services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, wellness programs, social and recreational activities, emergency response systems and other conveniences. Some communities may also offer limited assistance or additional support as residents' needs change, while others focus primarily on lifestyle and hospitality services. The term “enriched living” does not describe a standardized level of care, so services and supports can vary significantly between communities. Always ask what is included in the monthly cost, what services are available for an additional fee, and whether the community can accommodate changing needs.
Life Lease Housing
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Life lease housing is a type of housing arrangement where a resident typically makes an upfront payment in exchange for the right to occupy a home under specific contractual terms. Unlike traditional home ownership, the resident does not own the unit itself. Life lease arrangements vary, and may offer features such as predictable monthly costs, maintenance, shared amenities and opportunities for social connection. Because the terms can differ from one life lease community to another, it is important to understand the agreement before signing, including the initial payment, monthly costs, maintenance responsibilities, appliances included, what happens if you move, refund or resale provisions, and any restrictions on the unit. Depending on the financial and legal implications, professional advice may be appropriate. Life lease housing is also available through some local housing authorities on behalf of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation for individuals who qualify.
Co-Housing
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Co-housing is a community-based housing model where residents have their own private living space that can be a suite or private room, while also sharing common areas, resources, activities or responsibilities. The goal is to create a stronger sense of community and connection while maintaining individual independence and privacy. Depending on the community, residents may share spaces such as kitchens, gardens, meeting rooms or recreational areas and may participate in shared meals, social activities, responsibilities, or other community initiatives. Co-housing generally does not provide a specific level of personal care, so residents may want to arrange home care, private services or other supports separately as their needs change. Before choosing co-housing, consider what is private and shared, what responsibilities residents have, what services and amenities are included, whether additional support can be arranged, and how the community accommodates changing needs over time.
Affordable & Income-Based Housing
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Affordable and subsidized housing can help older adults with limited incomes access safe, suitable housing while maintaining their independence. These programs generally focus on housing affordability rather than personal care, so residents may need to arrange home care, family support, private services, transportation or other community supports separately. Depending on the program, rent may be based on income or offered below typical market rates. Examples may include senior apartments operated through local housing authorities, housing programs offered through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, some faith-based housing, community-based affordable housing and other subsidized or below-market rental options. For current information about eligibility, costs, availability and waitlists, contact the housing provider or the appropriate Saskatchewan housing authority.
Supportive Housing
Assisted Living
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Assisted living and supportive living generally refer to communities that provide housing along with services and support to help residents with some aspects of daily life while maintaining as much independence as possible. Depending on the provider, services may include meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication reminders or assistance, personal care, wellness programs and social or recreational activities. Residents may have private apartments, suites or rooms, and services may be included in the monthly cost, offered as packages or charged separately. There can be significant variation between providers, so the name “assisted living” does not necessarily indicate a specific level of care. Before choosing a community, ask what services are included, what costs extra, whether support can increase as needs change, who provides personal care, whether nursing is available and what happens if a resident eventually requires a higher level of care.
Licensed Personal Care Homes
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In Saskatchewan, personal care homes are licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Health and provide accommodation, meals and assistance with activities of daily living. Depending on the home and an individual's needs, support may include bathing, dressing, grooming, medication assistance, mobility support, help with daily routines, meals, supervision and social or recreational activities. Some homes may also provide specialized support for individuals living with dementia or other specific needs.
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Personal care homes can vary considerably in size, setting, services and approach. Some are smaller residential homes with a home-like atmosphere, while others are larger facilities with more residents and shared amenities. Costs and services vary between homes, and eligible Saskatchewan residents may qualify for financial assistance through the Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB).
Higher Levels of Care
Long-Term Care / Special Care Homes
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Special care homes, long-term care homes and nursing homes are terms often used to describe residential settings for individuals whose health and functional needs require ongoing, comprehensive care and supervision that cannot be safely or appropriately managed through other arrangements. In Saskatchewan, access to publicly funded long-term care is based on an assessment of an individual's needs and circumstances through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
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Depending on an individual's needs, care may include assistance with daily activities, personal care, nursing care, medication management, meals, mobility support, health monitoring, recreation, rehabilitation and therapeutic services, specialized support for people living with dementia or other complex medical care needs, and palliative or end-of-life care. Eligibility, placement processes, availability and costs should be confirmed through the appropriate Saskatchewan health authority in your area.
Specialized & Temporary Supports
Some services do not fit neatly into a single point on the continuum because they are based on a person's specific needs or circumstances, rather than simply the amount of care they require.
Memory Care
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Memory care is different from a specific level on the continuum because it is based on the type of support someone needs, rather than simply the amount of care they require. Memory care may be available in a variety of residential settings, including personal care homes, assisted living communities and long-term care environments. Specialized memory care may include increased supervision, dementia-informed care, structured routines and activities, supportive or secure environments, staff trained in dementia care, and support for families and caregivers.
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When considering memory care, it is important to look beyond the name of the setting and ask what level of care and supervision is provided, what dementia-specific supports are available, and what training and experience staff have in supporting people living with dementia.
Respite Care
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Respite care is not necessarily a step on the continuum. Instead, it is a short-term support option that can be used at different points depending on the individual’s circumstances. Respite may provide a temporary break for a family caregiver, support someone while a caregiver is away, provide a short-term living arrangement while someone is recovering from a surgery or illness, or longer-term plans are being considered.
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Depending on availability, respite may be offered in a variety of settings, including licensed personal care homes and other supportive or enriched living options. Respite services can also be accessed through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Finding the Right Fit
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There is no single “right” place for every older adult. The best option depends on an individual's needs, abilities, preferences, finances, social connections, safety, available supports and goals for the future. Needs can also change over time. Sometimes the right solution is simply adding a few services at home. Other times, moving to a community with more built-in support may provide greater convenience, safety or peace of mind. It can also be helpful to visit communities, ask questions, compare services and costs, and speak with current residents or their families when possible.
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When exploring options, consider:
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What can the person manage independently?
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What tasks have become difficult or unsafe?
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What support is already available from family, friends or community services?
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What additional support could make staying at home possible?
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Would a different housing environment provide greater convenience or social connection?
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What level of care may be needed now, and what might be needed in the future?
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What can the individual comfortably afford?
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What are the person's preferences and priorities?
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What happens if their needs change?
If navigating these choices feels overwhelming, you don't have to figure it out alone. Navigation services can help individuals and families understand their options, identify appropriate supports and determine what steps to take next.
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Remember, aging isn't linear, and it's not one-size-fits-all. The goal is to find the right place, at the right time, with the right supports based on what matters most to the individual.