What requirements do personal care homes have to meet?

Personal care homes are licensed under The Personal Care Homes Act. Personal care homes must operate according to the requirements under the Act, Personal Care Homes Regulations and Licensees’ Handbook.

How are personal care homes regulated?

The Ministry of Health is responsible for licensing and monitoring personal care homes to ensure that the residents who live in these homes receive safe and appropriate care in a safe and appropriate environment. Personal care homes are regularly inspected by a team of personal care home consultants who work at the Ministry of Health.

A personal care home licence can be amended, suspended or cancelled if the licensee does not operate according to the requirements under The Personal Care Homes Act.

Why is the Ministry of Health publically posting results of personal care home inspections?

Increased transparency through posting of inspection results is intended to help the public when selecting a personal care home. The Provincial Auditor and the Provincial Ombudsman have both said there should be more information about personal care homes available to the public.

Why does the Ministry allow homes to continue to operate if they don’t meet all standards?

There are many requirements under the Act that personal care home licensees must meet. Personal care home consultants work with licensees to address deficiencies. When there is a deficiency, the first approach that consultants take is typically that of coaching to facilitate compliance with the requirements. This approach generally resolves most deficiencies. By supporting the licensees in a successful personal care home operation, the residents ultimately benefit. Action may be taken against the licence if the licensee is unable to meet the requirements.

What kind of information is posted?

There are many requirements under The Personal Care Homes Act that licensees must follow. The posted information will indicate what standards were not met at the time of inspection , the number of items still needing resolution, fees, conditions, locations, contact information, etc.

How do I find the personal care home that is best for me?

Prepare a list of things that are important for you in a personal care home e.g. private room, no stairs, fee, location, etc. It is also important for you to prepare a list of things that you need assistance with e.g. bathing, etc. Review the information provided on this website about the personal care homes in the location that you would like to live. Identify the homes that you would like to visit and make an appointment to visit them. Select a personal care home that can provide the assistance that you require and offers the features most important to you. Please refer to the pamphlet entitled: “Selecting A Personal Care Home That Is Right For You” for more information on things to consider when selecting a home. Click here.

What if I have a question or concern about a personal care home?

If you are comfortable doing so, discuss the concern with the licensee or manager of the personal care home. The licensee or manager may be able to assist with answering your questions or resolving your concerns.

You may complete a Complaint Reporting Form and submit it to the Ministry of Health. Upon receipt of this information a personal care home consultant will review the concern. If the concern falls within the requirements under The Personal Care Homes Act the consultant will investigate the concern raised. Report a problem with a personal care home.

What is the difference between a personal care home and a long-term care home?

Personal care homes are privately owned and operated, providing accommodation, meals, and assistance with or supervision of personal care to adults. Personal care homes may be “for-profit” or “not for profit”. The number of residents that can be cared for in personal care home ranges from one bed to many beds. Residents do not have to demonstrate need to be admitted to a personal care home. Personal care home licensees may decide who to admit to the personal care home based on the services they are able to provide. The type of care provided in personal care homes varies from home-to-home. While personal care homes usually care for people with lighter care needs, some personal care homes do provide care to persons with heavier care needs.

Personal care homes should not be confused with special care homes (i.e. long-term care homes/nursing homes), which are part of the publicly-funded health system and serve residents typically with heavier care needs. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is responsible for assessing and prioritizing individuals for placement in special-care homes based on assessed need. A common assessment tool is used by assessors throughout the province to determine the needs of an individual.

How much does it cost to live in a personal care home?

The fees charged in personal care homes vary. The information provided on this web site about each home includes monthly starting fees. When you contact a personal care home, ask about the fees charged and what services you will receive for the fees. Residents of personal care homes typically pay for their own care; however, there is a Personal Care Home Benefit available to eligible seniors living in personal care homes with an income that is below a certain level. This benefit supplements the difference between a senior’s monthly income and a threshold of $2000 per month. For more information about how to apply for this benefit, please follow this link.

How do I apply for a personal care home licence?

Click here

Why are some personal care home licences issued for shorter periods than others?

Initial licences are typically issued for six months and are renewed following an inspection of the personal care home operation. There are a number of variables that affect the expiry date of the licence, including the number and type of infractions noted during the inspection. In some cases, the licensee may have requested an annual licence and inspection.

An inspection is conducted before a licence is issued or renewed.