Finding a long-term care home for someone you love isn’t easy. Many families feel lost before they even start. Sometimes they just go by what others tell them, only to realize later that it doesn’t really work that way.
That’s what Daniel Clarke wanted to do when he made Elderado.ca. He used his background in business and community work to build a website that helps families in Ontario learn about long-term care homes. His goal is to make things clear and less stressful.
Most people think the waitlist is a line-like system: whoever joins first gets in first. They hear it may take years so they try to rush to apply even before they need to. That is not how it truly works. It is actually based on the amount of care needed in Ontario. That list contains something called Placement Priority Categories. People who need more help move up faster, and those still able to live safely at home wait longer.
Moving into a care home is a big change. Carers can help take small steps to make it easier. Visit the home together before the moving day: meet the staff, have a walk around, and get used to the place. Bring some familiar things with them that might make the new room feel cozy, such as photos, a pillow, or a small chair.
– Daniel Clarke
When people can speak their own language or eat the food they love, they are happy and safe, for it helps them remain connected to who they are. For people living with dementia, it matters even more. Many, while their memories change, forget their second language and remember only their first. Having staff speaking that language helps them feel calm and less afraid. It gives them comfort no decoration can replace.
Walk into a good home, and you can tell. The staff smile and take the time to talk. The residents look happy. The place feels clean, calm, and warm. Ask about food, care, and daily routines. A good home will answer everything clearly. The best sign is when your loved one feels safe and relaxed there. That’s how you know it’s the right place.
Daniel Clarke thinks with the right information, the process can be calmer and easier to handle. When families have clear and honest choices, they can focus on what truly matters. That’s what Elderado is all about, helping one family at a time.
Daniel Clarke is the Founder and CEO of Elderado.ca, a free website that helps families explore and compare every long-term care and retirement home in Ontario. You can also search by culture or language. Daniel’s work was featured in Family Councils Ontario’s “Making the Move to Long-Term Care” guide. Before starting Elderado, he worked in marketing, helped other business owners grow, and even competed as a professional triathlete.
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