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Developing an evidence base to inform retirement home policy development using an equity and diversity lens: a mixed
K Kehoe MacLeod1,2, V Wicks3, S R Isenberg3,4,5
1Bruyère Health Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1R7G5, Canada. kmacleod@bruyere.org.
BMC Geriatrics
|November 4, 2025
Summary
This study addresses health inequities in retirement homes for older adults, particularly those facing financial or cultural barriers. Findings will inform policy to improve equitable access to retirement home care in Ontario.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Health Equity
Background:
- Retirement homes are vital for aging adults but inaccessible for many due to cost and lack of culturally concordant options.
- Existing research on health inequities in elder care primarily focuses on long-term care, neglecting retirement homes.
- This study aims to address the knowledge gap regarding retirement home residents' experiences and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To build an evidence base on health inequities in the retirement home sector in Ontario, Canada.
- To provide policy recommendations for improving equity in retirement home access and care.
- To inform future initiatives promoting equitable care for older adults in facility-based settings.
Main Methods:
- A multi-phase sequential mixed methods study combining quantitative and qualitative data.
- Phase 1: Consultations on social/systemic barriers with advisory committees and advocacy groups.
- Phases 2 & 3: Retrospective cohort studies using health administrative data and semi-structured interviews with older adults and families regarding care transitions.
- Phase 4: Contextualizing findings with decision-makers from regulatory authorities and government ministries.
Main Results:
- Analysis of health administrative data to compare retirement home (RH) versus long-term care (LTC) utilization and healthcare outcomes.
- Qualitative insights into how social identity (language, income) and practical factors influence decisions between RH and LTC.
- Identification of specific social and systemic barriers contributing to inequities in retirement home access and care.
Conclusions:
- Leveraging momentum from long-term care reform to investigate inequities in the retirement home sector.
- Disseminating policy options to provincial decision-makers and community partners.
- Informing future work on equity in retirement homes across various governance levels.
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