I'm 72 & in the last 10 years I've learned about the cost of retirement homes & nursing homes while assisting my elderly in-laws. Avg. retirement homes cost $35K to $45K per year.  Nursing home rates are set by the govt. & range in the mid-20K's per year  BUT one has to be in need of Nursing home care to qualify as determined by the 'gatekeeper' govt. agency CCAS. Wait times for nursing homes can be 6+ months in some areas. 
Most SR's & their families are surprised or even shocked by these prices as they've never checked out the pricing until they've needed a retirement or nursing home. 
Many elderly widows have low CPP due to limited CPP contibutions (Many didn't work outside their homes) + OAS & GIS.  Many earn only in the $20K range per year, thus far less than Retirement home rates. Unless they have substantial equity in a home than they cannot afford a Retirement home long-term. This is a huge problem that too many elderly & their families are unaware of.