Look for someone who works with retirees, not just young families saving for school. A retirement financial planner should be comfortable modelling home care, a move to a retirement residence and higher care needs later. They'll look at pensions, investments, insurance, tax and the home, then show how long the money lasts under different plans. Ask whether they hold the CFP designation or a similar credential.
Burlington brings a few common situations. Many parents are house-rich with a long-held home, so the plan often weighs staying put with private home care against selling and moving. Adult children may live in Toronto or farther away, so ask whether the planner can meet by video and share documents securely. If your parent is a veteran, the planner should know to check Veterans Affairs Canada benefits too.
Prioritize clarity about how they're paid. A fee-only planner charges you directly and doesn't earn commissions on products. Others are paid partly through product sales, which can work but needs openness. Ask for a written plan that compares care costs against income, and make sure they explain things in plain words your parent understands.
Our recommendation is a fee-only planner with retirement and care experience for most families making a big care decision. A commission-based advisor may cost less upfront, but the trade-off is a possible conflict when products are recommended. Burlington has a good number of advisors, and families also meet planners in Oakville and Hamilton, shown nearby. Financial planning is private-pay, so ask about fees in your first call.