Assisted Living Senior Care

Intermittent care helps seniors retain independence

For seniors who do not want to fully forfeit their independence, assisted living retirement care should be considered. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with some daily activities such as meal preparation, laundry, shopping and medication but who are not in need of full time care.

Assisted living can also be called any of the following:

• Board and care homes
• Supervised care facilities
• Personal care homes
• Residential care facilities
• Domiciliary care
• Supervised care facilities

Do you or your loved one need assisted living?
Assisted living residents may be young or old. Residents may have problems with memory, incontinence or only mobility. Activities:

• bathing
• dressing
• toileting/diapering
• grooming and other hygiene
• meal preparation/cooking
• eating
• getting around the house
• getting around town
• housekeeping

Assisted living can be a more sensible alternative to home health care.

Things to consider as you choose an assisted living facility
Keep these points in mind as you choose an assisted living facility for your senior loved one:

• Does the facility meet provincial standards?
• Is it accredited by a reputable body?
• What are all the costs?
• Do they offer a written service policy?
• Do residents seem happy or content, with staff and with the facility?
• How many staff members are on hand and what general attitude do they express?
• Is the housing modern or well designed for contemporary care needs?
• Do they allow pets?
• Do residents have a choice of where to eat?
• Is the facility clean and well kept?
• What recreational programs are available and how well suited are they to your loved one?

Assisted living and your other retirement home options
On a continuum of retirement care, assisted living offers a bit more independence than continued care or traditional nursing homes in Canada. It is also less costly than those options. Assisted living care will cost in the range of $2000 per month in most places in Canada but costs can be much higher for people with high needs. Be wary of scrimping on care costs for your elderly loved ones.