Lists of reports on this page:
Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- Planning during the early stages of dementia
- Caregiving tips during early stages of dementia
- Caregiving during early dementia: three helpful services
- Considerations for middle to later stages
- Preparing and planning for the later stages of dementia
- The best long range dementia care plan: a holistic view
- Sources and further reading
For Canadians dealing with any kind of dementia diagnosis, the road ahead is a tough one, whether you are planning for Alzheimer's care or care for any other dementia. For all of the difficulties you will face in the coming months and years, planning ahead will help you gain a little bit of control over the situation and manage the stress of caregiving. You can take control by writing things down, understanding stages coming at you, and the steps you will have to take.
Here is our overview of a care plan for dementia, as a basic yet essential guide for caregivers. We look at different stages of decline and offer an overview of resources that can help you provide the best care, at every step of the way. Our intention is to help you plan and prepare as fully as possible for the time ahead.
Thankfully, there are many different resources that can help caregivers on this journey. We urge you to consult this guide and consult with as many other authorities as you need to, as you prepare for the time ahead. Below, we look at steps you will take, with links to further help elsewhere on this site or elsewhere online.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSRetirement homes with dementia care
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
One Kenton Place
1 Kenton Drive, North York,
Ontario, M2R 2H6
We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Amica Unionville
34 Main Street, Unionville,
Ontario, L3R 4Z8
Located on the charming Main Street of historic Unionville, Amica Unionville blends heritage-village ambiance with upscale senior living, providing a backdrop for connection, activity, peace of mind, and relaxation.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Amica Dundas
50 Hatt Street, Dundas,
Ontario, L9H 0A1
This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standard service for 50 years. Offering a full continuum of care, rich amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2J7
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, the Terrace Garden, daily fitness, vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Taunton
85 Taunton Road East, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0S4
AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of Bradford, Holland Gardens offers a luxurious resort lifestyle where you can age gracefully with Independent Living, Independent Supportive Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Premium Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Amica Pickering
1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0G2
Amica Pickering offers contemporary senior living in a vibrant lakeside community. Thoughtfully designed and welcoming, it supports your pace of life while offering the assurance of care when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Winston Park
695 Block Line Road, Kitchener,
Ontario, N2E 3K1
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Stoney Creek
135 King St. E, Stoney Creek,
Ontario, L8G 0B2
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Little Lake
70 Lakeside Terrace, Barrie,
Ontario, L4M 0J2
Set on the shores of Little Lake in Barrie, Amica Little Lake offers beautiful views, a vibrant community, and a comfortable place to call home, with independent, assisted and memory care, dining, programs, and support.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village at University Gates
250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2J 0E2
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Riverside Glen
60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 8M8
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Enjoy prairie and mountain views at Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Alberta’s ideal senior living with personalized care from Independent Living to Memory Care in a safe, comfortable setting.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
We feature a unique full continuum of care with a vibrant Main Street offering Independent Living, Retirement Apartments, Assisted & Memory Care suites . Our retirement community represents a diverse ethnic population.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0C9
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
IN-DEPTH REPORTSHome care companies
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers & nurses to seniors & others with medical challenges to remain in their home with safety & comfort. Services across the entire GTA. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Nurse For Care
2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto,
Ontario, M1K 2P5
We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Planning during the early stages of dementia
Every family is different, with a different dynamic. Begin by carefully, wisely discussing how you are going to care for the loved one with dementia: who is going to be in charge, and who is responsible for individual tasks. In the great majority of cases, that work falls on one person. If that's you, here is what you need to do during early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia:
- Get informed. Read as much as you can, talk to as many people as you need to.
- Consult a variety of authorities. Of course, you will begin with health authorities and government health services. For example, British Columbia residents will contact BC Ministry of Health Services (in Ontario you will contact the LHIN, in Alberta you would contact Alberta Health Services, etc.) Bear in mind that these resources will focus on the government services available, and may deprecate or forget services they do not advocate for. That's why it's a good idea to research on your own using other guides, like this one.
- Learn all you can about caregiving solutions near you, and how these resources can help you.
- Find support. Support groups are available in many different communities; you can find some through alzheimer.ca. Other support can be found in websites and forums like alzlive.com (recommended), Facebook groups, Meetup groups, etc. Participate as much as you can, as early as you can, learn from others, and find out which kinds of support work best for you.
- Prepare for stress, and decide on healthy ways to deal with it. Many people need spiritual help like prayer or meditation; other people work out regularly to relieve stress. These are a couple of healthy means of caring for yourself. Caregivers should prepare ahead for all the eventualities related to senile dementia: the setbacks, the stages of degeneration, and the most negative symptoms of dementia (confusion, agitation, wandering, physical outbursts, etc.) To learn more about symptoms you will face, read about stages of Alzheimer's, sundown-syndrome, memory loss and more.
- Learn all you can about caregiver benefits.
Questions you will need to answer early:
- Which family member will make decisions?
- Who will take care of financial extras and be the best at planning?
- Where will your loved one live, now, later, and in the end?
Caregiving tips during early stages of dementia
Daily routines planned
As the dementia progresses, you and your loved one will benefit from small daily routines. For example, small cues that mark the day help people with progressive dementia. One example of these daily cues is opening the curtains at a set time every morning. Another cue might be turning on music. Similarly, cues for end of the day, such as shutting things off or turning off lights are a good way of keeping your loved one in sync, even as short term memory deteriorates.
How to plan activities
One caregiving tactic to help your loved one is to take part in simple daily activities. Start with things your loved one is interested in, perhaps hiking, dancing, or things that involve working with hands (e.g. woodworking, sculpting, etc.) Focus on activities that are quiet, that involve interaction and conversation, and that he or she is familiar with. As you engage in these on a regular basis, he or she will benefit from the routine, and this can be very therapeutic. Other things to bear in mind are the need for reduced lighting, and a tempered environment.
Caregiving during early dementia: three helpful services
There are a variety of services you need to investigate as soon as possible. All of these services can help spell off your personal caregiving to help you keep a balance.
Respite care should be taken advantage of as soon as you need it. This is short term help for caregivers, supported by provincial government funding in provinces across Canada. You may have heard of this only as a short term stay in a retirement home but respite care is also provided by home care providers. Taking a break or holiday from caregiving is an important means of staying physically and mentally healthy, so you can offer the best care. Look at respite care early, to fit this component into your long range dementia care plan.
Adult day care programs are available in communities across Canada, and like respite care, these are an important aide to caregivers. Of course, these kinds of programs and related services (senior centers, etc.) can help dementia patients through social activities, brain exercises and time out of the home. But they also allow caregivers time off. Learn about these programs and find out their availability near you. These should be a critical part of your family's senile dementia care plan.
Home care is available under the auspices of provincial health care services in many cases (such as the LHIN in Ontario) but you may be limited by waiting lists. Private home care services can augment other care you provide, creating your own respite program. There are many other benefits to using these services. Investigate home care near you, find out costs and learn all you can.
There are many benefits to involving yourself with, and observing professional caregivers. You will learn different approaches to care, in context, and learn from the example of others. Many professional caregivers are trained in special techniques. Learning about these will be valuable to you as you move forward. For example, you will see caregiving techniques at work, such as validation therapy, and gentle persuasion.
Considerations for middle to later stages
As time goes on, you will need to upscale care given. Respite care will be increasingly important to your care planning, as will home care services, senior centers, adult day care programs and any other resources outside the home.
Some families who can afford it will choose to get their loved one into assisted living. Many assisted living care homes are prepared to help those in middle stages of progressive dementia. Care staff here is available 24 hours a day, and these facilities will be secured, in an environment where everyone is experienced with various stages of dementia. Find out more about what is offered in typical assisted living settings.
As your loved one's dementia progresses, memory care facilities are also suitable. To plan ahead strategically, you may want to arrange a move into a retirement home that also offers memory care help and is prepared for the later stages and contingencies of dementia. See your best long range dementia care plan below.
Preparing and planning for the later stages of dementia
Know what's coming. As they say, plan for the worst, but hope for the best. As you circulate in care homes and seniors' programs, observe those in later stages of dementia and prepare yourself to deal with your loved one in those later stages; progressive deterioration is inevitable.
Knowing your eventual need for long term care (LTC), investigate local options, as early as you can. Many provinces have waiting lists for long term care, and you can't get on a waiting list until a doctor is certain your loved one needs LTC. In the province of Ontario (as of 2017) wait times for long term beds range from approximately 75 days to over three years, depending on the facility and the region.
In long term care homes listed on Comfort Life, care offered is exceptional and state-of-the-industry. Not all long term care homes recommended to you by government services (or that are near you) will be to your liking. This is why you need to check out your options ahead of time and plan the best way of going through this process. The following looks at an ideal path to take.
The best long range dementia care plan: a holistic view
Here is a plan for navigating and thinking ahead toward late-dementia choices, from experts in the care industry. If you think ahead to the ultimate outcome of dementia (dreadful, yes, but also inevitable), you can plan care choices accordingly. You will not likely get into the LTC home you want, so have a backup plan.
We suggest that you find exceptional private memory care facilities near you, where your loved one has the greatest guarantee of receiving excellent care. Learn ahead of time what the cost will be, and budget accordingly. There will be a number of options, so choose one that best matches your budget and needs.
Ideally, you want your loved one to be in the same community (one they like or accept) for the duration. Being in a stable environment with which they become familiar will alleviate confusion and other effects related to dementia. The various kinds of care you will need should ideally be available in one situation:
- respite care during the early to middle stages of the disease
- memory care during later stages of progression
- long term care and/or palliative care during the final stages
This holistically minded plan applies to every form of senile dementia, including Alzheimer's, vascular dementia (although this can be much slower), Parkinson's, and all others.
We wish you the best possible outcome as you venture forward in making challenging decisions in the days, months and years ahead.
Sources and further reading
alz.org/../dementia-creating-a-plan.asp
alzlive.com: a Toronto-based website full of resources for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients
alzheimer.ca: offers broad information about Alzhimer's and related dementias, along with lists to local support groups and more.
healthcareathome.ca's long-term care wait list: links to updated wait times for long term care beds in Ontario.
