ECDOL Canada provides in-depth and up-to-date information about assisted living, supportive living, and active adult retirement communities in Canada. We aim to help you or your loved one know the available options. Our directory includes prices, amenities, services offered, and more. Our experts provide excellent advice about talking to your loved one about care options, paying for senior care, and noticing the signs that care is needed. Our mission is to help you find the information required to make informed decisions and find the best care options in Canada.
SENIOR LIVING RESOURCES
Choosing the Right Senior Care Facility for Your Loved One
The time will come when you will have to discuss with your loved one and the family how to choose the right senior care facility.
There is no doubt that this is an incredibly stressful time for all involved. When you need to decide on where to have your loved one cared for, it’s essential to find the right place for them to live.
Choosing the right facility depends on the individual. Learning all the different options can help you make the right decision and ensure your loved one receives the quality of life they deserve. Here are four tips to help you choose the right option.
Determine the Overall Health of Your Loved One
Determine the Overall Health of Your Loved OneStart with researching and asking for information from different types of facilities. As a family member or friend, one of the most important things you can do when helping a loved one identify eldercare types is ensure the care meets their individual needs.
Consider asking the following questions:
- What does your loved one need help with right now?
- What kind of help will they need going forward?
- Which senior care options will provide this care?
- Will there be a cost for this help?
- If there is a cost, how will this be paid for?
In addition, it is crucial to consider physical care needs, if they need assistance with transportation, home modifications, laundry, housekeeping, running errands, and paying bills.
Begin with determining what the overall health is of your loved one. If they are healthy and functioning properly or are beginning to experience physical or cognitive challenges, decide which care level is required.
Decide on a Price Point
Decide on a Price PointSenior living communities come at a range of different price points. For example, most provincial governments subsidize assisted living, supportive living, or long-term care. Independent living and retirement living are entirely an out-of-pocket cost.
It is vital to establish a realistic price point. Even with government subsidies, assisted living can still cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per month. Retirement communities cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per month.
Consider all aspects of the budget and plan for the long-term. It is essential to consider all factors of the cost of living.
GETTING HELP WITH SENIOR CARE: THE BASICS
Ask the Right Questions
Ask the Right QuestionsWhile visiting communities or doing a virtual tour, this is a prime opportunity to get the information you need to make a good decision. Consider some of the following questions:
- Is the location close to shops, doctors’ offices, a pharmacy, and other important places?
- Is the location convenient for family and friends to visit?
- Is the neighborhood generally considered safe, or is there a high crime rate?
- What are others saying about this provider in reviews?
- Can you find any information about the provider through the Better Business Bureau or your local Area Agency on Aging?
Further questions to consider include:
- What types of payment are accepted, and does the community have programs to help residents afford care?
- If there are any negative online reviews about the community, what is their response or explanation?
- When do they offer tours, and how long do tours last?
- What will they show you when you tour?
- Will you have a chance to try the meals or meet with residents?
Family or even friends should come together to ask the right questions and cover all areas of concern and gather all the information required.
Narrow Your Search Down to the Top Three
Narrow Your Search Down to the Top ThreeSelect the top three assisted living facilities, retirement homes, or independent living options. With each facility, explore your budget, and levels of care, if needed, compare agreements, and what is included, check credentials, and make a decision based on that all criteria are met.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Gather further insight by speaking with family, friends, or residents at some of the facilities you visit. Check off all your criteria, do not sign anything until it is fully reviewed, and ensure it falls within your budget.
Expertise & Experience
