Starting to look at next steps for retirement living can be a daunting task. Are all retirement residences created equal? How is a retirement home different from assisted living? And what is a long term care residence? Which one is best suited to my needs?
Let us help you navigate the differences starting with the least care options up to the Long Term Care or Complex Care options.
Independent Living: Offers a less stressful way of life for independent seniors. For individuals who are looking to create a care-free lifestyle with less cooking and cleaning an independent living building is a great choice. Independent living buildings often offer meals, cleaning services, transportation options and social activities. Some will also offer some level of care, perhaps nursing in the building, personal support workers, and potentially a doctor on site. These care options are important to consider. As you age, it can allow for you to age in place. It can also be a great option for couples that have one spouse requiring care and another who is more independent but they want to live together.
Assisted Living: Offers support for residents of all ages who some limitations in physical or cognitive health. On-site assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, etc), medication administration and queuing are all standard in assisted living. Some independent living residences will either have an assisted living floor or section, or might offer all of the same services to residents in their own suite. All of the services available in independent living residences, like activities, transportation, meals and cleaning would also be included.
Memory Care: Memory care homes or floors in homes offer a safe place for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Today there are different options for care and methods for delivering it so it might take some research to find the right fit for your loved one. This is an area that there is tremendous research being done and many new models are becoming more and more prevalent in our communities. These residences are staffed 24 hours a day with very hands on care focusing on physical safety and care as well as the emotional aspects of the disease.
Long Term Care: Government subsidized support is offered in long term care homes to those requiring 24 hour a day support. Agencies in the community assess an individuals eligibility to these residences and manage their placement. Medical care would the highest in these residences, and all people from all walks of life are entitled to care in long term care facilities.
Should you have questions about how to navigate the right options for you or your loved ones, feel free to call and speak to one of our retirement specialists, Brenda or Megg, at 905-633-8300.