With the aging baby boom generation, home care is becoming increasingly important as a way to help seniors live independently in their homes. It offers a variety of services to meet specific needs and support people to stay independent and healthy.
But the patchwork system of home care in Canada has created enormous disparities and variables in access, cost, wait times, availability and more. Some experts say it’s time for a pan-Canadian approach to home care.
Long Term Care Homes
If you are in a situation where you need a high level of care and support, a long-term care home is one option. This type of facility is governed by provincial legislation and each jurisdiction has different services and costs, so it is important to find out what is available in your area before making a decision.
All long-term care homes in Ontario are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, which conducts annual inspections. These homes may be operated by private organizations, provinces or municipalities, or not-for-profit/charitable organizations.
Independent Senior Living
Independent Senior Living is an alternative option for seniors who wish to maintain their independence. These communities are staffed with personal support workers who assist with daily tasks like eating, grooming and taking medications.
The best senior independent living facilities also have a variety of social and recreational activities. Some even have a pool, fitness centre and group exercise classes.
For those who are looking for a higher level of care, there is also assisted living and memory care options in some retirement communities. Those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are able to receive 24/7 supervised care in these facilities.
Most of these apartments have a support staff, on-call nurses and assistance with meal preparation. These services are available on a self-pay basis, or may be government funded.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a senior housing option for older adults who want to maintain their independence but require some level of support. These communities provide a wide range of services, including meals, medication administration and personal care assistance.
These senior residences also offer round-the-clock staff and a variety of security features to protect residents from outside threats. They include 24-hour video monitoring, properly trained on-site personnel and in-suite smoke alarms.
Assisted living is an ideal choice for seniors who need assistance with some of their daily activities but aren’t ready for a nursing home or other long-term care facility. It’s a great option for those who have specialized medical needs such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss issues that prevent them from staying in the community independently.
Retirement Homes
Retirement homes offer a wide range of services and are a safe place for seniors. They also provide a community of like-minded people, so there’s no need to worry about being alone.
These residences have a variety of activities for residents, including exercise programs and social events. Many also have gardens where herbs and vegetables are grown and used in meals served to residents.
Choosing the right Montreal home care retirement home for you or your loved one is a big decision that requires careful consideration. It’s a good idea to get as much information about each facility as possible before making your decision.
Senior Care Homes
Senior Care Homes offer a place for seniors with significant health issues to get the care they need. They often offer assisted living facilities, but also long-term care and dementia care if necessary.
They are also a good option for people who need help with daily activities, but who want to maintain as much independence as possible. However, because of the communal nature of these homes, some loss of privacy is expected.
In contrast to public CHSLDs, private residences with LTC accreditation have shorter waiting lists and admit seniors who have a moderate decline in autonomy (due to illness or physical disability). These residents may be placed in a secure unit if the loss of mobility is more severe.