Senior Care

My parents are in their late 80’s and currently live in their own home, which has benefited them so far.  Sadly, most of their friends have now passed away, or have moved to other assisted living facilities and I worry about them being on their own, especially as their health has been slowly, but surely deteriorating.

Related: Settling In To A Retirement Community

As a result, I am now in the process of researching and trying to find them a more suitable place to live.  As my brother and I both live in different provinces it hasn’t been easy to co-ordinate.  I’ve found that there are several different types of senior care facilities depending on what is required.

Senior Care Facilities

Some types of senior care facilities that we have considered are as follows:

1. A Plus-50 or Seniors’ condo complex where they can purchase an apartment in the $250,000-$300,000 range with monthly condo fees.   This allows for a private residence with a communal area with various activities.  The attraction is that they would be independent without the responsibility of shoveling snow or mowing lawns, etc and have close neighbours for companionship.  This seems to be the only option for purchasing.
2. A similar option is a Supportive Living residence.  Residents here would be more in their age range.  This accommodation  mainly provides companionship and activities to seniors who can care for themselves but who have previously lived alone and there’s a fear of them being too isolated.  In both of these situations, however, there is a degree of concern should an accident occur with no one around to help.
3. “Aging in place” residences offer independent living, assisted living and continuing care in a single setting.  Residents can move from one care option to the next, as health needs change.  It benefits couples whose care needs are different, as they can remain together in the same complex.
4. Assisted living complexes have self-contained suites with central dining room and common areas for socializing, recreational opportunities and regularly planned activities as well as an emergency response system and housekeeping and laundry services as required.They are for people who don’t need full time care.  These residences can be publicly funded (less expensive, but huge waiting lists), or private.  Private pay options are expensive ($1800 to $4500+ a month depending on size of suite and amenities included) but there is a better chance of obtaining a suite as these complexes are being built in many cities at quite a fast rate. (Could be a good investment opportunity in a REIT specializing in such residences.)
5. Finally, there is long-term care also known as nursing homes.  These offer private or semi-private rooms for seniors who have long-term nursing needs.  Subsidies are available for low-income earners and costs may be covered by provincial health care.  Waiting lists areextremely long and these senior care facilities suffer from a bad reputation with regard to the care given (warranted or not).

The choice I’m leaning towards for senior care is the assisted living facility.  I know my dad will balk at the high rent and would prefer an apartment condo they could purchase instead.

However, his legs are getting wobbly and he has recently fallen several times while getting up at night.  My mother is not able to pick him up when this happens.

Luckily, they would be able to afford the monthly rent, and they will have a financial cushion after they sell their house, and I will feel better knowing they will be looked after if and when help is needed.

The challenge is finding a suitable place soon in the area we desire.  Waiting lists are so long in some senior care facilities that I’m tempted to put my own name on a list now so there will be a spot for my husband and me should we require such accommodation in our later years.

Meanwhile, the house has to be sold, the contents sorted and trashed (mostly), or sold (maybe), or kept in the family (as little as possible).

My next few months are going to be busy.