When families reach the point where they are looking for a seniors' home or retirement home for an aging relative, they often focus on finding a local home or the cheapest care available. This is of course, a case of mistaken priorities, when the main concern should be finding the right care for the senior in question.
Finding the right retirement care should involve work on the part of family. Most families of gradually ailing seniors need to begin with the possibility of community-provided care. There are a wide variety of services available, depending on what province or state you live in. Some states, provinces, cities or counties offer publicly funded care, if you are fortunate. In Ontario, for example, you can hire a case worker or social worker who can assist the elderly person and his or her family with care issues. These case workers can help screen home health care services, offer advice about eligibility for assistance and services, and act as a liaison between families and care providers of any kind.
Government funded homecare and support services may be available. You may be able to get a referral from your family doctor in order to get assigned a case worker.
Varieties in retirement homes
If you are in a position to move into a retirement home, many people are unaware of the distinct advantages offered by active adult or independent living retirement homes. These can be resort-style communities with suites all housed in one building or a complex-style community with separate homes or condos.
A more common option is an assisted living senior home, where there is staff ready to help with anything from cooking to medication to mobility.
If you have problems that might only be temporary you can look into a short stay or respite programs. This will also give you a test of the retirement home experience. The fact is that many seniors in this scenario discover that the preconceptions they had about seniors home are inaccurate and they decide that staying here is just fine.
If a senior has a fall or is otherwise falls ill, it may be that there is a need for long term care. These will offer full time nursing care, regular medical care by an on-call physician and 24 hour supervision. This type of care facility also offers short stays.
Follow your gut, find the right fit
When searching for a retirement home, though, family and seniors should be very concerned with the fit. This is very much the same as looking for a new home or looking for a job. People need to be aware of gut feelings they have as they look at various options and through various seniors' homes.
When inspecting homes, travel off the beaten path to see what the home is "really like." Go down darkened hallways and check the cleanliness and care offered to patients so you are sure that the retirement home is not just putting on a face for your tour.
Paying for seniors' accommodation: cheaper than you realize
When looking at the cost of seniors housing many people may balk at figures such as $1600, $2000 or more per month. However, few people really consider that these costs cover all daily expenses. The need for car payments, gas, restaurant meals, groceries and many other small daily expenses suddenly evaporates. Homes provide meals, snacks and entertainment on site. In the case of higher end luxury retirement homes this can include everything from a swimming pool to a fitness center to an 18 hole golf course.
Jim Huinink writes for Comfortlife.ca, a site offering comprehensive lists of retirement homes and advice on finding the right retirement care.
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