Senior’s Choices for Living Options as They Age
Talking to your parents or older family members about what they want as they get older can be really tough. Especially as the conversations lead into the “what if your health condition deteriorates”. But, as we all know, this is not a question of if but when this will happen. This Blog was posted to give families things to consider – now – in advance of a rushed, hurried decision when something serious fails for your mom or dad. The good news? there are a lot of different living options for seniors these days, and it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what’s best.
There are many of choices to help seniors, but if you don’t think about them before something happens—like a serious illness or an injury—it can get even harder. That’s why deciding where your loved one will live is a big deal when it comes to making sure they age well and comfortably.
The question about costs and the ability to afford various options is in fact a real concern. It is true, that most options are somewhat “unlimited” to those who have the funds to pay for whatever they may need, and the options are very reduced when one has limited funds to work with. This is because, while we have a “free social health care system” in Canada, housing with some care and services for seniors in Canada is truly limited and restricted. Most options are “private pay” for seniors.
Whether you want to figure things out on your own or get some advice, it’s a good idea to look at all the different options before your family member needs to make a decision.
Senior Living Options
Back in the day, if your parents got old, your choices were pretty much either having them move in with you or sending them to a government-funded nursing home (now called long term care). There weren’t many in-between choices.
Luckily, things have changed, and now there are way more options that can fit your family member’s personality and how they want to live.
Aging in Place: This is by far the most popular option. Most people over 65 want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. A study from many polls says that 77% of seniors prefer this option. They can even have PSWs, personal support workers, nurses or other helpers come to their homes to make sure they’re doing okay, whether it’s helping with meds or daily chores. But, this only works if your family member doesn’t have major health or mental (cognitive) issues that would make living alone too dangerous.
Aging in place refers to the ability of seniors to live independently and safely in their own homes or communities as they age, rather than moving to assisted living or nursing facilities. This concept emphasizes the importance of having access to the necessary health and social supports that enable older adults to maintain their autonomy and quality of life in familiar surroundings.
Importance of Aging in Place in Canada
With a significant demographic shift expected, where nearly 25% of Canadians will be over 65 by 2030, the desire for aging in place is becoming increasingly prominent. Many seniors prefer to remain in their homes due to the high costs associated with retirement homes and concerns regarding the quality of care in long-term facilities.Aging in place is not just about staying in one’s home; it also involves making necessary modifications to ensure safety and accessibility. This can include home renovations, such as installing grab bars, widening doorways, or enhancing lighting to prevent falls.
Options for Aging in Place in Ontario
Several initiatives and programs in Ontario support aging in place:
Home Modifications: Programs like the National Home Modifications Survey highlight the importance of adapting homes to meet the needs of seniors. Modifications can significantly enhance mobility and independence, allowing seniors to live safely in their homes longer.
Community Support Programs: Initiatives such as the Age Well at Home program provide funding for community-based organizations that assist low-income seniors in aging in place. This includes expanding access to services that have proven effective in helping seniors remain in their homes.
Co-housing and Co-living Arrangements: Some seniors are opting for co-living arrangements, where they share homes with others. This not only reduces living costs but also combats loneliness and fosters community support. Co-housing communities, which are designed to promote social interaction among residents, are also gaining popularity.
Technological Innovations: The Aging in Place Challenge Program focuses on developing technologies that enhance the quality of life for older adults. This includes innovations aimed at improving home safety and facilitating better health management at home.
In-home Care Services: Many organizations offer in-home care services tailored to seniors’ needs, providing assistance with daily activities, personal care, and companionship. This support is crucial for seniors who wish to live independently but may require some help.
Government Initiatives: Various levels of government in Canada are recognizing the need for policies and funding to support aging in place. This includes initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare, transportation, and social services for seniors.
In summary, aging in place is a vital option for many seniors in Ontario, offering them the opportunity to live independently while receiving the necessary support and services. As the population ages, continued emphasis on this approach will be essential to meet the needs of older adults and ensure their well-being.
Independent Living Communities: These places let seniors live on their own, but things like home maintenance and activities are taken care of. These communities are great for seniors who are still active and healthy. But they don’t offer medical care on-site, and they can be pretty expensive because of the entry fees or buy-ins.
Retirement Homes in Ontario (licensed)
A retirement home in Ontario is a privately-owned residence that provides rental accommodation with care and services for seniors who can live independently with minimal to moderate support and are able to fund this lifestyle on their own.Key benefits of living in a retirement home in Ontario include:
Flexibility to choose meals, plan activities, attend exercise classes, socialize with others, and go out to favorite places
Housekeeping, transportation, and laundry services provided
Opportunity to live a balanced and healthy life with social engagement, reducing issues of isolation, loneliness, and depression compared to living alone
Ability to plan for potential future medical needs with options for assisted living and congregate care in the same environment
Variety of housing options like retirement apartments, condos, houses, villas, and private suites to choose from
Easier transition from living in one’s own home with added support services
Assisted Living (Retirement Home Ontario): This option is popular because it lets seniors stay somewhat independent while getting help with medical care, meals, and other things. It’s a good choice for those who need a little supervision but can mostly take care of themselves. The downside? It’s often pricey unless they have savings or insurance that covers it.
Why Plan?
It’s important to start planning early. Nobody likes to talk about getting older, but the truth is that people are living longer and need to think about what they want before they get too sick to talk about it.
If your parents or family members are over 65, now is the perfect time to have these conversations. It’s a good idea to encourage them to think about their options and plan for all the things that can happen as they age.
Planning early also means they can figure out how to pay for their care once they’re no longer working. An aging plan should include not just where they’ll live but also what they’ll do if their health or financial situation changes.
Most seniors don’t want to lose control of their lives, and they definitely don’t want to end up in a situation they hate. By making plans ahead of time, they can make sure they spend their later years the way they want to. It’ll make things easier and happier for everyone involved.
About Company
Country Manor Estates Retirement Residence is a cozy, beautiful, highly recommended retirement residence that provides Independent, Supportive and Assisted Living options for more than 34 years! We have a reputation for our beautiful grounds, amazing care and nursing, delicious meals and for our friendly, caring staff. If you want to live in a comfortable, secure place with friendly residents and staff that you can call home, then Country Manor Estates is the place for you.
You feel a friendly, home-like environment as soon as you enter our front door. Cheerful smiles from our caring, professional staff greet you every day, and a peaceful setting creates a wonderful living environment for residents. With many planned activities, a beautiful dining room and dining services, there are numerous opportunities to make new friends, right here in your home.
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