In the tale my parents spin about the “good old days,” people often moved in with their elderly parents to care for them. In my parents’ case they lived with my paternal grandfather, and later with my maternal grandmother, acting as primary caregivers until their parents’ deaths. This arrangement was only feasible because my hard-working and very loving mom was willing to take on this role.
As people in Ontario live longer (Statistics Canada, 2019, reports that women live an average of 84 years, and men 80) systems of eldercare are becoming increasingly complex to navigate. Aging in place, as my grandparents chose to do, is an attractive choice for many, and services in our community can help. For people who are done with the responsibilities of home ownership, there are a multitude of retirement residences, ranging from intimate homes to establishments resembling five-star hotels.
For those wanting to remain in their own homes, Bayshore Home Health offers services such as personal support care, nursing, housekeeping, transportation, Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and kinesiology and physiotherapy services. “Our older adults want to age in place,” says Laura Peresan, Director of Growth and Operations, GTA West, Bayshore Home Health. “Home is where they are most comfortable and often where they want to continue with their life journey.”
Peresan has found that most older adults prefer a one-stop option. Seniors in the Halton region have access to everything from nursing, to support with showers and house cleaning, all the way to end of life palliative care.
Caring for an elderly parent in their home has many positives, such as the ability to strengthen family bonds, reduce stress for your loved one, and work with an organization to create specific support. There are also drawbacks. As my mom discovered when she was a primary caregiver, the role can be a physical and emotional strain. Caregivers often burn out, and family relationships can be fractured if one person takes on more of the care duties.
An option for many families is to find a suitable retirement residence for their loved one. Michelle Ferrara is Community Relations Manager at Queens Avenue Retirement Home, a family-oriented residence in Oakville.
Independent Seniors Apartments
LIVITA QUEENS AVENUE is a retirement community, located in a quiet residential Oakville neighbourhood, offering independent seniors suites with full kitchens, living rooms, bed and bath. Monthly rates are very competitive.
Picture yourself in an apartment with full kitchen, multiple closets, large suites and big bright windows. The utilities are included and underground parking is available. Meet new friends as you enjoy the beautiful outdoor space, amenities, activities and entertainment that make Livita Queens home. Options are available for meal plans and housekeeping. Emergency care is always accessible. Enjoy, relax and feel safe and secure.
When it comes to finding the right fit, Ferrara offers these insights:
Be realistic.
Does the residence provide what your loved one needs, now and with a view to the future?
Have paperwork and information at hand.
Do your research and bring questions to the tour or meeting
What is the general vibe you feel when walking around the residence?
Are the staff friendly and smiling? Do the residents seem happy, active and engaged?
Will the residence work financially for the long term?
If your loved one’s health declines, will another move be necessary?
Retirement residences offer peace of mind, professional care, increased safety and security, set activities, and a clear cost structure to help you budget. They are also, however, a huge shift for residents and their families. For one thing, residents might feel a loss of independence as they adjust to a new environment and new routines. As Kim Routledge, Sales and Leasing Manager at Oakville’s Vistamere Retirement Residence explains, working together will aid the transition.
“Leaving a long-time home can evoke feelings of grief and nostalgia,” Routledge says. “It is vital for caregivers to acknowledge and support these emotions. Initially, residents may feel isolated in a new community. Caregivers can facilitate social interaction by introducing them to other residents and encouraging participation in group activities.”
When deciding whether your loved one will live at home or in a retirement residence, it is crucial to have frank discussions and not wait until there’s a crisis situation. A little planning now will make future transitions much easier for you and your family.
LOCAL LINKS
Bayshore Home Health
bayshore.ca
Halton Region Services for Older Adults
halton.ca/For-Residents/Older-Adults
Heritage Place Retirement Residence,
Burlington
heritage-place.ca
LaSalle Park Retirement
Community, Burlington
lasalleparkretirement.com
Qualicare Home Care,
Burlington
qualicare.com
Queens Avenue Retirement Home,
Oakville
livinglivita.com/oakville
The Ontario Caregiver
Organization
ontariocaregiver.ca
Vistamere Retirement Residence,
Oakville
vistamere.ca
Viva Retirement Residence,
Oakville
vivaoakville.ca
BY CYNDI INGLE
