Tips on Retirement Home Decisions
It’s very difficult to admit a loved one into assisted living quarters. The decision can be emotionally stressful for both parents and children. There are tons of factors to consider when deciding on which facility is best for each elderly person’s needs.
Add the fact that assisted living centers can cost a fortune to the emotional and logistical aspects, and you can understand the complexity. This is further frustrating, because most elderly are on limited monthly pensions. The Ontario Retirement Communities Association or ORCA has put together a comprehensive checklist of factors to consider. Here are some of their key tips on how to make the best out of the situation, and how to get the most care for your money:
1. Shop around – Retirement residences vary in location, size, amenities, programs, and services – and price. Some of them are funded publicly, others privately, others both. For this reason alone, the appearance of the facility may not necessarily be an accurate indication of its cost.
2. Consider the bigger picture – Will it cost more in the end for an all-inclusive facility, or one with partial amenities wherein you may need to hire supplemental medical services such as dental, physiotherapy, podiatry; and supplemental living costs such as food, laundry, and transportation?
3. Beyond the building - When you tour facilities, talk to residents and their visitors. Find out what they like and don’t like about the place; which amenities are missing, if any, and if they feel they are getting their money’s worth.
4. Life goes on - A good recreational/social program can mean the difference between a happy resident and a sad one. A good atmosphere may be worth the extra cost, and may come at no extra cost at all.
5. Surprise visits – Making an unscheduled appearance at mealtime or during activities is the best way to assess whether the facility’s services and staff are up to snuff.
- Jenny Hazan
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