Retirement Communities

Index

• Benefits of Living in a Retirement Community
• "Retirement Living" could be an option for you
• What's the difference between a retirement community and a nursing home?
• Tips on Choosing a Retirement Residence
• Ask the following questions
• When Living at Home is no Longer an Option - Choosing a Nursing Home

We live in a generation where people are living longer lives than in the past. We are more aware of taking care of ourselves and eating healthier and as a result, we are living longer lives. There are many older retired people today than ever before, and many are choosing to live in a retirement community. This simply means that they are choosing to live near other retired people their own age with the same type of living conditions and interests in mind. The old saying there is safety in numbers can really apply to the older set of retired people. They look after each other and do many things together.

Living in a retirement community means that there won' be young children around or teens to worry about. These types of places are for retired folks who want to live a quiet lifestyle. These communities, whether they are detached condos or high rise condominiums, often have a recreation room in which they may hold social events such as bingo, cards or domino. They may have a movie night in which everyone can join in the fun. Many of the recreation rooms have a piano for a more formal event. They may hold dancing nights in which everyone can dress up and attend. They also have a social committee that will arrange many bus trips to live theater and other venues; and often these communities will have an exercise room and possibly a swimming pool, hot tub and sauna.

Retirement can be a lot of fun. Living in a retirement communityyou become more active which enhances your health. So maybe trying to live in your home until the last possible moment may be more detrimental to your health and quality of life. Consider downsizing to a retirement community and enjoy life. Family will still be close by, but you won’t be lonely waiting for their next visit.

When an individual considers moving to a retirement residence, it is often because they have become less interested or able to take care of the daily chores of living. More often, something has changed, a loss, illness or a fall and family then come into the picture. How do you or your family begin to choose the right options to suit your needs? Should you make those choices ahead of time so there is less burden on family in the event of serious illness? By having all of the necessary tools you will be able to make an informed choice, and that choice may just be retirement residence living!

A Retirement Residence is a flexible lifestyle option for older adults who want to make their own choices. Retirement living lets you choose - how much to do for yourself; how much to have done for you; how to spend your time; and with whom to spend it. The work and worry of day-to-day living is gone. Most residences also have alternative care packages to allow ageing in place, or to support short term stay programs to convalesce from an illness or injury.

The hotel-style or apartment suites available in Retirement Residences are rented to customers with a meal and service package included. They vary widely in location, size, price, amenities, programs and services. The mix of staff and residents also contributes greatly to the "personality" of each place. That's why it's important to look beyond the physical structure and spend the necessary time to ask questions, talk with people and generally "sample the product".

The accommodation is typically a private suite with a three piece bathroom that is rented on a monthly basis. However, more recently the newer residences are building more 1 and 2 bedroom suites. Services generally include 24 hour supervision and emergency service, meal preparation, laundry/housekeeping service, medication dispensing, limited assistance with activities of daily living, social events and recreation.

Residents enjoy the companionship of others who share their memories of yesterday and their interests of today. The variety of activities and outings available provide each resident with the fulfillment they deserve. They have the choice to participate as much or as little as they want. Amenities found to support programs are: equipped exercise rooms, movie theatres, library & internet, bistros, spa rooms, salon services, country kitchens, games rooms, bar services.

Each individual has a different reason for considering retirement living whether it is heath concerns, loneliness or meal preparation. With all of the choices available it is important to find the retirement residence and staff that best suits your individual needs.

Nursing homes and Homes for the Aged are now called "Long-Term Care Facilities". They are mostly for seniors who have significant health care issues and require a great deal of care. To be assessed for a long-term care facility and to get on a waiting list, please contact your local Community Care Access Centre in Ontario.

Retirement residence living is a flexible lifestyle option for older adults who want to make their own choices. Retirement residence living lets you choose - how much to do for yourself; how much to have done for you; how to spend your time; and with whom to spend it. Retirement residences take the work and worry out of day-to-day living.

Please see the Tips on Choosing a Retirement Residence section of this website for more information.

When shopping for a retirement residence consider visiting several and go prepared with a list of questions. Keeping notes and gaining a strong "feel" for each place will help you choose the residence best suited to your personal needs and interests.

Retirement residences vary in location, size, price, amenities, programs and services. The mix of staff and residents also contributes greatly to the "personality" of each place. That's why it's important to look beyond the physical structure and spend the necessary time to ask questions, talk with people and generally "sample the product".

We suggest several ideas, which should help you make the right personal choice:

• While touring a retirement residence, talk to the residents about their perceptions of the place
• Plan to stay or return another day for a complimentary lunch or dinner
• Don't limit your tour to suite and common areas. Ask to see the kitchen
• If you would really like to "kick the tires" enquire about a trial visit or an overnight stay
• Ask for resident family references you can contact for their opinions
• Beyond the standard tour, check stairwells and other less traveled areas to see how well they're cleaned and maintained
• Ask for copies of any paperwork required for admission along with samples of menus, activity calendars and newsletters
• You may also consider hiring a consultant to help you find a suitable retirement residence. A consultant may also assist you with the actual move and other arrangements

Use the following checklist to identify the types of services and amenities available:

Community Services

• How close is the nearest hospital, medical clinic, dentist office?
• Are there churches, parks, shops and seniors' centres nearby?
• How accessible is public transportation?
• Is there an accessible transit service?

Financial Matters

• What is the daily/monthly rate?
• Are there charges for additional services you may want or need?
• Is phone or cable service part of your package?
• Is there a resident petty cash account with separate accounting?
• What type of notice period is required should you need, or decide to move?
• How often are rates for accommodation and/or services increased?
• What is the average annual rate of increase over the last few years?

Admission Policies

• Are wheelchairs and walkers accepted?
• What about scooters?
• Are any forms of oxygen therapy allowed?
• Is a health assessment required?
• What happens if your health deteriorates?

There may come a time when the most appropriate care for a loved one is in a nursing home or long term care facility. Provincial regulations will determine the exact procedure, but as a caregiver you will want to ask questions which will help you in your choice.

Some of the questions include:

• Is the location suitable to all concerned?
• Is the home licensed?
• What provisions are there to prevent accidents - lighting? handrails? condition of floors? width of hallways?
• Does cleanliness appear to be the rule of thumb? Is it free of unpleasant odours?
• What is your impression on entering the lobby? Do you feel welcome? Is the furniture attractive? Presence of plants?
• Is the dining room attractive? Is the food nutritious and attractively served? Is there help for those who need it?
• What is the level of cleanliness in the kitchen? Is a dietician available? How is garbage handled?
• What activities are available for residents? What provision is there for religious services?
• Does there seem to be sufficient staff? What is their attitude toward residents and toward each other?
• Are rooms bright and well ventilated?

This is not an all-inclusive list, but perhaps it will help as you research the options available.