By Sherrin Griffin –
As we approach our senior years, our physical and lifestyle needs may change, and it may be time to consider the different living options that are available to us. These days, as the senior population grows exponentially, so do retirement and assisted living communities, with a vast array of living choices customized to suit every need and situation.
In B.C., whether you choose to remain at home and consider home support services, or move to a well-appointed senior living community, through personal choice or necessity, there are publicly subsidized or private-pay options for most scenarios, pending provincial qualification requirements. The Ministry of Health will subsidize seniors who meet provincial eligibility through programs such as Independent Living BC (ILBC).
Seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes may need help with some activities of daily living such as personal care (bathing, dressing, etc.), medication administration, meal preparation, housekeeping, etc., and have the option of receiving home support services, either subsidized or private pay. When Vancouver Island seniors are deemed to have “health conditions and care needs that can no longer be managed safely in their own home,” they have access through Island Health to subsidized Assisted Living and residential care facilities that provide a range of services including 24-hour professional care and supervision. Although individual preference for service is taken into consideration, a formal assessment determines which facility and what services will be provided.
Perhaps you’re looking to downsize from a large house that is just too much work to maintain, and/or wanting the convenience of services and amenities that are more easily accessible.
“Independent Living” at an appropriate retirement community may be the perfect fit for you, giving seniors full independence and freedom, yet with the benefits of on-site dining, entertainment, social activities, and programming offered by the provider. Those who need a little more support can access grocery shopping and transportation services, as well as medication administration. “Assisted Living” residents are able to still maintain their independence, yet must be able to self-direct their own care and have certain mobility requirements. Mobility aids such as a cane, walker or wheelchair are permitted, but the resident must be able to self-transfer from the mobility aid to chair, couch or bed as needed.
According to the BC Ministry of Health, Assisted Living facilities, whether subsidized or private pay, are licensed and regulated under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act or the Hospital Act, and must follow the Residential Care Regulation and Standards of Practice which specify building requirements, staffing and management, recreation activities, record keeping, health and hygiene, nutrition and medication management.
Whether you are seeking subsidized or private-pay living arrangements, make sure that you evaluate, and express/advocate for, your specific needs and desires in terms of lifestyle priorities, physical ability, amenities, recreational and social activities; taking into account, of course, your budget considerations if you’re going the private-pay route.
Transitioning into a new living arrangement can be scary and a bit overwhelming. Next month, we’ll get into specifics regarding how to choose the retirement community that’s perfect for you and/or your loved one(s), including the right questions to ask and where you can find additional resources to help you make the right decision.
