When people consider moving into a retirement residence, they don’t always know that there are generally three different levels of care from which to choose.
The three main categories are Independent Living, Assisted Living and Residential Care.
Residences may offer one of these categories, or two, or even all three.
It is important when looking for a residence in which to live, that you compare apples to apples.
The first step is to know which level of care you need right now. It’s also important to think about where your health and needs will be in five to 10 years. If you anticipate a decline in health or ability, you may want to consider a residence that offers the next level of care, so it decreases the likelihood that you will need to move.
Independent Living is sometimes called Supportive Living. It is for individuals who can take care of all their own health and personal care needs. If you are wanting to kick back in an environment where all your meals are included and you have none of the housekeeping and yardwork of a home, then an Independent Living residence may be the ideal solution for you.
Residents often enjoy a variety of planned activities and excursions. They can come and go, travel, and can even book a guest suite for out-of-town visitors, or a small dining room for family gatherings.
Amenities may include such things as a theatre, bistro, pub, library, beauty salon, craft room, workshop, garden, swimming pool, gym, billiard room and more. Independent Living really supports independent living, with qualified and friendly staff to do the cooking, cleaning, and maintenance.
Since food is such a key part of our everyday enjoyment, Independent Living residences go out of their way to satisfy your cravings by employing high-level chefs, and an inviting, nutritional, and varied menu of food from which to choose. Meals are usually served within certain time periods, but some residences pride themselves on having a flexible ordering schedule and will provide snacking options any time of the day.
As a safety precaution some residences don’t provide in-suite stoves and ovens. Many residents, when they move into Independent Living, prefer to leave all the cooking up to someone else, but if you’re wanting to have this option, ask about in-suite appliances, or whether a communal kitchen is available where you can do some baking.
People in independent living situations often still own and drive their own vehicles. These residences usually have a small private bus and provide transport for those who don’t have a car.
Assisted Living has many of the Independent Living features, but provides extra help for those who may need regular assistance with daily activities, like grooming, bathing, or taking medication, etc.
Residences who call themselves Assisted Living must be registered with the Assisted Living Registrar of BC, a government department that regulates and provides oversight.
The monthly price you pay includes the extra services you will receive. When you visit a residence that provides assisted living services, you will be informed of which services are included and which are not.
Sometimes additional services can be purchased by the resident from private companies, or companies contracted by the residence. Each residence will have its own guidelines for hiring outside help.
In some cases, assisted living placements may be paid for in part through a government subsidy. In order to qualify for the subsidy, a case manager from the Health Authority in your area will assess your health care needs and living circumstances in order to render a decision.
Residential Care is sometimes called Complex Care. It may also extend to include specialized care like Dementia. This type of care is for individuals who are no longer capable of directing their own day-to-day care without supervision and assistance.
Usually, the decision to move into residential care is made with the assistance of family members, your doctor, and a case manager provided by the Health Authority in your region.
Residential Care may be paid for by the government, but it can also be paid for privately.
Services include total health care and grooming, like lifting, bathing, and dressing. Residents will be regularly seen by doctors or nursing staff or be transported to medical clinics for outside appointments when necessary.
Decision-making for all medical, financial, and legal matters will be in the hands of family members or individuals legally tasked with this responsibility if the resident no longer has the capability of making such decisions.
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