Retirement Living – Supporting Seniors

The Benefits of Memory Care in Ottawa

Laura Polegato — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:00:31 +0000

Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia can be rewarding but it can also be challenging. Relationships change as spouses become caregivers, and adult children find themselves parenting their parents. Many families struggle with the decision over whether or not to keep their loved ones at home or to move them to a retirement residence or a long-term care home. It’s not an easy decision to make, and knowing when to make it can also be difficult. But when it’s the right decision, moving a loved one into memory care can provide many benefits, including the health, safety and well-being of both the caregiver and the person living with dementia.

Retirement homes in Ottawa with memory care

Many retirement homes in Ottawa provide specialized memory care programs that offer not only a safe and engaging environment but one that enhances a sense of belonging and community. When your loved one moves into the residence, the care staff will want to learn all about them so that they can best provide for their unique needs. It’s important for caregivers and family to talk about their loved one’s needs, like their daily habits, favourite foods, family history and hobbies or interests. Does your mother like to sleep-in? Maybe she only likes tea, not coffee, and just a light breakfast. Try to recall things about their routines that even though they may seem small, can make a difference to their day-to-day comfort. An in-depth assessment helps determine the level of care and attention your loved one requires.

Making sure your loved one is staying healthy by eating well

Eating nutritious meals and preparing food becomes more challenging for someone living with dementia. Many find their nutritional health begins to suffer as they develop difficulties knowing how to prepare foods, use the appliances like the stove and microwave and some will have trouble remembering to eat and drink regularly. In a retirement home, they’ll enjoy three regular flavourful and nutritious meals a day, with regular mealtimes and seating routines. Eating alone can make mealtime a chore, but dinging and socializing with others makes it enjoyable again. Memory care residences also support regular hydration and nutrition, by providing snacks and drinks throughout the day. Most special diets can be accommodated, such as diabetic meal plans, low-sodium, supplemental nutritional needs and supportive dining assistance like reminders, cueing, directing and encouragement, in their own private dining room on the memory care floor.

Keeping engaged with specialized memory care programs and activities

Memory care programs provide your loved one with a variety of engaging opportunities. Activities and programs are designed to meet the changing needs of residents. Things like games, trivia and reminiscing activities can be adapted for different abilities. Residents participate in a number of different activities every day, from brain games and physical exercises to arts and crafts. Daily activities stimulate the mind, help maintain fine motor skills and keep residents physically fit. Nature walks, dancing, gentle stretching, and games that promote coordination such as bouncing a ball, can strengthen, build muscle, and maintain flexibility. Physical activity, even chair exercises, also help to prevent injury and the risk of falls. Many retirement residences also offer music programs, including singing, using instruments, listening to music and being entertained by live musicians! Music is highly therapeutic, even for those living with more advanced dementia. Regardless of ability, involvement has a positive effect on mental health, cognition and socialization.

Creating a supportive environment with routine

If you have been caring for a family member with dementia, you will know how important a daily routine is to their wellbeing. Memory care communities provide consistency, routine, and familiarity, which helps create a supportive environment. That includes supporting your loved one’s regular routine as much as possible, like turning on the news in the evening, laying out their clothes for the next day, or having their hair done every week. Staff who care for residents on memory care floors will have ongoing training and education to best support residents’ needs. Reminders and cueing may be enough for some residents to independently navigate their mealtimes, activity schedules and events. A regular routine also helps to reduce anxiety and behaviours related to frustration.

The challenges of caregiving during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for caregivers. In keeping loved ones safe, caregivers have had to struggle to explain the need for masks, staying home, and why the grandkids can’t visit, all while managing their own social isolation, cancellation of day programs, and limitations on community resources. All of these challenges have compounded the stress related to caregiving. Retirement residences offer much-needed support. Many retirement residences offer short-term respite stays on a secure Memory Care floor to allow caregivers a much-needed break. Your loved one will have the opportunity to engage with other residents while receiving personalized services by caring professionals in a safe and secure environment. Retirement residents and staff receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and homes continue to maintain health, safety, and infection control protocols.

Moving your loved one into memory care

When your loved one moves into a memory care community, they’ll get to enjoy the many programs, services, entertainment and support they need, but this allows you to become less of a caregiver and more of what you want to be – a partner, loved one, or friend. There are many great memory care homes in Ottawa to choose from. Supporting Seniors can help you sort through the options, and find the place that’s best for your loved one. It’s not an easy decision to make, so talking it through and learning about what is offered can help you put a plan in place. We do everything we can to help you make the best choice for you and your loved one. If you’d like to discuss how finding the right memory care option can help your loved one thrive, contact us and start your search today!

How much do retirement homes cost in Ottawa?

Laura Polegato — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 13:00:18 +0000

How much do retirement homes cost in Ottawa? What makes one retirement home more expensive than another? Why does one person pay almost twice as much as her friend, who lives in the same residence? There are many factors that affect the cost of retirement living. The average person spends somewhere between $3,000 and $6,000 per month to live in an Ottawa retirement home. From the location and amenities to the suite size and the care a person needs, it all plays a role in the cost of retirement living.

Retirement homes and long-term care

Retirement homes are regulated by both the Retirement Homes Act, administered by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) and the Residential Tenancies Act, through the Landlord and Tenant Board. This means that retirement living costs are divided into two basic categories: care (and services) and accommodation (rent). Unlike in long-term care homes, the care costs of retirement living are not covered by your Ontario provincial health insurance program (OHIP). Likewise, retirement homes do not provide subsidized rental arrangements, whereas long-term care homes do for qualifying residents.

Location, location, location?

We’ve all heard that location is key in real estate, but does this affect the cost of retirement living too? In some cases, yes, but not to the same extent. Indeed, downtown Ottawa’s retirement homes will not be as expensive as similarly designed homes found in downtown Toronto. But when comparing homes within the greater Ottawa area, generally, the location becomes less significant. The location is just one piece of the puzzle. What the home has to offer, however, can make up several pieces of the puzzle.

So many great retirement homes in Ottawa

From the large and luxurious to the small, unique boutique, there’s a style and size to suit everyone’s taste. So, what impact on cost does the retirement building itself have? Consider these factors: amenities, age and renovations.

These days, retirement homes offer a variety of amenities; desirable features like indoor heated saltwater pools, demonstration kitchens, movie theatres, heated underground parking, gyms, and even rooftop patios. Of course, not all homes have indoor pools or rooftop patios. The most common amenities include hair salons, lounges, libraries and private dining rooms.

Retirement homes provide some smart technology systems (medical alert devices, internal communication systems). Some newer homes even have keyless (fob) suites and enhanced security systems. But older homes get renovated over time, both in the common areas and in the personal suites. In this case, the renovated suites will become a little more expensive than the older, unrenovated ones. While all of these factors contribute to a residence’s cost, the square footage of your suite is more significant.

Retirement home suites

There are two things that most influence the cost of retirement living. One of them is your suite’s size and layout. The smallest and most affordable suites available are called studios. They’re like one-room bachelor apartments with a bathroom but no separate bedroom. Most homes provide studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom suites. Some even have 1-bedrooms with a den, or 2-bedrooms with a den, although these are less common. Regardless, with each type of suite, you’ll find a broad range of floorplans and sizes to suit your needs. And the size of your suite, or the square footage, will determine its cost, along with any additional features like a kitchenette, walk-in closet, or balcony.

Are cable and internet included?

Cable, in-suite internet, phone, and parking are typically not included in the monthly rate. Depending on what you want, you can expect to add $35 to about $200 more per month.

Retirement living care costs

The other most significant determinant of cost is care. It will depend on what kind of care you need, how much, and if publicly funded home care programs could provide any care to help mitigate the costs. If the care provided by your retirement home is not sufficient, additional private care may be necessary. When we meet with seniors and their families to discuss their needs, we review all of the possibilities for care and costs. Not only is it essential to find a home that meets your needs today, but it’s also necessary to consider what that might look like in the future. Once we review the scenarios, it becomes a lot easier to decide which retirement living option is right for you.

There also needs to be special consideration for care needs when couples move together. It’s not uncommon for one spouse to have higher care needs than the other. That is why it is important to look for a retirement home to accommodate their needs and budget. A retirement living guide like Supporting Seniors is beneficial in this instance. Their search criteria tend to be more focused, but their decisions complex. For example, most retirement homes offer assisted living and memory care on separate floors. This means one spouse may have to move onto another suite to receive care. The other spouse can either move with them, staying together in one suite, and continue paying the second person fee (an average of $750 per month). Or, they could stay where they are and pay for two suites. In either case, it’s crucial to understand the possibilities before choosing a place.

The lifestyles

Retirement homes offer a range of services and care support, called lifestyles. There are three essential lifestyles in retirement living: independent living, assisted living and memory care. It is important to note that not every retirement home provides all three lifestyles, as many offer independent or independent and assisted living only.

Some of the care support provided includes assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management and administration, and specialized memory (dementia) care support. Some places offer higher levels of care, such as assistance with transferring (from bed to walker or wheelchair) and even mealtime assistance. As one’s care needs increase, so too does the cost. But how much depends on an essential aspect of care costs: types of care plans.

Care plans

There are two basic types of care plans, with many other variations and combinations. We’ll discuss the two main types for simplicity, what we refer to as “all-inclusive care plans” and “a-la-carte care plans.”

All-inclusive care plans

All-inclusive care plans are packages of care provided for a specific lifestyle. For example, a care plan for an assisted living lifestyle might include assistance with bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility, and medication management. This type of care plan is straightforward. For example, unlike other care plans, the cost is not determined by how many minutes of assistance one requires in a day. Instead, it’s more like a flat-rate fee. But an all-inclusive care plan does not mean that there aren’t any a-la-carte options. It’s just that there are fewer options because the majority of the care is already covered.

A-la-carte care plans

This type of care option provides a basic level of assistance for each care level (Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care). It then provides a menu of additional care options to pick and choose from to “customize” a care plan. With this type of care-cost arrangement, there is the potential for care costs to fluctuate as your care needs may change from month to month.

Retirement living and LHIN care

There are ways to mitigate some of the costs of care. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) manages the publicly-funded home care, and health services called the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). The Champlain LHIN covers the Ottawa area. It can assist with personal care, including daily morning and evening routines, bathing and specific nursing care needs. You’ll save some of the costs if you use LHIN care over the care provided by the retirement home.

Additional care costs

While your regular care costs are in your monthly payment, you may want to use other services that are pay-per-use. These include haircuts, foot care, manicures, private physiotherapy, visiting mobile clinics (dental, hearing aid, walker maintenance). These are all variable costs that you would pay directly to the private agencies.

Find the right retirement home

There is a lot to consider in the cost of retirement living. It’s not only about what you’ll pay today, but what your future care needs may cost you. And with so many great retirement homes to choose from, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Supporting Seniors is a trusted guide for seniors and their families looking for the right retirement home here in Ottawa. Our priority is to help you find the retirement home that best matches your care needs, preferences and budget. We’ll help you avoid much unnecessary stress by clearly laying out your options so that you can plan, budget and anticipate what the years to come will look like for different retirement homes. Contact us to start your search today.

Thinking about Retirement Living in Ottawa? Here’s why you need a Retirement Living Guide

Laura Polegato — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:00:18 +0000

Are you stressed by your search for the right retirement home? Are you feeling overwhelmed, not sure where to start? You’re not alone.

Ottawa has close to one hundred retirement homes, each with its own range of care, services and prices. With so many to choose from and with such important decisions to make, it’s no wonder that so many people feel overwhelmed when they start to look for a retirement home. Thankfully, there is an easier way.

Supporting Seniors has twenty years of experience in senior living and services. Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or even a respite stay, we will guide you in the right direction. A Supporting Seniors Retirement Living Guide is an expert at navigating this complex journey, as we have helped so many seniors and their families find the best place to call home.

Our retirement home search and transition support service is complimentary. There is no pressure or obligation to choose a home if you decide that retirement living isn’t right for you or if your circumstances change. We understand there is a lot to consider when thinking about moving to a retirement home. After all, it’s not just a new address. It’s a new way of life. That’s why it’s so helpful to have a retirement living guide to support you every step of the way.

Supporting Seniors will break down the search into manageable steps, and together, we’ll create a plan to help you find the top two or three places that best match your criteria. Our goal is to help you find a place to meet all of your needs—a place where you’ll feel at home and part of a community.

One of our senior clients, and her daughter, Janice, had already looked at three different places in the Ottawa area before hearing about our service. Two of the homes just weren’t the right fit, and the other was too expensive.

“Mom and I met with Laura, whom I felt truly listened to and understood exactly what Mom wanted. Because the first place we went to visit, Mom found a beautiful 1-bedroom apartment that she loved instantly! Mom’s been there for almost two months now, and she’s really settled in well. She’s made new friends, she loves the food (and so do I!) and she says there’s always something to do, which was very important to her.”

This story is not uncommon for our clients and their families. A Retirement Living Guide can provide expert advice that saves you time, money and stress. At Supporting Seniors, we help you make informed decisions, leading to peace of mind, knowing you have chosen the best retirement residence for you or your loved one.

“This was the best decision for Mom, and I am so thankful to have had Laura’s support to help us get there!”

Janice from Ottawa

Save time on your retirement home search

There are many decisions to make when choosing a retirement home. Every senior living community has a range of amenities, levels of care and costs. On average, seniors and their families will visit three to six retirement homes or even more on their own.

Supporting Seniors once met with a couple who had been to visit twenty different homes over nearly two years before being referred to us. The process had been exhausting for them, and with so much information, all the details had blurred together or been forgotten. They were understandably frustrated. Together, we figured out what was most important to them to have in a retirement home. Once we narrowed the focus, they were finally able to find the place they were looking for, the place that felt like home.

Touring multiple retirement residences can be tiring, especially if you’re a senior with health or mobility issues. An in-person tour typically takes an hour, or about two hours, if you would like to have lunch at the home as well. If you’re helping a parent with their search, you might have to take time off work. When you consider travel time, picking mom up and dropping her back off at home, a single tour becomes a half-day commitment. This doesn’t even include additional time spent researching, making calls, writing emails, and reviewing information.

With Supporting Seniors, you don’t have to worry about doing time-consuming research or visiting retirement homes that don’t have what you want. That’s because we’ve already done the groundwork, understanding all of the options available so that you have everything you need to make an informed choice.

The stress-free way to find a retirement home in Ottawa

Looking for a retirement home on your own can be frustrating. What’s the difference between residential care and assisted living? Are three meals a day included? What if my loved one needs a retirement home with a secure memory care floor and specialized dementia care programs? We understand decisions about care and services can be complicated. As Retirement Living Guides, we are passionate about senior living. We’ve spent countless hours, over many years, researching, reviewing, and touring residences so that we can be your trusted retirement living guide, offering you everything you need to know about senior living. We can explain the differences in care plans, costs and services, for the dozens of retirement homes in Ottawa.

Our clients often tell us they already feel better after only the first phone call. On their own, it felt overwhelming, but once they connect with us, we frequently hear:

“I’m so grateful I found your service.”

“We went from not knowing where to start to being guided and supported every step of the way.”

“I don’t know how I would have done it without you.”

Expert advice you can trust

Most people looking into senior living are doing so for the first time, so there’s a lot to take in. But before choosing a retirement home, it’s important to understand a few key points about retirement living. Costs can vary significantly from one place to another, and not every retirement home offers a full range of care. Supporting Seniors maintains a complete directory of retirement homes in Ottawa. We know the levels of care that each home provides and have up-to-date information on pricing and suite availability.

Because of the pandemic, retirement home tours are being done virtually. We understand that it’s hard to choose a place that you haven’t even set foot in. That is why, now more than ever, having a guide with firsthand, independent experience is so beneficial. Supporting Seniors has visited these homes. We know all the details, from the ambiance and lighting to the food, layout and even the smell. We really do know retirement homes, inside and out.

Avoid choosing the wrong retirement home

Over time, you or your loved one may need more support. Our Retirement Living Guides know which homes have a continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living and even memory care. Many people move into retirement living while they are still independent or need very little support. It can be easy to mistakenly assume all retirement homes provide all levels of care, especially if you’re not inquiring.

When circumstances change, a new level of care is not always available. If a resident’s needs change, they may discover that home can no longer support them.

Most retirement homes do not provide heavy care, like one or two-person transfer assistance or mechanical lift assistance. Depending on the level of care required, moving out and finding a new residence may be the only option.

Additionally, when care needs change, so do costs. Living independently, you may pay $3,800 per month for a small one-bedroom suite. If you later need assisted living, your rate could increase to $4,800 per month. That’s not a surprise we ever want our clients to face. While there are government-funded personal support services that can help mitigate care costs, the care provided in these programs can be limited.

Supporting Seniors will help you choose a home that will meet your care needs now and into the future. This ultimately could save you from moving a second time, as you will be able to plan for contingencies in care and cost.

Our complimentary service can actually save you money

The services provided by your Supporting Seniors Retirement Living Guide come at no cost to you. And with our expertise at finding the right retirement residence for our clients, we might also be able to save you money.

We break down costs in detail, making it easy to compare different residences. For example, at one residence, you could pay $5,000 per month. At another residence, you might pay more than $6,000 per month for the same care and services. Understanding these differences can help you manage your budget more effectively. With seniors living at retirement homes for five, ten or more years, a savings of $12,000 a year is significant. The total cost of retirement living may add up to be one of the largest purchases of a person’s life.

Support for you and your family

At Supporting Seniors, we understand that choosing to move to a retirement home is a big decision that matters to both you and your family. We’re here to support you and any others that may be involved with your move, like the hospital, a senior’s service, or your social worker. As your Retirement Living guide, we are your support system. We go along with you on the tours and take notes so that you can focus on the details of the home. We also take pictures of the home, including the suites that you see and like.

Having these pictures can help you when you’re deciding how to arrange your furniture before you move-in. After the tour, we’ll create a report from the notes and pictures so that you and your family can easily review and compare places, prices and care.

And we’re always available to go over the details and answer your questions.

Feel confident you've made the right choice

Supporting Seniors wants you to feel confident you’ve found the best that retirement living has to offer. Your Retirement Living Guide does not choose the place for you. Rather, they provide support, information, expertise, and, importantly, their experience in helping countless seniors find the right place. Based on your unique wants, needs, lifestyle and budget, we eliminate the noise and confusion, removing any homes from the list that don’t match. We then focus on the select retirement home options that actually offer what you’re looking for. We will never recommend a home outside of your budget or one that doesn’t provide the care you need. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve chosen the right place to call home.

Contact Laura Polegato, Founder & Retirement Living Guide of Supporting Seniors, to discover your ideal retirement living options in the Ottawa area. Email laura@supportingseniors.ca, call 613-295-1984, or book online to start your search today!