Assisted Living near Kitchener, ON

Assisted Living in Kitchener, ON

Making the decision to move a beloved family member to assisted living can be rather emotional for most families. There are many factors that go into the decision, but the bottom line is about finding the right care for your aging loved one. Once the family makes the decision, there a few principles to keep in mind. First, the ideal assisted living community should be conveniently located to as many family members as possible while still being the right fit for your loved one. Second, it should provide seniors with a welcoming, supportive environment. And third, the cost should be manageable for families.

All about Kitchener

Kitchener has made the "best place to live" list several times, and it's not hard to see why. The city offers history, old-world charm, a vibrant arts and culture scene, natural spaces to enjoy outdoor activities, and plenty of dining and shopping options for those who prefer more indoor pursuits. There is diversity in all areas of the city, and every person you meet has a story to tell. It's a city that embraces its diversity, yet still manages to build a thriving community. It's a great place to retire for those who want a home where they can feel comfortable.

Location

One of the biggest mistakes most adult children make when they start looking for a facility for their aging parents is that they choose one closest to where the adult child lives, regardless of fit. You may intend to visit every day, but that's an unrealistic expectation to place on yourself. Seniors in assisted living will have plenty of activities to keep them busy, so they don't need family to visit them every day. While you do want to choose a community close to family so they can visit, you also have to think of what's best for your loved one. If the closest facility isn't the right fit, but the one that's a mile away works better, go with that one.

Environment for Residents

The environment of an assisted living community should be supportive and nurturing. Parents and grandparents should be able to connect with the other residents, and with the staff, as these people will become like a second family to them. If your loved one hates the community, even if it has everything you both want, don't force them to live there. The stress of forcing them to live in an environment they will hate can create emotional issues within the family, and frankly, it could lead to your loved one's deteriorating health. Kitchener has plenty of assisted living communities to choose from, so you can take your time and find the one that fits your senior loved one.

Paying for Assisted Living

You have several options when it comes to paying for your loved one's assisted living needs. Keep in mind that the average monthly cost for assisted living communities is $2,500, which works out to be cheaper than nursing home and home health care, but still a big chunk of change if you're not prepared. Canada has several options aside from choosing to pay out-of-pocket. You can use funds from your loved one's pension plan or other government benefits they receive, you can look into a reverse mortgage, or you can use long-term care insurance. If you decide to go the reverse mortgage route, it's important to understand that you're essentially selling the house back to the bank, and it cannot be passed on to other family members. The downside to insurance is that most companies won't insure your loved one if they have a preexisting condition. However, if you and your family plan early enough, most of these pitfalls can be avoided.

The idea of assisted living may not appeal to your family, but it's important to consider what's best for your loved one. You want to keep a few things in mind - such as location, environment, and payment options – but, in general, it's possible to find a community that helps your loved one lead a full life. With your loved one happy and well provided for, you'll sleep easier at night.