Researching care options, nursing homes and retirement residences for parents


By: Catherine Dunphy, originally published in Comfort Life 2008-2009


Finding a proper retirement home or nursing home for an elderly family member often means supplementing what you can do with what your community can offer. There is no other way to learn about retirement home options than to head out on the information highway and do your own research. The time spent gaining a good understanding of seniors' care, nursing home and retirement home choices means steering a better course through various stages.


For example: initially, you might consider simple supports. A few hours a week of personal care or a hot, nutritious meal twice a week through the Meals on Wheels program may be all that are required.


Be aware of other kinds of senior care available

If your senior parent requires greater assistance - maybe for bathing or personal care - you need to be aware of special services that may be available to you. For example, in the province of Ontario, the local Community Care Access Centre can help arrange for a personal support worker. Should more extensive care be required on an ongoing basis, a CCAC case manager may also arrange for the services of a nurse or other licensed caregiver to administer medication, change dressings or provide physiotherapy. There is also help for seniors who are coping with loneliness, depression, anxiety and such.


No matter where you live, you will learn that caregivers need to pay attention to their own wellbeing. Respite care programs, such as adult day programs, benefit and provide quality time for both the loved one and the caregiver.


Be mindful of special circumstances

Your research may also identify potential potholes or special circumstances. For instance, seniors may need to look to private or company insurance packages to supplement services provided through our health-care system or they may qualify for health-care benefits under the Veterans Health Care Regulations.

Unfortunately, in this age of stress and busyness, children and their aging parents all too often find themselves in a crisis situation where multiple solutions are required and decisions must be made immediately. For many, it is like rocketing down a steep road, negotiating twists and turns on the fly - in the dark.


By making time now to plan for the future by identifying health-care sources and retirement options for your aging parents, you will have an essential and powerful advantage - a road map for your family, through the challenging terrain of retirement and nursing care.


Mississauga Senior Real Estate: Working With a Lifestyle 55+ Affiliate

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Have questions or need advice on how to make decisions based on choice and not circumstance? As a Lifestyle 55+ Affiliate, I believe that every senior deserves personalized service, deep local market knowledge and a commitment to putting their needs first. That's why I offer a range of services that are designed to meet the unique needs of seniors in Mississauga, including:


  • A free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your real estate goals and needs
  • Specialized expertise in helping seniors navigate the downsizing process
  • Access to a network of trusted professionals, including movers, estate planners and home stagers
  • A commitment to transparency, honesty and integrity in all of our dealings

If you have any questions about real estate in Mississauga or the downsizing process, don't hesitate to contact me, Deborah Clerk, Real Estate Sales Representative and Lifestyle55+ Affiliate with Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage. I am here to help you every step of the way, and we look forward to working with you soon.

Contact Me

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