“Don’t wait until there is a crisis to start understanding the world of senior living,” says Sherri Martin, Residency Coordinator for Magnolia Gardens and Sunridge Gardens in Langley, BC. “Knowing the options can give you peace of mind and help unexpected transitions go smoothly.”
Five general types of senior living and care are available for older adults in BC.
Which is best for you or your loved one?
Answer these simple questions to assess your senior living and care needs.
- Are you confident in your ability to cope in an emergency?
- Do you have a minimal risk of falling during your daily routine?
- Are you content taking care of housework, yard work and chores?
If you answered yes to these questions, living at home with no support may be a good choice for you.
- Are you confident in your ability to cope in an emergency?
- Do you have/need a fall assistance or personal emergency alert system?
- Do you require assistance with daily personal or medical issues that can be addressed at home?
If you answered yes to the above questions, living at home with services provided by third-party professionals may be the right choice for you.
- Are you confident in your ability to cope in an emergency at home
- Are you looking to thrive without having to drive a car?
- Do you want easy access to opportunities to improve your overall health and wellness?
- Would you enjoy having someone else cook, clean and do yard work?
If you answered yes to these questions, an independent senior living community featuring an all-inclusive lifestyle in a community of like-minded people might be the right choice for you.
- Do you require scheduled and unscheduled personal and or medical support more than once or twice a day?
- Do memory challenges keep you from taking your medication?
- Do physical challenges make it difficult for you to live independently?
If you answered yes to the above questions, assisted living, where an all-inclusive lifestyle pairs with scheduled and unscheduled medical and personal support may be the right choice for you.
- Does cognitive decline impair decision-making and lead to unsafe situations?
- Do your medical or personal needs require a team of professionals 24/7?
- Are you unable to meet your own basic toileting and self-care functions?
If you answered yes to the above questions, a long-term care home where licensed staff meet all personal and medical needs of seniors unable to live independently may be the right choice for you.
“These are some of the general questions I use to help people assess what type of senior situation is right for them,” notes Sherri. “Everyone has different needs, and each situation has nuances. But if you understand the basic options, it makes the way forward a bit clearer.”
Bria Communities has four independent senior living communities and two private long-term care facilities in Langley and South Delta. We’re happy to provide answers and support about your senior living and care options.
This article is intended for information purposes. If you believe changes are necessary for a loved one or yourself, please make an appointment with your family doctor.
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