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Physical
Comfort - Living Arrangements
Deciding
where to live can be a monumental decision. "Always take direction
from your parents on what they want," advises Lorna Hillman, executive
director of the Family Caregivers' Network Society, based in Victoria.
Hillman adds, "Second-guessing can really wreck families, since
older people have needs, wants and desires of their own." The
feasibility of the various options should be discussed together.
Three
basic options to consider are:
-
Independent
living, which includes a parent's own home, a condo or
an apartment. Variations include accommodations where
a parent might live in a seniors' building, a private
room with a kitchenette and bath, or a building that offers
a meal plan.
-
Sharing
your home.
- Long-term
care facilities for those who need considerable help with medication
or basic personal care. Each option presents its own benefits,
considerations and drawbacks:
| Option |
Considerations |
Independent
Living
Choices include the parent's own home, a private room with
kitchen and bath, or an apartment in a seniors' building |
Is
your parent mobile enough to live on his/her own?
Does
he/she have a network of friends living in the area
to rely on and socialize with?
Are
the current and future costs affordable? They may range
from rent geared to income in non-profit settings to
$2,000 or more per month in an apartment complex. Check
the range of services and any costs that may be incurred.
Are
there community support services such as Meals on Wheels?
Ask your public library for a directory of local social
services.
Do
family members live close enough to visit regularly? Some
communities assign social workers to seniors. In others,
private companies offer such help, often hiring retirees
in their sixties to call on older seniors
|
|
Sharing
your home
This may be more economical but can require considerable
time and physical and emotional energy.
|
Beyond
basic renovations needed to provide living and sleeping
areas, will alterations such as installing wheelchair ramps
and widening doors be required? There may be tax credits
available - ask your financial advisor.
How
much care does your parent need? Are you prepared for the
work involved in providing it? Would you be financially
able to hire health care assistance? Is there a local respite
service or home care for periodic relief?
What
seniors' services are available in your neighbourhood?
Can
you absorb increased costs such as meals, transportation
and time off work?
Does
everyone in the family get along?
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Long-term
care facilities
Consider a nursing home or other extended care facility if
your parent needs considerable help with medication and/or
basic personal care |
How
do public and private facilities compare in service and
availability?
What
is the cost of basic care? Is it government-regulated? This
cost may be set low enough to be covered by your parent's
Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplemental benefits.
Is
upgraded accommodation available? At what cost?
Are
your parents or other elderly relatives able to reside together
or maintain close contact?
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