How to find the best care home for your loved one
By Esther Goldstein, B.Sc, B.S.W., RSW
Relocation is difficult for anyone. Finding a new home, and the whole process of moving, is stressful – regardless of your age or situation. For a senior, who has lived in the same home for decades, every task involved can be extremely overwhelming and highly emotional, particularly when moving is coupled with a decrease in functioning and independence.
When the decision to move has been made, the next step of finding a new home can be challenging to say the least, especially with the multitude of options available. It is important to find a place that will meet the senior’s needs now and in the future, so frequent moves can be avoided. As such, choosing a home should not be a hasty decision and should involve significant research.
Finding the ‘best’ home for yourself or a loved one is a personal decision and should be based on several factors. Before beginning the process, you should know and understand the person’s needs (things that are mandatory) and desires (things that one would like, but which can be compromised).
Financial considerations are very important and a realistic monthly budget should be prepared prior to starting your search. Keep in mind and factor in the ‘hidden’ costs that might occur beyond the monthly room rate (e.g. telephone, cable, extra care, incidentals etc.).
With the amount of choice available (there are over 700 retirement residences in Ontario), it is best to start your search with key factors such as location, cost and special needs, to create a realistic list of options to research. It is important that the person who will be making the move visits the places under consideration, tries out the food, and even stays for a few days or a week to see if he or she likes the atmosphere, residents, staff and activities. Many homes will allow, or even suggest, a ‘trial stay’ for this purpose.
Once you have a list of places of interest, arrange for guided tours of each residence. On the day of your appointment, spend some time surveying the neighbourhood to determine what resources and amenities are close by. You may want to ask for an information package in advance of your visit which you can use to compose a list of questions.
When constructing your list, make note of the items that are ‘needs’ and those that are ‘desires’. Take a fresh questionnaire to each home, along with extra paper, so you can make notes of your impressions during your visit. If the homes will allow it, take photos of significant aspects of each place so you can review them later on when you are at the decision-making stage. If you are looking for a home for yourself, it is good to take a trusted friend or relative along with you so you can get a second opinion and have someone with whom you can discuss your thoughts.
When touring residences (you should tour at least three places to have a good comparison), keep in mind that the quality of care is the most important factor in any home. A caring staff and caring environment are among the most significant factors in determining how comfortable you (or your loved one) will be in a residence. The best way to ascertain this is through observation and experience. When you are visiting, take the time to watch the interactions of staff and residents. Talk to residents and their families; if you aren’t able to do this during your visit ask for ‘references’ you can call afterwards. Sample the food. Observe the environment, and if possible, arrange to participate in activities or stay for a few days.
By ‘using your senses’ when you tour homes - through watching, talking, listening and tasting - you can easily determine if a residence is one that can meet your needs now and in the future. For a downloadable list of 150 questions to ask when touring retirement homes, visit the News & Articles page on www.senioropolis.com
It is important for seniors to keep in mind that their choice is greatest if they consider options early on, before illness or disability limit the places they can go. If the person is hospitalized and cannot return to an independent environment, choice is diminished greatly and they may require a Long-Term Care home. In that case, applications are submitted through their local Community Care Access Centre and a maximum of three choices can be made. As soon as one of those options has a bed available, the person must agree to the transfer or their application will be cancelled.
For those waiting in a hospital setting, hospital specific rules around the transfer to a long-term care home apply. In this situation, you will not have the luxury of time to research the multitude of options currently available for an independent senior.
There are many wonderful retirement settings for seniors in Ontario. Finding the right place when you are independent can increase health and well-being considerably. If you are considering this option, take your time, shop around and ask many questions. Research is the key to finding the ‘best’ place for yourself or someone you care about.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
