Many seniors in Ottawa can live independently in their own homes. However, there are times when someone might need help with daily tasks or require more supervision than they would get if they lived alone. This can occur at any point during your retirement years!
You must know what options exist in Ottawa to decide what might work best for your situation. Here is some information about living arrangements for seniors:
Assisted living facilities have different levels of care
First, though it can vary widely from place to place, assisted living facilities and adult communities in Ottawa usually have several levels of care: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing.
While some subtle differences exist between them (such as the kinds of activities provided), each level offers a continuum of residential options that allow residents to choose the degree of independence they’d like for themselves.
Knowing what your loved one needs and can afford, you can make an informed decision about where they will live out their retirement years.
Assisted living facilities are more popular than nursing homes
Nursing homes are more expensive than assisted living facilities and offer less flexibility. If you’re looking to move into a care facility and your health is fine, you may find that an assisted living center is a better option.
Nursing homes generally don’t allow residents to bring pets or other personal items with them, while assisted living centers usually do—and there’s no need for someone to tell you what type of pet (if any) you can have. They also tend to be more restrictive about visitors; most nursing homes require family members who visit their loved ones to stay in scheduled hours and only for a few days at once.
Assisted living centers are much more casual about calling hours and restrictions on the length of stay—they’ll often let people spend as much time as they’d like with their relatives during the weekdays or on weekends.
Senior apartments are also a good option
Senior apartments are also a good option for some people. They can be less expensive than senior housing and provide more independence than assisted living facilities. It is helpful if you’re already living alone or want to live with family members.
If you do decide to move into an apartment complex instead of an assisted living facility or nursing home, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the building has wheelchair access (and also make sure there’s plenty of room for them in the hallways).
- Ensure adequate elevator capacity for all residents who require assistance getting up and down during normal business hours (most standard elevators will accommodate two wheelchairs; however, this number may vary depending on how crowded the building receives).
The right senior living community is not just a place to live; it’s a home. You want to be sure you find the right one that fits your needs. There are many options to consider, so be sure you do your research before making any decisions.
