I’ve read the brochures, done the tours, asked around – I think this is the place! But I’m not moving again! They assure me I can ‘age in place’, but what does that really mean? How can I be sure?
What is ‘Aging in Place’?
Aging in place allows a person to experience their eldercare journey in familiar and comfortable surroundings, where support and care needs are anticipated and met within the retirement community. This usually entails additional care provided by the community, but residents may also choose to employ private care if they wish. The key is that the resident can remain in the same community, continuing to enjoy its amenities and the friendships they’ve built.
What Should I Be Looking For?
A common term used in the retirement industry is ‘a continuum of care.’ This means care is provided when and where it’s needed, seamlessly. Ideally, a resident need not move from their suite as their care needs increase; instead, the care is delivered directly in their suite, which is, of course, their home!
Some retirement communities offer only ‘independent living’. These residents are fully mobile and capable of looking after their personal care and practical needs, such as managing their own finances, medications, and health conditions. However, when their health needs increase, they will likely need to find accommodation that supports those needs, which typically means moving.
What Exactly is ‘Independent Living’?
Independent living is designed for seniors who need minimal assistance and prefer delegating tasks such as food shopping, cooking, and cleaning to the retirement residence. Many of these residents prepare their breakfast in their suite and stay active throughout the day, engaging with family, friends, and other residents within the retirement community.
What is ‘Assisted Living’?
Assisted living offers enhanced care services, such as assistance with toileting, bathing, dressing, personal care, medication management, and mobility help, like escorting residents to meals or outings. Wellness checks may be provided during the day and overnight, with medication being managed by the medical team.
What is ‘Memory Care’?
Memory care units provide specialized care, support, and activities that promote the mental health and overall well-being of residents. This often includes frequent wellness checks, ‘cueing’ to remind residents of mealtimes and bedtimes, and may involve secure, structured environments to ensure residents’ safety.
What Happens if I Need More Care?
In Ontario, all accredited retirement communities have a registered nurse as their Director of Care. The Director and their medical team are always attentive to the well-being of residents and can discuss increased care needs with you. They may also recommend additional care based on their observations. Care arrangements can be made through them, or the resident may opt to arrange for private care.
Does Assisted Living and Memory Care Cost More?
Due to the increased staff and caregiving hours required at these levels of care, there is an additional cost. The Director of Care will review these costs with you and your family in detail when care is initiated. Care can be adjusted as needed by maintaining communication with the Director of Care.
Aging in Place: A Commitment to Your Well-being
Every retirement community is dedicated to supporting the successful aging in place of their residents, ensuring that you remain in a familiar, supportive environment where your care needs are met as they evolve. If you’re looking for a community that truly understands the importance of aging in place, Delmanor Elgin Mills in Richmond Hill offers just that.
Delmanor Elgin Mills is a full-service retirement community that provides Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care Living options. With a commitment to providing personalized care in a warm and welcoming environment, Delmanor Elgin Mills ensures that residents enjoy comfort, security, and companionship as they age in place. Experience the community firsthand—join us for lunch and a tour today!