Assisted Living near Vancouver, BC

Assisted Living in Vancouver, BC

It wasn't that long ago that senior living consisted of two choices: living independently in one's own home, or hiring a skilled nurse to manage home care. However, people are living longer these days, and it became clear that they needed more than just these two options. Assisted living is a blend between the two options listed above. It's community-based, and it has skilled staff on hand to assist with medical concerns as necessary. Although assisted living may not be the right solution for everyone, it could be right for your family.

More about Vancouver

Vancouver is Canada's third most populous metropolitan district, yet it remains one of the world's cleanest cities. The weather in Vancouver is average with warm, sunny summers and wet, overcast winters, and it's one of the most expensive cities to live in within North America. Despite that, it regularly makes the top of several "best cities to live in" lists each year. The city is ethnically diverse, and while the regulars are polite and friendly to tourists and those new to the area, they are also reserved. There are plenty of activities around the city for seniors to participate in, and the art scene in Vancouver is just as diverse as the population. There's something for everyone in a city so large.

Assisted Living Defined

Assisted living is care provided to seniors in a community setting that isn't usually as involved as nursing home care. Where residents of a nursing home need 24/7 care and assistance, those in assisted living are typically more stable. Seniors who live in assisted living communities often live in their own private apartment-style living quarters with services such as meals, recreational activities, and certain therapies. That said, there isn't a national standard for what assisted living should look like, so facilities will vary based on the staff capabilities and patient needs. It is important to research the facilities ahead of time and find one that meets your loved one's needs.

Facts about Assisted Living

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to assisted living communities.

• Each community is unique
You'll quickly learn that not every community is the same. Each community has its own personality, its own look and feel, and its own vibe. Some communities feature a more formal, traditional design while others may have a more home-like ambience. The decorations, design, facilities, and activities will all be different. Some assisted living communities have started focusing on cultural differences, meaning more art and food from different cultures is present in the community. It is important for you to find a community that your loved one connects with, and makes them feel comfortable.
• They often allow pets
Much like an apartment complex, assisted living communities typically have pet policies. Although most of them do allow seniors to bring their pets with them, there may be breed and weight restrictions, so it's important to find out what the policy is ahead of time. Depending on the level of care your loved one needs, it might be beneficial to find a community with a pet coordinator as these individuals help care for pets when aging seniors are unable to manage.
• Less expensive option
Assisted living is often a less expensive option compared to nursing homes and home health care. The costs will vary depending on the community you choose, but on average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,800 to $3,300 a month for an individual apartment.
• Many offer dedicated memory care services
Many seniors end up in a nursing home when assisted living will often do, and the majority of those are seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. If your loved one suffers from one of these illnesses, it's beneficial to look into the dedicated memory services offered by assisted living communities because these services are often sufficient enough to handle the level of care your loved one needs.

Paying for Assisted Living

Seniors in Vancouver have several options when it comes to paying for assisted living. The first option is private pay. This includes income and savings, pooling family support, home equity, and selling a life insurance policy. The next option is long-term care insurance, which covers the costs not covered by private medical insurance. The downside to long-term care insurance is that most companies won't insure anyone with preexisting conditions, so it's easier to secure the insurance before health issues arise. The next option is a reverse mortgage. Only seniors qualify for the reverse mortgage, and it essentially sells their house back to the bank for monthly income which can then be used to pay for assisted living care. The final option is government resources for which seniors qualify, including Canadian Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement.

There are several options when seniors reach a point when they need more help with their daily activities. When that time comes, you'll have to determine how much help they need, and how often. Although many seniors may wish to remain at home, living on their own may not be the best option for them. When that's the case, you should consider assisted living. They'll be in a community of their peers, and receive the care they need to live a higher quality of life.