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Extended care for seniors

The population of people 65 or older in Canada has increased from 14.1% in 2010 to 19% in 2022. Even more, projections show this number will increase 25% more by the middle of this century.

These changing numbers mean that senior care will impact most people in Canada in the near future. If you’re looking at care options for a loved one, you’re not alone. It may seem overwhelming initially, but learning more about extended care for seniors will help make the process much easier overall.

Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about extended care for seniors.

What Is Extended Care for Seniors?

Extended care, also known as long-term senior care, consists of specific services that help meet older adults’ personal and healthcare needs. This can be either for a short or long period of time. Your loved one will get help with things like:

Extended living services allow people to live safely and independently for as long as possible. You’ll find that long-term care can occur in different environments, depending on a person’s needs.

For example, you can find community-based long-term care and care in a nursing home facility. You can also find extended care in an adult day care centre or at home via home nurse visits.

Who Usually Needs Long-Term Care?

While it’s impossible to predict who might end up needing long-term care, certain factors increase the risks of needing this type of care.

Most people need long-term care when they develop a severe disability or ongoing health condition. However, other people can live a long time independently and begin having minor issues taking care of themselves.

Although these factors may put someone at higher risk, the need for long-term care varies for each person.

It’s best to sit down and talk with your loved one and primary care doctor.

Common Types of Long-Term Care

Once you’ve evaluated your loved one’s situation, you’ll need to learn more about the available extended care options. You’ll find care home costs and housing options vary depending on your province.

However, overall you’ll find there are standard options across Canada. The most common types of senior living options include:

Senior Independent Living

Independent living for seniors is a good option for people who can still care for themselves. Even if they might have some medical needs, they don’t need a nurse or doctor around the clock.

Even if your loved one can still care for themselves for the most part, cleaning, cooking, and other tasks may become more challenging. This is where independent living comes in.

Independent living offers services that will make your loved one’s life easier. These services include personal laundry, scheduled transportation, mail service, lawn care, and housekeeping services. They can also include lawn maintenance and other home maintenance needs.

For independent living, your loved one must be eligible via an assessment. They’ll need to be medically stable but have physical care and home support service needs.

Independent living typically provides two meals a day and gives access to activities like crafts, music and games. A 24-hour emergency response system will keep residents safe in case of any urgent problems.

Senior Assisted Living

Assisted living is appropriate for seniors who can still live independently but need consistent help with some daily activities.

People in assisted living need to be at least partially mobile and able to direct their own care. Using a walker, cane, or wheelchair is acceptable as long as the person can move independently to a chair or bed.

To qualify for assisted living, your loved one will need to meet requirements like:

Like independent living, assisted senior living has apartments where residents can live independently. Assisted living offers various services like:

Games and entertainment options keep residents active, happy, and fit. Finally, a safety-focused approach ensures your loved one is always safe.

Memory Care

If your loved one has problems with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, they’ll need more complex care.

Complex care supports residents with daily living, activities, and all medical care needs. Your loved one will get help with socialising, entertainment, fitness classes, and more. They’ll also have all meals provided as well as snacks.

Staff monitors residents 24/7 to ensure they’re safe and don’t wander away.

There are also extra security measures in place, like security cameras, gated gardens, keypad entrances, and doorbells.

Nursing Homes

A nursing home may be the best option if your loved one has complex medical needs requiring around-the-clock care,

Nursing homes offer supported living for seniors who can’t live at home due to their care needs. The difference with nursing homes is that they focus more on medical care needs.

Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care and assistance with hygiene and daily activities. Residents also get three meals a day and help with eating if necessary. Rehab services like speech, physical, and occupational therapy are also available.

Some people stay in nursing homes temporarily after a hospital stay, but most residents live there permanently due to their care requirements.

Choosing the Right Extended Care for Your Loved One

Learning more about extended care for seniors will help you choose the best option for your loved one.

You can turn to Retirement Concepts for high-quality care and senior housing options to meet your loved one’s care needs. We’ve been helping people across Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia since 1988.

We offer supported living care for seniors, like independent living for seniors, assisted living for seniors, and complex care for seniors. We also provide respite care when caregivers need a break.

Make sure to contact us today to speak to a community relations manager about the options available in your area.