Ask a Senior Living Expert
Q: My mom is not doing well at home alone any more. What are some options?
A: Whether your search for senior housing is prompted by the desire for a lifestyle change or a serious medical condition, finding the right place to live can be challenging and stressful for both you and your mom.
Today’s senior living communities are vibrant, active, resident focused communities, respectfully supporting the individuality of each resident. Each community has its own personality – just like all of us. Make no mistake – these are not the nursing homes your great aunt Mary used to live in.
A good entry level community could be a retirement community. Sometimes these are also called ‘Independent’ or ‘Supportive Living Housing’. These individual apartment-style communities offer a broad choice of services and amenities for their residents. Many new communities can be compared to a cruise ship or hotel environment, while still maintaining a comfortable, home environment.
Most retirement communities include a beautifully appointed dining room, private dining room, social rooms, theatre, library, fitness areas and more. The ‘hospitality’ services you can expect include meals, laundry, cleaning, social and recreation programs, 24-hour emergency response and transportation.
There are optional fee-for-services made available as per your needs such as hair salon, aesthetics, massage and personal laundry. Most retirement communities bill on a monthly, rental fee basis, eliminating the worry of long term leases.
If you want to learn more about independent retirement communities, contact Helen at Berwick Royal Oak: 250-419-4012, or Linda at Berwick House: 250-721-4062.