Assisted Living near Kelowna, BC

Assisted Living Kelowna, BC

If your aging loved one has reached the point where they need more help than you can provide, then it's time to consider assisted living. Hopefully you've had the conversation well before now, and you know exactly what they want. If not, it's time to figure out what amenities and activities suit them most, and where they'd like to live. You should start researching assisted living communities and scheduling tours as soon as you start to recognize the signs. Some communities come with a wait list, so to make sure you get the one you want, you should start early. Fortunately, Kelowna has several assisted living communities to choose from, so even if you don't get your first choice, you can line up several others, as well.

More About Kelowna

The city gets its name from the Okanagan language, which means "grizzly bear," but, interestingly, the city's nickname is Orchard City. The city is surrounded by water, so one of the most famous activities is the annual wakeboard competition and musical festival. It's also used as a film location for several films that take place near the water. It also has an extensive art and culture scene which includes museums, art galleries, stadiums, and more. If your loved one is planning to retire in Kelowna, it would be a good idea if they were interested in the arts.

What You Should Know

When you schedule a tour with one of the assisted living communities, there are questions you should ask the program director before making a choice. First, ask if the community is secure. Safety is important to the elderly, especially when they're in an unfamiliar place, and it gives you peace of mind, too. Next, ask what type of training the staff has, and how well they interact with the residents. Finally, check to make sure the community is registered with the city as an assisted living community, and that there haven't been any complaints lodged against them for malpractice or other oversights that could harm a resident.

Make Sure You're Comfortable

Moving a loved one to an assisted living community may be in their best interest, but it doesn't mean that it's easy on the emotions. It's important to find a supportive community that makes the transition as smooth as possible, and also provides the best care. Both you and your loved one have to be comfortable with the community itself, the policies, and staff, and the residents. When you schedule a tour, sit in on a social gathering and watch how the staff and other residents interact. Take a meal with the residents and taste the food. You can tell a lot about a place just by watching those who live there. If the other residents are happy and healthy, that will be obvious. However, keep in mind that it will be your loved one living there, and not you. Give them the courtesy of being involved in the process, and making decisions for themselves about where they'll live. If the community is not well-suited to their temperament or preferences, then it's not likely to be a good fit for your loved one.

What to Expect

When you choose the right community for your loved one, it can be a positive experience. Several facilities in Kelowna provide lifestyles that encourage your loved one to grow and also nurture their personality. Good assisted living communities consider personal preferences and individuality when they design a care program for your loved one. You can expect them to receive fresh air, appropriate exercise, daily activities, and proper medical attention when needed. The community should also include plenty of daily activities to keep seniors engaged, and should encourage as much social interaction as possible. This creates meaning by pulling from previous interests, and it allows them to develop relationships with their new community.

Deciding that an assisted living community is the next step for a loved one is not an easy choice to make. Begin by researching possible options online. Be prepared to ask questions about the facility and how it treats its residents. You and your loved one must be comfortable with the facility, and they should want to live in the community. The place you choose should be one that meets all of your requirements, and it should provide your loved one with a quality of life that is better than if they lived on their own.