Assisted Living near Saint Catharines, ON

Assisted Living in St. Catharines-Niagara, ON

Most people are pretty familiar with nursing homes, but they may not realize there are other options when aging loved ones need more assistance with their daily activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning. One of those options is assisted living, which is really designed for those who need assistance with their daily activities, but are somewhat stable health-wise. If this sounds like your loved one, then you should look into assisted living communities in your area. The St. Catharines-Niagara area boasts several options, so finding one that works for you won't be too difficult.

More About St. Catharines-Niagara

Also known as "The Garden City," St. Catharines is a great place to live for the young, the old, those with a family, or even individuals. The people are renowned for their friendliness, charm, and pride. The city has beautiful landscapes with long patches of green surrounding crystal clear waters. There is a thriving night life, plenty of diverse restaurants, and an arts scene that attracts locals and tourists alike. The city is safe, clean, and beautiful. Retirement would certainly have its advantages.

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Although assisted living isn't the first choice for many seniors, it has several benefits that quickly change their mind once they enter the community. If your loved one is hesitant about moving to an assisted living facility, go over the following benefits.

• Residents receive their meals in a common area, so no cooking required and no eating alone.
• Residents get help with daily activities as necessary, including toileting, bathing, and dressing.
• Housekeeping services – no cleaning required!
• Personalized fitness, nutrition, and wellness programs.
• Built-in social network.
• 24/7 security.

Choosing the Right Facility

After deciding that assisted living is right for your loved one, your focus should be on finding the right community for them. First, decide what you and your loved one want in an assisted living community. This may include things such as a secured facility, a varied menu that offers high quality food, options for day trips, medication services, and so on. Next, narrow down your possibilities based on those desired qualities. Once you have a few places picked out, contact them for visits. Ask questions about the community and the staff, and pay attention to the residents. How the staff and residents interact is very telling, and the culture of the community will become more clear. The community should resonate with your loved one, and they should want to be a part of it, even if they resist the idea initially.

Search Mistakes to Avoid

There are two big mistakes most people make when they first start looking into an assisted living arrangement for their aging loved one. The first is that adult children sometimes choose a community that fits their needs and personality rather than their loved one's. The second is they value location over fit, meaning they choose a community that is close to them rather than the best fit for a loved one. The best way to ensure that you avoid these mistakes is to include your loved one in the decision-making process.

Aging may be a fact of life, but living without help isn't. Assisted living communities make it easy for seniors to retain a portion of their independence and still receive help with the activities that give them trouble. It's also a great place for them to make new friends and get involved in social activities they might not have done if they were living at home alone. With assisted living, you can rest assured your loved one is well taken care of.