Assisted Living near Victoria, BC

Assisted Living in Victoria, BC

It's quite challenging for most people to admit when they need help, but it seems especially hard for seniors. Many of them prefer not to let their family know when they need help because that means having the discussion about what's next. Hopefully, you and your loved one have had a conversation about what to do when that time comes, but if not, consider an assisted living facility. Assisted living is a cross between home health care and nursing home care, but those who enter assisted living are usually healthier than those who need nursing home care. It's the right step for seniors who want to keep their autonomy while still receiving some help with the activities they struggle with. The good news is that Victoria has a ton of assisted living communities for families to choose from, so finding one that suits your loved one won't be too hard.

A Closer Look at Victoria

Victoria sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and it is the community of choice for many people in the area. The city offers a temperate climate, natural beauty, recreational activities, and plenty of economic opportunities. It offers a rare blend of heritage and modern cityscapes, and it draws in over three million visitors annually. Despite the business of the city, it's still a great place to raise a family, start a business, or retire.

Knowing When It's Time

You may wish to care for your loved one yourself, but it's important to remember that you have a life and responsibilities, as well. There is only so much you can do before you start doing them a disservice. As their guardian, you have to think of what's best for them, and sometimes that means a facility that can help them. Choosing an assisted living facility may be a preferable choice for your loved one as it still allows them to live on their own, but it also provides a social, supportive environment that gives them a chance to live a higher quality life than if they were simply stuck at home. Assisted living communities provide activities, social outings, and events for seniors to keep them active and happy. Your loved one can have a comfortable life, you just have to choose a community that fits their personality. Considering a loved one's needs and preferences during the search can make things easier, and provide everyone peace of mind.

Search Mistakes to Avoid

As you begin your search for an assisted living community, there are some mistakes you should avoid making. These mistakes can make life for your loved one uncomfortable, so it's important to include them in the search process to help avoid them. These mistakes include:

• Luxury does not equal top-of-the-line care
It's important to know that luxury communities may not offer the level of care you need. When searching for a community, your top priority should be the care that the facility provides. A community with high-end furnishings is just as prone to oversights as a one that is worn and more down-to-earth. You must do your research, check into any past violations for substandard care, and whenever possible, speak to the staff and residents in private to determine their level of satisfaction with the care they receive.
• Not thinking of your loved one
When it comes to searching for assisted living communities, it's quite easy to choose facilities and locations that suit your own needs rather than those of your aging loved one. It's important to remember that you're not the one who will live in the community, so don't choose options that suit you.
• Going for proximity rather than fit
It may be tempting to place your loved one in a home that's closest to you so you can visit every day, but let's be really honest here – you're not going to visit every day. On top of that, close proximity to you doesn't guarantee it’s the best fit for your loved one. You want to choose a facility that suits their needs and preferences over being close to you. They will be involved in many activities to keep them engaged, so it won't even be necessary for you to visit every day.

When you first broach the subject of extra care for your loved one, they may feel offended or angry at the suggestion. It's important to be gentle and understanding during this process so they can adjust and come to terms with the changes in their life. Include them in the decision-making process, and find the right community for their personality. If you do this, it won't take long for them to feel comfortable with the transition and start enjoying the experiences they're able to have in a community of their peers. If they're happy and healthy, then you've done the right thing by them.