Assisted Living near Windsor, ON

Assisted Living in Windsor, ON

There are a number of health care studies which show the fastest growing age group in Canada is the 65 and up group. That means more seniors enter some sort of assisted living arrangement each year, be it home health care, nursing homes, or assisted living communities. The problem is that most families don't take the time to educate themselves when it comes to assistance for the elderly, so they don't really know which option is best for their loved one. When the time comes to get your loved one more help, it's beneficial to know which option is right for them.

More about Windsor

The city of Windsor has a lot to offer people, but only those looking for it. The city is quiet and peaceful, despite the fact that you can see Detroit across the river. The people of the city are friendly, the customer service is above average, and the town is quite lovely in its landscape. It is a town more for retirement than attracting younger living, though. Seniors will love the peace and quiet, but it may be too tame for a younger crowd. Besides that, the employment opportunities are rather limited in the area. Still, there is plenty to do even for the most active senior.

Options Explained

Let's break down your options so you have a clear idea of what each one entails.

• Home Health Care
• Home health care involves a specialist – usually a registered nurse – coming into the seniors home to provide assistance with medication, physical therapy, and daily activities. The nurse can either live with the senior full-time, or they could come on a daily basis. This option is great for seniors who need more focused medical attention, and for those who are medically stable, but need assistance with daily activities. The upside is that the senior can remain in their own home, but the downside is that this option is quite expensive.
• Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are another option, and usually the one most families think of first. Nursing homes are usually large facilities that resemble schools. There are common areas open to all residents, and then living quarters can be semi-private or private, depending on what the family requested at the time. Nursing homes are most appropriate for individuals who need dedicated medical assistance from trained professionals. Most nursing homes keep registered nurses on staff for their residents. However, if your loved one doesn't need dedicated medical attention, they may not need a nursing home.
• Assisted Living Communities
The final option, which is most appropriate for seniors with stable health, is assisted living. In this arrangement, seniors live in a community that functions much like an apartment complex. There is a main facility, where the staff is located, the food is served, and the social activities are held. Then there are buildings of apartments where the seniors live. This gives them the freedom to live independently for the most part, but have staff available to assist them with their daily activities. This option is often the most affordable of the three.

Choosing the Right Community

Once you've narrowed your choice down to assisted living communities – which is right for a large majority of seniors – then the next step is to find the community that suits your loved one's personality and interests. To start the process, make a list of non-negotiables. This may include things such as a secured facility, a varied menu with high quality food, options for day trips to theaters and museums, and so on. Once you have a list of considerations, narrow down your possibilities. If a community doesn't meet your requirements, cross it off and move on to the next one. Contact your acceptable communities and schedule a tour. Ask questions about the facility and the staff, and pay attention to the residents. You will get a vibe that lets you know whether you should stay or not. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions, either. It's important to know what the policies are, and whether you agree with them. Finally, make sure your loved one is comfortable with the apartment space, residents, and staff. No matter how good a community seems on paper, if your loved one doesn't like living there, you will experience issues in the future.

It's important that you make the right decisions for your loved one, and it starts with determining the level of care they need. Do your research and find out more about your options. If assisted living is right for your loved one, then find a community that excites them. Social activity and engagement are important for seniors because it helps them adjust to their new lifestyle. Making friends can also help them accept the changes they are experiencing. As their guardian, you have a responsibility to ensure their well-being, and it starts by educating yourself on your options, and on the communities available.