As elderly adults enter the later stages of life, many people reach a point where they require some assistance with their daily activities. For most seniors, aging at home is preferable, but for many, a decision must be made whether to stay at home or move into a retirement home. Here are some things to consider as you make that decision.
Home Care
Home care is an increasingly popular option that allows seniors to age in the comfort of their own home, with minor adjustments. Often adjustments need to be made to the home such as adding a walk-in tub, stair lift or wider doorways to allow someone to age in place.
Home care services can be brought in to help with day-to-day support and can include basic assistance, such as house cleaning, meal preparation, and personal care. Services can also include in-home medical care, such as nursing or rehabilitation.
There are numerous care options available that are offered by both not-for-profit agencies like Carefor and for-profit companies. The best way to engage support from a home care agency is through a doctor’s referral, which would initiate Ontario Health atHome to assess need and refer out support to a home care agency.
A reminder is that leveraging home care support through Ontario Health atHome allows someone to be prioritized for long-term care when the time arrives. Avoiding home care support can lead to sudden challenges should the caregiver suddenly be unable to provide care.
Benefits of Home Care
- Personalized care
- Comfort and familiarity
- Family involvement
- Cost-effectiveness
- Independence and dignity
Potential Drawbacks of Aging at Home
- Caregiver burnout
- Renovation costs
- Health and safety needs might not be met
- Isolation
- Upkeep
Retirement Homes
As our population ages and lives longer, retirement homes seem to be popping up everywhere.
The amount of care required for each resident varies according to the person’s mental and physical condition. The main types of homes are independent living, assisted living, memory care and long-term care. While retirement homes offer care, additional support can come with additional costs. Remember that even though someone is living in a retirement home they can still receive care support through Ontario Health atHome.
Services vary from facility to facility, but may include meals, medication management, laundry services, housekeeping, transportation, recreational activities, wellness programs, and security. Most facilities also provide some access to specialized services, such as medical care.
Benefits of a Retirement Home
- 24/7 support staff
- Access to specialized services
- Social interaction
- Safety and emergency support
- Services including laundry and bathing
Potential Drawbacks of Retirement Homes
- Cost
- Reduced freedom, independence and autonomy
- Adapting to communal living
| Considerations | Home Care | Retirement Home |
| Setting | Senior’s home | Community-based facility |
| Services Include | Tailored support as needed (hourly basis) | Meals, housekeeping, laundry services, medication management, transportation, recreational activities, wellness programs, security |
| Social Interaction | Limited – depends on visits and relationship status | Dining, events, group activities |
| Staff Availability | Scheduled visits; may lack round-the-clock care | 24/7 on-site staff |
| Safety & Accessibility | May require home modifications | Equipped for mobility issues, emergency systems |
| Cost | By referral, costs can be subsidized, however, private care options are available at a cost depending on the agency: $25-$45 CAD/hour for basic care$45-$80 CAD/hour for nursing$200-$400 CAD/day for full-time care | $1700-$6500 CAD/month |
Making an Informed Decision
Assess Your Care Needs
- What tasks does your loved one need help with, and how often do they need support?
- Are they able to live alone safely, or do they require full-time care?
Evaluate Social Preferences
- Does your loved one enjoy social activities and community, or do they prefer the familiarity and solitude of home?
Consider Your Budget
- How much can you afford to spend on care?
- Calculate total costs for home care services vs. the monthly fees of a retirement home.
- Know that costs generally increase with health needs depending on the home.
Consider Location and Accessibility
- Is your loved one’s home equipped for aging at home?
- How close is the nearest retirement home to family?
Try a Few Options
- Try home care services to see if they would be a good fit.
- Try a short-term stay in a retirement home to see if that would a good fit.
Involve Your Loved One
- Ensure your loved one feels heard. Talk about their preferences to ensure they are comfortable with the decision.
Carefor has been providing home care in Eastern Ontario since 1897 and offers a variety of in-home care services, including nursing, personal support, rehabilitation, and homemaking.
In addition, Carefor offers affordable, all-inclusive retirement homes in Pembroke-Renfrew County, and Richmond Care Home in West Ottawa for women living with dementia. https://carefor.ca/services/retirement-living/