Assisted Living In Toronto
Assisted living in Toronto is very similar to independent living. Yet there is one important difference that ultimately separates the two. In an assisted living situation, seniors that live at the facility require aid in one or more activities for daily living, which can occasionally be known as ADLs. These essential activities include things like changing clothes, cooking and cleaning, and bathing.
Other than receiving aid in these activities, the seniors that live in assisted living facilities have enough independence to where they can do what they want during the day, as long as their mind and body are fit enough to allow them to do so. Typically, a good assisted living place will emphasize what a senior can accomplish in their facility, instead of merely focusing on what they cannot do. This not only works to keep seniors physically active and mentally sharp, it also goes a long way into helping them preserve their overall sense of dignity.
What Assisted Living Options Exist For Elderly Parkinsons Patients
In an assisted living facility, seniors receive help with daily needs, such as preparing meals and going to the doctor. There is someone on site 24/7 for emergencies and homes are equipped with emergency call buttons. For someone with Parkinsons in assisted living, they may be interested in hiring a private nurse. This nurse would be able to provide specialized care for Parkinsons disease. Keep in mind, hiring a private nurse would be costly.
Another more affordable option is to find an assisted living center that accommodates Parkinsons patients. To find out if this is available in your area, contact the local assisted living providers. Ask if they provide specialized care or services for patients with Parkinsons.
What To Look For When Choosing An Assisted Living Community
When you research and tour an assisted living community that caters to those with Parkinsons disease, its important to make sure the staff is appropriately trained and experienced to deal with Parkinsons specifically. Knowledge of medication management, helping residents with movement, and awareness of signs of disease progression are all important.
As you tour a community, observe the overall atmosphere. Is it clean, odor-free, bright and pleasant to walk around? Are the hallways and rooms wide and spacious for walkers and wheelchairs? Are there adequate handrails and no stairs or ledges that could cause a fall? Are there ample activity spaces and organized gatherings to engage and entertain residents throughout the day?
Most important is the attitude of the staff. A quality assisted living facility will be managed by pleasant, compassionate caregivers who will treat your loved one with warmth and respect. Its very common for bonds of friendship to form between residents and their caregivers. You want your loved one to be able to look forward to seeing their friends, neighbors and caregivers each day.
Recommended Reading: Assisted Living Facilities In Westland Mi
Features Of Individual Spaces
- Are different sizes and types of units available?
- Are units for single and double occupancy available?
- Do residents have their own lockable doors?
- Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit?
- Are bathrooms private? Do they accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
- Can residents bring their own furnishings? What may they bring?
- Do all units have a telephone and cable television? How is billing handled for these services?
- Is a kitchen area/unit provided with a refrigerator, sink, and cooking element?
- May residents keep food in their units?
- May residents smoke in their units? May they smoke in public areas?
Parkinsons Residential Care With Caring Staff
Is your loved one suffering from Parkinsons? Managing advanced Parkinsons disease can be a huge responsibility for a family member to undertake. Utilizing an assisted living facility, like Clarendon, can give your loved one the attention and care they need. This can allow you and your family to enjoy each others company with less physical, emotional or mental burden of dealing with such a difficult disease.
Just writing a few words of thanks for all the love and care Clarendon gave my Dad over the last two years. Although my Dad recently passed due to issues with dementia, I will always be grateful for their efforts. They have a great team, and were always very accessible with any of our concerns or worries. They truly treated my Dad like family, and I want to publicly thank them all for coming to my Dads celebration of life!
Also Check: Mountlake Terrace Assisted Living Community
When Is A Higher Level Of Parkinsons Disease Care Necessary
In the advanced stages of Parkinsons disease, a loved ones symptoms become more severe and limiting. A person can be more susceptible to stumbling and falling. They lose the instinct and ability to reach their arm out to break a fall, putting them at greater risk of injury. Some experience episodes of immobility, which can pose a danger when theyre frozen and unable to move for a few seconds or several minutes.
Swallowing and speech problems are symptoms of late-stage Parkinsons, as are cognition issues, forgetfulness, restlessness and anxiety. Some individuals with Parkinsons develop troubling symptoms of hallucinations and delusions, paranoia and sleeplessness that are usually beyond most family caregivers abilities.
An Assisted Living Community Can Provide Care For Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a neurological disorder that causes the gradual destruction of certain nerve cells in the brain. These nerve cells control muscle movement and coordination. As the disease progresses, muscles lose their ability to respond properly, causing increasing difficulty in movement and motor skills.
Caring for a loved one who is living with Parkinsons disease can be extremely stressful and emotionally taxing. Watching your loved one struggle with this disorder, and witnessing the symptoms become more pronounced over time, can leave a caregiver feeling overwhelmed.
Its important to seek help from professionals for both the patient and the caregiver. Although someone living with this disease may want to live at home for as long as possible, there comes a point when their quality of life will suffer without expert care services. And, the increasing commitment required by a family caregiver may become too much to handle.
An assisted living community specializing in caring for people living with Parkinsons disease can lead to great improvements in their quality of life, and provide relief for the family caregiver. Read on to find out when you should consider assisted living and what you should expect for your loved one with Parkinsons disease from a quality assisted living facility.
Recommended Reading: Genesis Assisted Living Montgomery Tx
Considerations For Assisted Living
While every individual and situation is different, here are some signs and considerations that can help you determine when its time for assisted living:
- Frequent falls Is your loved one falling often? People with PD are at a greater risk for falls due to symptoms like balance issues, stiff muscles, and freezing episodes. Falls can be mild or result in significant damage, causing increased disability and reduced quality of life.1
- Medications Is your loved one remembering to take their medication at the right time? It is important to take PD medications on a regular dosing schedule to get effective symptom relief.
- Noticeable weight loss Does your loved one feel thinner when you hug them? Are their clothes loose, or are they cinching in their belt? Good nutrition is important for overall health and for helping manage symptoms of PD, and the timing of meals can impact medication schedules and the effectiveness of medications.2
- Hygiene Is your loved one having difficulties bathing and dressing themselves?3
If your loved one lives alone, there are some additional signs that you might notice that can signal cognitive decline or physical limitations:
It is also important to realize and acknowledge that it may be time for assisted living or a skilled nursing care facility when you, the caregiver, is exhausted and unable to continue to provide all the assistance your loved one needs.
How Do I Find Assisted Living For Senior Parkinsons Patients
There are a few resources to help you find assisted living centers near you:
You can also call our senior helpline or use our directory search feature to find out where assisted living centers are located in your area.
- Laura SandersCare Advisor Hi, Im a senior care specialist trained to match you with the best Memory care for your loved one.
- Well search for available memory care in your area and even schedule tours for you!
- Our service is 100% free – there are no hidden costs.
Great! Im glad you want to take advantage of this free service. I just need some details before we chat.
Thank you, }.
Instead of speaking with me, Im actually going to connect you with our memory care advisor that specializes in the } area.
They will be calling you in the next few minutes. Best of luck!
Recommended Reading: Alzheimer’s Home Care Vs Assisted Living
Finding The Right Assisted Living Facility
Selecting an assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one is an important decision. While it is rare to find a facility that specifically caters to people with Parkinson’s disease , there are many questions you can ask and things to look for to help you carefully weigh your options in order to find the best fit possible.
Assisted living facilities provide help with day- to-day activities while striving to promote independence and provide opportunities to socialize with peers.
Is Assisted Living Right for You or Your Loved One?
Although you may find some exceptions, assisted living facilities normally offer these services:
Assistance with daily living activities Housekeeping and laundry Daily meals in a group dining setting Medication reminders or administration Bathroom assistance Health and exercise programs Social and recreational activities
Note: Medicare does not pay for room and board and personal care costs at assisted living facilities. In most states, Medicaid does not pay for these costs either. This means that most people need to use their personal income, assets and savings, Veterans benefits or long- term care insurance for an assisted living.
Reasons To Consider Assisted Living Person with Parkinson’s prefers to live in assisted living. Primary care partner is unable to provide necessary care due to employment conflicts. Skilled nursing is not necessary at this time. Household environment is not suitable .
The Benefits of Planning Ahead
Best Of Senior Living
Journey Senior Living is proud to have received the SeniorAdvisor.com Best of Senior Living 2018 award.
My Dad transitioned here from the hospital and they have been wonderful to him. The nurses are constantly watching all of the seniors & I am amazed how on their toes they are with each senior. Dads room is always clean, and everyone is so nice. They are taking such good care of him. Thank you, Journey! Beth H, Crown Point
We provide a place of safety and security where everyone is treated with love, compassion and dignity.
You May Like: Mother Of Perpetual Help Assisted Living
Community Provides Support For Seniors With Parkinsons Disease
Did you know that more than one million people in the United States are living with Parkinsons disease?
Parkinsons is a progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity and slow, imprecise movements. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. There is no cure for Parkinsons disease, although some medications may relieve symptoms
Although treatments for Parkinsons disease have come a long way, long-term care options for people living with this disease are too few and too generalized. People who have Parkinsons disease are often placed in memory care programs for Alzheimers and related forms of dementia. Patients require consistent medication management, along with programs that focus on movement in a stimulating environment.
Located on Seattles First Hill, Murano Senior Living guided by the American Parkinsons Disease Association NW works to expand and support available resources such as educational seminars and support groups for families, caregivers and those with Parkinsons disease.
Murano Senior Living works closely with the APDA to offer intentional Parkinsons care that is based on advice from experts and listening to those personally affected by the disease. The active senior living community provides a stimulating environment for residents with Parkinsons disease, incorporating five dimensions of focus in their specialized care model.
______
Finding A Nursing Home: Don’t Wait To Do The Research Until You Need One
None of us want to be discharged from the hospital into a poor-quality nursing home, but many don’t realize that you have a choice. Advice from experts is to become familiar with nursing homes in your area before you are even hospitalized. Dig into government reports and conduct your own inspection. This article tells you what to look out for when evaluating your options.
Don’t Miss: Castle Rock Assisted Living Castle Rock Co
How Do You Know When A Person With Parkinsons Needs A Care Facility
A person in the early stages of Parkinsons disease can be cared for at home if their family caregiver has the time and ability to help them maintain their highest possible quality of life. As the disease progresses, however, assisted living, or a skilled nursing facility will become necessary to ensure the persons comfort and safety.
Care And Services Provided In Assisted Living Communities
Many Americans may have lingering negative stereotypes when they hear the term assisted living, bringing to mind drab, impersonal nursing homes that serve as a poor substitute for remaining at home. Luckily, this is far from the current reality, and for seniors living with Parkinsons disease, an assisted living community may be an ideal option.
Don’t Miss: Assisted Living Washington Township Nj
Care Planning When You Have Parkinson’s
“Some days are better than others, but on the bad days it would be lovely to have some help, even if it was just to make me a cup of tea.”
Thinking about future care options is a common concern. Mary has Parkinsons and lives alone in retirement housing near Exeter since her husband died 2 years ago. At 87, she has recently been considering her future care arrangements.
Is A Care Facility Needed
People with advancing Parkinsons require safe and effective care, all the time. The day may come when you are no longer able to provide this type of care for your loved one at home. If this day comes, you should consider a transition to a care facility.
There are certainly benefits to keeping the person with Parkinsons at home. The environment is familiar to your loved one, and you wont have to travel to see him or her. Despite the challenges of caregiving, the relationship between you and the person with Parkinsons often becomes stronger over time. There can also be considerable savings in healthcare costs.
On the other hand, as your loved ones disease progresses and needs become more extreme, keeping the person at home can seem like a battle of your survival versus his or hers.
Recommended Reading: Tranquil Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care
Evaluating Assisted Living Facilities
A 2-page PDF outlining things to consider when evaluating an assisted living facility for yourself or a family member. Areas to consider are the environment, comfort level with staff availability and communication, residents service satisfaction, charges and fees, transportation options and availability, and medical & financial emergency policies.
How Do I Know If Home Care Is Possible
The following factors must be considered when determining whether home care will work for you and your loved one:
- The designated caregiver should have few other responsibilities not related to the care recipient .*
- The house must be large enough to comfortably accommodate the needs of the person with Parkinsons, including space for a lift chair, walker, wheelchair, bedside commode or other medical equipment required. Take a home safety tour to ensure your home is easily accessible.
- All rooms should be on one level. The home environment must be safe and supportive of maximum independence. Necessary structural changes, such as ramps, handrails, bathroom alterations, etc. have been made.
- Arrangements can be made to provide medications to the person with PD at required times, as well as meals, assistance with personal care, housekeeping, transportation and companionship.
*If the designated caregiver is someone you hire to provide around-the-clock care, consider the impact of someone else living in your home. Even though you are not responsible for daily cares, having another person in your house might cause stress and make it difficult to relax.
You May Like: List Of Assisted Living Facilities In Georgia
Clarendon Parkinsons Residential Care Facility San Fernando Valley Area
When you choose Clarendon, you are choosing compassionate care. Our whole health approach to our residents ensures your loved ones will receive the highest quality of life possible. With a high staff to client ratio and optional one-on-one and night staffing options available you can be certain Clarendon residents are cared for. Beyond basic care, you can expect your family member to have an enriching life here in the beautiful San Fernando Valley in the Woodland Hills and Lake Balboa neighborhoods.
With weekly programs for mind and body to spirit and community at Clarendon, residents have it all. Your loved one doesnt have to sacrifice social events or hobbies when joining one of our homes. Everything from exercise, gardening, music, arts and crafts, to religious services and low-impact dancing is available. Clarendon is a wonderful place to call home.
How Do I Pay For Assisted Living For Elderly Parkinsons Patients
For starters, Medicare does not cover costs for assisted living for elderly Parkinsons patients. For low-income seniors, there is the option of Medicaid. However, the NCPC reports that only 11 percent of seniors in assisted living used Medicaid to pay for care in 2002. This may be due to the stringent rules for Medicaid recipients, such as they cannot have assets worth more than $2,000 in total.
The best solution for seniors is to purchase long-term care insurance to cover the costs of assisted living. Long-term care insurance typically covers this expense, but check the contract details to verify coverage. Ultimately, its the family that pays for care. The NCPC reports that 75 percent of patients depend on family members to pay out-of-pocket for assisted living.
Recommended Reading: Legacy Assisted Living Lafayette Co