How to choose between at-home care or home care services in a retirement home?
Paul, 76, has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years. Up until now, he has continued to live at home while his children, especially his daughter Diane, have been providing him with regular care. However, his condition has considerably deteriorated over the last few weeks.
Since Paul no longer has the capacity to make informed decisions for himself, his children must do so for him. Making the situation more difficult is the fact that his children had never taken the time to discuss this important issue with their father: Should Dad stay at home or should they look for a care residence?
Senior home care or retirement home: A difficult choice
This is a tough decision for many families. In the case that they decide on a care residence where their family member can receive the appropriate care, families often find themselves feeling overcome with guilt.
There is this general idea that people living with Alzheimer’s (or other forms of dementia) who move to care residences will find themselves surrounded by people suffering from dementia.
People tend to focus on the idea that their parent will have to live surrounded by their illness and forget the benefits of an adapted environment with specialized supervision and care, and stimulating activities organized by the care residence’s on-site teams.
However, despite our best intentions, being a part-time or full-time caregiver is not an option for everyone. We can easily find ourselves ill-equipped to deal with a parent’s illness and busy with other obligations like our children and work.
This is why it is important to seek out information and reliable resources to make the best decision.
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Choosing to stay at home with home care services
If Paul were to stay at home, his family could obtain home care and support services from a private company.
Home care companies offer specialized support, assistance and care services for seniors who live alone or have less independence. All of these services are eligible for the Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors, with which you can receive a 35% reimbursement each month.
With this option, a professional caregiver could take care of Paul at home and keep him company, as well as lighten the family’s responsibilities, especially Diane’s.
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Opting for a seniors’ care residence
If for safety reasons, Paul was no longer able to live at home, the family could obtain the services of a Senior Living Advisor, completely free of charge, to help the family in the decision-making process.
The advisor would take into account the needs of Paul and his children, as well as their budget, and suggest a retirement home that offers the appropriate care and services in a supervised environment that is both stimulating and adapted for Paul’s needs.
In addition to helping determine the ideal senior residence for Paul, based on his and his family’s requirements and all other factors involved, the advisor can also provide information on the tax credit for rental costs at a residence and on the terms of a private retirement residence lease.
With Visavie you have the freedom to choose
With these solutions at their disposal, Jean-Paul’s children can feel reassured. They know that they can rely on someone to support them when needed, whether Jean-Paul stays at home or goes to a retirement home. To begin your consideration, get in touch with an senior living advisor specialized in finding a retirement home in your region.
