Retirement Homes near Waterdown, ON

Assisted Living in Waterdown, ON

What Is Assisted Living?

When your loved one has come to the time in his or her life where it may be more difficult to perform activities that would normally be done alone, assisted living is often the answer. These communities provide a level of assistance that still affords residents the independence they may wish to maintain. Some of the services offered include assistance with laundry and dressing, management of medications and transportation to grocery stores or to doctor visits, depending on the community selected and the level of care required.

These communities also provide social activities and other opportunities to enjoy life, including exercise programs, games, gardening, movie nights, classes and more. The primary difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home is that unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities do not typically provide 24-hour medical care.

Why Choose Senior Living in Waterdown, ON?

Waterdown is an area rich with history, first named for a mill that was erected during the industrial revolution. Every year on the first weekend of July is a great time for foodies, as the town is the host of the Oh Canada! Ribfest, which attracts tens of thousands of people from the surrounding areas. The town is also home to a hockey arena where those who are fans of the sport can find entertainment. Many of the historical sites in the town have existed since its founding, including the American House and the Royal Coachman, formerly known as the Kirk House.

The area is also a great place for those who enjoy the natural beauty of Canada, as there are many wetland trails with informative signs and well-marked paths. One of the most breathtaking sights in the area is the Smokey Hollow Falls, which gained its name from the way the smoke from the mills would rise through the hollow. In this area, residents and visitors can go to see the ruins of a mill that used to get it logs brought to it by horses with heavy tackle, Slater's Lumber Mill. The Bruce Trail that winds its way past the falls is also a great place to see flora species that are unique to the region.

What Services Are Available?

What types of services are offered really depends on the specifications of each individual assisted living community. That being said, most facilities have indoor and outdoor common areas, activities and games, fully prepped meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, medication management and other medical services.

There are other services that may only be offered by some facilities, including onsite beauticians, gourmet meals, memory care, closeness to local shops and restaurants and fitness classes and programs such as tai chi. Some communities even have on-site golf courses.

What Are ADLs and IADLs?

When you are conducting your search, you may find that some places use the terms "ADLs" and "IADLs." These stand for Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. ADLs are daily activities that are related to personal care. They include things like:

• Eating meals
• Moving from bed to chair and back again
• Climbing the stairs
• Dental and mouth care
• Using the toilet
• Dressing and changing outfits
• Grooming and maintaining a good appearance
• Bathing

On the other hand, IADLs are activities that relate to independent living. Some of the common IADLs are:

• Financial management
• Doing laundry
• Using public transportation
• Driving
• Doing housework such as cleaning and other basic chores
• Using a telephone or cellphone and being able to look up phone numbers and contact information
• Managing medications (how much to take and when to take it)
• Cooking and preparation of meals
• Shopping

It is common to go over a checklist of which ADLs and IADLs your loved one is still able to perform in order to get a better idea of what level of care he or she will need.

What to Look For When Touring Assisted Living Facilities

When you set up any tours, it is a good idea to have a list of a few places that you plan to visit, especially if you are traveling to Waterdown from far away. This way you can get the most out of your time. When you go, the first thing to keep an eye out for is whether or not the staff is friendly and willing to answer your questions. Also, pay attention to the cleanliness of the facility. Are there any odd smells? Are there cobwebs in the corners? A clean and well-maintained place is a sign of an attentive and hard-working staff.

See if you can sit down for a meal to try their food. Ask about the activities that they provide. Look at the people living there and notice if they seem happy and entertained. Ultimately, if your gut is telling you that something is amiss, it is best to trust your instincts. The right place will feel right. Contact A Place for Mom for help scheduling a tour.

How Can I Understand Assisted Living Costs?

There are many factors that influence the cost of each individual assisted living community. Some are located in more expensive parts of town, and this can in part have to do with proximity to local entertainment and services. The cost can also vary depending on the type of care that your loved one needs. For example, someone who requires medical attention multiple times a week will probably end up having a more expensive stay than someone who only needs monthly or bi-monthly check-ups.

There are other factors at play as well, such as the qualities of the meals, the size of the rooms, and the number of activities provided. If a facility is advertising itself as a luxury community, expect that the monthly cost is going to be higher than average. Some facilities may charge a higher or lower rate for a similar kind of service, so it is important to compare different places to find a deal that works best for your family.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Waterdown, ON?

The average price that is paid per month for assisted living in Ontario is $3,297 per month, and many places in Waterdown fall around this number. This is more expensive than the cost in other regions nearby such as Montclair, where the average cost is $2,400 per month. Overall, assisted living in Ontario is a bit cheaper than the Canadian national average, which is $3,297 per month. Prices in Waterdown specifically can range from around $2,600 per month on the low end to around $3,500 per month for the more expensive communities.

How Can I Afford/Pay for Assisted Living?

The first step to being able to afford assisted living is to make a budget and plan for what your family can afford. Many forms of health insurance will cover the costs of assisted living, though typically the cost is not fully covered. Another option is long-term care insurance, which is specifically set up in anticipation of someone's eventual need to move into an assisted living facility. If your loved one has not already purchased long-term care insurance, there may still be other options.

It is also possible to tailor an assisted living experience to meet your family's needs and budgets, depending on what options a given facility provides. Some centers will allow you to select the types of care your loved one needs in an a la carte fashion, allowing you to save money by only paying for what is necessary. This is one of the times at which making a checklist of the ADLs and iADLs your loved one needs assistance with can come in handy.

Assisted Living Inspections and Ratings in Waterdown, ON

Ontario does a good job of providing information about different assisted living communities to anyone who accesses the Ontario Ministry of Health website. This website allows you to search by Local Health Integration Network (a regional division of healthcare providers), by City, or by the specific name of the home you are curious about. Searching in one of these ways will give you a list of facilities in the LHIN or area. Clicking on the name of the facility will give take you to a page with information such as when it was last inspected, its most recent rating, any code violations or compliance issues and other details such as the number of licensed beds.

How Do I Make the Right Choice?

Thankfully, you don't have to go about this endeavor without support.

Our team of Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom is trained to help you with every step of this process. We can answer your other questions, and we can also help you in setting up tours and in providing information about the communities that you might be interested in. This service is offered to you at no additional cost. Just contact one of our advisors for a free consultation, and we will help you determine what the next steps should be.