I’ve given much thought to choosing appropriate living arrangements for seniors as I watched the level of care for both my parents evolve as they aged.
Recently, I spoke with Karen Hen of The Dunfield, a seniors’ living complex located in the heart of downtown Toronto, who gave me some tips on what to look for when selecting the right place to live. Karen suggests that when looking for an appropriate residence, lifestyle preferences need to be taken into account. Is the person looking for independent living or do they require support? Does the person enjoy cooking for themselves or do some (or all) of the meals need to be provided? What about accommodating health-related changes that may crop up now or in the future? Is supervision of medication important? What about the availability of a variety of medical services?
Major transitions are challenging. The key to dealing successfully with what is to come, is to plan for it.
“Along with a comfortable unit and lifestyle amenities, like numerous social activities and programs that promote wellness, are there options for personalized packages whether for meals, assistance with personal care, or providing nursing support?” Karen asks. “Finding a facility that caters to seniors’ needs brings peace of mind, including the need for independence.”
Anna Muselius is the editor-in-chief of Women’s Post Business Magazine. She can be reached at: editor@womenspost.ca.