Senior Care for Older Adults in Calgary: A Starting Guide for Families
As the population ages, the need for senior care becomes increasingly important. In Calgary, the number of seniors is expected to double in the next 25 years, which means that more and more families will be faced with the challenge of finding the right care for their loved ones. Care that both meets the physical needs of the senior but also their emotional needs. In this article, we will explore the different types of senior care available in Calgary, the cost of senior care, the benefits of senior care, and how to choose the right senior care provider for your family. Its about finding support that you can rely on, trust and will be able to provide the care needed to age in place.
Types of Senior Care:
There are several types of senior care available in Calgary, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most common types of senior care include:
1. Home care: This type of care is provided in the senior's own home and can range from simple companionship to skilled nursing care. With adequate hours, training and support a senior can age in their home regardless of the medical conditions they may have. Home Care can be scaled to the needs of the Senior. Some older adults will only need a few days a week and others will need daily supports.
2. Assisted living: Assisted living facilities provide a combination of housing and support services for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require too much care. This is often seen as Room and Board.
3. Memory care: Memory care facilities caring for seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. This may include a locked unit in a building so that the senior cannot get out of the unit. The senior will have a room on the unit and there are often 20-30 residents to each worker.
4. Long-term care: Long-term care facilities provide 24-hour medical care and supervision for seniors who are no longer able to live independently. The older adult will have a room on the unit that may be shared with another resident and there are often 20-30 residents to each worker.
Cost of Senior Care:
The cost of senior care in Calgary varies depending on the type of care needed. Home care is generally the least expensive option, while long-term care can be most expensive. Home Care on average will cost between $3,000 and $10,000 per month depending on how much care is required. According to the Government of Alberta, the average monthly cost of long-term care in Calgary is approximately $7,000. It is important for seniors and their families to plan ahead and explore different funding options, such as government programs and private insurance, to help manage the cost of senior care.
Benefits of Senior Care:
Senior care provides numerous benefits for older adults and their families. It can improve the quality of life for seniors by providing assistance with daily activities, socialization opportunities, and access to medical care. Senior care can also provide peace of mind for family members, knowing that their loved one is in a safe and supportive environment. This is extremely important for those family members so that they have peace knowing that their loved one is cared for.
Choosing Senior Care:
Choosing the right senior care provider can be a daunting task, but there are several factors that families should consider when making this important decision. Location, services provided, and staff qualifications are all important factors to consider. Families should also take the time to tour different senior care facilities and speak with current residents and their families to get a sense of the level of care provided. Make sure you take time to learn about if your senior will need to move if their needs change, what happens if they become more confused and most importantly, find a provider that you trust. One where there is transparency in the care provided and frequent updates for you! Google reviews also can provide great insight into the experiences previous clients have had.
Conclusion
Senior care is an important issue that affects many families in Calgary. By understanding the different types of senior care available, the cost of senior care, the benefits of senior care, and how to choose the right senior care provider, families can make informed decisions about their loved one's care. With the right care and support, seniors can continue to live fulfilling and independent lives.
If you are looking for care for a senior in your life, we recommend speaking with one of our Client Care Coordinators. Our team will help with the education process of how we can help your senior loved one stay safe and independent in their own home.
Don’t wait any longer, call our team today at 403-984-9225.
