Costs of Senior Care in Canada
There is a trend, according to a survey conducted by Home Instead, that very few seniors and their families are aware of the real costs that are relevant to senior care in Hamilton. What this means, is that few families are prepared to take on the costs of senior care, because they don’t understand where coverage comes from and exactly how much money they will need.
The survey indicated that only about 20% to 30% of Canadians admit with being familiar with the various senior care options, including long-term care seniors’ centers and in-home care. But even those who know that these options are available don’t necessarily have an in-depth understanding as to what it costs to sustain a senior with one of these care styles. Many families believe that the funding provided by the Canadian Pension Plan or Old Age Security will cover the costs of senior care, but in reality, both benefits combined will not even cover the costs of basic long-term care in Ontario which ranges from $1,800 to $3,000 for a basic room. . Additional fees may apply for certain services, such as medication, personal care, and specialized care. Insurance and other benefit programs typically only cover about one hour of in-home care per day, which means that seniors need to come up with additional finances to meet their care needs.
The largest generation born in the 20th century is in the throngs of retirement, meaning the demand for elder care will double. A study commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) discovered that the cost and demand of senior care are on a trajectory to nearly double by 2031. The pandemic has also revealed cracks in the health care for the elderly that need addressing.
The group feeling the impact of these changes the most is the families caring for their aging loved ones. They are the sons and daughters who not only have the responsibility of their parents but also have families and careers in the mix. The costs of senior care may weigh heavily on their minds, too. With all the options available, personal support workers provide the needed help to the elderly and their families.
Senior Care Options Available in Canada
There are many options for the elderly, each affecting the cost of their care. Much of the price depends on which province you live in and if you live in a small town or a larger city. Here is a basic overview:
- Assisted living: With this option, your senior lives in a unit with access to amenities such as community dining, crafts, entertainment, and physical activities. Costs differ based on the actual level of care you need.
- Alzheimer’s care and memory care: This segment of senior care requires long-term assistance. Waiting lists can be long to get into a facility specializing in memory care.
- Nursing home: Seniors moving to nursing homes need consistent care around the clock. These facilities have skilled nursing staff on hand to aid with medical assessment and medications.
- In-home care: An advantage of in-home senior care is that patients can remain in their homes while a personal support worker comes to them. Your aging loved one continues to live comfortably in a familiar setting.
Advantages of In-home Senior Care
Letting your senior loved one age in place is a viable option. Both you and your senior will experience some significant advantages:
- Home care is typically less expensive than other options.
- Flexible services to meet your needs.
- Prevent avoidable accidents like falls.
- Dedicated staff to attend to your loved one’s unique requirements.
- It saves you time to still care for your family and fulfill your career goals.
Affordable Elder Care from Caring Professionals
Healthcare expenses are rising, and families are getting busier. Finding affordable elder care for your senior loved one starts with a call to Home Instead Hamilton. Our home care workers support families with a wide range of home care services tailored to the patient's needs. We provide personal care assistance, cooking for seniors, light housekeeping, medication management, Alzheimer's care, and more. We give your parents the help they need so that you can rest easier knowing they are well-cared for. To find out how we can serve you, please contact us today.
Families need to make sure that they inform themselves about available care options in Canada and their associated costs. Without this knowledge, decisions will be made based on what seniors cannot have; not on what they should, and that is not something that should be sacrificed.
Call us at (905) 521-5500 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver daily to families in Hamilton Mountain, Downtown Hamilton, Rosedale, Kings Forest, Binbrook, Meadowlands, Ancaster, and Dundas.
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