What is Assisted Living
Assisted Living is an excellent option for seniors who need help with everyday activities but still want to maintain independence. It provides a safe and comfortable environment that helps seniors stay active and engaged.
Assisted senior living communities offer a variety of amenities such as personalized care plans, 24-hour staffing, and onsite medical professionals, social events and recreational activities, housekeeping services, nutritious meals prepared by experienced chefs and more.
Residents have access to all the support services they need while maintaining a high level of autonomy. Depending on the individual needs of each resident, staff members can provide assistance with daily tasks like bathing or dressing; medication management; transportation; meal preparation or dining assistance; health monitoring; housekeeping duties and laundry services.
Assisted Living Options
Assisted living facilities can be found in independent, semi-independent or residential settings.
Independent Assisted Living is ideal for seniors who can still care for their own basic needs but may need assistance with tasks such as medication management, transportation, meal preparation or housekeeping.
Semi-Independent Assisted Living allows residents more independence while still providing some level of assistance from staff members.
Residential Assisted Living facilities offer 24/7 nursing and medical support along with personal care services such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting assistance.
Some residential communities also offer additional amenities such as recreational activities like exercise classes and social events that allow residents to socialize and form meaningful relationships with their peers.
Assisted Living Vs. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are designed to provide further medical care and rehabilitation services for seniors than Assisted Living facilities.
Nursing homes are best suited to seniors with complex medical needs or who require more assistance with daily activities. Nursing home residents typically receive 24-hour nursing care and physical, occupational and speech therapy services.
In addition to providing personalized health care plans, nursing homes also offer social activities such as group outings, recreational programs and educational classes that help keep their residents physically active.
How much does assisted living cost?
The cost of assisted living facilities in Vancouver, Canada vary significantly depending on the services provided. Generally speaking, monthly rates for a one-bedroom apartment unit range from $2,000 to $4,500 per month. With additional service fees and personal care costs added in, the total cost could be anywhere from $3,200 to over $6,000 per month.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living For Canadians
Seniors in Vancouver, Canada have access to various financial assistance programs. These include the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In addition, seniors may qualify for tax credits such as the GST/HST Credit or provincial benefits including BC Seniors' Supplement and BC Disability Benefits. The City of Vancouver also provides services such as subsidized housing via the Vancouver Housing Authority and transit passes which can help make life more affordable for low-income seniors.
