Making the Move – The Difficult Decision
Country Manor has being serving seniors for more than 34 years. Having assisted many seniors in the move into the next phase of their life, we can empathize with them with this change in their lives.
Making the decision to move into a retirement home in Ontario can be a challenging one, especially for seniors who have lived independently for most of their lives. The idea of leaving behind familiar surroundings and transitioning to an assisted living environment can evoke mixed emotions and uncertainties. Country Manor understands this and places every effort to make the transition as comforting and pleasant as possible. We do this by encouraging family and friends to take part in the move, we encourage family to spend the first few days at Country Manor with the resident, having meals together, assisting in all the little details to make their new apartment, their new home as “homey” and similar to the one they are leaving behind.
One of the main challenges is the emotional aspect of leaving one’s home. Seniors may have strong attachments to their current residence, filled with memories and sentimental value. Moving into a retirement home means letting go of that sense of familiarity and starting anew. Country Manor encourages families to make their new home as similar as possible to the one they have left behind by hanging up the same pictures, placing future and nick knacks, figurines and items – all those things that for years were a part of mom or dad’s home, all those things that have sentimental value. This can be so important in making the transition.
Fear of Loss of Personal Independence
Another challenge is the fear of losing independence. Many seniors value their autonomy and worry that moving into a retirement home will strip them of their freedom and control over their daily lives. They may be concerned about having to adhere to schedules, rules, and regulations that come with communal living. Country Manor understands this and that is why we are set up and really attempt to function more like an apartment building for independent persons than a “healthcare facility”. Each resident will receive their own key to their apartment but have the use of any and all of the amenity spaces as they wish at any time.
The Financial Decision
Furthermore, there may be financial considerations involved in this decision-making process. Retirement homes often come with associated costs, including monthly fees for accommodation, meals, and additional services. Seniors must carefully evaluate their financial situation to ensure they can afford the expenses associated with assisted living. Country Manor’s management staff are well versed and trained on providing guidance and support in this regard. From the onset, we weigh out the costs and services very carefully and only select what is needed for each resident, case by case. Furthermore, we do pride ourselves in being a very low cost alternative, even with simply the services of meals, housekeeping and personal laundry we provide, the total cost is often a small increase to what one was paying for an apartment and living independent of food, meals, housekeeping and laundry services! It is no surprise to us when we hear comments such as, “We should have made this move years ago!”
A New Social Environment
Understandably, there may be concerns about adjusting to a new social environment. Moving into a retirement home means leaving behind established social networks and potentially having to build new relationships with fellow residents. This adjustment period can be daunting for some seniors who may feel isolated or struggle to find common ground with others. Country Manor takes the simple approach that whilst we will encourage our residents, especially newer ones to our community, to partake in any social aspect, we will never apply any pressure to do so. We simply believe all the data and years of experience – one’s happiness and longevity is directly related to one’s social connections of friends and family. At the very least, even for those seniors who wish to be by themselves, we do our best to pair them up with tablemates in the dining room that have similar likes and ethnic backgrounds. So, at a minimum, each of our residents will sit a table in our beautiful dining room with one or two others, sharing a meal, and often pleasant conversation. We have seen the direct impact of even this little daily (three time daily, each meal) social interaction.
The move into a retirement home in Ontario can be a truly challenging decision for any senior. Country Manor beneficial decision for seniors, as it offers a range of attributes that cater to their specific needs and desires. Assisted living facilities in Ontario provide a supportive environment where seniors can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind and enhanced quality of life.
Availability of personalized care and assistance
One of the key attributes that make retirement homes in Ontario appealing is the availability of personalized care and assistance. Trained professionals are on hand to provide assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. This ensures that seniors receive the support they need while maintaining their independence.
Moreover, retirement homes offer a vibrant community atmosphere where seniors can socialize and engage in various activities. From organized events to recreational facilities, these communities foster a sense of belonging and companionship among residents. This social interaction positively impacts mental well-being and helps combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Safety and security
Another significant advantage is the safety and security provided by retirement homes. These facilities are designed with senior-friendly features such as grab bars, emergency call systems, and accessible layouts to prevent accidents or falls. Additionally, having staff available around the clock ensures prompt response to any emergencies or medical situations that may arise.
Moving into an Ontario retirement home also relieves seniors from the burden of household chores and maintenance responsibilities. With housekeeping services included, residents can focus on enjoying their leisure time without worrying about cleaning or repairs.
Lastly, access to various amenities within retirement homes enhances the overall experience for seniors. These amenities may include fitness centers, libraries, dining options, gardens, and even transportation services for outings or medical appointments.
In summary, the attributes offered by Ontario retirement homes make them an ideal choice for seniors seeking assisted living options. From personalized care to vibrant communities and enhanced safety measures – these facilities provide an enriching environment where seniors can thrive during their golden years.
