As our parents age, we may start to notice changes in their ability to manage day-to-day activities like shopping, paying bills and preparing meals. Some changes are physical, some are cognitive.

As these changes progress, we realize that some tough decisions need to be made regarding their care. Ideally, you’ve already prepared for this eventuality and have talked with your parents about what their options and wishes are around caregiving.

First, you’ll need to assess what your parents' day-to-day needs are. Do they need help with meals, getting to appointments or doing laundry? Or are their needs more complex, such as dementia or diabetes management? You may want to get an evaluation done by their family doctor or other healthcare professional to help assess their needs.

Knowing what their needs are will help you evaluate the best care options for them. How much can you and your siblings take on? It’s typically family members that take on the caregiving responsibilities for their aging parents, but as mental and physical conditions start to worsen, it can become impossible to provide the care that is needed.

The good news is that you have options.

In-Home Care

In most cases, couples want to stay in their home. This is the preferred option as long as the home is safe for them to do so. In this case, it’s advisable to engage a specialist to assess the home and determine what can be done to reduce the risks of falls or other injuries. For example, install grab bars in the bathroom, remove throw rugs to prevent tripping, etc.

General care vs specialized care

In the home, there are two categories of care available. You can get local, government-funded assistance through Home and Community Care Services in Ontario. And when that is not enough, there are private healthcare providers like LiveWell Pathway to fill in the gaps.

General care typically includes help with day-to-day activities such as bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation and companionship. Where there are more complex needs, such as post-operative care, dementia or even palliative care, a trained nurse or other skilled professional is required.

Be realistic about what you and your family can manage on your own and where you will need extra help. Your health is just as important as the care of your loved ones and caregiver burnout can happen before you know it. Being a caregiver is a big responsibility. Make use of the many resources available to you.

Retirement Homes

If staying in their own home is not an option, but your parents are still able to care for themselves for the most part, a retirement home might be the next best option. A retirement home allows them to maintain their independence but with a little extra support in their daily activities (sometimes referred to as Assisted Living). There are a variety of services available, such as providing meals or administering medications, and costs will vary depending on the number and type of services provided.

There is no government funding for retirement homes, so this can be one of the more expensive options vs. home care or long-term care.

Long-Term Care

When your parents are no longer able to direct their care and it has become too difficult to keep them at home, a long-term care home is the best option. Long-term care homes (sometimes called nursing homes) provide round-the-clock nursing and personal care. This care is fully funded by the government and you only pay for the cost of accommodation.

There are typically waiting lists for long-term care homes in Ontario and all applications must go through Home and Community Care Services.

Choosing the Right Option

There are essentially three criteria to consider when choosing the right care option for your parents - care needs, lifestyle preferences and cost. Consider the pros and cons of each option above and do your research on the companies and homes that provide the services and support you are looking for. And when it comes to costs, understand the financing options available.

To learn more about in-home care and other healthcare options, contact LiveWell Pathway today for more information or a free consultation.