Are you  looking to downsize, rightsize or simplify? Are you able to live independently and would like to enjoy a more ‘care-free lifestyle’. There are many options to consider and choose from.

For some, Downsizing simply means moving to a home with smaller square footage, convenient one-floor living, or perhaps a smaller property to maintain might be the answer. In which case, detached bungalows, bungalow town homes or semi-detached homes might easily be the answer. Bungalows offer Empty Nesters and Retirees the best of both worlds - your own house and yard and no stairs!

To others, Downsizing, Rightsizing or Simplifying may mean moving to a community where they can pursue recreational activities or perhaps they want to travel and not have the burden of a large home to maintain while they are away. Still others opt for homes that are not smaller at all but offer amenities that suit their lifestyle.

This particular move ~ a downsizing move ~ is likely unlike any other move you have made in the past.  After many years in the same home, deciding when, where, how and even if it's time to move can be tough. For many people, leaving a family home is an overwhelming experience both emotionally and physically. Talk with a Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) for valuable advice on the process of downsizing your home and simplifying your life.  Contact Nancy Neville for a no-obligation consultation today. 

Some Options:

Condominium

Town homes, apartments and sometimes detached homes
Privately owned residences with shared common areas

Many offer recreational facilities, such as pools, tennis courts, fitness areas and sometimes even golf.
Monthly condo fees cover exterior building upkeep and maintenance of the grounds
Governed by a Condo Corporation with by-laws, rules and regulation

Adult Lifestyle Communities or Retirement Villages

Specifically built for retired older adults
Housing options may include apartments, condos, detached homes, life lease units
Often feature built-in amenities such as swimming pool or recreation centre

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Allows residents to “age in place” and move within the same community as needs change from Independent Living to Assisted Living and sometimes to Memory Care and Long Term Care

Seniors’ apartments

Independent private rental units
Some offer dining facilities and amenities and possibly recreation

Life Lease

You are purchasing the right to occupy a unit along with shared use of common facilities for a set number of years or “for life”. After that time period, the lease is sold at fair market value to another older adult. Typically managed and owned by others – could be non-profit community or faith based group

Land Lease

You own the structure and lease the land

Residential Senior Care – 3 Main  Categories

Main difference between these 3 options is the level of care and support offered

1. Retirement Residence – Independent Living

These residences house seniors who can live independently with minimal support and who are able to pay for their own care. Residents can enjoy and active life free of meal preparation, and household chores. You may apply directly to the retirement home provider of your choosing.

Privately owned and not subsidized or regulated by government except for public health issues. Rent increases are governed by Tenant Protection Act

Types and levels of homemaking help, personal care, health services, recreational and social programs offered by each residence, vary significantly as do their costs.

Residents are responsible to pay for accommodation, care and services they receive
Standards for retirement home performance are set by Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA)

2. Assisted Living and Supportive Housing

Designed for seniors who require minimal to moderate levels of care in order to live independently.

Assisted Living Communities

Usually privately owned and managed; often as part of a larger retirement community that offers different levels of care. Application can be made directly to the residence.

Services offered usually include on-site personal care and support such as routine hygiene, dressing and washing, daily visits or phone check-ins and can include services like shopping, meals, and transportation.

Housekeeping, meal preparation, entertainment, a variety of health and wellness services as well as nursing services, assistance with personal needs, memory care and different therapies are often part of the services and amenities provided by assisted living communities.

Supportive Housing

Supportive housing buildings are owned and operated by municipal governments or non-profit groups including faith groups, seniors' organizations, service clubs, and cultural groups. Accommodations, on-site services, costs, and the availability of government subsidies vary with each building. Accommodation costs are based on market rent for similar apartments. They can range from $600 to $1200 per month. If you are eligible, the government may subsidize your rent so that you only pay up to 30% of your household's monthly income.
Personal care and support costs are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

3. Long-Term Care Homes

Also known as Nursing Homes and Homes for the Aged are Designed for people who require the availability of 24-hour nursing care and supervision, within a secure setting. More personal care and support than what is offered by retirement residences or supportive housing.

Long-term care homes are owned and operated by various organizations: Nursing homes are usually operated by private corporations. Municipal homes for the aged are owned by municipal councils. Charitable homes are usually owned by non-profit corporations, such as faith, community, ethnic or cultural groups.

Long-term care homes are licensed and authorized as government-regulated residences and receive government funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC).

Residents are expected to pay a co-payment for their accommodation. Co-payment rates are set by the MOHLTC and change from time to time. This rate covers meals, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance of the home, and administration.

Application is made through Community Care Access Centres. There is likely to be a waiting list.