In assisted living retirement homes, there are a wide variety of possibilities in care and accommodation and a variety of assistance levels available. Privately owned retirement homes can likely provide the highest level of care imaginable, with onsite staff highly trained. Since you are paying a higher price for this level of care you may expect more accountability in privately owned retirement residences. It's unfortunate that a 2008 investigation of assisted living retirement homes showed that seniors in publicly funded long term care facilities in Canada were receiving only 2.6 hours of care per day.

Assisted living offers more independence than a nursing home or continued care and is less costly than those options. This level of care is relatively in the middle of the continuum of care available to seniors, with independent living and, of course, active adult living offering less care for the elderly. Typically, assisted living retirement homes will cost in the range of $1500 to $2500 per month depending on the location of the residence as well as the exact amount of care the resident will require.

Assisted living care offers the double advantage of community with other seniors and peace of mind for families who know that the few specific requirements of their elderly loved one are being watched over and cared for.

What exactly do I get assistance with?

Assisted living retirement homes present the exact balance people desire between independence and care. Residents enjoy independence for the most part of any day but with knowledge that assistance or care is at hand the minute they need it.

Most often, care or aid covered falls under activities of daily living that might include any or all of bathing, grooming, dressing, administering medication and other simple tasks that require mindfulness or mobility.

Many provinces have subsidies for long term care. For example, British Columbia offer subsidized assisted living through The British Columbia Health Authorities. Residents of British Columbia can find out more by contacting their regional Health Authority. A list of health authorities is available here.

If you have a very good benefits program or health insurance through an employer past or present, you may be covered for licensed assistance living under a long-term care insurance policy.