If given the choice, nearly all older Canadians (85 percent) would prefer to age in place within their homes and communities, reports Dr. Amaya Arcelus who’s leading a program at the National Research Council of Canada on improving the lives of our older generation.
Indeed, aging in place has been in the public conversation lately, with the Canadian government’s challenge program touting its benefits.
What’s “aging in place”?
It’s making sure seniors have health and social support they need to live in their homes and communities for as long as possible, rather than moving as their health declines.
The benefits of aging in place are many, including greater independence, quality of life and more. But it can be expensive. It often involves getting a home assessment and making safety and mobility modifications.
It’s also important to keep connected with community and social support, source in-home care and/or help with day-to-day activities and, potentially, transportation. For many seniors, this can be difficult and sometimes expensive.
And, since care needs change, it can be tricky to determine exactly what a senior parent will need.
Aging in place at home may be ideal, but it’s not always feasible. That’s where places such as Amica Senior Lifestyles come in. Offering care needs across the spectrum — from Independent to Assisted Living and Memory Care — seniors living at Amica can age in one place in a caring, supportive community, without having to move to progressively more care-specific, senior-living residences.
The tangible benefits of senior living
“With many supportive services available, residents can continue to call Amica home as their needs evolve, enjoying comfort, familiarity and peace of mind, every step of the way,” says Dianne Fleming, regional sales manager at Amica.
Amica’s model also supports senior spouses who want to stay together but may not have that option at home, where one person may have to move depending on their physical or cognitive abilities.
“Often with couples, one spouse may need more physical support while the other may be navigating cognitive challenges,” says Fleming. “Our focus is finding ways to keep partners together in the place they call home.”
Measuring the costs of senior living
While the starting cost for a suite at Amica varies depending on the residence, there’s many options available.
Suites are priced based on their size and orientation, including studios as well as one- and two-bedroom options, while some residences offer apartments with fully-equipped kitchens.
Pricing for food and accommodation includes housekeeping and flat-linen service, gourmet meals made by Red Seal-certified chefs with all-day dining and a bistro that’s stocked with snacks.
Social programs and life-enrichment activities — tailored for the residence and individuals — is also included in the price.
A commitment to care
Care fees are separate and tailored to the individual, and those needs can fluctuate.
So, rather than offering a flat-care fee, which can lead to paying for care packages someone doesn’t need or use, residents are assessed before they move in, 30 days after moving in, every six months or as needs change, to determine their care.
“These regular assessments ensure we have the right plan in place, and you only pay for the care you’re using,” explains Fleming.
She adds: “our variable staffing model is one of our biggest differentiators. As care needs evolve, our staffing evolves as well ensuring residents receive the personalized support that’s right for them.”
Continuity of care and personalized care is a major draw for residents and their families at Amica.
“We make every effort to match team members with residents based on personality and connection,” says Fleming. “Because many of our team members have been with us for decades, residents benefit from a level of familiarity and consistency that truly feels like home.” This offers peace of mind in daily routines.
Of course, Amica’s wellness team members are thoroughly vetted and training is a priority.
Team members hold nursing licenses as well as specialized certifications in palliative care such as LEAP, and training in dementia and Alzheimer’s, including CARES (dementia certification) and GPA (Gentle Persuasive Approaches in dementia).
“We invest heavily in training to ensure our team members are well prepared to support residents in the best way possible,” says Fleming.
But the Amica team supports more than just physical care and well-being. “We want to make sure residents are dressed for the day and feel a sense of purpose,” says Fleming. “It’s about companionship, sharing a laugh and enjoying quality meals together.”
In fact, each resident is partnered with a peer — based on their interests and lived experiences — when they move in to help them settle in quickly and comfortably. “It’s important to us that residents feel socially connected and engaged from the start; it’s about much more than care alone,” emphasizes Fleming.
Living life to the fullest
Social connection and well-being are key at Amica, as each residence’s life-enrichment team organize a robust schedule of cultural and wellness programs.
“Seven days a week, there’s always something going on,” affirms Ashley Sumler, director of quality of life at Amica. “We have approximately 15 programs per day across a full continuum of care levels.”
From fitness programs, featuring Zumba classes and ballroom dancing, to art therapy and cooking classes, to learning programs with guest speakers.
Plus, regular outings to concerts, theatre, or the ballet, make it easy for residents to enjoy their communities and experience life outside Amica. “Our goal is to inspire people to try something they never could, learn something new, or simply look forward to activities they love,” says Sumler.
She says most seniors across residences participate in the programs, and there’s no minimum number of participants required: “Programming is highly flexible and tailored to the specific residents and their interests.”
As one example, the director related a story of a resident who was losing his vision and wanted to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
The team put it on the social calendar, and that resident was the only person to sign up. So, they arranged for a one-on-one supported visit.
“For that resident, it was incredibly important to him to do that before he lost his vision. So, we helped make that happen,” recalls Sumler.
She stresses the value of Amica’s social programs and the sense of community they encourage, which contributes to improved health and well-being.
“You think about someone who is isolated at home, and the financial burden it can create, considering care and quality of life. Their longevity will be influenced by all these factors from a health outcomes perspective.”
The feeling of being part of something bigger and creating a sense of belonging are at the heart of Amica’s social and cultural programs — and it’s something that can’t be replicated when living at home.
“It creates something worth looking forward to and a reason to get out of bed every day,” says Sumler. “When you get out and you’re with people, there is that feeling of joy that comes with it.”
One resident who lost her husband prior to moving to an Amica residence also lost much of her social community, as her husband was the social one. So, her family was concerned about her settling in.
“This resident hadn’t made new friends in, maybe, 40 years,” says Sumler. “So the team stayed really close to her and built a great relationship. Over time, she really flourished.”
Many residents who are physically challenged, or feel isolated, have had similar experiences after living at an Amica residence.
“Now, they have great social lives and don’t ever want to leave,” says Sumler.
Find out how residents are enjoying great amenities, activities, flexible dining, and personalized service at Amica residences. Book a personal visit today.