What care options should I consider for my elderly parents?

Living options for elderly parents

As your parents age, there is usually a concern about where they can live depending on how much care they will require. In Canada, there are quite a few options for seniors.

Starting to discuss these as a family can help bring clarity later on if a decision needs to be made. This infographic shows you the different living options out there for your family members.

Independent retirement

These are designed for active seniors that don’t need help with daily activities such as personal care, grooming and eating.

Also known as:

55+ Communities
Active Adult Communities
Adult Lifestyle Communities
Life-lease Communities
Retirement Communities
Retirement Homes
Senior Apartments
Senior Housing

Assisted living

For seniors who need help with their daily activities or anticipate needing help soon (e.g., bathing assistance and medication management).

Also known as:

Congregate Care
Independent Supportive Living
Retirement Care
Supportive Housing

Residential Care Home

Private homes that have been adapted to provide assisted care services for a smaller group of residents, usually no more than 15. These offer a more home-like community feeling and offer both short-term and long-term care with more personalized service.

Also known as:

Abbeyfield Style Assisted Living
Adult Foster Care Home
Family Care Homes
Care Homes
Group Home
Personal Care Home

Memory Care Facilities

Provide dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Either a dedicated floor or a full facility. These communities are equipped to provide the specialized care that is needed and usually have alarms on exit doors to prevent their residents from wandering off and getting lost.

Home Care

Live at home with ²⁴⁄₇ help. Allows seniors to stay in their home and have professional live-in care service so that they are provided with the daily support they require to live a healthy and safe life.