Assisted Living Gives Seniors Independent Living And Help When Needed

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living residences we provide housing, hospitality services and personalized assistance services for adults who can live independently but require regular assistance with daily activities, usually because of age, illness or disabilities. Support services promote occupants' independence, while involving family and friends in their care.

Assisted living residences combine building features and services that enable people to remain in their community as long as they are able to self-direct their own care. They maximize independence, while promoting choice, self-direction and dignity.

Housing

Assisted living residences can range from a high rise apartment complex to a private home. Units can vary from one room to private, self-contained apartments. Residences may be located on their own or housed with other residential options, such as supportive housing (for people with lower care needs) or residential care.

Services

Hospitality services consist of:

meals;
housekeeping;
laundry;
social and recreational opportunities; and
a 24-hour response system.

Personal assistance services may include assistance with tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing and mobility.

Other specific nursing and rehabilitation tasks, such as assistance with medication, may be delegated by a health care professional to personal assistance staff.

Moving In

Publicly-funded assisted living residences are available to seniors and people with disabilities who:

are able to make informed decisions about their daily activities and personal assistance services; and
are able to communicate and be understood by personal assistance staff or by a spouse living with them who can communicate with staff on their behalf; and
are able to use an emergency response system and take direction in an emergency, such as a fire.

Moving Out

A client is required to move out of assisted living if:

they are no longer able to self-direct their own care; or
their behavior jeopardizes their or others' safety and well-being; or
they are not complying with the terms of their occupancy (or residency) agreement.

If a client's care needs can no longer be met in an assisted living residence, they may be eligible to move into a residential care facility or will be helped to locate other appropriate accommodation and services.