(NC) We all want the best quality of life during our retirement years. Whether you’re planning for your own future or that of a loved one, making wise choices is essential for enjoying this life stage.

There are many helpful online resources available when searching for a retirement home in the province, and the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority is one of them.

The provincial government has given the organization the responsibility for informing and protecting seniors living in retirement homes and providing information to help those looking for a home make an informed decision. They license, inspect and regulates retirement homes, as well as keep a public register of all licensed retirement homes in Ontario.

You can find information including what services the home is licensed to offer, as well as the home’s inspection reports on the public register. You can also look up homes by name, license status, city or even postal code – there are more than 750 in the province.

Licensed retirement homes must meet the requirements and standards set out in the law when they are providing accommodation and care. In Ontario, the law requires that retirement homes be places where people can live with dignity, respect, privacy and autonomy. Residents have the right to live in security, safety and comfort and the right to make informed choices about their care options.

When selecting a retirement home, some key point to keep in mind include:

• Always choose a licensed retirement home. The term “retirement home” can be used by anyone, but only residents of a licensed retirement home are protected by the RHRA.
• Always review the care services listed as well as the inspection reports of the home.
• If you or a loved one is a resident, know your rights. The Residents’ Bill of Rights must be posted in the home and you can also find it online.
• If you suspect neglect or abuse in a retirement home or are not sure if a home is licensed, contact the provincial regulator.

Staying healthy into your golden years

(NC) While many of us fear growing old — the achy knees, the spotty memory, the spectre of illness — we really don’t have to. With a few lifestyle precautions (and a dose of good luck) old age can be defined by thriving health.

Healthy-worker.ca, an initiative by Public Services Health & Safety Association, provides five tips for aging well into your golden years:

1. Prevention. Certain diseases are hard-wired into us through genetics. But we tend to overlook the fact that many illnesses that occur later in life are preventable through minor lifestyle changes. For instance, heart disease, the top cause of death among seniors, is associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, immobility and poor diet.
2. Eat right. Nutrition is one of the most important components of aging well. A nutritious and balanced diet improves physical health, regulates stress and promotes social inclusion. And if you cook for yourself and your family into your later years, it keeps your body moving and your mind sharp.
3. Keep moving. Never overlook physical activity. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, dancing, yoga or cycling can reduce the risk of disorders like heart disease and type 2 diabetes by around 50 per cent. That’s in addition to the social and mental health benefits of staying active.
4. Stay mentally strong. Probably the most overlooked factor on this list is mental health. Without a clear state of mind, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is next to impossible. Staying healthy as we age isn’t merely about the absence of sickness or disease, it’s about a holistic view of well-being that encompasses the physical, emotional, social and mental.
5. Get connected. Age is just a number, and it’s certainly no excuse to stop learning, sharing, building relationships and making memories. So check out initiatives like the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which empowers seniors to get connected with one another, have fun and stay healthy.

Get tips on finding balance and staying healthy and safe at healthy-worker.ca.

Retirement homes: 4 things to know before the big move

(NC) Any life change can be daunting and moving often sits near the top of the list. This is especially true if you’re transitioning from the place you’ve lived for much of your life to a retirement home.Whether it’s you, your parents or another loved one taking this next step, consider these four important steps before making the big move.

1. Understand care options. Retirement homes offer a variety of care and assistance options for their residents, ranging from independent living to assistance for those who have complex care needs. Retirement homes are different than long-term care homes, which require residents to meet admission criteria and are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the publicly funded health care system covers care costs. See if the home you’re looking into can support you in the event your health changes, and what arrangements can be made in the home to coordinate care with private or publicly funded care providers.
2.  Check the reputation. You want to review the home’s inspection reports. One way to check the status of licensed retirement homes is through the public register offered by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority, which is responsible for inspecting and regulating retirement homes in Ontario.
3. Know your rights. The Retirement Homes Act sets out a Residents’ Bill of Rights. This includes the right for residents to live in a safe and clean environment, the right to know what care services are provided and how much they cost, the right to fully participate in care planning and decisions, and much more. Licensed retirement homes are required to display their license, as well as a copy of the Residents’ Bill of Rights and information on how residents can file a complaint.
4. Know where to turn to for help. Retirement home residents are protected by the RHRA, which is responsible for informing and protecting seniors living in retirement homes or those looking for a home. You can count on the organization to respond to complaints or concerns relating to a licensed retirement home in Ontario and to take appropriate action. Complaints they investigate include risk of harm, abuse, neglect or misuse of a resident’s money.

How to help a grieving friend or family member

(NC) Grief can be all-encompassing and is a form of loss that each of us will have to face at some point in our lives. If you’ve experienced it, you’ve likely found ways to cope and can recognize how personal the process is.

When a friend or family member is experiencing grief, there is a role you can play in helping them through the hard times. Consider these tips from Arbor Memorial:

Ask how you can help. Try to take a few tasks off their plate. Your loved ones might not know what they need and there are many ways you can help. Consider making meals and delivering them, shoveling their driveway or mowing their lawn. Even the smallest actions can go a long way when someone is grieving.

Be respectful of their coping methods. Reserve judgement. Whatever their reaction, grieving is normal and everyone experiences it differently. Listen and let them talk as much as they need to, but also be comfortable with silence.

Be patient. Grief doesn’t fade with the funeral flowers. Let your loved one know on a regular basis that you’re aware they’re still in pain. Continue to be there for them for as long as they need.

“There’s plenty of support following a loss, during the initial period of shock – but that support may dwindle long before the need for it fades,” explains Sean Marenger, a branch manager at Arbor Memorial.

“In the weeks following a death, don’t let the fear of saying the wrong thing keep you from reaching out – there is never a wrong time to help.”

When offering your support, remember that grief is a process, not an event – and it takes time.

Retiring soon? Senior living options

(NC) Whether you’re looking for a retirement home for yourself or a family member, there are many seniors’ housing options in Ontario to choose from. When you’re choosing a home, it’s important to have a plan that takes your personal care, lifestyle and budgetary needs into account.

Retirement homes are different from long-term care homes (also referred to as nursing homes), in many ways. If you are considering a retirement home, here’s what you need to know:

The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority oversees retirement homes, while the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regulates long-term care homes. Both are governed by regulations that protect residents.

Here are some key differences to consider between these two senior living options:

Eligibility. You don’t need to meet specific criteria to be eligible to live in a retirement home and you make arrangements directly with the retirement home. With a long-term care home, residents must meet eligibility criteria and Local Health Integration Networks arrange all applications and admissions

Assistance. People who live in retirement homes range from fully independent to those who have more complex care needs. Retirement homes choose what care services to offer residents. This means residents can purchase any of the care services offered by the retirement home, or arrange for external care providers, including either private-pay or publicly funded options.

Long-term care homes provide 24-hour nursing, personal care and assistance with daily activities.

Funding. Retirement homes do not receive government funding and residents pay the full cost of their accommodation and any care services they choose to purchase from the home directly. Residents can also arrange to have publicly funded services provided through the Local Health Integration Network. Residents in long-term care homes have their clinical care needs assessed and met through the home, which is publicly funded, but must pay for their accommodation. Those who can’t afford accommodation costs may be eligible for government subsidies.

Find more information at rhra.ca.

How to handle family disagreements about end-of-life plans

(NC) If someone dies without plans in place, there are a multitude of things to do and decisions to make within 72 hours. This could lead to a myriad of possible disagreements. Planning ahead can help to alleviate some of the stress on family members and friends.

Sharing your end-of-life plans with loved ones can be both difficult and uncomfortable, but doesn’t have to be. Although it’s a challenge, it’s a conversation that needs to be had to best ensure final wishes are met without difficulty.

To help make the process easier, consider the following tips.  

Have an open conversation. It’s better to discuss difficult decisions rather than relying on loved ones to make assumptions about your wishes at a time when they’ll be full of emotions. When discussing your wishes, be honest, forthcoming and offer thoughtful explanations about the decisions you’ve made.

Assign a ‘doer.’ Your executor is responsible for making funeral arrangements as well as protecting your estate. These important duties require a lot of time and effort, along with the ability to make intelligent, and sometimes difficult, decisions. Choose someone you know and trust who is comfortable communicating with your loved ones.

Sharing responsibilities. You’re never going to make everyone happy and you need to accept that. When it comes to your final wishes, delegating responsibilities and dividing your assets can come with some confusion or hurt feelings.

“Many people are uncomfortable, but it can help to encourage family members to participate in the process of discussing final plans,” shares Shannon Burberry, branch manager at Arbor Memorial. “When family members participate, they develop a better understanding of your wishes and the reasons behind them.”

Act as a mediator. When emotions are heightened, even the smallest of decisions can stir a reaction from family members. Encourage others to share their concerns so you can act to remedy them.