Unfortunately, in most cases when you’re in the public system you have no choice regarding where you get to live. You are placed where the system finds a space open. It could be in a community you don’t even know. We recommend planning before these situations are forced upon you so that you can make the decisions that you want for your life, or for those of people you love.
Our business revolves around recommending retirement residences for independent living. Our 100-point evaluation determines your wishes and that information is used to help find the ideal residence for the needs you expressed. Like a real estate agent who helps direct you to homes you might like, we only show you what’s out there. It’s entirely up to you from that point on as to where you choose to move. We recommend that you make your final decision very carefully, as you would with any major decision in life.
Definitions change depending on the perspective of the people who deal with seniors. The differences usually have to do with the level of support you need. Golden Transitions uses the following definitions (which may be different from those of health authorities or other organizations):
With independent living you’re giving up a large home and moving into a smaller, more efficient residence that’s more manageable for people when they age.
Supported living is when you need support from a family member. It could be simply having a family member or someone else coming by when you need to travel somewhere because you are no longer driving.
Assisted living is the next level up where you could have a nurse coming in daily to give you medical support, or someone looking after you on a more frequent basis because of health issues.
Needs that go beyond assisted living are referred to as complex care. These can include intense medical care for issues such as Alzheimer’s.
Costs can range anywhere from $1600 per month to over $6000 depending on location, size of suite and amenities.