Dad's big decision

[a1mamacat]

He has tried living on his own, since Mom died, and is finding that it is too lonely, he is not eating right, and that with winter around the corner, he will be housebound, unable to use his scooter to get out.

He is touring local Assisted Living facilities, and thinks he has found one he would like. Now we just have to wait his application to get processed to get on the waiting list. He wants a 2 bedroom, but if he takes a more available one bedroom, then he can move up on the priority list for the 2 bedroom.

3 meals, gourmet chef and elegant dining room, coffee bar, exercise centre, bus service to shop, games room, theatre, housekeeping , 24 hour on call staff and nursing care. We are lucky that he is well enough off, income wise, to be able to afford what he wants.



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Oh, and he has decided to GIVE me the new house, 2 bedroom single level half duplex..(Canada doesn't have a tax or limit on family gifts). My brother agrees with him, as he says I have done all the work over the past 2 years to help care for them.

EEEEK!

[Estonut]

He is touring local Assisted Living facilities, and thinks he has found one he would like. Now we just have to wait his application to get processed to get on the waiting list. He wants a 2 bedroom, but if he takes a more available one bedroom, then he can move up on the priority list for the 2 bedroom.

3 meals, gourmet chef and elegant dining room, coffee bar, exercise centre, bus service to shop, games room, theatre, housekeeping , 24 hour on call staff and nursing care. We are lucky that he is well enough off, income wise, to be able to afford what he wants.

Many of these facilities today are amazing places, nowhere near the "old folks warehouses" of yesteryear. A few things I've learned in the last few years:
• For active residents, activities can be key. You mentioned bus service for shopping. That is good. How often? You also mentioned "theatre." Is that on-site? How often do they show movies and are the residents part of the selection process? My aunt in Toronto moved to a great place that has little trips all the time. Besides shopping, they have frequent excursions to theatres (for plays), museums, and just out to nearby parks for picnic lunches. They offer so much stuff that most everyone there can choose many stimulating adventures to get them out of the facility regularly.
• You mentioned on call staff and nursing care. It is easiest if you choose a facility which will still care for him, should his condition and/or abilities deteriorate. What I mean is that you don't want to have to keep moving to different facilities should his level of required care increase.

[ghostjmf]

I don't know how it works it Canada, but in the US the staff at such facilities will diagnose patient & call EMTs, but not do anything "hands on" to save a patient in crisis.

You need a place where the nursing staff is allowed to save a patient.

[BackInTex]

That all sounds wonderful. I'm glad you're happy (at least seem to be) with it all. Good luck to Dad at the new place.

[Ritterskoop]

Sounds good for him AND for you.

[mellytu74]

This is such wonderful news!!

[tlynn78]

Lots of transitions for you, Saucy. Best wishes!