preparing for your move - Comfort Life

A PUBLICATION OF

WWW.COMFORTLIFE.CA

PREPARING FOR YOUR MOVE

R ESID EN CE FIN D ER

Thank you for downloading the latest ebook from Comfort Life— The Trusted Source for Retirement Living and Care. Comfort Life brings you sound planning strategies and advice to ensure you make the right retirement decisions— whether your retirement is imminent or years away.

FIN A N CIN G 101

"Comfort Life helped me understand my retirement living options and offers a step-by-step approach to find the best one for my needs." We hope you enjoy this eBook.

The Comfort Life Team

B EFO R E YO U M OV E

CA R E O P T IO NS

W W W. CO M F O R T L I F E . C A · I N F O @ CO M F O R T L I F E . C A · 1 877. 272.18 45

P R E PA R I N G F O R YO U R M O V E

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table of contents Having the talk

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Change is difficult but it’s not impossible Set aside your preconceptions about retirement residences What to consider when searching for seniors housing Retirement living options Buy, rent or lease

Retirement residence costs

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Having the Talk Now is the time to talk to your parents about moving to a retirement community BY

J O H N

W R IG H T

We never had "the talk"- that discussion we should all have with our parents about where they want to live when they get older, and what arrangements (moving to a retirement or long-term care residence) should be made if they become frail or incapacitated. My dad was an active, independent guy. And when he and mom decided to move from Ottawa to the Toronto area and live with my brother and sister-in-law, there were the usual discussions about new accommodations, financing, wills, medical power of attorney and the like. But a week after moving into the house, my father unexpectedly passed away from congestive heart failure. My mom was devastated, living in new surroundings with family who now were thrust fully into caring for her, since she had broken her hip months before. According to a 2007 Ipsos-Reid poll, one-third of Canadian boomers between the ages of 45 to 60 said they were caregivers for aging relatives. Forty-four percent of those surveyed are members of the Sandwich Generation because they support children as well as an elderly relative.


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As a society, we're going to have some serious decisions to make on long-term care, health-care funding and priorities. Pundits will talk about the responsibilities of governments and stakeholders, they will point fingers at pots of money, or ways to get money, and it will make constitutional wrangling look like a picnic by comparison. So, as Canadians, we intuitively know that this is a big issue and that we're all going to have to deal with it as a society in the next few years. Let me make one sensible suggestion before we let others engage in debate about who does what: take responsibility for your future and those around you, and have the talk. Now I can't recall what I would have said to my dad, or he to me, to engage in such a discussion 20 years ago. My father and I never talked about his finances; dads give advice on how to fix the lawnmower or what car to drive, but when you're growing up there are just some areas where you don't go. But whatever the beginning point—a birthday, an anniversary or a weekend at the cottage—pick a date and have the talk. Many people have prejudices against retirement communities but there are many options available to older adults today. Make those in your family comfortable talking about their roles and responsibilities in the future. Because I'll tell you, it's easier to do it at the cottage than in the intensive care unit, when your thoughts are otherwise occupied.



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take

responsibilit y for you r f ut u re a nd t hose a rou nd you, a nd have the talk



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Change is difficult but it’s not impossible BY

K AT H Y

BA RT H EL

Moving from the home you’ve always known to a new place where you must make a new start can be very stressful. However, we can overcome our fears and learn to embrace change. It’s never too late and it can be done with some planning and the support of a caring team.

Creatures of habit Why is change so hard to accept? We are creatures of habit. There is comfort in what we’ve always known and the place we’ve lived in for many years - even if keeping it clean and tidy is becoming more difficult, even if we can’t prepare the healthy meals we know we should be eating, even if our children and friends are no longer nearby and visiting those who are, is a struggle. We get used to the status quo even if it’s eroding our health or making us feel lonely and isolated and we often wait until an emergency forces us to make a move. Why? How can we get beyond our fear of the unknown, of moving to a new place and away from the home that holds such good memories?


C H A N G E I S D I F F I C U LT N O T I M P O S S I B L E

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Home To e m b r a c e

cha nge you need to

It starts with how we think about home. What is it? A home is not a house - a building with four walls and a roof. A home is about relationships, it’s a place where we have a support system of people we care about and who care about us, where we feel well and

rega in cont rol by

get t ing t he facts in

f ront of you a nd t hen deciding on

a course of action

physically safe, where we enjoy tasty, nutritious meals and have great conversations. It’s a place we are proud of because it is clean and tidy and decorated with our favourite things. Home is a feeling that lives in our hearts and in our relationships much more than it lives in any building. And when our current surroundings no longer support that feeling of home, it’s time to move to a place that does.

Taking control But how can you make that move? If you are fearful of change, if you are doing all you can to avoid or deny it, you may feel like you are losing control - you may feel powerless. To embrace change you need to regain control by getting the facts in front of you and then deciding on a course of action. Change is much less stressful if you have resources to work with and you know what to expect. It is important to remember that you’ve made many challenging decisions in your life and you can make this one too.



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Research The best way to get the information you need in order to make a decision is to research. The Comfort Life site is a great place to start. You will find resources for everything from dealing with your emotions to financing your move and choosing your new home. Compile the information yourself or ask a friend or family member to help you. After you have done your research you will have the tools you need including a budget, a list of what you want in a retirement residence and a list of the residences you want to check out.

Your Team It is very important to gather a team around you – a real estate agent, a financial advisor, someone experienced in downsizing and maybe a counselor. It is also important to have close friends and family members you can rely on. You will have good days and bad days so keep supportive, caring people close to you. Don’t forget that you have made many challenging decisions in your life; this is just one more. You can do it. If you gather the facts and a supportive team you will have the resources you need to make the transition to your new home. And you’ll be embracing change without even realizing it.



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Set aside your preconceptions about retirement residences BY

M AU R EEN

M U R R AY

If you are considering moving to a retirement residence in Canada, you might begin by setting aside some of your outdated preconceptions. Many people carry prejudices against "nursing homes" based on images and ideas that are largely a thing of the past. Today's retirement communities offer retirement living at its best. These are the years to enjoy, focus on yourself and your own interests. Live in a retirement home and discover the whole new world of retirement living today. You might be surprised at how much better life can be.

Here are some questions to ask yourself: • Do you want to stay active but be freed from housework or making meals? • Is living independently becoming more difficult? Do you feel lonely or isolated? • Is maintaining your current home becoming too onerous? • Are you able to meet your personal care needs? • Are daily tasks such as shopping and cooking becoming too much of a burden or would you rather have help? • Are you worried about falling or becoming ill and not being able to get help?


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• Do you want easier access to recreational and social activities? • Do you want to live near others your age? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be ready to consider a retirement community.

Your move into a retirement home can mean any or all of the following: • Start painting again • Get fit and feel stronger and healthier • Volunteer with new friends • Get on Facebook and connect with the grandkids!

The positives of moving into a retirement residence include the following: • Opportunities for companionship and socializing • Promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle with fitness clubs, spas, bowling alleys and putting greens • Large private suites (one and two bedroom) and well-equipped home theatre rooms, offered by many retirement homes • Residents are encouraged to bring - and many suites can accommodate - some familiar home furnishings • Retirement home residents have a lot of independence and privacy but live in a safe environment • Personal support and health-care services can be accessed and paid for as required • Some provide different levels of support services, allowing for aging in place



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Some common questions and concerns about retirement homes Q. I don't want to leave my neighbourhood.

where you can relax alone. You have options for your meals and many come with full kitchenettes.

A. You can use home care services, of course. If

You control your life.

you require a retirement home, though, there is likely a residence close to your current

Q. Will I still be able to use the community

neighbourhood. Use our advanced retirement

support services I relied on while I was in my own

home search to find a location near you. But

home?

remember, you may find that a completely new location will give you a fresh new start. As

A. Residents are eligible to apply to a Community

Statistics Canada says in Living Longer, Living

Care Access Centre (CCAC) for medical or other

Better (September 2004), "Adaptation is vital for

personal help, just as when they lived in their

successful aging and longevity."

own homes, even though they are in a retirement home.

Q. I don't want to part with my possessions. Q. Will a retirement home be the right choice as A. Many residences allow and encourage you to

my need for support increases?

bring some of your possessions with you. You can furnish your room to your style with your

A. Many provide various levels of support and

furniture.

care services, allowing for aging in place. Ask the individual retirement residences what they can

Q. I'm worried about maintaining my

provide you.

independence. A. You maintain your independence and privacy. Most retirement homes have large private rooms



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What to consider when searching for seniors housing BY

M AU R EEN

M U R R AY

Retirement homes appeal to people who can live independently but want to live among other seniors. Communal living alleviates many of the difficulties of aging at home using home care, as much as these services help extend seniors' independence. Today's retirement residences are sensitive to seniors' sensibilities, designed and built to cater to the desires and lifestyles of seniors, and offer accessible accommodations where mature individuals can feel safe yet remain active.


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Here’s a primer on what you’ll find in a typical retirement home: Some distinguishing features of retirement homes: • Vary greatly in size, accommodations, services and amenities • Privately owned, but include both for-profit and not-for-profit operators • Retirement home residents have a great degree of independence, are free to come and go without supervision, and have locks on their doors • Typically a private suite with an ensuite washroom • Some rooms are equipped with kitchenette, but residences also feature common dining rooms • Services generally include 24-hour supervision, meal preparation, laundry/housekeeping, medication distribution and assistance with daily living activities • Option to purchase additional support services as needs and preferences change • Recreational and social programs



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• Some offer light levels of care, others can cater to seniors with mild cognitive impairment • Some offer "assisted living programs" in a number of units that provide an increased level of medical and personal care • Some allow small pets • Great deal of personal choice and options • Waiting lists are more the exception than the rule • Private pay, with generally no government subsidy for accommodation or care • As opposed to long-term care, retirement homes are generally geared to healthier, more active individuals



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Some positives of retirement homes: Many people are leery of even considering life inside a retirement residence, holding a stereotypical view of "nursing homes." However, you need to think about positive things that retirement homes offer:

• There are opportunities for companionship and socializing. • Residents are encouraged to bring some home furnishings. • Residents have a lot of independence and privacy but live in a safe environment. • Individuals in retirement residences are eligible to apply to a Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for medical or other personal help, just as when they were living in their own homes. • Some retirement residences offer different levels of support services or are attached to a long-term care community, and it may be possible to transfer, as more care is required. • After factoring in the cost of property taxes, home maintenance and other current living expenses, the cost of residing in many retirement residences is comparable.



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Absolute musts when considering a retirement home: • Plan ahead: research the option of a retirement home before you need it and discuss it with family members. • Write down your needs and wants, and explore whether the residence you are considering can meet them. • Visit each residence on your list. Go back for a second look. • Ask to see the kitchen. • Get a sample of menus. • Ask for a schedule of the recreational activities. • Go off the beaten track and check out places like stairwells. Are they clean? • Ask staff lots of questions. • Talk to current residents. • Request references.

Download our e-Book



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Active Adult Living Retirement living for baby boomers with an active lifestyle

Active adult retirement communities also go by various other names such as resort communities, 55 plus or adult lifestyle communities. These are ideal for seniors moving through the first phase of their retirement, when they still feel very independent and wish to retain control over most aspects of their lives. Active adult communities are well suited to those who want to leave their retirement options open. Most active adult communities are age-exclusive. The age of exclusion can be 50, 60 or 65. There are communities that do not exclude people on the basis of age. Quite often, these communities are closed off or gated. They may also have on-site security and even health care. Typically, they are associated with amenities appealing to the newly retired. Features might include a country club, golf course, trails, swimming pool, tennis courts, spas, fitness centres and/or a variety of clubs. Active adult community residences may be suites or condominiums in a tower, detached units, town houses, or bungalows. More than retirement living - it's retirement vibrant! Active adult retirement communities are expected to be the biggest trend in retirement living over the next decade or so, as the baby boomers continue to move into retirement. This option appeals to aging baby boomers that want to pursue hobbies and activities they may have put off in the past. It also allows them to slow down just a bit and interact with people sharing their interests. Active adult living is a recent innovation in retirement options, created by and for the baby boom generation. According to a 2005 survey, over 50% of respondents age 50-59 intend to buy a new retirement home. Active lifestyle retirement is significantly different from and more "independent" than the option typically called Independent Living Retirement Homes.


RETIREMENT LIVING OPTIONS

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Independent Living A retirement residence in a community of your peers

Independent living retirement homes are ideal for active, healthy, selfsufficient seniors who want to be with a community of people their same age. While seniors in independent living homes take care of the majority of their own needs, they may also be provided with meals, laundry services, linen delivery and planned activities. Many independent living communities provide some form of transportation service to community members. Independent living communities do not necessarily exclude the option of medical assistance. Residents may be allowed to hire in their own medical help. Many homes may include assistive technologies such as pull cords and handrails. In general, though, residents are in good health and as implied, they need no help from other people.

Types of independent living retirement homes Independent living comes in many different shapes and forms. Housing arrangements can include:

• suites or apartments in a tower • townhouse complexes • mobile homes • standard subdivision complexes • bungalow style single residences or “cluster housing”



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Nanc y & Lloyd Nancy experienced polio as a young girl, but it never slowed her down one bit, although the ravages of post-polio syndrome cause ongoing problems with mobility and pain. Lloyd was a wonderful husband and father, always positive and interested in others, enjoying sports, playing with the

Usually, there will be a communal area but the size of this may vary greatly. Each unit will almost certainly include its own kitchen, even though the residence may offer communal meals. Independent living retirement homes are most often rentals but they can include subsidized housing. The cost of renting can vary widely depending on real estate costs in the region you are considering as well as services offered. In some areas, there can be high cost, high-end independent living available. In some cases, you may have the option of purchasing your home. Things to look for when considering independent senior living:

grandkids and gardening. Both self-described ‘joiners’, they began checking out retirement communities several years ago, made a few trial stays and took their time, choosing a large community near their daughter and her family with numerous amenities and a full range of care options. They are thoroughly enjoying meeting new people, taking on-site courses and signing up for day-

• How convenient is parking? • What is the closest access to public transit? • Is it going to be adaptable to me as I age? • Do the community services offered meet my needs and desires? • Is it convenient for me to get around my home? Consider stairs, width of hallways and doorways, etc. • What do current residents say about the community? As with any move, you will want to carefully consider all aspects of the area. Take your time in making your decision and look at many different independent living communities in your area.

trips every week. "Sure we miss the house and the garden, but I know we made the move at the right time. We’re well enough to make the change now, and we’re glad we did."



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Assisted Living If you don’t want to fully forfeit your independence but would like some help with everyday activities.

Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with some daily activities such as meal preparation, laundry, shopping, medication or mobility but who are not in need of full time care. Assisted living residents may be young or old. This option can be a more sensible alternative to home health care. When considered on a continuum of retirement care, assisted living offers a bit more independence than continued care or traditional nursing homes in Canada. It is also less costly than those options. Assisted living care will cost in the range of $2000 per month in most places in Canada but costs can be much higher for people with high needs. Be wary of scrimping on care costs for your elderly loved ones. Assisted living can also be called any of the following: Board and care homes, Supervised care facilities, Personal care homes, Residential care facilities, Domiciliary care, Supervised care facilities. Services provided include:

• Housekeeping • Meal preparation/cooking • Getting around the house • Getting around town • Grooming and other hygiene • Eating • Bathing and dressing • Toileting/diapering



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Natalie & Henr y Natalie raised eyebrows when she married her much older boss—he was 40, she was 22—but they’ve had a wonderful life together. Natalie is still going strong but Henry, unbelievably, is 100! He’s still alert and cracking jokes, but his personal care has become more than Natalie can manage

Things to consider as you choose an assisted living community Keep these points in mind as you choose an assisted living facility for your senior loved one:

at home. A few months ago, they approached a local retirement residence for a respite stay for Henry, and they both benefited from the break. In fact, on her daily visits, Natalie ran into so many of her friends that she decided on a trial stay for herself. Now they’re both there full time, but with at twist. Each of them are in compact and affordable suites: Henry in assisted living and Natalie in the independent wing. They have all their meals, evening TV and lots of activities together,

• Does the facility meet provincial standards? • Is it accredited by a reputable body? • What are all the costs? • Do they offer a written service policy? • Do residents seem happy or content, with staff and with the facility? • How many staff members are on hand and what general attitude do they express? • Is the housing modern or well designed for contemporary care needs? • Do they allow pets? • Do residents have a choice of where to eat? • Is the facility clean and well kept? • What recreational programs are available and how well suited are they to your loved one?

but overnight, Henry has the care he needs and Natalie can take worry-free time to be with friends old and new, and even spend a few nights with the grandkids at the cottage. "It’s the best of both worlds for us."



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Long-term care homes The companionship and continued care you require in a safe and secure environment. Long-term care retirement homes (also called continuing care facilities or even "nursing homes"*) provide an ideal environment for your vulnerable and elderly loved one. These facilities are beneficial to your senior loved one, bringing him or her out of isolation and into a secure and safer community where needs will be well taken care of. Long-term care gives ailing seniors the chance to continue to participate in recreational and social activities as well as opportunities for companionship. In some people’s minds, long-term care is synonymous with nursing or retirement homes but there are many other options for retirement living in Canada. In a long-term care facility, your loved one will have access to a level of care and support not possible at home.

Considering long-term care in Canada When thinking about long term care in Canada, it is absolutely imperative that you not wait for a crisis. You should discuss retirement home options now.



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K ate & Ja mes After a long and happy marriage to a local minister, Kate was a very lonely widow. She met James on a cruise and although they maintained their own residences, they did everything together – travel, theatre trips,

As you search for long-term care, here are some important things to bear in mind:

evenings at the opera. But things changed when Kate fell and broke her hip; her arthritis, always painful, seemed to take root in the hip joint and walking became agonizing. Daily routines became so awkward that Kate moved into a retirement residence, but her ordeals were just beginning. When one health issue surfaced after another, she was classified as ‘heavy care’ and transferred

• Talk about preferences while your loved one's cognitive abilities are still intact • On-site tours are essential to get a good "feel" of the place in person • Bring a close relative or a friend - several sets of eyes are better than one • Take a good look at the rooms and imagine yourself staying there. Return for a second look or stay overnight • Stay for a meal • Don't be shy - ask staff lots of questions • Talk to current residents • Ask for references • Give yourself or your relative a reasonable amount of time to adjust to life in a new setting

to a long-term care residence. At first she was depressed, but her positive attitude kicked in and she rallied. The residence was new and her room was spacious and

Points to consider:

filled with her favourite furniture.

• What specific care and support is required?

She found she knew many

• What cultural supports are important?

residents from her minister’s-wife days and became the life and soul

• What spiritual supports are important?

of the dining room. James visits

• What types of things will make the move to a long term care home comfortable?

daily and they continue to attend concerts and the opera. "Yes, this is where I live – but it’s not who I am. I’m still me."



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• Is 24-hour care and supervision required? • Is my relative's impairment cognitive, physical or both? • What would make me worry less about my care and safety, or that of my relative?

Some natural concerns for those facing long-term care: • I don't want to go into an impersonal institution • I love my home and I don't want to part with my personal possessions • Will I be served familiar foods? Will I be understood in my mother tongue? • I have guilt pangs about putting my mom or dad "away" • Will my relative be well cared for in a compassionate manner?

What do they cost? • Basic or standard rooms are the least expensive and, in older buildings, tend to accommodate more than two residents • There are also more expensive options such as "Preferred accommodations," usually semi-private or private rooms with more amenities



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• Subsidies for basic or standard rooms are available for seniors with annual personal income at a certain level. At the time of this writing, that figure was more than $12,000 but less than $19,163.88. (You are expected to contribute a maximum of 30 per cent of their income) • Your costs may be covered by your provinces’ health care insurance

More positives about long-term care communities in Canada • Some long-term care communities welcome some smaller furnishings and personal mementoes from home • Some settings cater to particular cultural tastes, linguistic or religious backgrounds

*Within the senior care industry it is customary to correct people when they refer to "nursing homes." The phrase "nursing homes" has gone out of vogue because it implies that seniors require constant nursing. It has also become attached to negative media stories about abusive or neglectful treatment of the elderly. In any case, "nursing homes" is not used in the industry, where the phrase "long-term care" has a more modern, professional connotation.



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Alzheimer’s Care Homes The care you need to deal with this difficult disease.

Retirement homes with Alzheimer's care are the absolute ideal place for your senior parent if he or she is suffering from the degenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease. In most cases, these homes integrate Alzheimer's patients with other residents, well aware that the social aspect of living is one of the most important kinds of therapy patients can receive. In a retirement home they will have a wealth of experience in dealing with Alzheimer's patients, knowing when and how to help them and how to deal with the many different aspects of the disease, including memory loss, tendencies to wander or behave violently and all other related incidentals.

Retirement homes specializing in Alzheimer's care Alzheimer's patients require extensive care, treatment and monitoring. Homes that specialize in this may have an Alzheimer's care unit specially prepared to help your loved one. These units may be specially secured to protect patients and will have certified nurses and care on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.



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“

I wou ld n' t

change t his for

t h e w o r l d . We h a v e ever y t h ing here.

Sometimes, I think I

a m over-ent husiast ic about living here–

but I don' t t h i n k so.

L I V IN G

O P T IO NS

You may also note that public nursing homes may not be as well prepared to offer the care required. For example, a 2008 report estimated that most seniors housed in long-term care facilities in Canada get an average of 2.6 hours of personal attention and care per day. Patients in advanced stages of the disorder may require aid around the clock with every small task they need to perform. They are often completely dependent on others for daily wellbeing and unable to perform personal tasks such as bathing, dressing and brushing teeth, let alone feeding. However, to receive this level of care you may have to pay very high care costs. Full service communities like this can cost in the range of $6,000 to $9,000 per month in Canada, covering assistance such as full time

—B O B

( L I V I N G

W I T H

H I S

A L Z H EI M ER'S - ST R I C K EN W I F E LO D G E

AT )

I N

ER I N

personal care, housekeeping, meals, medication, occupational therapy and physiotherapy and onsite doctor care.

M I L L S

M I S S I S S AU G A .



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Buy, Rent or Lease? Here’s a brief look at how you may choose to pay for your retirement residence.

Traditional Rental Most residents of retirement residences and communities are tenants; they pay a monthly fee for their accommodations and accompanying amenities. Across Canada, monthly fees range from $1,800 to $4,500 depending on the size and location of the accommodations, and the quality and array of the amenities. The fees cover room and board, perhaps light housekeeping, and use of amenities. Personal support and health-care services are generally available for an additional fee. Retirement homes are privately funded and, as rental accommodations, fall under the Tenant Protection Act, which requires a written tenancy agreement for each resident. You can read more about the option of retirement home rentals.


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Life Lease For some time, the retirement lifestyle landscape has included life leases, which give seniors a stake in a community but do not involve traditional home ownership. Residents buy a lease or leasehold interest in their accommodations, giving them a right to occupy their unit and use of amenities, such as dining rooms and recreational facilities. Life lease communities tend to be sponsored by non-profit organizations, which provide the capital to build the development. Life leases vary greatly in cost, depending on location and the amenities offered by the community, but buying into a development tends to be lower than market value. Read more about life lease retirement homes.

Ownership A new ownership option, the retirement condominium, is gaining a firm foothold in the retirement residence and communities sector. These market value condominiums are attached or linked to a retirement residence offering a range of amenities, including housekeeping, personal support and health services, available for a fee. The condos are marketed to healthy and active seniors, who want to age in place and be able to access certain services as needed over time. The services are available within the same complex as the need arises. This ownership option may appeal to a couple, when each person needs a different level of support from a retirement facility. A one-bedroom retirement condominium in Greater Toronto starts at about $240,000, while a two-bedroom suite can go for $300,000 or more. A monthly fee covers amenities and meals; other services can be purchased individually. Read more about retirement home condominiums in Canada.


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C OSTS

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C OSTS

Retirement residence costs across Canada Most residents of retirement communities pay monthly rent for their accommodations. Across Canada, monthly fees range from $1,909 to $3,530, depending on the size and location of the accommodations and the quality and number of amenities. Residents can also purchase a retirement condo. A one-bedroom retirement condominium in the Greater Toronto Area starts at about $240,000, while a two-bedroom suite can go for $300,000 or more. Life leases give seniors a stake in a community but do not involve traditional home ownership. Residents have the right to occupy their unit and use amenities such as dining rooms and recreational facilities. Life lease communities tend to be sponsored by non-profit organizations and vary greatly in cost depending on location and amenities, but buying into a development tends to be lower than market v alue.


R E T I R E M E N T R E S I D E N C E CO S T S

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Tips • Find costs you can manage based on your specific needs and desired location. 

Average monthly rent across Canada

• Each combination of location, payments and services results in a different monthly cost. • Personal support and health-care services are generally available for an additional fee. 

AV E R A G E CO S T AV E R A G E CO S T ( H E AV Y C A R E )

• Ask the retirement community you are interested in for their rates. 

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• The most common types of retirement communities allow residents to continue living independent and active lifestyles. With the least amount of extra care provided by retirement residence staff, the costs of independent living communities and active adult living communities are generally lower priced. 

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• You can get special discounts for a couple or a second person living in the same residence. This should be taken into account when planning for the retirement of other family members and can be an excellent way to cut costs. 

• The costs at retirement communities that provide intensive attention to residents, such as Alzheimer’s care and longterm care facilities are slightly higher.

H E AV Y C A R E : 1. 5 H O U R S O R M O R E O F C A R E P E R D AY



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Cost by province Cost of Ontario Retirement Homes Ontario has by far the widest range of costs for retirement homes, including the cheapest and the most expensive rates across Canada. Retirement home costs range from as little as $1,489.00 for a semiprivate or ward room in Cambridge to $5,586.00 per month to rent a two-bedroom in Ottawa-East. Ontario's retirement homes cover a wide range of specialized needs and forms of care. O N TA R I O $ 1, 4 8 9 . 0 0

TO

$ 5 , 5 8 6 . 0 0

Individual retirement homes will be able to tell you more specifically what you can expect to pay for suites or units. View our complete list of retirement homes in Ontario.

Cost of BC Retirement Homes British Columbia follows Ontario in number of retirement homes and range of retirement home costs. Rental prices range from $1,510.00 for a bachelor room in North Okanagan, to $5,209.00 for a two-bedroom in Vancouver. British Columbia’s retirement homes offer the best of services and amenities. View Comfort Life's listings of retirement homes in British Columbia B R I T I S H $ 1, 510 . 0 0

C O LU M B I A TO

for the costs of each retirement suite.

$ 5 , 2 0 9 . 0 0



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Cost of Quebec Retirement Homes The average rent is $1,466.00 for a private room or one-bedroom compared to $1,855.00 for a two-bedroom. A bachelor is the most economical with an average monthly rent of $1,286.00

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Cost of Saskatchewan Retirement Homes Rental prices range from $1,542.00 for a semi-private room in Saskatchewan (excluding Regina and Saskatoon) to $3,524.00 for a twobedroom in Regina.

S A S K ATC H E WA N: $ 1, 5 4 2 . 0 0

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$ 3 , 5 2 4 . 0 0

Cost of Manitoba Retirement Homes The average monthly rent for a standard space is $2,227.00. The highest rent is for a two-bedroom in Winnipeg at $2,746.00 while the lowest average rent is $1,901.00 in Manitoba buildings opened before 1990.

M A N I TO B A $ 1, 9 01. 0 0

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R E T IR EM EN T

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Cost of Alberta Retirement Homes Rents average $2,567.00 per month. What accounts for this price is the fact that in Alberta, residents often receive health care and other amenities in their residences. The highest average rent is $2,989.00 in Calgary. Calgary also has the highest percentage of units in the $3,000.00 and higher range. The city with the lowest average monthly rent is Edmonton at $2,318.00 A L B ER TA $ 2 , 318 . 0 0

TO

$ 2 , 9 8 9 . 0 0

Cost of Maritimes Retirement Homes As it goes with real estate in general, in the Maritimes, New Brunswick retirement homes are the country’s most affordable, with an average rent of $1,593.00 per month. The highest average monthly rents are in Nova Scotia at $2,251.00. Of course, the quality of New Brunswick’s M A R I T I M ES $ 1, 5 9 3 . 0 0

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retirement homes is the same as that offered throughout the rest of the country. Seniors live in great comfort on the East Coast in the retirement home of their choice. The cost of individual retirement home units varies considerably depending on the size of the unit as well as the amenities and features you require. To get all the details, view our complete listings of retirement homes in the Maritime provinces.



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A comparison of independent living retirement home costs across Canada: For independent living retirement homes across Canada, here are the costs you can expect to find:

Home costs across Canada

B R I T I S H $ 1, 510 . 0 0

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$ 3 , 5 2 4 . 0 0

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Get more information on topics related to preparing your move at www.comfortlife.ca You’ll find many resources including these helpful articles: H OW TO D OW NSIZE A N D K E Y A DV ICE A N D T IPS

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