At With Care Solutions, we offer services that are as compassionate as they are comprehensive–and that includes ensuring that our clients (and their families) are fully up to date about what our aging-in-place services entail… and how they can make a meaningful difference for the people we serve.
This article is for people looking at aging-in-place support for themselves or for the seniors in their lives. At With Care Solutions, we can help you feel confident and comfortable that everything is being taken care of with the royal treatment.
What is Aging in Place?
In Canada, aging in place is defined as “having the health and social support and services you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community for as long as you wish and are able.”
The earlier you and your loved ones start planning for aging in place, the easier the transition will be. The core points to consider include:
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- How senior-friendly your home is (how many stairs are there? Is it wheelchair-accessible? Is there the option to install a sit-down bathtub to mitigate the risk of injury?)
- How senior-friendly your community is (do you live in a busy community in the Greater Toronto area? What supports or services are available close by in case of a medical emergency?)
- How strong your social supports are (if you can’t live entirely independently, who can be relied on to help you with day-to-day tasks? Do you have loved ones nearby who can visit you regularly to keep you emotionally fulfilled or bring essentials if needed?)
- How financially stable you are (what level of income needs to be maintained to sustain your standard of living as you age? What assistance and benefits are available to you?)
Aging in place covers a lot of ground, and many of the features can be added during a renovation long before you need them. Components, like blocking in the bathroom for handholds or in the ceiling for patient lifts or slings, can be buried behind the drywall until it’s needed, while other aspects, like drawer-style microwaves that eliminate the threat of spilling a hot soup on yourself, can be added when the time is right. Many of the tenets of universal design can help significantly with aging in place, so if you’re looking at building or remodelling your home, we should talk about what can be done today to make your golden years at home safer and more comfortable.
“Fear of falling causes seniors to limit their activities, social interactions and exercise. This inactivity leads to muscle weakness, especially in the spine and hip areas, and a loss of core strength that can lead to balance issues and falls.” – Dr. Elham Arghami
What Support Exists in Toronto to Assist Older Adults?
With over 15 years of experience with older adults and adults with physical difficulties, our founder, Lindsay King, proudly offers her comprehensive aging-in-place services across the Greater Toronto Area.
Lindsay is a:
As a former manager of client services and other roles with community agencies, Lindsay’s mission is straightforward: help families navigate the healthcare and home care systems, leverage community resources, and plan for both present and future stages of care.
We do this through our array of senior-centric services, such as:
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- comprehensive aging-in-place options, all the way from home safety assessments to injury-proofing your home;
- helping you or your loved one navigate age-related crises as they come up;
- downsize, sort, and declutter your belongings;
- unpacking and settling into your new home if you choose to transition to a new property; and
- stage your home with the help of local realtors familiar with the Greater Toronto Area’s dynamic real estate market should you choose to sell.
While there’s nothing quite like the comfort of home, the thought of aging in place without professional help can make even the most confident of seniors nervous. We eliminate those stressors before they pop up–and nip future concerns in the bud before they’ve even crossed your mind!
Is Aging in Place in Toronto a Good Idea?
When done right, aging in place is safe, convenient, and positive. Because falls are the number one risk to seniors (causing 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations per year), our priority at With Care Solutions is to ensure our clients are living in a space that’s conducive to long-term living. We start with a home safety assessment to offer an objective look at the home environment… without the finger-wagging or emotional outlook that family members may have.
Each and every one of our clients is treated like royalty. To determine if aging in place is a good idea for you or your loved one in the Greater Toronto Area, let’s start with a 100% free consultation, to find the answers to many of the questions that might impact your decision. What’s your or your loved one’s current state of health? Which area do you live in, and is that the area you’re looking to stay in throughout retirement? What concerns or existing problems does your property have that you think may hold you back from aging in place?
Do Seniors Want to Age in Place?
If you or your loved one want to age in place, you should know that you’re far from alone!
In North America, a staggering 90% of those over the age of 65 would prefer to stay in their homes rather than move into a new property or a senior care center. For many older people, maintaining their sense of independence is essential and contributes to their overall quality of life.
That’s why so many prefer to age in place: it allows older adults to retain a level of control over their lives by carrying out routine tasks like going to the grocery store, enjoying their garden or surrounding area, and visiting with neighbours. And so much more.
When combined with in-home medical or services, aging-in-place solutions provide many seniors with the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest–in the place and space they love best.
Looking to Age in Place? Book Your Free Consultation Today
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and would like more information about aging in place for your home, give us a call for a free consultation.
You’re not alone. Rather than navigating through the twists and turns of everything aging in place entails, turn your worries over to a professional so that the process can be done right the first time. Contact us today–we can’t wait to take this journey with you!