Senior Living

Finding The Right Option

Choosing to move a loved one or yourself into a retirement home was never an easy task. Throw in a global pandemic, and a task that was already confusing can feel perplexing and downright scary.

How do you ever start to explore all the retirement living options that are available to you? In fact, do you even start? When is the right time for your loved home to move out of their home? What if they don’t want to leave? How do you even start that conversation? We have a number of tips and guides to help you understand how to find the best option for you or your loved one or feel free to contact us!

Different Types of Retirement Living Options

Our homes offer a variety of services to residents in differing formats which include:

Independent Supportive Living

These are homes designed for seniors living independent lives in personalized apartment homes.  They are for seniors who are still highly-independent but need a little extra help with housekeeping, making meals or having access to 24 hour response, in case something went wrong in the middle of the night.

The services offered in ISL communities include three delicious meals and snacks, housekeeping, recreational and social activities, and round the clock access to help and support.

Assisted Living

In addition to the services provided to ISL residents, our Assisted Living programs, available in some Oxford Living communities, provide seniors with the care and support they need, such as; medication management and assistance in the activities of daily living (e.g. dressing, toileting, etc.).

Short Term/Respite Care

Oxford Living communities also provide respite care. Respite care is a short-term stay at a senior living community. Typically, it supports seniors who are recovering from a hospital visit or other health circumstance. When a caregiver takes a vacation, or needs additional short-term support or when a senior would like to experience a trial period at a community, respite is an excellent option. Oxford’s respite care services are available for a variety of care levels depending on the community.

Safe and Secure Units

Our Safe and Secure programs offer a comfortable, peaceful and nurturing community for those experiencing mild to moderate cognitive impairment, anxiety and confusion; commonly related to early stage dementia. These dedicated spaces within our communities provide residents with experienced, living care teams and controlled access in small, familiar units. We offer specialized dining, activities and personalized care, but on lightened scale when compared to more robust and expensive “Memory Care” units.

Finding the Right Community

Finding the right community starts with a plan. Figure out what features and amenities are important in a community and determine the acceptable distance and travel time from family members and friends. If you have a pet, obviously it’s important to make sure the community is pet-friendly (and luckily all Oxford Living communities are!).

Create a list of decision points and distinguish between things that you’d like versus those things you need (i.e. that aren’t negotiable). This will help you narrow down a list of potential communities. Research potential communities online, consider reviews and schedule visits to tour your shortlist and meet management, staff and other residents.

There are many things to consider with each choice and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Go with your gut and pay attention to what ‘feels most like you or loved one’.