Find Alzheimer's care and memory care now
In recent years, Alzheimer’s treatment and research has seen impressive improvements, but not much progress toward a cure. Because technology and innovation has advanced, Alzheimer’s care homes, including those listed below, now have better resources to deal with this disease than they have ever had. With 24-hour on-site staff, including nurses and doctors, these communities are often the best place for dementia sufferers. They also help patients and families deal with the physical and emotional aspects of the illness, with the goal of ensuring that patients live a fulfilling and enjoyable life, while adequately controlling and treating the symptoms of their disease.
FEATURED
The Manor Villages StayWell Manor
174 Ypres Green SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2T 6M2
Staywell Manor Village offers elegant retirement living in the heart of Calgary. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we have lifestyle options to meet your needs. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standards of service. Offering a full continuum of care, a variety of amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park
22 Shawnee Hill S.W., Calgary,
Alberta, T2Y 0P8
Within walking distance of one of Calgary’s finest parks in SW Calgary, this unique all-inclusive community provide a wide range of services and amenities for every lifestyle choice. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
FEATURED
Amica Dundas
50 Hatt Street, Dundas,
Ontario, L9H 0A1
This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2J7
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
One Kenton Place
1 Kenton Drive, North York,
Ontario, M2R 2H6
We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
FEATURED
Baycrest Terraces
55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M6A 2Z1
We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence located on the Baycrest campus. We offer Independent & Assisted Living and Memory Care. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Aspira Kensington Place Retirement Living
866 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M3H 2T5
A resort-like retirement residence in Toronto featuring a fitness centre, beauty salon and a variety of other luxuries, including a private dining room and more. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Amica The Glebe
33 Monk Street, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1S 5X6
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Garneau Hall Seniors Community
10923 82 Ave NW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6G 2N9
Located in the heart of the Garneau district of Edmonton, Garneau Hall offers seniors a caring environment with the added comforts of home and the opportunity for an enriched new life. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Garrison Green by United Active Living
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3E 0C9
At Garrison Green by United Active Living, we offer memory care, independent, and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, flexible dining, underground parking and much more! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence
3841 Allan Drive SW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6W 4B8
An upscale retirement community with art studio, pool, yoga room and more. Located in Ambleside (Windermere) in south Edmonton with convenient access to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care |
Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans,
Ontario, K4A 0N2
Located in Orleans, Promenade is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-229-7973. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Forest Valley Terrace By Symphony
1510 St. Joseph Boulevard, Orleans,
Ontario, K1C 7L1
Forest Valley Terrace is proud to be the only community that is specifically designed & dedicated to the unique needs of seniors with all stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory impairment in Ottawa. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2E 0B3
Located in Citiplace, Ravines is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-223-8506. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Carleton Place Terrace by Symphony
6 Arthur Street, Carleton Place,
Ontario, K7C 4S4
We offer a truly all inclusive plan. We welcome pets: offer residents accommodation options .Our array of activities & chef-prepared meals keep our residents healthy & active. Offering beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love! Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Amica Stoney Creek
135 King St. E, Stoney Creek,
Ontario, L8G 0B2
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Amica Taunton
85 Taunton Road East, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0S4
AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Richmond Care Home
27 Nixon Farm Drive, Richmond,
Ontario, K0A 2Z0
Richmond Care Home is a unique 16-unit retirement home designed for women living with dementia. We offer exceptional long-term and respite memory care, that's very reasonably priced in an intimate home-like setting. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Trico LivingWell
7670 4A St SW #100, Calgary,
Alberta, T2V 4S3
Trico LivingWell is designed to empower older adults to live their best lives by facilitating inclusivity and togetherness through a holistic health, empathetic and personalized approach to aging. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Riverside Glen
60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 8M8
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care |
The Village at University Gates
250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2J 0E2
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0C9
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Aster Gardens
7 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park,
Alberta, T8H 1Y7
Aster Gardens, an Optima Living community, opened in March 2021, we are transforming Senior's living. You are going to love living here....Let Us Welcome You Home! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life! Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Waterford
1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen,
British Columbia, V4L 2P9
Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Amica Little Lake
70 Lakeside Terrace, Barrie,
Ontario, L4M 0J2
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
OPAL Vancouver
438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5Y 05M
438 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 0M5 Opal offers a full continuum of support from Independent Living to Complex Care/Dementia Care/Long Term Care. Allowing the opportunity for aging in place. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Symphony Senior Living Kanata
27 Weaver Crescent, Kanata,
Ontario, K2K 2Z8
Enjoy the natural setting of the surrounding Kanata Lakes with access to all essential amenities. Symphony Senior Living Kanata is community that offers a variety of service packages and suites to fulfill all your needs. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Winston Park
695 Block Line Road, Kitchener,
Ontario, N2E 3K1
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Amica Pickering
1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0G2
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, a terrace garden, daily fitness, a vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
Located in Central Park, Independent Seniors will find a home in our Seniors' Suites. Those needing more care find comfort in our Retirement Residence. We're focused on exceeding expectations. Call today 613-266-1354. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Credit River - Verve Senior Living
175 Rutledge Rd., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 0X7
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Home care companies |
Nurse For Care
2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto,
Ontario, M1K 2P5
We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
Take It Easy Care Inc.
Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, Whitby, Oshawa,
Ontario, .
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in tailoring our services to meet their unique needs, recognizing that no two individuals are the same. Whether it's medical care, companionship, or assistance Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Home Care |
Richmond Heights Health Clinic and Home Care
10520 Yonge Street, Unit 4, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 3C7
Richmond Heights Health Clinic & Home Care, provides compassionate 24 hour personalized senior care services with bonded, registered & licensed Nurses / RPN's, in your home, hospital, rehab, LTC & retirement communities. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers and nurses to help seniors and people with medical challenges to remain living in their own home with safety and comfort. Also ask about our hospital bedside support. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
During early stages of the disease, it might make fiscal sense for families to persist in providing personal caregiving for an Alzheimer's sufferer. When this becomes overwhelming, at some point, the family may supplement this with home health care services or engage local adult day programs. These agencies and program providers are professionally prepared to help Alzheimer's sufferers, and can be a healthy part of a mindful care plan. Face up to the consequences of the disease, plan as much as possible, so that you do your best to provide your loved one with the best care throughout the disease's progress. Ideally, one person in the family will take on the role of point person in a full dementia care plan, with support from other family members. There will be trial and error over time, but families can find solace in their efforts to do their best to provide the best possible care for family members in decline.
It’s a bad situation. Denial will not make it better. Planning will.
It’s important that family members face the harsh reality, that Alzheimer’s is ultimately fatal, and your loved one will inevitably require long-term care. Empower yourself with knowledge about the long term care system in your province. Understand that not all long-term care homes are the same. Plan ahead, research which are best, understand wait list times. Read reviews to find other people’s experience with long term care near you. Knowing where you are ultimately going makes the journey easier. Family caregivers should consider the availability of palliative care in the community they choose. This allows your loved one to remain in one place, and will be helpful to all once you reach this point.
Memory care communities like those listed above should be part of your dementia care planning, especially if you consider their judicious use and optimize the value you get out of these retirement homes. Budgeted for properly and researched fully, a good memory care home can be a great blessing to families. These communities often have staff with training in Gentle Persuasive Approach and various other professionally objective care strategies. Memory care communities are a good solution to LTC wait lists, especially a home with a full continuum of care. Should a loved one be able to move directly from assisted living or memory care into long-term care on the same property, the transition is much easier for both the resident and family.
Read our look at recent memory care innovations, including changes to staff training, building design, brain training programs and more.
Learn more about trends in design for memory care.
Respite care and short term stays
Too few caregivers are aware they can get help from professional memory care services in their area, through respite care stays for dementia sufferers, offered as a service by retirement homes. Care facilities are standing by to help, in fact, and there are often government subsidies to help. The need for respite care is a growing concern in provinces across the country, with increasing pressure put on governments to provide more support for seniors with dementia.
In the province of BC, the Ministry of Health Services offers caregiver relief, including home care services and short term admission to retirement residences. Learn more about respite and short term care in Vancouver. Alberta Health Services has promised to improved its suite of seniors' health care services including short term help to "spell off" caregiver fatigue there. The province of Ontario lists Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) that work closely with home care services and retirement homes to recommend the best support for caregivers and dementia sufferers. The government subsidizes and supports 90 days of respite care per year, with available stays as long as 60 days. Find respite care homes in Toronto.
Canada’s Alzheimer’s care homes will provide your family member with 24/7 on-site certified nursing and security. Care staff are trained to help patients and families deal with the physical and emotional aspects of the illness. Communities offer therapeutic environments and services that help manage and maintain memory. Memory care is now the accepted term for the specialized care facilities for those suffering from all forms of dementia. A variety of diseases account for the other 36% of dementias afflicting Canadians – both seniors and others. Elsewhere, we take a fuller look at care for related dementias.
The goal in these communities is to ensure that patients live a fulfilling and enjoyable life, while adequately controlling and treating symptoms of their disease. "It's really important that we look at everything through the lens of our residents," says Elaine Wood of Delmanor. She speaks for many memory care communities when she says, this "is about looking at dementia through that alternate lens. It's about saying to people that, although I have dementia, I’m still here."
Memory care communities are on the front line of care, and as such they constantly improve and innovate. Canadians should be proud that we’re home to North America's first dementia village in Langley, BC, by Verve Senior Living. Insights gained at The Village and elsewhere help further our collective understanding of dementia. An increasing number of memory care communities across the country are designed “from the ground up” to deal with dementia's effects which include memory loss, disorientation and elopement. They offer comprehensive care that, in many cases, include relevant, up-to-date amenities such as mobility aids and design for accessibility, applying the latest memory care design trends.
The overwhelming trend in communities listed above is away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward communities that are home-like, intimate and above all, safe. Schlegel Villages, several of which are listed above, feature “neighbourhoods” that help alleviate the disorienting institutionalization of some homes. Similarly, Verve communities feature "Household Suites" in which a limited number of residents live in a quiet, comfortable environment with a private family style dining area. "It really helps reduce anxiety for both residents and families," says Rebekah, marketing manager at a Verve community. These innovations guard people’s sense of safety, security and routine, ideally removing any indication they’re in a care environment that’s, in fact, highly sophisticated.
Care staff, too, receive constant training to become better experts at offering superior care. Team members are carefully chosen, and each and every one comes with a rich history in dementia care. Families disheartened and distraught at the effects of the disease are assured that loved ones are safe and secure. Unfortunately, it's often dangerous for sufferers to remain in their own due to symptoms like wandering, disorientation and confusion. While each professionally run care home offers unique services, there are commonalities: almost all such homes offer supervision for safety, social interaction with other residents, games, and other types of mental activities. Most importantly, each suite typically contains an emergency communication system.
Although public or subsidized retirement homes are available, finding money to pay for specialized Alzheimer’s care is often worthwhile. Canada’s healthcare system often faces budget shortages and cuts. On the other hand, private facilities, like those above, will ensure that you know all about treatments your loved one is receiving.
There are a variety of dementias similar to Alzheimer's Disease, and many memory care facilities have assistance and care for those suffering from these sometimes-related diseases:
For the most part, these are treated and cared for in the same facilities as those created with Alzheimer's sufferers in mind; we cover differences in more depth in our fuller look at dementia care.
ADRD is an acronym applied by professionals in reference to Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders. Even for health professionals, diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease has always been difficult. This is because the disease mimics classic signs of aging, including fading memory, outbursts of anger and occasional disorientation. These symptoms do not always mean that a person has Alzheimer’s.
Broad phases of SDAT are described below in stages in progress of the disease.
More about memory care
New Alzheimer’s therapies emerge all the time. Retirement homes with memory care facilities are providing front-line research and treatment to help improve the lives of Alzheimer’s sufferers and to even slow progress of the disease. Here are some current innovative treatment and therapy options that your care home or communities near you may have available.
There is occasional new ground broken in Alzheimer’s treatment and diagnosis, but the progress of research into this disease is often slow. As reported from time to time, clinical trials of new drug treatments are rare. The Alzheimer's Society of Canada supports over $4 million of research annually, most of that in funds and grants awarded through its Alzheimer Society Research Program.
SDAT (senile dementia, Alzheimer's type) has four distinct stages of development, according to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada. Knowing what these stages are can help families understand the progression of the disease and what they can do to help support the affected individual.
The first stage is pre-dementia. This stage is characterized by apathy and a mild reduction in abstract thinking, attentiveness and flexibility, along with the beginnings of memory loss.
Early dementia is the second stage. Here, the afflicted individual suffers a greater impairment of learning and memory, a shrinking vocabulary, decreased word fluency and difficulty reading and writing. Here, you may see the onset of Sundown Syndrome, in some cases.
During these early stages, families choose to provide caregiving and to seek help with in-home-care. Families work with medical professionals and social care, and follow their advice on how best to deal with the progress of the disease. In later stages below, more care will be needed, including the possibility of a temporary stay in a care home like those listed above. At this point, families begin to consider the need for long term care.
Moderate dementia, the third stage, results in behaviours that inhibit independence. Here, the Alzheimer sufferer is unable to perform the most common activities of daily living. Complex motor skills are disrupted and memory loss is pronounced, resulting in an impairment of vocabulary, reading and writing skills, loss of long-term memory and recognition, and the development of habits such as wandering, irritability and unpremeditated outbursts of aggression.
This is also called the "enduring stage" of the dementia, and at this phase you will need to get help from home care services and/or local assisted living facilities.
The final stage is advanced dementia. Here, the sufferer is overwhelmed by memory and speech loss, extreme apathy, and exhaustion. Mobility and muscle mass deteriorate to the point where affected individuals become bedridden and dependent on dedicated, round-the-clock care. Deterioration continues, and this stage is also called end-of-life.
This four-stage overview differs from the global scale (adapted in the United States and other countries), originally set out in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 1982. On this scale there are seven stages; you can learn more from alzheimer.ca/../Global-Deterioration-Scale.
Canadian families faced with the advanced stages of Alzheimer's find support from the Alzheimer Society of Canada, a not-for-profit health organization begun in 1978. The website alzheimer.ca offers a wide range of resources, including the latest research on the disease, caregiving, medical treatment, and a roster of support groups. Numerous discussion groups and excellent on-line training for families facing the task of providing care are also provided.
Many memory care homes offer a specialized environment, designed specifically to help those with dementia. Some of these features are simply not available in any other environment and also make the move into a memory care community especially wise for families.
Some of the facilities and features offered in memory care homes are as follows:
For-profit memory care homes are often used by families as an important stepping stone during the period when they are on a waiting list for long term care homes. While patients are in the middle stages of the disease, they may be aware of (and appreciate) the care they are receiving from care staff and family, and may benefit from the therapies offered within the residence.
Alzheimer's sufferers in these facilities may also benefit from onsite amenities such as massage therapy, physiotherapy and personal care amenities including hair salons and exercise rooms.
Care homes offer the most up-to-date, professional care available to help your loved one get safely through each day.
Long term care homes are often government-subsidized and provide the eventual solution for those suffering from progressive dementias. However, families seek temporary care in a for-profit home where excellent care and therapies offers peace of mind and can even ease deterioration or offer a temporary respite from symptoms.
This may not be an easy choice to make, as with so many choices that families face concerning Alzheimer's and related dementias. The following provides an overview of costs families are paying for Alzheimer's care offered in these for-profit homes.
Location
|
Cost from (monthly)
|
Care details included
|
Vancouver, BC
|
$9,600 | Three meals per day, daily tidy, housekeeping (7x/week), incontinence care, medication administration, resident reminders
|
Calgary, AB
|
$4,425 | Three meals per day, daily tidy (extra fee), housekeeping (1x/week)
|
London, ON
|
$6,413 | designated dining area, three meals per day, daily tidy, housekeeping (1x/week), incontinence care, medication administration, resident reminders
|
Toronto, ON
|
$5,886 | three meals per day, daily tidy, housekeeping (1x/week), incontinence care, medication administration, resident reminders, assistance with bathing (2x/week), and with dressing
|
Ottawa, ON
|
$5,000 | three meals per day, daily tidy, housekeeping (1x/week), incontinence care, medication administration, resident reminders, plus assistance with bathing (1x/week), dressing, feeding, transfers
|
The above is only an overview, taken from homes listed here at Comfort Life. Of course, consult with individual care homes to investigate costs and care given.
There are a variety of ways people pay for Alzheimer's care, beginning with income from Canada's social security system; we offer an overview of ways others pay for seniors' care. If you or your elderly loved one had the foresight to purchase long-term care insurance, this can go a long way toward easing the burden of paying for Alzheimer's care. In the past, Comfort Life has offered case studies of the benefits of this insurance, including Stephen Gadsden's look at the value of purchasing long term care insurance for memory care, and an article by Mary Robertson (both are CFPs) on the projected benefits of purchasing insurance now, for the future.
In general, there is little direct government support to help offset care fees. A typical scenario is that families care for family members at home, then move cautiously into care services, paying as they go.
Retirement residences often offer payment options tailored to families' needs and abilities. While the lump-sum monthly amount may seem expensive on the surface, people tend to forget the many costs associated with living at home. Regardless of whether someone requires memory care or not, a comparison of the costs of aging at home vs. moving into any kind of retirement care can show that the move into a care home is more reasonable than some might realize. (If families are paying for home care services or are taking time off work to care for an ailing loved one, this adds to costs of remaining at home.)
Paying for memory care is one more difficult adjustment that family members must make, but there are many other people who have dealt with this. You can find support and advice from others near you through your local Alzheimer Society.
Read a case study of how one couple paid for Alzheimer care.
The lack of a perfect treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease and families' ultimate inability to offer proper care makes long term care an oft-inevitable need for families, especially as the disease is both progressive and degenerative. According to one estimate, more than 60 per cent of retirement home long term care residents live with Alzheimer’s Disease or some other form of dementia. There are also a percentage of people with a dual diagnosis, and this figure also increases annually.
Care today is increasingly client-centric, and as dementias are better-understood, retirement residences offer more specific services that address the memory care needs of each individual. As one care home administrator tells us, "The situation may arise where we need to talk to family members about what services we think are needed. We tell them what we think is required and we put it back on the family to move forward if they want to. We're moving away from 'formatted, one-size-fits-all solutions' that are institution-based. We find out what the client needs and we address that need."
Homes are also well-suited to accommodate couples where one spouse may require memory care while the other is still very much independent, and "they may not want to be traveling all the time to help their spouse get the care they need." Many care facilities today will not segregate couples, situating them so the independent spouse can remain aware of the other's needs. As an added bonus, typical amenities remove the need for meal preparation and housekeeping, freeing up time to spend together, or in the social setting of the residence.
If your loved one has wandering episodes or uncontrolled outbursts, follow the advice of your doctor and other professionals. Medical doctors and social workers will consider your family’s need to keep your loved one at home as long as possible and can advise when it's time to consider the move to dedicated care.
She was the best mother in the world. That's why I want her to be in a place that's fresh and clean and new - and near me.
alz.to: What is Dementia?
alzeducate.ca/ includes online courses and in-person training for health care professionals and PSWs, specifically in the area of dementia; this is closely related with the Toronto Alzheimer Society.
Alzheimer.ca/ includes links to many resources for families and seniors dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. You can find local chapters across the country, also.
Alzheimer's awareness is a page we update annually with the latest news about the disease, including annual updates on reasons for hope.
alzlive.com: online caregiver support resource begun by Dave Kelso. When his mother, Betty, was dying of Alzheimer's, Dave found a dearth of online help for Alzheimer's caregivers; alzlive.com is now the go-to resource for "information, guidance, news, comfort, and advice" for Alzheimer's caregivers.
BrainXChange is a Canadian initiative "dedicated to improving quality of life and supports for persons with or at risk of having brain-health needs related to dementia, mental health and neurological conditions related to aging or have experienced brain health changes earlier in life that are now more complex with aging."
FirstLink helps newly diagnosed people with dementia get the help they need as soon as possible.
Gallogly, Ann Marie. Alzheimer’s – Dementia. AuthorHouse, 2015.