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What to know about this topic:
- Independent and assisted living in retirement homes
- Costs of retirement in Saskatchewan: a survey
- Memory care and dementia care in retirement homes
- Long term care in Saskatchewan retirement homes
It's hard to imagine a more ideal place to retire than Saskatchewan. Saskatoon and Regina offer world class health care along with a variety of local activities such as country festivals, excellent performing arts theatres and a variety of museums and other local attractions. Saskatchewan retirement homes are especially ideal for people who have lived and worked their entire lives in the province.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSRetirement communities in Saskatchewan
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
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
Independent and assisted living in retirement homes
Saskatchewan’s retirement communities include independent living, assisted-living, memory care supportive care and long-term care residences.
Independent living retirement communities are ideally suited to active and healthy seniors who do not require extensive care, but want to live in a community of their peers. Most privately run retirement homes listed above will feature independent living. The atmosphere here is relaxed, with all basic daily tasks like housekeeping, cooking and other chores taken care of. It’s an ideal lifestyle change for people who’ve been living alone or in a neighbourhood where their neighbours are younger now. In fact, it really is all about lifestyle.
Here’s a brief look at why you’d want to move into independent living:
- Friends just outside the door. This is one of the biggest appeals of independent living. You’re surrounded by a group of peers who all share the same interests. It’s a big change from any other kind of living. Because everyone around you is similar in age it’s easy to make friends, and to always have someone to do things with.
- Life gets easier. Since there’s no more housework, yard work, or any other domestic duties, you have a lot more leisure time. That leaves more time to indulge in passions and interests. After people move into independent living in a Saskatchewan seniors’ home, they find that some things that have been “in the back of their mind” can now come to the fore. Some people take up yoga, others get involved in gardening. There’s time to fully explore your passions all day long when you move into a retirement home.
- Peace of mind for you and your family. Many times family members will worry about aging loved ones being on their own. They worry about things like, if you have a fall, or if something worse happens to you. In a retirement home, there’s always someone around. What’s more, communities are designed for optimal accessibility, so stairs and narrow hallways are no longer a hazard. Family finds this the biggest relief of having a loved one in a retirement home.
- Preparation for change. As you get older, your health is going to change. In the words of one senior, “You have to look ahead of the curve and be prepared for change.” Many retirement homes offer some health care services, or have all assisted living options available. This way, you know they are ready for you, and you know you won’t have to move.
Today's retirement communities offer a variety of activities and options that might have been unheard of in previous generations. You can find homes with onsite golf courses, indoor swimming pools, virtual driving ranges and so much more. Take a full look at all the pros and cons of moving into independent living.
Assisted living in Saskatchewan retirement homes includes assistance services with one of several personal care needs, including, most commonly, the following:
- Bathing
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Transferring
- Incontinence
- Medication administration
These services are sometimes referred to as personal care, and some use the phrase personal care homes or even supportive living (more widely used in Alberta). Although these are available in communities (not all of those listed above), this may come at an extra charge.
You can learn more about this kind of care at our fuller portal on assisted living in Canada.
Costs of retirement in Saskatchewan: a survey
Costs of retirement in Saskatchewan vary from approximately $1,0000 to $5,000+ per month. The large variance in cost depends on the type of community, if it's a shared or private room, suite or full apartment and the level of care provided.
Memory care and dementia care in retirement homes
Memory care centers are for seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or related forms of dementia. Long-term care is for seniors who need 24-hour nursing due to a terminal illness or other disabilities. Respite care, a temporary form of care service, allows caregivers the opportunity to go on vacation or a business trip.
Long term care in Saskatchewan retirement homes
The government of Saskatchewan refers to long-term care homes as special-care or nursing homes. These are subsidized through the the heath care system. Space in governement funded long-term care homes in Saskatchewan is allocated based on a needs assessment and can often have very long wait lists.
Saskatchewan assisted living retirement homes require a license to ensure high standards are met.