For many Canadian seniors, maintaining their independent residence sometimes isn't a feasible option. Health issues may make living alone a dangerous situation for some people. Children and/or caregivers of seniors who are facing this issue may be confused as to what is entailed, what level of care is needed for that individual, and what is covered by provincial insurance and what isn't.

Some seniors may be able to live in their home (at least for a period of time), provided they have In-Home Care services. Many different programs are available; some are funded by government agencies or non-profit organizations, while others are offered by for-profit private service organizations. The home care services that are typically provided include:

• Personal nursing care
• Physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Counseling
• Day programs
• Friendly visiting
• Transportation
• Foot care
• Homemaking and/or home maintenance
• Information and/or referrals
• Meal programs (i.e. Meals On Wheels)
• Respite Care
• Emergency Response Service

If you think that the senior you care for may need these types of services, contact a local agency to get an assessment. Some services may be covered under Ministry of Health funding, regardless of income; as well, some may offer a subsidy for those who fall within a certain income bracket. Some however, will have to be paid for out-of-pocket if you do not have private insurance coverage.

For seniors who are no longer able to live on their own, a retirement residence may be the best solution. This can be the ideal arrangement, giving the senior the level of support and security they require while being able to maintain their independence and privacy. A retirement residence can also offer the social aspect for those seniors who are feeling lonely and isolated. Retirement residences can greatly vary in terms of what services they offer, as well as the types of accommodation they offer (i.e. single or shared rooms), as well as prices. The majority of retirement residences are privately owned and operated with no government funding, which means you and/or the resident must assume all the costs.

If you are looking into a retirement home for a loved one or someone you provide care for, it is essential that the senior is actively involved in the selection process. Some things to remember when choosing a retirement residence are:

• Make a list of all homes you plan on visiting; also make a list of questions you want to ask, so you won't forget when you are there. Keep notes on the different homes you visit.
• Ask questions not only of staff, but of the residents. Ask their perceptions of the residence, as well as what they like and dislike.
• Don't visit just once, plan another visit, but at a different time of day (i.e. go for a lunch or dinner)
• Ask to view all of the residence, not just the room and common areas. Checking the kitchen and stairwells can give you a good indication of the level of cleanliness and how often things are maintained.
• Ask if they will allow the prospective resident to actually spend a night at the residence, so that they can get a better idea of what to expect.
• Ask for a list of families who will give the facility a recommendation.
• Ask about the neighborhood, i.e. how close are such things as hospitals, churches, dentists, etc.
• Ask about the fees, i.e. is everything included in the price quoted, or will you have to pay extra for additional services, and if so, how much
• Ask how often are their rates increased, and how much notice do they provide for the increase in price

Long-Term Health Facilities (formerly known as nursing homes) are different than retirement residences. A long-term facility is needed for those seniors who have significant health issues and who require a greater deal of care. This type of care is needed for those who, because of age and/or level of disability, can no longer be properly cared for in the community. This is an ideal solution for those seniors who require care on a regular basis, but who do not require long-term hospitalization. Some long-term facilities are publicly funded, while others are not.

If you are facing the challenge of finding services for a senior in your care, you need to find out what exactly their insurance will cover. You may also want to consider the possibility of needing these services in the future, and have the right insurance that addresses this issue. Tangible offers a hybrid policy that combines life insurance with a long-term care component. If needed, a certain percentage of the policy converts into LTC insurance, if not, it simply remains as life insurance. This type of policy offers you the flexibility and security of being able to ensure that you will have the right type of coverage for whatever your needs may be.