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As we age our housing needs change.  Most often we can choose where or how we are going to live.  Sometimes we can not.  There are many options and most are defined by the level of independence of the resident.  

To make it even more difficult couples sometimes are not at the same level of independence or level of health.  This makes their decisions even more difficult,  However for a general classification, one can place themselves in one of the three following segments:

1. The "active" segment - This is a segment that is likely to value freedom to pursue personal interests such as travel and other forms of recreation and personal development. Golf course communities with parking/storage areas on site (for RV's, boats, etc.) are examples of seniors housing designed with this segment in mind.

2. The "independent" segment - This is a segment that may not be as rambunctious as the "active" segment.  They still value their independence and are responsible for their own activities of daily life. This includes preparation of meals, transportation, and being responsible for any medical attention that may be required. This segment may also choose, based on a number of factors, to allow others to provide some services that allow them to be more independent. These services can include meal preparation and transportation. With others responsible for these daily chores, the senior can spend more time in independent pursuit of personal interests.

3. The "assisted" segment - This is the seniors segment that requires some level of personal help with their "ADL's", i.e., "activities of daily life". Assistance with medical care, meal preparation and transportation are common requirements of this segment. Additional services may also be required and are determined, most often, on a case-by-case basis. 

The above "segments" may be too general and do not necessarily related to a persons age.  Take a look at the self evaluation questions offered on this site.  

Go to the directory of local and Ontario options for developments and projects that are available for seniors. 

Below is a list of options that match up with the market segments listed above.  This is another way of sorting out what may be appropriate for you..

The Homestead
You are NOT moving!  This is where the kids were raised.  Its where all the memories are - many stashed away in the basement and attic.  You know the neighbours.  They have aged with you. You can still, for the most part, take care of the maintenance.  It is getting harder.  You need to hire help for much of the yard work, but you are getting by.  Help from the outside, for housekeeping or health needs, may be used.

Downsized Living
These are interested in small bungalows, townhouses, or apartments.   They could be anywhere.  You decided that it wasn't worth the effort to stay in the homestead and have moved, likely near to family.  Here too, help from the outside for housekeeping or health needs may be used.  You may be wondering if this was not a big enough step and will soon have to move again. OR, your may be more interested in traveling than maintenance.

Retirement Communities 

• You can live independently

• You want additional living security

• You are able to walk  without assistance

• You would prefer to live with others in a similar circumstance

You have found a development built for independent seniors who want to have less worries and community of others like you. 

Supportive Living
You know you can not manage on your own.  Some retirement communities, especially life lease projects, provide some level of support right in the complex.  For example, programs may be run to encourage health including seminars and exercise.  The objective is to help a person stay as independent as possible as long as possible.  Some more specific care may be necessary.  The level of support will vary from person to person.  All may have access to an emergency response system. These are appropriate if the person:

• Can live independently

• Would like to participate in social activities with others

• Would appreciate help with housekeeping and laundry

• Would like someone to prepare meals

• Desires transportation services

• Wants additional living security

• May have minor health concerns

• Is able to walk without assistance

Assisted Living
Assisted living housing is the next step when home-based care becomes too frequent a requirement but the person is not a candidate for nursing home placement.  Assisted living usually involves hotel style rooms with meals, housekeeping, and a modest level of health care.  The costs range from $1,500 to $3,000+ per month depending on the room size and care plan.

• Needs minor assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - bathing, dressing, eating.

• Requires medication reminders

• Would like the security of 24-hour staffing

• May have difficulty walking without assistance

• Has special medical considerations

• Has incontinence problems

• Is sometimes confused or forgetful (Alzheimer's)

• Wanders occasionally (Alzheimer's)

Long Term Care
These are nursing homes.  Nursing staff are on hand to assist as needed.  The level of care can be much more than assisted living.   As it turns out, less than 10% of us will ever make it to  a nursing home.  

• Requires 24-hour medical attention

• Is unable to ambulate without the assistance of a wheelchair, walker, or another person

• Cannot perform normal daily activites on his or her own

• Is Combative (Alzheimer's)

• Needs therapeutic or rehabilitative services (speech, occupational, physical, respiration, etc.)

• Is afflicted with a long-term illness

If Alzheimers or other forms of Dementia

• Exhibits chronic confusion or forgetfulness

• Has difficulty recognizing others (e.g., family members, friends)

• Has a tendency to wander

• Is agitated, combative, or abusive to others

This will require a long term care facility with tighter security, even a locked ward.

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In Canada some 10% of seniors are institutionalized. Ontario has just 6% in nursing homes.  In the United States, where only 5% are in nursing homes.  It is estimated that 40% in those in institutions do not need that level of care.