Bayfield House
Jen introduced Sherry, the general manager at Bayfield House. The two have been working together to get the operation open and operating and have had a wonderful working experience.
Sherry said this was her second Rotary meeting and she was again impressed by the camaraderie and humour. Last time she got fined so she had her money ready this time.
She said there are different options for senior's housing and people should think about what they want before circumstances require them to act. Often an event precipitates a move - failing health, the loss of a partner. Choices include home care, long term care, or a retirement home. People can suffer from social loneliness, trying to deal with too large a house, poor diet, lack of transportation, maybe just confusion dealing with multiple medications or they may be compromising the health of their caregiver.
Home Care can be government funded or paid for privately. The Community Care Access Centre staff visits and determines an individual's requirements.
Long Term Care offers nursing care and physical security 24/7 and occupancy is based on need such as medical requirements or dementia. These are funded by the governement. There are 60,000 residents in LTC Homes in Ontario. Some homes are privately owned and some are owned by the local municipality and some are run by charities like the Salvation Army.
These homes all have waiting lists so it's important to take a look at the alternatives and decide which might be better for you early. A prospective resident makes three choices and will be offered a place in the one that has a vacancy first. Special requirements, like a private room, can add to the waiting time.
Standards vary depending on the age of the facility but most offer either ward or private accommodations. They are all regulated by the Ministry of Health and inspected. Retirement Communities are not, except for fire and health standards. Accreditation is voluntary but all Jarlette facilities are inspected by ORCA.
A Retirement Home represents the desire of the residents for the benefits provided where moving into a Long Term Care Home represents the need of the individual for advanced care.
Sherry said the Bayfield House is the newest of the Jarlette family of facilities. Named for Admiral Bayfield it has a nautical theme and offers studio, 1 or 2 bedroom apartments, each with a balcony. There's a ballroom, a theatre room, a craft room, a fitness centre, a pontoon boat and outings in a van. There's a 24 hr. supervisor, the rooms are equipped with call bells, and individual temperature controls. Some people come for short stays, to try it out or to give their care givers a respite.