Once the decision has been made that placement in a care community is necessary, caregivers are often faced with the “what next” question. Because there are different levels of care and each community has a different ‘personality’, it’s very important to be as prepared as possible for the transition.

In this episode, we chat with Kathy Ajas, who for the last 17-years has worked in the retirement industry, including independent living, assisted living, and short and long-term care. Together, we explore questions caregivers have when considering moving to a new level of care with their care recipient.

Resources:

• COVID-19 Survey Highlights- the Impact of COVID-19 on Caregivers https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/virtual-caregiver-resource/covid-19-survey-highlights/
• Moving from Home to Facility Flipbook FCBC Resource https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Moving-from-Home-to-Facility-Podcast-Resource-1.pdf
• For Long Term Care, to arrange LTC through the Health Authority, call the local Home and Community Care Office. (The BC Health Authority General Enquiry Lines that we have listed in the back of our Quarterly Newsletter). https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/how-to-arrange-for-care
• If you are interested in receiving assisted living services or know of someone who might be in need of these services, you can contact the home and community care office of your health authority or you can have a health care professional make a referral on your behalf. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/assisted-living
• Finding an Assisted Living Residence https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/assisted-living-in-bc/finding-an-assisted-living-residence
• Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover- What to Look for in a Care Facility https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Facility-Selection-Checklist.pdf
• How to Check Care Facility Records https://www.healthspace.ca/clients/viha/viha_website.nsf/CCFL-Main?OpenView
• Who Pays for Care? https://www.healthspace.ca/clients/viha/viha_website.nsf/CCFL-Main?OpenView

Online Tools and Apps:

Route 65 https://route65.ca/

Route 65 was developed by EngAge BC, a non-profit operating arm of the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA), in response to a visible gap in quality information about seniors’ living and wellness options in the province. On Route 65, seekers can find more information on independent living, assisted living, long-term care and home health care options. Route 65 also helps users navigate the seniors living and wellness continuum through their Glossary, Frequently Asked Questions and Resource pages, along with Walter, their 24-7 virtual concierge chatbot, who helps triage seekers to the most appropriate options. Contact 1-877-955-6565.

Connect With Us!

Family Caregivers of BC Website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/

Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267

Fax: (250) 361-2660

Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca

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Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

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