Tips To Help Your Parents Plan Their Retirement

Whether your parents hope to downsize, age in place or become snowbirds, helping them create a plan for when they reach this life stage is a great way to support them. Start a conversation now so they can make informed choices about where they live and the care they receive.

Determine needs and wants. Do your parents dream of frequent travel or becoming snowbirds? Maybe they want to stay nearby to spend time with their grandkids. But if staying in their current home may not be possible--they might be at the stage where they need extra help with meal preparation or assistance with medications. Speak with your parents and work together to make realistic plans. Get finances and logistics in order to make them happen.

Find the right home. If a retirement home is an option, you’ll want to think about their ideal community, accommodations style and services required. A retirement home is rental accommodation with at least two care services available. You can find information on the safety record, care services offered and more about the licensed retirement homes in Ontario through the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority’s online public register. Look up homes by name, city or even postal code.

Understand safety resources. You want your parents to be safe and well cared for in their community. Make sure they choose a licensed retirement home so that they are protected under the Retirement Homes Act, which includes the Residents’ Bill of Rights. These rights ensure that their choices are respected, and they are living with dignity in a safe and clean environment. As a resident you are also entitled to know what care services are provided and their costs, and to fully participate in care planning and decision-making about your care. The Act is enforced by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) and if you ever need to, you can also file a complaint with this licensing and regulatory body.

Find more information at www.rhra.ca.