Discussions

I am seeking information regarding healthcare costs in relation to caring for elderly people.  
I am looking to chat with people who have loved ones that require daily assistance with their activities of daily living or care.  
I am wondering if you will share with me what you pay per month for "rent", cost of supplies and any other financial cost you incure.  
Whether your loved one is in a care home, an assisted living facility or at home with you Id like to hear from you! What is your loved ones ideal living situation? (at this point in their life), Ideal cost of care? Would you consider assisted living for your loved one? Do you have financial barriers?  
I am asking these questions in hopes to better understand and evaluate the elderly population and their families in Brandon and surrounding areas.  
If you would prefer to email please feel free to send me a private message. I would love to hear from you!  
Thank you

When my father was still at home, we paid $25/hr for home care to come. Now in personal care, the monthly rate is around $2600.

My mother lives in a seniors block where she gets her noon meal 5 days a week. Home care comes in every morning and then twice a week for her bath. There is no cost for home care but we are considering hiring someone to take her shopping and to appointments - although she does use the handivan. So much depends on the level of care needed but the ideal is to allow them to stay in their own apartment as long as possible.

Most care homes charge based on income. The rate ranges from about $37 per day up. This i:ncludes meals, nursing care, meds, bathing etc. Same as if she was in hospital. She must use their bed and bedding but we took in her own chair and comforter.  
My mom went to care home from hospital. Once they are panelled for care home you start to pay from that date.  
The patient needs to have a complete physical to get panelled for care homes if they are going there from their home. If the are in hospital that is all looked after.  
I believe most of the "assisted living" (Lions Manor, Riverheights etc) are also based on income. The more the patient makes the more they charge.  
Home Care through Manitoba Health is no charge but can be a bit of a gong show to get into. My experience with them was not a good one and I work in health care. I have another friend who is having difficulties as well. The patient's doctor is on Mat Leave and there has to be a physical done. The covering doctor has stated they can't take the patient on because they haven't seen them and have no openings until the family doctor is back from leave. She has been advised to take the patient to a walk in.  
My experience is don't leave it until it is too late. Enquire through Home Care or family doctor how to get your name on lists now. If you leave it too long your options become less and less. I was forced to take a somewhat drastic measure to get my mom panelled. PM me if you would like to hear that stroy.

This is why parents should start gifting the maximum allowable amount of money per year to their kids so they don't get financially raped by the healthcare system. Provided they trust their kids enough to not spend their money, as it's still theirs.

Home care through the hospital is free of charge as long as you are under Manitoba health.  
If you're doing a private homecare I would recommend "Daughter On Call " as they are amazing women and they really know what they're doing!  
Gail Freeman ( owner ) is such a sweet heart and staff are always there on time unless there was an emergency.

People told us to call right away and put my parents on the waiting list to get homecare. I did that before they moved to Brandon but it only took 2-3 weeks to get a home visit assessment and 2 more weeks for them to start receiving care. The ladies that came couldnt have been more helpful

to know your loved one is being cared for with the absolute best of care (Ie: one on one nursing, private home, limitless activities (including garedening;) maximum quality of life for all.. including alzheimers and dementia patients)  
What do you consider the best of care for your loved one?  
Do you feel you are settling with the care your loved one is receiving?  
Thankyou

I personally don't think anyone can put a price tag on what our aging parents are worth, but I also don't think many ppl would pay more then what they would at a PCH which also has many activities. Home care through Manitoba health is FREE and they provide great support in assisting clients keep their independence and stay home for as long as possible, without having the huge cost of moving to A) assisted living condo/apartment/room, B) making the final move to a PCH. I think some ppl lose focus that home care is to provide support for clients to live independently.  
Having said all of this it's not that easy to have aging loved ones placed in 24/7 care so I suppose some families would pay top dollar to a private home.

I have no issue paying for my mom''s care. I know she is being looked after. I couldn''t do it. I work and had to take some time off. Going on long term leave to look after her wasn''t an option.  
Mom is exposed to 24/7 nursing care, activities (even though she doesn''t usually participate), meals etc. And I have peace of mind that she is safe. I can go to work on a daily basis and not worry about what I will find when I go home. There is no price I can put on that.  
The decision for a care home placement is not easy. I felt guilty and like I abandon my mom. She still uses the guilt card here and there...I am not sure if she knows she is doing it or not. But in the end it was a decision made as much for me and my peace of mind and well being as it was for her. Care giving is an exhausting job and I hope all that do it remember to look after themselves as well. I forgot that for a while and it put both mom and I at health risk.  
 
Edited by wheatcitygirl, 2017-08-31 09:50:48

wheatcitygirl said "Most care homes charge based on income. The rate ranges from about $37 per day up. This i:ncludes meals, nursing care, meds, bathing etc. Same as if she was in hospital. She must use their bed and bedding but we took in her own chair and comforter.   My mom went to care home from hospital. Once they are panelled for care home you start to pay from that date.   The patient needs to have a complete physical to get panelled for care homes if they are going there from their home. If the are in hospital that is all looked after.   I believe most of the "assisted living" (Lions Manor, Riverheights etc) are also based on income. The more the patient makes the more they charge.   Home Care through Manitoba Health is no charge but can be a bit of a gong show to get into. My experience with them was not a good one and I work in health care. I have another friend who is having difficulties as well. The patient's doctor is on Mat Leave and there has to be a physical done. The covering doctor has stated they can't take the patient on because they haven't seen them and have no openings until the family doctor is back from leave. She has been advised to take the patient to a walk in.   My experience is don't leave it until it is too late. Enquire through Home Care or family doctor how to get your name on lists now. If you leave it too long your options become less and less. I was forced to take a somewhat drastic measure to get my mom panelled. PM me if you would like to hear that stroy. "

'the covering doctor can't take the patient on because they haven't seem them but thinks the patient should go to walk in'!!  
 
How does that make sense?!  
 
Must have been a frustrating time for you!

It was very frustrating and exhausting for me. Working in health care I thougth was an advantage, kind of knew how things worked and what the processes were. I knew how to advocate for my mom but so many have no one to step up for them. My story with Home Care is extensive and tiring. I never did get them into my home for assessmemt.  
To clarify the family doctor situation is not mine but someone I know who is going through the process.