parents living a healthier and happier lifestyle, and with errands and chores taken care of, they can simply enjoy each other’s company. “We understand the weight of this decision and want to make the process as comfortable and pleasant as possible for new residents and their families,” concludes Amanda. For spouses or independent singles, the move can make space for more quality time spent doing things you love. One can enjoy their favourite pastimes and hobbies without the nagging sense that there are leaves to rake, dinner to cook or a bathroom to clean. is is your time, to be spent as you wish. KNOW THE SIGNS: Are you experiencing caregiver burnout? Caregiver burnout is a heightened state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that may accompany a change in attitude toward required or expected care tasks. Burnout occurs when primary caregivers don’t get the help they need or try to do more than they can handle, resulting in feelings of increased fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Some may also experience guilt when they spend time on themselves rather than spending all of their time taking care of a loved one. In this situation, Erica notes, “We understand that many people want to act as caregivers for their aging parents, but they may work full-time jobs with busy schedules and families of their own. Partners who take on this responsibility can start to feel isolated and overwhelmed. Burnout is very real, and we know something has to give eventually, either for the safety of the person receiving the care or for the caregiver’s wellbeing. ere should be no shame or guilt in seeking out and accepting help. It’s what we’re here for.” If you believe you may be su ering from caregiver burnout, speak with a trusted medical professional for personalized advice.
One of the most common objections is that some say they aren’t ready. What does ‘ready’ really look like? Each journey is di erent, and we are here to help guide you.
ey get used to functioning as they are,” adds Leasing Manager Erica Boer. “A lot of the time, this isn’t a decision that happens overnight unless it’s a ‘crisis’ type of scenario, which will accelerate that timeline. One of the most common objections we hear is that many say they aren’t ready—but what does ‘ready’ really look like? Every journey is di erent, and we want to help guide you along the way.” Several long-standing myths around senior living options continue to in uence people’s most common concerns and objections, yet they simply aren’t accurate. For example, the idea is that residents lose all of their independence once in a retirement home. Many move to a senior living community without needing the full complement of supportive services o ered, and many actually feel more freedom when they make this decision. “After the rst conversation, we suggest exploring your options. Do you or your loved one have friends living in a retirement residence? If so, visit them, note the feeling you get when you walk in, interact with those who live and work there, have them show you around or schedule a tour. is will give you a better understanding of what life is like in the community. You might be surprised to nd out they aren’t like nursing homes or long-term care facilities as many imagine,” continues Erica. As options become informed decisions and residents move in, the transition comes with freedom from worry and a sense of relief. Many adult children share that they see their
“For family members or partners, there may be some strong but silent signals that now might be the right time to move to retirement living. Maybe an older loved one is no longer interested in activities or hobbies that once brought them joy, or they’re not eating regularly; these indicators could mean that a loved one’s lifestyle is shrinking,” says Amanda Walker, Leasing Manager. At Seasons, we encourage people to talk early, even before these signs present themselves. is way, you’ll be prepared and ready to take the following steps. All parties will be on the same page regarding the future, adding peace of mind and a sense of shared understanding. at said, many wonder how to bring up the topic. How do I have “the talk” about alternative living arrangements with an aging parent or loved one? Amanda suggests starting the conversation with something small, such as asking them their feelings about living at home on their own: • Do they feel safe and secure or worried and anxious when home alone? • How are they managing home maintenance? • Is help needed to cut grass or shovel snow? • Do they have enough groceries for the week? • Do they miss socializing with neighbours and friends? “Some people don’t realize the extent of these changes until someone who cares about their wellbeing brings it up in conversation.
BURNOUT Sym toms • Changes in appetite, weight, or both • Changes in sleep patterns • Getting sick more often • Emotional and physical exhaustion • Excessive use of alcohol or sleep medications • Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless, and helpless • Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities • Withdrawal from friends and family
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