While waiting list times vary across the province, the time between being notified of a vacancy and accepting a room in a long-term care community may be very short. There are some steps you can take to begin preparing to help make the transition easier.
The Importance of Advance Care Planning
One of the most important ways you can prepare for moving into long-term care is to discuss your wishes for healthcare, both for general treatments and for end-of-life, with the important people in your life – your family, friends, healthcare provider and Substitute Decision Maker or Power of Attorney for Care. Talk about your values and goals when it comes to decisions such as allowing a natural death. You may want to consider questions such as:
- What makes my life meaningful? What does a good day look like? What brings me happiness?
- Do I want everything done to prolong my life even if I do not have a good quality of life? What outcomes are unacceptable to me? What am I willing to sacrifice – or not?
- Do I have cultural, religious, or spiritual values that influence the decisions made about my care?
- What fears or worries do I have about my health changing or about dying?
- What would be important to me if I was nearing death?
When you move in, one of the first discussions our team will have with you and/or your substitute decision maker will centre on understanding your wishes in these areas. Any time decisions must be made related to your care, we will reach out to you and/or your substitute decision maker to discuss your goals as related to your care and/or treatment. Identifying your wishes and preferences now will help support these conversations down the road to ensure we are proceeding as you would wish.
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Before you Move:
- Check in with your family doctor to confirm whether they will continue to provide care after your move, or whether you will transition care to one of the physicians associated with the community.
- Tour the community (or communities) you have chosen to apply to. It will help you determine what you would like to bring with you.
- Start thinking and planning for what you want to bring with you.
- Begin labelling your personal items (e.g. eye glasses, hearing aids, dentures, radio, clock, etc.).
- Make a list of people to inform about your change of address.
- Talk with family, friends, and your healthcare provider about designating your Substitute Decision Maker/Power of Attorney for Care and Power of Attorney for Property.
- Talk with family, friends, and your healthcare provider about your wishes for healthcare and end-of-life.
- Organize legal documents and insurance; have copies of any Power of Attorney papers available.
- Ensure you are receiving all the pensions you are entitled to.
- Check to see if you qualify for financial benefits and have your most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment available if you are applying for an income subsidy.
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Reach out to your Home & Community Care Support Services Coordinator or to our team with questions and for support with getting ready.