Retirement Community Options
What We Did
The lawyer was expensively dressed, beautifully groomed and perfectly frantic. “My mother calls me 15 times a day. I have fulltime help for her, which she fires every week. She claims she’s fully independent and can live alone but, but the truth is she’s entirely dependent on me! She won’t agree to anything I suggest, and it’s affecting my job, and my marriage”.
I gathered the essential information about the mother, and the daughter’s wish-list, the budget, general amenities and geographical preferences. I then met with Mrs. Klein, who truly believed she could cope alone. We discussed her caregiving experiences; she felt crowded and managed with a live-in and admitted she was lonely and bored with the same person all day and evening. We talked about retirement residences, but she was afraid of an ‘institution, with all its rules, locked doors and huge mess halls.’ I asked her what was most important to her; she responded with access to the symphony, her bridge club and her daughter.
I made a short-list of 4 retirement homes enroute to her daughter’s daily commute, within an easy cab ride to the entertainment district, the facilities for her bridge club to meet; each was pre-qualified to be sure space was available and the price was affordable, and lunch was booked at each place. Mrs. Klein was amazed at the hotel-like amenities, agreed to a week-long trial stay before making a commitment, and eventually made the permanent move. Now, when her daughter calls, Mrs. Klein’s too busy to talk!
What it Cost
All ElderCareCanada services are billed at an hourly rate, on a fee-for-service basis.
In this case the family paid for 3 hours of meetings, 1 hour of research, 8 hours for sorting and packing, 10 hours for moving, unpacking and set-up at $75/hour moving rate, as well as 5 hours for the movers at $95/hour for 3 movers. The retirement home was offering a move-in special, so that since Mrs. Klein moved in within 30 days, $500 was awarded to defray the moving costs.
No contingency or retainer fees are charged, and ElderCareCanada does not pay or accept commissions, contingency fees, kick-backs or gratuities of any kind. Clients are encouraged to check their employee benefits package, as these services may be covered under their Employee Assistance Plan.
Our Clients Say
“When Dad required more assistance, you found him a retirement home. And it was truly his home; he was an involved member of that community and it helped make his last years interesting for him. We appreciated your organization around moving him into the Centre, and all the not-so-little touches you arranged to make his accommodation warm and cheerful.
Pat, even as I write this I’m remembering all the assistance you provided during his stay. You generously took Dad to one of his medical appointments when my sister and I couldn’t because of business commitments. You assisted in the process of understanding and applying for a nursing home placement when he needed to have around-the-clock care. Your services were well priced, and you sought out the best value in accommodations. I wish for any adult child who needs to find ways to help their elderly parents or other close relatives to have Pat Irwin at their
side.”
– Helen Hegedus, Source Resource Ltd.
“Our family owes a debt of immense gratitude to Pat Irwin who helped us rally and remotely develop a heartfelt strategy to rescue our brother in his time of need. Thanks Pat, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
– Murray and Ellen Battle, siblings of a client
“Pat Irwin is a miracle worker for whom I have the utmost praise and gratitude. A dedicated, compassionate and knowledgeable professional, she provided invaluable assistance accommodating the needs of my ailing friend. Pat furnished well-informed recommendations to make a safer home environment and provided expert assistance in securing an ideal long-term placement which included personal support. Her expertise and wise counsel even extended to successfully negotiating a particularly difficult Power of Attorney situation. Pat Irwin is indeed a skilled specialist and a truly wonderful human being.”
– Harvey Houghton, Power of Attorney for a client
“Pat Irwin has been the angel on my shoulder. I first met her through my realtor and she helped me leave my cluttered and lonely house and find a retirement community. A few months later I had a devastating fall that led to several weeks in critical care. Pat lobbied hard for me to return to my retirement home with appropriate equipment and care. A year later, the hospital bed, lift and wheelchair are gone and I’m thriving. Without her help and support I can’t imagine where I’d be. Thank you Pat.”
– Ron Ruck, client
“I have had the pleasure of working with Pat for over 10 years. Pat is organized, knowledgeable and trustworthy. She has a unique ability working with seniors. While moving at any age is inherently stressful it can be even more stressful for seniors. Pat is able to walk people through the step by step process of moving, listen to the needs and wants in order to customize the experience for each individual. Pat has developed relationships with numerous people throughout the city which her clients can rely on to help guide them. She has an understanding of the different nursing homes, long term care homes, condos, bungalow communities etc that Seniors and their families may want information on before making an informed decision for their next home. I would say it’s Pat’s personal touch and commitment to serving people who need it most is what makes her so amazing. She gives people a white glove experience that is second to none. I am very happy to consistently refer Pat to my clients, friends and family for all of their elder care needs. Thanks for everything you do Pat!’
– Jamie Dempster
