UNITY - Family members who are in the position to aid aging parents in decisions about future living arrangements often need to do research of what options are available or can be afforded.
Unity’s Parkview Place is a senior assisted living facility began with lobbying and fundraising in 1994 and opened to residents in November 2006. Community members volunteered countless hours to fundraise, along with enlisting generous donations from individuals and other sources and continue to be a key financial resource for Parkview.
Manager Paula Sittler tells the Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald / SASKTODAY.ca, “There is a discussion within the community about the need for Parkview Place to expand as our vacancy rate is zero. This has been discussed by the board of directors on many different occasions. There are currently four assisted-living facilities within 80 kilometres that have suites available. Our current wait list situation is a good one to have from a managerial standpoint … it means that suites will not sit empty for a prolonged period of time. This ensures that we are able to provide a decent wage to retain staff, maintain a living standard second to none, provide a consistent and healthy menu for our residents and ensure that maintenance issues can be dealt with in a timely manner.”
A common misconception about Parkview Place is that they are affiliated with a government agency, which is not the case. The cost of rent is not subsidized, and every resident pays an equal amount for the same size suite.
Parkview Place is a registered non-profit, charitable organization, operated by a 10-member board, a manager and staff of 15.
Sittler says, “An annual single suite rent is $25,120 and for a couples’ suite it is $37,440.”
These costs are broken into employee wages of $1,078, building and yard maintenance of $169 and groceries at $233. Other expenses to come from this rental are utilities, property taxes, insurance, professional fees, maintenance reserve, entertainment and trips as well as other expenses as they arise.
Doing a price comparison, a single suite in neighbouring communities may start lower at $1,674 compared to Unity’s Parkview Place single suite at $2,114, and resident doesn’t always have the option to receive a high level of home care.
The average rent for a standard space either a bachelor suite or private room in Canada averages $2,649 per month in Canada, per the same survey.
Sittler said that a guaranteed income supplement is available but must be applied for by the individual in need of financial support. For single, widowed, or divorced persons who are receiving Old Age Security pension, a maximum monthly payment of $1,026.96 is available providing your annual income is less than $20,832.
Suites are rented by the month and residents may vacate a suite without penalty of an additional month’s rent. Residents are required to carry a liability insurance policy.
Benefits of Parkview Place residency
When assessing the cost of living at Parkview Place, Sittler points out rent includes 24-hour monitoring for health and well-being as well as three meals a day with the added bonus of unlimited snacks that includes fresh fruit daily. There is also satellite television, laundry service, entertainment and activity programming, on-site support for incidental issues.
Power outages are also no longer as big of a concern because Parkview Place has a backup generator that has withstood past outages that have affected Unity. Isolation can be reduced as the senior assisted living residence is like its own community within a community.
Homecare services are provided by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, up to as many as four visits per day.
Committing to Parkview Place’s waiting list does not carry an obligation. Sittler says those on the list will have the opportunity to accept a suite, but residency can be declined as many times as necessary without losing position in the queue.
Not being on the list could put an individual who no longer has a choice, in a position of not having accommodation available in the community of their choice.
It is well known that many people experience health benefits after moving into senior assisted living as a direct result of improved nutrition, mental health benefits from consistent social engagement as well as daily monitoring by the centre’s staff, Sittler points out. Individuals on their waiting list can take advantage of affordable take out meals from Parkview so the transition is seamless.
The community of Unity looks forward to engaging fundraisers and fun-raisers hosted by Parkview Place which help cover costs for all the extras such as flowers, exercise equipment, lawn furniture etc. Parkview also graciously accepts donations in memory of loved ones.
Sittler adds, “When the provincial and/or federal governments are ready to put some funding into senior housing projects, the board already has the blueprints ready to expand our facility. In the meantime, it is better to be prepared for the future by thinking proactively right now.”
Current Parkview residents, Rodney and Dorothy Davis say of their experience at Parkview, “We enjoy living at Parkview. We are like a big family. There are many social and practical benefits. Staff are wonderful. It’s our home within a home. We have our own space but can enjoy the company of others. And we don’t have to wash dishes. Coming here was a big change. Any move has its challenges, so we prepared ahead. We consciously decided to look forward and like it, not back at what we left behind. We brought only the things that fit comfortably, so started early letting go of stuff we wouldn’t need and moved in while we were still healthy enough to enjoy the benefits Parkview offers.”
Other community residents whose parents are now residents at Parkview say they appreciate the spacious and bright windows in the couple’s suite, along with extra storage cabinets that may be needed for walkers and other necessities.
Melissa Acton, who helped her husband’s parents transition to Parkview Place, adds, “Lorne enjoys the opportunity to attend the Catholic communion service every Sunday morning, as well as afternoon games of cards, bingo, shuffleboard and many different entertainers.”
Families say they appreciate the welcoming of family members to share meals with residents there. Family members told the Press-Herald SASKTODAY.ca they and their family member that is a resident enjoys the activities, the opportunity to participate in the outdoor garden, work in the tool shed or wander or sit in the beautiful grounds on site.
“The board and employees ensure the residents are well looked after physically, mentally and emotionally. As a family, we are grateful to know that our loved ones are well looked after … We encourage everyone to take an opportunity to go for coffee, visit or tour to check out all that is to offer,” adds Acton.
Cindy O’Donnell, whose mom is a resident at Parkview says, “Parkview w is not just a home it’s a family and a community, a hub of entertainment, a spa, salon, bingo hall and restaurant all wrapped into one.”
O’Donnell says her mom, like many, was hesitant at first to leave her own little condo, afraid visitors wouldn’t stop in as much and afraid to lose some independence. “Mom soon found out the grass was much greener on the other side in this case.”
Weekly activities are always something residents look forward to and families say the companionship is irreplaceable.
