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Hazelbrook House

For families

You are doing a hard thing. Here is some help.

Short, honest guides for the questions families bring to us most. Use them whether or not you ever choose Hazelbrook.

An adult daughter puts her arm around her mother on a living room sofa

Start here

Guilt is normal. It is not a sign you are doing it wrong.

Almost every family we meet feels like they are giving up on caring for Mom or Dad themselves. Moving a parent to the right place is a way of caring for them. It often means you get to be their daughter or son again, not only their caregiver.

Take your time with these guides. When you are ready, Claire is a phone call away at (250) 555-0142. She has been where you are.

01

Signs it might be time

There is rarely one moment. It is usually a pile of small things that add up.

  • Falls, near-falls, or new bruises they cannot explain
  • Weight loss, an empty fridge, or food going bad
  • Missed medications, or pills taken twice
  • Unpaid bills, unopened mail, or new scams
  • Getting lost while driving or walking somewhere familiar
  • Pulling away from friends and things they used to love
  • You, the caregiver, are exhausted or getting sick

02

Assisted living or memory care?

The question is not how old someone is. It is what kind of help keeps them safe and calm.

  • Assisted living fits when someone needs help with tasks but can find their way, use a call pendant, and remember they live here
  • Memory care fits when memory loss affects safety: wandering, getting lost, leaving the stove on, or not recognising danger
  • Memory care also helps when a busy building makes someone anxious or confused
  • Not sure? Our nurse can do a free care assessment, and we will tell you honestly which fits, even if it is not us
How The Orchard works

03

How to talk with a parent about moving

This is a series of conversations, not one big talk.

  • Start early, before a crisis, and start with their worries, not yours
  • Ask questions like, What would make the days easier? instead of announcing a plan
  • Talk about what they gain: company, meals, safety, less housework
  • Invite them to lunch here as a guest, with no pressure to decide
  • If memory loss is involved, keep it simple and lean on their doctor for support

04

What to ask on any tour

Take this list to every residence you visit, including ours.

  • How many residents does one care partner look after, day and night?
  • Who writes the care plan, and how often is it reviewed?
  • How do you handle a fall or a medical emergency at night?
  • What training do staff get in dementia care, and how often?
  • What exactly is included in the monthly price? What costs extra?
  • How much did prices go up in each of the last three years?
  • Can we see a real suite, eat a real meal, and talk to a resident's family?
Bring it on a visit

05

Paying for care in BC

Most families use a mix of sources. A short call with an advisor can save a lot of worry.

  • Hazelbrook is a private-pay residence. Many families use pensions, savings or the sale of a home
  • Some people qualify for publicly subsidized assisted living through the regional health authority. We can explain how that differs
  • Some care costs may count as medical expenses at tax time. Ask an accountant
  • Private long-term care insurance may cover part of the cost. Check the policy early
  • Ask every residence how often their prices rise, and by how much
Our pricing guide

06

The first 30 days

Settling in takes time. Most people feel at home within a month or two.

  • Bring familiar things first: their chair, their quilt, photos at eye level
  • Visit often in the first weeks, but keep visits short and calm
  • Some sadness or confusion early on is normal. We will call you if we are worried
  • Your first family care meeting is at day 30, so you can ask anything

Living far away?

Many of our families live in another province

A video tour with Claire, a care assessment our nurse can do at your parent's home or in hospital, and a weekly email once they move in. Siblings in different cities can all join the family care meeting by video.

Book a video tour Read family stories

Plan a visit

When you are ready, we are here.

Visit in person and stay for lunch, take a video tour, or just call Claire with a question. No pressure, ever.

Plan a visit Call (250) 555-0142

Hospital discharge or a fall this week? Call us. Claire will tell you honestly what we can do and how fast.

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