Frequently Asked Questions
Care at Amica
- What senior-living options are available at Amica?
There are many types of senior living options. At Amica, we offer Independent Living in suites, apartment and townhouse units, depending on the residence.
We also offer suites for Assisted Living/Residential Care, Memory Care and for Respite Stays and Short-term Stays.
For more details, book a tour at the residence of your choice, or contact us online to answer your questions.
- What’s the difference between Assisted Living, Long-Term Care and Memory Care?
Our Assisted Living community at Amica offers the same premium lifestyle, amenities, activities and cuisine as Independent Living. It layers in emergency monitoring, 24-7 nurse access and personalized care by professional wellness staff. Your tailored care plan can include assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing, medication monitoring or transferring to mobility devices.
Memory Care includes specialized care and services to assist seniors living with types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Trained care staff understand needs through all stages of dementia. They support seniors who experience frustration, anxiety, aggression or communication issues due to cognitive aging. Memory care facilities typically offer extra security measures to keep residents safe from wandering, one of many dementia symptoms.
In Long-Term Care individuals are supported with their complex care needs or health conditions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to manage on their own.
Amica’s Assisted Living and Memory Care communities are private-pay service alternatives to funded Long-Term Care specializing in senior needs.
- Do you offer Respites or Short Stays?
Yes. Respite and Short Stays allow seniors recovering from an injury or illness to rest in comfort with 24-7 care (if needed). Residents on a Respite stay benefit from exercises to promote healthy recovery and access to various health professionals.
They also enjoy furnished private suites, three daily meals and snacks, a daily suite tidy, weekly housekeeping and linen laundry, plus the option to join residence events.
We also offer Short Stays for seniors who need a break or to provide support when family are out of town.
- Can I stay at Amica if my needs change?
Our residences have varying levels of care, so you’ll always have the support you need to enjoy your life to the fullest, even as your needs change. Our care levels range from Independent Living to Assisted Living, Memory Care and Respite Stays. Some of our residences offer all four. We also offer two-person lifts and mechanical lifts as well as end-of-life care.
We encourage you to ask for more details when you tour the residence of your choice. You can also contact us online to answer your questions.
- Will my family receive updates about my health?
It’s your decision what best meets your unique needs. If you prefer, we’ll keep your family actively involved in your care plan as it evolves. If you have a family member who’s your power of attorney, they’ll be updated about your care and can make decisions on your behalf.
- Will I have help taking medications?
We’re here to help you where you need it most. Let us know what personalized plan you’d prefer, and our team will be happy to assist.
- How do I know which care option is best for me?
We’re happy to help with that decision. Before we welcome new residents, we collaborate with the senior and his or her family to complete a thorough wellness assessment. This gives us a blueprint for how to safely serve each resident’s unique needs, goals and wishes.
- What happens in an emergency or when I’m sick?
You’ll have peace of mind knowing Amica Senior Lifestyles offers 24-7 support, on-site nurses, emergency monitoring by our attentive wellness staff, and your well-being is our top priority.
If you’re sick, or in an emergency situation, we’ll be there to help you.
- Can my partner and I stay in the same suite if our care level is different?
Yes, it’s possible to share a suite with your spouse if you both have different care levels. Of course it will depend on various factors, including the options and availability at the residence you choose.
We encourage you to ask for more details when you tour the residence of your choice. You can also contact us online to answer your questions.
- What training does your care team have?
You’re in skilled and attentive hands at Amica. Your health and medical needs are overseen by our director of wellness and nurses selected for their education, experience, clinical expertise and background of working with seniors.
A nurse is available around the clock. And, you’ll also get to know the friendly and respectful resident-care partners who support daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, eating, safety, medication administration and more.
We encourage you to ask for more details when you tour the residence of your choice.
Life at Amica
- If I become an Amica resident, will I retain my independence?
Absolutely. Empowering residents with independence and the freedom to make their own choices means as much to seniors and their families as it does to our teams.
Retirement living empowers you to live your best life, choosing when you eat, where you eat and what you do for fun. We also offer parking for residents who drive so they can make the best of every day.
- How big are your suites, and what are the main features?
We have many suite styles ranging in various sizes to meet your evolving needs. Choose from a studio, one bedroom, one bedroom and den, two-bedroom suite and more.
We thoughtfully engineer our senior residence suites to support healthy aging with natural light, smart storage and accessible features.
Learn more by visiting the “suites” section on the residence website that interests you.
- What’s the food like, and when are mealtimes?
Our talented chefs prepare healthy, balanced, dietitian-approved meals with the freshest ingredients for discerning palates and special diets. Residents can choose from evolving seasonal dishes or à la carte favourites.
Our flexible dining plan means residents choose when they like to eat in our dining room, self-serve bistro and patio, among other settings, including their suite.
- Can I host family and friends?
Yes, we encourage residents to stay connected with loved ones — a practice that’s good for overall well-being.
You can continue to host your family and friends for regular visits, on-site social activities planned by staff and even for special meals in our craft kitchen or private dining room, available at many of our residences.
- Can I have overnight guests or have loved ones join local trips and activities?
Residents in our Independent Living and Assisted Living/Residential Care suites may have overnight guests in their suites. In our private dining room, loved ones are welcome for a nominal fee.
Memory Care and Respite residents can also welcome guests in their community dining room, the main dining room or by booking the private dining room for a special event.
We encourage you to ask for more details when you tour the residence of your choice. You can also contact us online to answer your questions.
- Can I bring my pet?
Yes, of course. We welcome small pets. But, we suggest you ask for details when you tour the residence of your choice, making sure there aren’t any other considerations in that region.
- Can I decorate my suite?
The residence suites at Amica are designed for your comfort, convenience and safety, with a classic neutral décor that can be complemented with personal home accents to fit various styles.
You’re welcome to furnish and decorate your new space to make it your own. You can also change the paint or wallpaper, as long as costs are covered to return it to its original state.
- What amenities are offered at Amica, and can I use amenities at other Amica properties?
Our amenities vary slightly from residence to residence, but we offer various options, from private dining rooms, pools, spas, salons, and fitness centres to home theatres, greenhouses, libraries, pubs, and bistros.
In most cases, yes, you can use the amenities at other Amica properties, but we encourage you to ask for more details when you tour the residence of your choice.
- Can friends and family use the amenities I enjoy at Amica?
Yes, in most cases. If you accompany them, this is a great way to keep connected to your loved ones. Keep in mind these rules may vary depending on residence and care type.
We encourage you to ask for more details when you tour the residence of your choice.
General questions about Amica
- How do I know me, or my loved one, is ready for senior or retirement living?
This takes careful thought and consideration, especially since every senior is so different. To start, consider if you or your loved one is feeling bored, lonely or isolated, too tired to cook or worried about falling.
To learn more signals that it might be time to make the move, read our blog “6 signs you might be ready for retirement living.” This primer will unpack your questions and lead you to more resources to make an informed decision.
- How much does it cost to live at Amica residences?
The cost varies depending on your specialized care needs, the residence and the suite you choose.
Whatever you choose, it’s important to us to meet your physical and financial needs for exceptional senior living, including an elegant setting with outstanding dining, amenities, activities, care, and safety measures.
To help you on your journey, we’ve prepared a worksheet comparing senior-living residence costs. It will offer insights into the best value and lifestyle for you.
To learn more about the costs at the residence of your choice, book a tour, or contact us online.
- Is there a health assessment prior to moving in at Amica?
Before we welcome new residents, we collaborate with the senior and their family to complete a thorough wellness assessment. This gives us a blueprint for how to serve each senior’s unique needs, goals and wishes.
It also gives the senior, family members and team members at Amica peace of mind in knowing we’ve gathered the information we need to ensure the resident’s safety.
- Will I need to sign a lease?
No. You will be required to sign a Resident Tenancy and Services Agreement. This agreement outlines the accommodation and services you’ve selected.
We’ll review this with you in depth, but feel free to ask for more details when you tour the residence of your choice. You can also contact us online to answer your questions.
- How can I book a residence tour?
Simply request a tour through our website.
Choose which residence interests you on our form, and we’ll be happy to help if you want to visit more than one in a community.