About Me
Hi! I'm Janice.
Over the past 12 years I have worked in the senior living sector, helping families navigate the challenges of securing quality senior living for their loved ones. As a community relations manager, I worked closely with retirement home operators, LHIN (Local Health Integrated Network) co-ordinators, hospital discharge planners, legal and financial specialists, equipping me with a deep understanding of the senior living sector.
Knowing just how overwhelming the process of finding the right retirement residence or home care assistance can be, I created PilotHouse, your Senior Living Advisor to help you navigate the healthcare and LTC system in the Kingston and surrounding area. Using my industry knowledge and your personal goals, my role is to research all the options and present the best solutions so you can make your important decision with confidence and peace of mind.
In addition to my Retirement Home Search services, PilotHouse can also connect you with our helpful independent partners offering such related services as downsizing, moving, home care, respite services, real estate, estate planning and more.
I understand clients are as unique as their needs and wants. I also understand every retirement residence offers its own unique experience. Let PilotHouse guide you and your family through one of your most important decisions, helping you to find the perfect solution for your interests and needs.
Initial Consultation
We will meet in person or virtually (as per covid-19 protocol) for an informal discussion. This chat is to determine why you are looking for support, what is important to you and to review all of the options available.
Research
With your needs in mind (budget, features, amenities, location etc). I investigate all communities that match and prepare all of the information and comparisons for us to review together.
Tours
The next step is to personally tour the communities. You are welcome to accompany me if you choose or we can do it on your behalf. We narrow down the preferred communities to have just a few to choose from. We will meet again to review options, care requirements, etc. and I will prepare you for the next steps.
Breathe
This is where you take a breath and realize how far you have come already. It's not over... there's still work to do but I'm still here, guiding you. Alongside my partners, I can provide additional services to help you get over the finish line.
Where Do I Start?
Options?
You may be overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin but you know for certain that you need to find some help. Here are some terms to help understand the landscape. I would be happy to explain each and how they may be a possible path to take.
Independent Supported Living or “IL”
Specialized Care and Memory Care
Assisted Living
or “AL”
Short Term Stays (you may also hear this referred to as Respite)
Short term stays are for those who would like to “dip their toe in” to determine if retirement living is a suitable lifestyle choice for their needs. Short term stays are also beneficial after a hospital procedure for those who need some extra support prior to returning home.
Independent Supportive Living offers a flexible independent lifestyle with a little bit of extra help. The benefit of Independent Supported Living is that you can access additional supportive services, medical services and personal support while still being able to live as you wish and enjoy life in the retirement community.
Assisted Living provides a home environment with extra care built into the monthly fee. These services could include assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming and medication. Services can be reviewed or changed at any time to meet the needs of the resident.
For residents who could benefit from some extra cognitive support, Memory Care communities create supportive, safe and secure environments while providing social, recreation and fitness activities. Memory Care teams have the expertise to support these residents with enriched and specialized programming.