When Wilson and Anne Kerr moved into their assisted living suite at Kiwanis House in Nanaimo a year ago this May, they were two of the non-profit development’s first residents. The couple, who have been married for 58 years, wanted to continue to live together. But Anne’s health meant that she could not cope with all the demands of living independently.

“We’ve lived in homes on this site for the past 10 or so years,” explained 77-year-old Anne. “But a few years ago I had a fall that required hospitalization. I couldn’t manage on my own anymore but I didn’t want to move into a complex care facility and be separated from my husband. It’s better for us here because we’re together, and I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Eighty-six-year-old Wilson agrees. “I didn’t want to move originally,” he said. “But when I thought it over, it looked pretty good. We pay 70 per cent of our after-tax income for our place and we receive two meals a day, weekly housekeeping and linen service, and entertainment.”

If the Kerrs need it, they can also receive home support from one of the four community health workers assigned to Kiwanis House as part of BC Housing’s Independent Living BC program. “Our staff provide personal care for residents who require help with bathing, dressing, medication management, mobility issues and things of that nature,” said Elaine Sperling, Nurse Leader Home Support with Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Kiwanis House was made possible through a partnership between the Nanaimo District Senior Citizens’ Housing Development Society, the federal and provincial governments through BC Housing’s Independent Living BC (ILBC) program and the Vancouver Island Health Authority. ILBC is a housing-for-health program that meets the needs of seniors with low to moderate incomes and people with disabilities who require additional support to remain independent but do not require 24-hour residential health care.

In some families, children bear the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents and this can be difficult as health needs tend to change or increase as we age. Knowing what housing and health care options are available may be one challenge, and affordability yet another. Sometimes keeping parents together proves most challenging when their needs are so different.

After Carl Wrigley’s Alzheimer’s required him to move into long-term care at Nanaimo Seniors Village, daughter Beryl Hamilton was faced with moving her elderly mother, Phyllis, from her home into another facility. There was just enough money from the sale of the house to cover the cost of care for both parents. Five years later, that money was gone and Beryl was beside herself with worry about how she was going to continue caring for her mother and father.

Like many adult children with elderly parents, Beryl carries most of the burden alone. “I have a sister in Ontario who visits every few years, but, for the most part my parents are my responsibility. It can be really difficult when you don’t know who to turn to for help.”

Working with staff at Nanaimo Seniors Village and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Beryl was able to find space in the private development’s new assisted living suites. Thirty of these are subsidized by the province to make more apartments affordable for low-income seniors.

“Mum and Dad, whose care needs are at different levels, are now close by and can visit each other,” said Beryl. “The Independent Living BC program made a huge difference in our lives and relieved so much financial and emotional pressure. This has been a lifesaver for us.”