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.

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 lower-income seniors. Phyllis moved in last February.

“Mom 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 has made a huge difference in our lives and has relieved so much financial and emotional pressure.”

Before Phyllis moved into her suite at Nanaimo Seniors Village, Beryl would have to drive her mother to visit her father. Visits were often short because Phyllis would have to rush back for meals.

“I was almost sick with worry about what I was going to do with Mom,” said Beryl. “She’s 88 and very frail. She can manage to wash herself and feed herself, but that’s all. Assisted living, which provides meals, linen service and 24-hour response, is exactly what she needs at this point in her life. I still worry about her and Dad, but having the rent supplement has been a huge relief. There’s a great need for this kind of assistance with so many people living longer, and most of them can’t afford to pay the rents by themselves.”

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. This has been a lifesaver for us.”