Petals of Knowledge – Your Questions, Answered

A: It’s a small group home environment where a handful of residents live together and receive care. In our shared living homes, 3–6 individuals (depending on the home) share a comfortable house or apartment. Each person has a private bedroom (or the option to share, if preferred) and the group shares common areas like the living room, kitchen, and garden. Trained caregivers are on-site to provide support with daily activities. This model allows for a cozy, community feel, as well as cost-sharing of services, making care more affordable than one-on-one home care or large institutions. Residents get the help they need while enjoying the companionship of others.

A: Our homes are open to seniors and adults of any age who would benefit from supportive living. Many of our residents are older adults who prefer not to live alone or who need help with daily tasks. We also welcome younger adults (18+) who may have disabilities or health conditions that make independent living challenging. Each potential resident undergoes an assessment to ensure we can meet their needs. We strive to create a compatible group of housemates in each home – matching individuals in terms of care requirements and, where possible, interests and personality – so that everyone feels at ease.

A: We provide personal care assistance, supervision, and a range of supportive services tailored to each resident. This includes help with bathing, dressing, medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping, and more (see our Services section above for full details). Our staff is available 24/7 – there is always a caregiver on duty or on-call in case anyone needs assistance, even during the night. While we are not a nursing home (we do not perform invasive medical procedures on-site), we do coordinate with healthcare professionals. For example, we can arrange visiting nurses, therapy services, or doctor visits as needed. Our goal is to address all aspects of daily living and basic health monitoring so residents are well cared for at all times.

A: All meals are provided and prepared by our staff. We serve three nutritious meals a day, plus snacks, with menus that rotate and cater to residents’ tastes and dietary restrictions (diabetic, low-sodium, vegetarian, etc.). We often involve residents in suggesting favourite recipes or even helping with simple meal prep tasks if they enjoy it – it’s all about feeling at home. As for activities, our team plans a variety of recreational and social activities each week. This might include morning stretches or chair yoga, arts and crafts, board game afternoons, movie nights, birthday celebrations, and more. We also organize group outings (with transportation and staff accompaniment) such as local park walks, shopping trips, or attending community events. Participation is always optional, but we encourage everyone to join in to stay active and engaged. There’s something for everyone, and we tailor activities to the abilities and interests of our residents.

A: Yes! We have an open and family-friendly visitation policy. Loved ones are welcome to visit residents in our homes, and there are no strict visiting hours like in some facilities – we just ask that visits occur at reasonable daytime hours for the comfort of all residents. You can spend time in the resident’s room or in our common areas (perhaps join us for a cup of tea in the living room or out in the garden). We also encourage family and friends to join us for special occasions like birthdays, holiday celebrations, or even just to share a meal. Keeping our residents connected with their family, friends, and community is very important to us. During times of public health concern (for example, flu season), we may implement sensible precautions to ensure everyone stays safe, but we do everything possible to keep families connected.

A: The cost depends on the level of care a resident needs and the specific home/location, but shared living is generally more affordable than traditional retirement homes or one-on-one home care. Because residents share the home and care services, we’re able to keep costs reasonable. Our pricing is all-inclusive, covering the room, all meals, basic utilities, and the care services outlined (personal care, housekeeping, activities, etc.). Any additional or one-off costs (for example, a special outing or personal toiletries) would be discussed in advance. We will provide a clear breakdown of monthly fees once we understand your loved one’s needs. There are no hidden charges. We also assist families in exploring any applicable government subsidies or benefits that might help with costs. Please contact us for a personalized quote – we’ll be happy to discuss details and work out a plan that fits your budget.

A: We understand that health and care needs can evolve. Our team conducts regular care plan reviews for each resident. If a resident requires more assistance as time goes on, we will adjust the care plan and staffing accordingly to ensure they continue to be safe and comfortable. For example, we can increase personal care support, add mobility aids, or coordinate more frequent medical check-ups as needed. In many cases, our flexible model allows residents to age in place in the shared home without needing to move again. However, if someone develops a medical condition that requires round-the-clock nursing or specialized care beyond our scope, we will work closely with the family to arrange a smooth transition to an appropriate facility (such as a long-term care centre or hospital) when the time comes. Our priority is always the well-being of the resident – we’re committed to supporting them for as long as we possibly can, adapting to their needs.

Have more questions? Please reach out to us! We’re happy to provide further information or clarification on any topic.