Starting the conversation
How to raise the subject of support with a parent without it becoming an argument about independence.
Resources
Guidance for families making a decision
Written for the person who did not expect to be researching this and does not have a spare month to do it.
Questions to ask any provider
The questions that reveal how a care provider actually operates — including the ones tours are not designed to answer.
Home care or a move?
A practical way to weigh staying put with support against a change of home, without deciding under pressure.
The care journey
What the process looks like from your side
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Tell us what is changing
One conversation, no forms. What has become harder, and what prompted the call.
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Understand the options
We set out what exists, what suits, and what it would realistically involve — including options that are not ours.
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Create a plan
A written plan of support, who is responsible for what, and how the family stays informed.
Frequently asked
Questions families ask us
When is the right time to look into support?
Earlier than most families do. The hardest decisions are the ones made in a hospital corridor after a fall. Looking at options while nothing is urgent costs nothing and removes most of the pressure later.
How do we agree as a family when we disagree?
It helps to separate the two questions people usually merge: what does the person need, and what is each family member able to provide. Disagreements are often about the second question while sounding like they are about the first.
What if my parent refuses any help at all?
Start smaller and more specific. Agreement to a single practical task — a drive to appointments, help with laundry — is a more realistic first step than agreement to the idea of care.
Do you offer advice if we do not become a client?
Yes. We would rather a family made a good decision elsewhere than a rushed one with us.
How do we contact you about something urgent?
Please do not use the website form for anything urgent or medical. In an emergency call 911. For anything time-sensitive, email us directly at hello@ikonliving.ca.