What Abernethy Laurels offers and who it serves

Abernethy Laurels is an assisted living community located in Abernethy, Saskatchewan. It provides housing, meals, and personal care support for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require the level of medical care provided in a nursing home. Residents typically live in private or semi-private rooms and have access to common areas for socializing and activities.

The community serves seniors aged 65 and older, including those managing chronic conditions, mobility challenges, or cognitive changes. Staff are available to help with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and meal preparation. The setting is designed for people who want to maintain independence while having support nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Abernethy Laurels is a residential community in Saskatchewan that provides meals, personal care, and daily living support for seniors who do not need nursing home-level care.
  • You should contact the facility directly to ask about current availability, room types, and what services are included in the monthly cost.
  • Most assisted living communities require a tour, a health assessment, and sometimes a deposit before move-in.
  • Saskatchewan Health Services may cover some costs for may be able to access residents, but you will need to speak with the facility and your doctor about what funding options exist for your situation.
  • It is worth asking about staffing levels, meal options, activities, and what happens if care needs increase over time.

How to contact Abernethy Laurels and what to ask

Call the facility directly to introduce yourself and ask about current openings. Have a pen ready to write down the phone number, mailing address, and the name of the person you speak with. Ask whether they have a waiting list, how long it typically takes to move in, and whether they offer tours.

During your first conversation or visit, ask these specific questions: What is included in the monthly fee? What personal care services are available, and which ones cost extra? How many staff members are on duty during the day and at night? What happens if a resident's care needs increase — can they stay, or would they need to move to a nursing home? Are meals prepared on-site, and can they accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences? What activities and outings are offered? Is there a contract, and what are the terms if someone needs to leave?

Ask to speak with the administrator or care coordinator, not just the front desk. They can answer questions about staffing, care planning, and how the community handles emergencies or changes in health.

What the move-in process usually looks like

Most assisted living communities follow a similar path. First, you or a family member tour the facility and meet staff. Second, the community asks for a health history and may require a doctor's assessment to make sure the level of care offered matches what the person needs. Third, there is paperwork — a residency agreement, emergency contact information, and sometimes a financial agreement.

Many communities ask for a deposit before move-in, which may be refundable or non-refundable depending on the contract. Ask Abernethy Laurels directly what their deposit policy is and whether it is returned if the person moves out. Some communities also charge a move-in fee separate from the deposit.

Once paperwork is signed, you will schedule a move-in date. The community usually provides a list of what to bring (clothing, personal items, medications) and what they provide (furniture, linens, toiletries). Ask whether family can help with moving and unpacking, and whether there is a settling-in period where staff check in more frequently.

Understanding costs and what may be covered

Assisted living costs vary widely depending on the room type, services included, and location. Abernethy Laurels charges a monthly fee that typically covers housing, meals, utilities, and basic personal care. Some services — such as extra laundry, transportation, or specialized care — may cost more. Ask for a written breakdown of what is and is not included before you commit.

In Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Health Services may cover part of the cost for residents who meet income and care requirements. This is not automatic — you have to ask about it and provide financial information. Your doctor can refer you to the health authority's assessment team, or you can contact your local health office directly. The amount covered varies by individual circumstances.

Private pay residents cover the full cost themselves or use savings, pensions, or family support. Some people use a combination — health services covers part, and the resident or family pays the rest. Ask Abernethy Laurels whether they work with Saskatchewan Health Services and what paperwork you need to start that process.

Questions to ask about daily life and care

Before moving in, visit at different times of day if you can — morning, afternoon, and evening. Notice whether staff seem calm and attentive, whether residents look engaged, and whether the place feels clean and safe. Talk to current residents or their family members if the community allows it.

Ask about the daily routine: What time are meals served, and can residents eat in their rooms if they want? Are activities mandatory or optional? How often can family visit, and are there quiet spaces for visits? What happens if someone falls or has a medical emergency — is there a nurse on-site, or do they call an ambulance? How do they handle medication — does staff give it to residents, or do residents manage their own?

Ask what happens if a resident's health declines. Some communities can provide more care; others cannot and will ask the person to move to a nursing home. Knowing this in advance prevents a crisis later.

What to bring and how to prepare for the move

Abernethy Laurels will give you a list of what to bring, but generally plan for clothing for all seasons, comfortable shoes, personal hygiene items, medications in original bottles, important documents (birth certificate, health card, insurance papers), and a few meaningful personal items like photos or a favorite chair.

Label everything with the resident's name, especially clothing and toiletries. Bring copies of medical records, a list of current medications and doses, and the names and phone numbers of the person's doctor and any specialists. If the resident has hearing aids, glasses, or dentures, make sure they are in good working order before the move.

Visit the room before move-in day if possible, and take measurements so you know what furniture will fit. Ask whether you can paint, hang pictures, or bring a small pet — policies vary. Plan to spend time with the resident during the first few days to help them settle in and get to know staff.

When to reconsider or look for alternatives

Assisted living is not the right fit for everyone. If a person needs 24-hour nursing care, wound care, or help with complex medical equipment, a nursing home (long-term care facility) may be more appropriate. If someone is still independent and only needs occasional help, home care services in their own home might work better.

If Abernethy Laurels has no openings or the cost is too high, ask about other assisted living communities in the area or nearby towns. Saskatchewan Health Services can provide a list of licensed facilities. Some communities offer respite care (short-term stays) if you want to try before committing to a permanent move.

If a resident moves in and it is not working out, most contracts allow for a notice period to leave. Ask what that period is — usually 30 to 90 days — so you know your options if the fit is not right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my parent is ready for assisted living?

Signs include difficulty bathing or dressing alone, forgetting to take medications, struggling with housework or cooking, or becoming isolated at home. A doctor or occupational therapist can do a home assessment and give a professional opinion. Visiting an assisted living community and talking to staff can also help you decide whether the level of support offered matches what your parent needs.

Can someone move back home if assisted living does not work out?

Yes, but it depends on the contract and the person's health. Most communities require 30 to 90 days' notice to leave. If the person's home is still available and they can arrange home care services, moving back is possible. Talk to the community about their exit policy before signing the residency agreement.

What if costs increase after someone moves in?

Ask Abernethy Laurels about their fee increase policy — how often they raise rates, how much notice they give, and whether increases are tied to inflation or care changes. Get this in writing before move-in. If costs become unaffordable, talk to the community about whether Saskatchewan Health Services coverage is an option, or explore other communities with lower fees.

Are there activities and outings, or is it just meals and care?

Most assisted living communities offer activities like crafts, games, exercise classes, and outings to shops or restaurants. Ask Abernethy Laurels for a sample weekly schedule and whether activities are included in the monthly fee or cost extra. Ask whether residents can leave on their own or with family, and whether the community arranges transportation for medical appointments.

What if someone has dementia or memory loss?

Some assisted living communities specialize in dementia care; others do not. Ask Abernethy Laurels whether they have experience with memory loss, whether staff have dementia training, and whether they can provide the level of supervision and support needed. If memory loss is advanced, a nursing home with a dedicated dementia unit may be more appropriate.