15 easy questions to help you in your search for a senior’s residence

Before choosing a private senior’s residence, the Quebec Ombudsman suggests asking 15 questions to help you make an informed choice.
By taking the time beforehand, you can make decisions prior to visiting a residence, particularly on subjects that might not come to mind. Subjects that you will have already dealt with before moving.
Résidences Québec examined this information and summarized them in this post. Take note, here’s how to find the BEST place living environment for you!
1.What’s the ideal residence?
-What are you looking for? A residence in the city centre, in the suburbs or in the country?
-Are you looking for something close to your children, your friends or some specific services?
* Note these specifications on a list that you can look at easily at any time.

Ask the people in charge of the residence questions
Once you’ve identified your needs, you will visit several residences. By the way, don’t hesitate to check out the list of residences on our website.
Throughout this process, it’s important to ask the right questions of the staff. This is a crucial step when you decide which residence is suitable for you.
Here are those that we have listed and some details to help guide you.
2. What are the basic services and what are the “à la carte” services?
-What are basic medical services, housekeeping, laundry?
-If you have specific needs, can you find what you need to address them?
3. How much will it cost?
-How much will your accommodation cost?
-What’s included in the monthly fees?
4. What are the clauses of the lease?
“If I sign the lease, how long am I signing for?”
-If I want to terminate my lease, what are the conditions (if I’m not satisfied or I require long-term hospitalization)?
5. Is the residence government certified?
-Has this residence been formally certified by the Department of Health and Social Services?
6. What does the entire residence look like?
-Is it clean and to your taste (decor, design)?
-Does it have enough room to meet your privacy needs?
-Can you bring your furniture?
-Does the place allow you to move easily if you have a walker or a wheelchair?
-Are you allowed to bring your favorite pet?
7.What food is offered?
-Does the meal schedule suit you and is it flexible?
-Are the meals nutritious (dietitian?) And do they taste good?
-If you require assistance with meals, do they offer help?
-Can you eat in your room or only in the dining room?
– Do you have access to a refrigerator in your room for your own food?
8. Who are the staff?
-How many employees work in the residence and do they speak your first language (French, English)?
– Is there a nurse or doctor on site in case of a health emergency?
“Who oversees night surveillance?”
9. What does security do?
-Do employees have the adequate training to handle emergencies?
-Are the premises laid out with safety in mind and is there basic emergency equipment (smoke detectors, sprinklers, alarm system, etc.)?
10. What about taking medication?
– Who is responsible for the management and distribution of medicine?
-How are they distributed?
“Where is it stored?”
11. How do my relatives visit me?
-Are you able to have your loved ones visit at any time or do you have to follow a specific schedule?
– Can my guests and I use the common area for visiting?
12.What about activities?
-Will I have access to interesting, different and challenging activities?
-Do I have to follow a strict schedule or is it rather flexible?
– Do I have access to a swimming pool, a space to take classes, a fitness room?
-Is there an outdoor space, a place for meditation (spiritual / religious?).
13. What if my health deteriorates?
-If my health deteriorates, when will I be required to get help (limits of the residence in terms of services)?
14. When will I be accepted? Is there a waiting list?
“Are there any delays before being admitted?”
“Does this date and time work for me?”
15. What do I think after visiting?
Now you can take a break from your questions and reflect on your visit. Did people answer your questions properly? Did you like the residence and the relationship between the residents and the employees? Were you completely satisfied with your visit?

These are the right tools to help you make a wise choice about what your future will look like. Take the time to visit several places before making a final choice.

Be aware that if you have problems with your chosen residence, you can contact the Regional Complaints Commissioner and/or the Ombudsman.
Good luck…we hope we helped!

References: The Ombudsman