Long-term care homes (CHSLD), or residential and long-term care centers, are health and social service establishments dedicated to the elderly or those with complex care needs in Quebec. How do they operate, how much do they cost, what is the quality of care, and what is the admission process? In this article, we answer the most common questions about CHSLD in Quebec. Understanding the characteristics and challenges surrounding these living environments helps to make informed decisions when choosing senior housing.
- Application Process
- Approval and follow-up
- Fees and services included in CHSLD accommodation
- Special cases
Application Process
What Is a CHSLD?
A CHSLD is a housing model designed for elderly people with significant loss of independence. In these living environments, each resident is followed by healthcare professionals: physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nutritionist, as well as pharmaceutical services.
What Is the Waiting Time for a Place in a Chsld?
How long will I have to wait for a place in a CHSLD? According to MSSS data, a total of 4,161 people are waiting for a place in a CHSLD in Quebec as of May 2023. Bonjour Résidences estimates that the waiting time can be up to 24 months, but geographical and infrastructure factors can influence the waiting period.
Fortunately, Bonjour Résidences can offer you fast accommodation options without a waiting list. Let us help you by filling out this accommodation form.
How Do I Place a Parent in a Chsld?
The steps to place a parent in a CHSLD may seem abstract and difficult to follow.
Who to call, when, and how long to wait? 5 simple steps:
- Go through an assessment of care and service needs by the CLSC in your area. Most of the time, it is a social worker who carries out this assessment.
- If a place in a CHSLD is recommended, you will be placed on the waiting list. At this stage, you are part of the Housing Access Mechanism (MAH), the entity responsible for directing all housing requests for users.
- Waiting times vary by region and establishment.
- Involve your parent in the decision-making process as much as possible.
- Plan for a transition period to facilitate adaptation to the new environment.
Although these changes can be stressful for you in terms of organization, don't forget that this is an important transition in your parents' lives and should be faced with consideration and empathy.
How Do I Know if It’s Time to Go to a Chsld?
"I'll think about it later" must be the most popular phrase when it comes to talking about CHSLD. Often, the moment of this decision comes with its share of denial, as it can be difficult to realize that we are at this stage of our lives, this new beginning. But in fact, how do you know if "later" should be "now"?
The right time to go to a CHSLD depends on the care needs of the person in question. If they require medical care, help with daily activities, or regular supervision, a CHSLD may be an option to consider. It is important to consult a family doctor or the CLSC for an assessment of care and service needs. This consultation could provide you with objective information to help you make your decision. If the person can no longer be cared for at home or their health requires more specialized care, it may be time to consider a place in a CHSLD or a private seniors' residence.
Chsld, Maisons des aînés, Rpa: What’s the Difference?
When researching senior housing options, you've likely come across different options: Long-term Care Centers (CHSLD), Maisons des aînés (MDA), and Private Seniors' Residences (RPA). But what sets them apart and which option is best suited for you?
CHSLD are extended care facilities for seniors who have lost a lot of independence and, for the most part, have major neurocognitive disorders. Residents need constant medical support and assistance to meet their needs. Most residents are elderly, but younger people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or physical disabilities can also be accommodated. If you recognize yourself in the description of CHSLD residents, this is an option you may consider.
The Maisons des aînés, on the other hand, are a new senior housing model that offers similar services to CHSLD. They accommodate seniors who need personalized and adapted support for their needs, particularly in terms of healthcare, assistance, and psychosocial well-being. They also offer activity programming for residents and support for their loved ones. Seniors' Homes are safe and adapted spaces for seniors who need additional support. One of the main distinctions between a CHSLD and an MDA is the layout of the space (households of 12 individual rooms with adapted bathrooms and showers). This accommodation model also allows for a significant role for family and caregivers, who can be present 24/7. In terms of eligibility criteria, a person considering CHSLD can also consider MDA, as both establishments cater to the same clientele. Under certain conditions, pets can even become an integral part of the lives of people living in MDA.
As for seniors' residences (RPA), they are collective housing adapted to the needs of seniors who wish to maintain their independence while receiving support for certain daily tasks. Residents are tenants and can benefit from housekeeping, meal, and other basic services while living in a safe and supportive environment. These residences are an ideal choice for seniors who wish to maintain their independence while receiving support tailored to their needs. These living environments offer scalable services that allow residents to stay at different stages of aging. In short, RPA is an optimal balance between support and maintaining autonomy.
Now that you know a bit more, which choice suits you? Can't decide? Bonjour Résidences' housing specialists are here to assist you in your efforts.
What Is the Difference Between a Contracted Private Chsld and a Non-contracted Private Chsld?
In Quebec, there are three types of CHSLD to meet seniors' needs: public CHSLD, contracted private CHSLD, and non-contracted private CHSLD. A contracted private CHSLD is managed by a private company but remains in partnership with the public sector. To be admitted, you must contact the CLSC in your neighborhood. The financial contribution required from each resident in this type of CHSLD is established by the Quebec Health Insurance Board (RAMQ) and determined according to their ability to pay. In other words, a person with less money could pay lower rent than a wealthier person.
Now, let's move on to the non-contracted private CHSLD. The real difference is that in this case, the CHSLD is managed by an owner independent of the state. They have their own admission criteria, and the operation of their establishment is entirely at their discretion. However, they must comply with safety standards and hold a permit from the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS). A simple way to remember the difference is that on one side, they are in partnership with the public sector, and on the other, they are entirely independent.
Approval and Follow-up
Can I Know My Rank on the Waiting List?
When you've been waiting for a while, it's normal to want to know your position on the waiting list, to have better predictability of the days, months, or even years to follow. Unfortunately, it is not possible to determine your rank on the waitlist, as it can vary depending on several factors, such as the addition of people requiring priority care. The factors determining positions on the waiting list are established in accordance with principles of fairness and efficiency. You will therefore have to be patient while waiting for your place in a CHSLD.
How Can I Get Information About My Accommodation Request?
For any information regarding your application, you should contact your social worker, who will provide you with the necessary information. There is no need to contact the housing center directly, as they will not be able to answer your questions.
How Long Do I Have to Accept a Place in Accommodation When It Is Offered to Me?
Since your registration on the waiting list, are you anxious about missing that call? After waiting so long, it's completely understandable. Here are some details about the waiting period. You have a 24-hour deadline to accept the proposed place and start the admission process.
Do I Have to Accept a Place in Transitional Housing?
Although it is not mandatory to accept a place in temporary or transitional housing, it is essential to consider your safety before making a decision. If you decline a temporary housing offer and your situation is critical, your request may be closed, and your social worker will have to submit a new application based on your needs.
If you refuse temporary housing and you are hospitalized in a rehabilitation center or occupy a post-acute care bed (social emergency, convalescence, orientation-evaluation), you will have to return to your home.
Can I Stay Temporarily in a Private Establishment While Maintaining My Request for Permanent Accommodation?
Fortunately, it is possible to reside temporarily in a private facility while maintaining your housing access application. However, it is essential to remember that the housing request is initiated when your situation is considered urgent. If your situation is no longer critical and your safety is no longer threatened, your request may be closed, subject to specific exceptions depending on your particular case. It is better to be cautious and consult your social worker before making this decision.
Fees and Services Included in Chsld Housing
How Much Does It Cost to Live in a Chsld?
We cannot discuss the questions we dare not ask without considering the cost of a place in a CHSLD. The monthly cost of housing depends on the type of room and your financial capacity, which will be assessed by the Quebec Health Insurance Board (RAMQ). This assessment will take into account your income, savings, assets, and family situation.
If it can reassure you, in a public or contracted private CHSLD, the cost of housing cannot exceed the amount set by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Currently, the fees are: $2,079.90 for a single room, $1,737.60 for a two-bed room, and $1,294.50 for a room with three beds or more. Each year, these amounts are indexed on January 1st. Although the exact cost can only be pronounced by the MSSS, you at least know what the maximum amounts to pay look like.
How Is the Rent Calculated?
Rent in CHSLD in Quebec is calculated based on the income and financial resources of the person residing there. The financial contribution is assessed each year by the Quebec government, which sets the maximum amount to be paid according to a rate schedule. The financial contribution includes the cost of housing, food, medical care, and support services. It may be that in many cases, you are not able to pay the maximum rate. In such a scenario, you could request a reduction by submitting a request for a review of the financial contribution to the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) in your region.
Who Pays for a Person in a Chsld?
Is it up to the children to pay, or will this money be taken from your parents' pension fund? These are common and entirely legitimate questions to ask when considering a place for your parents in a CHSLD. In Quebec, the costs for a person in CHSLD are shared between the government and the person themselves. The government pays the majority of the costs, including housing, medical care, and support services. The individual in the CHSLD must also contribute financially based on their income and resources. The amount of the contribution is evaluated each year by the government, but if the person cannot pay the maximum rate, they can request a reduction by submitting a request for review of the financial contribution to the Integrated Health and Social Services Center in their region. In other words, there are mechanisms in place to ensure your parents pay a reasonable amount considering their means, and you will not have to bear this financial burden.
Can I Terminate My Lease if I Am Admitted to a Chsld?
Yes, in accordance with Article 1974 of the Quebec Civil Code, you are allowed to terminate your lease due to your admission to a CHSLD. You will need to submit the appropriate documents to your landlord to proceed with the termination.
It is important to note that your landlord has the right to claim payment of rent up to two months after the date of receipt of the lease termination letter.
What Is Provided in Chslds?
After discussing expenses, we all want to know if we are getting our money's worth. But what exactly is included in a CHSLD? Your monthly contribution includes accommodation fees, care and services provided, medications, necessary medical supplies, basic personal hygiene products, and laundry services for your clothes. The services offered may vary by facility, but they are designed to meet the care needs of seniors or people with complex care needs. Families and friends can also visit residents and participate in activities organized by the facility. It's a bit like a place in an apartment, but with the necessary care to maintain an adequate quality of life.
Are Cable, Internet and Telephone Services Included in the Cost of Accommodation?
Although they may seem essential, these services are not included in the cost of accommodation. Therefore, you must subscribe and pay the fees if you want to watch your favorite shows in your room. However, you will have access to a shared television and telephone with other residents in common areas.
What Personal Belongings and Furniture Can I Bring to a Chsld?
Guidelines regarding items you can bring to a CHSLD vary from one facility to another. However, it is generally accepted to bring personal items to personalize your room, such as an individual armchair, a flat-screen TV, a wall calendar, a bedspread, and frames. Please note that for care-related safety reasons, you will generally be required to use the bed provided by the CHSLD in your room.
Special Cases
Are There Chslds Intended for Certain Cultural or Linguistic Communities?
CHSLDs are not specifically dedicated to cultural or linguistic groups; however, some establishments accommodate a majority of users sharing a common language or culture.
Can I Be Accommodated With My Husband/Wife in a Chsld?
Indeed, it is possible to accommodate a couple, provided that both individuals require accommodation due to a loss of independence. Admissions, however, depend on availability, and it is rare that both partners are admitted simultaneously.
Are you looking for a housing environment that allows you to live with your spouse? Private senior residences are the ideal solution to meet this need. Find the right place for you quickly by filling out this accommodation form.
Can I Apply for Permanent Accommodation in a Region Other Than My Place of Residence?
Yes, you can apply for permanent housing in another region. However, the rules change depending on the region where you submit your application, and transitional housing may be offered to you in the area where you currently live.
What if I Don’t Like the Place Where I Have Been Admitted to Accommodation?
It is advisable to take the time to get used to your new hosting environment and to seek support from the interdisciplinary team on site. If, despite several attempts, you still do not feel comfortable in this establishment, you can request a change of accommodation. However, your request will not be processed as a priority, since your security is guaranteed in your current hosting.
The Right Option for Your Needs
By reviewing the answers to various frequently asked questions, you've likely noticed that there are several housing options available in Quebec. Although CHSLDs can house seniors experiencing a loss of independence, the waiting times and strictness of the application process might be discouraging. If you are an older adult seeking a flexible living environment that provides daily assistance while respecting your autonomy, RPAs could be a great alternative. Bonjour Résidences offers free support to help you find the living environment that best suits your needs and maintains your peace of mind. Contact us at 1-844-918-1020 to speak with one of our accommodation specialists.