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Living in residence for retirees: many choices

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3 min
Different choices to live in residence

Thinking of going to live in residence, but do not know what to expect? Let us paint a portrait of the different choices available to you. You know, retirement homes have evolved a lot in the last few years. It is not any more "old houses" for people with loss of autonomy. In 2017, we speak of complex for pre-retired and retired people , not sad homes and even less hospices!

Too early to think about it?

It's never too early to evaluate your retirement options. The more time you give yourself, the more choices you have. Some expect that illness will hit ... However, in these situations, people often have to act quickly, which doesn't help the decision-making and limits opportunities. It is important to study your options in a calm climate.

It may be interesting for you and your spouse to live in residence even if you are still fully independent. Indeed, this way of life can bring you several benefits while freeing you from certain tasks, such as the interior and exterior maintenance of your home. For a single person, this can be a great way to break the isolation.

Looking for a residence? Fill out an accommodation request now , while specifying your needs in the description of your request.

Evaluate your needs to find the right residence

With the great choice of retirement homes available in Quebec , you will have to proceed by elimination according to certain criteria :

  • The type of accommodation and units. Some seniors' residences have hundreds of units, while others only have a few dozen. What kind of residence appeals to you the most? And what level of luxury are you looking for?
  • The size and number of rooms. From studios to multi-bedroom apartments, you will have to choose the size of your living space. It is important to have enough space to store the furniture and things you want to keep. Do you need a guest room to receive relatives?
  • Location . Do you like quiet or busy places? Do you want to live near a shopping center, park, church or public transport? In addition to considering the attractions of the neighborhood, validate if the area is suitable for your lifestyle.
  • The services offered. Here is an overview of what could be offered:
    • Presence of medical staff (nurse, doctor)
    • Camera surveillance
    • Parking space
    • Catering, meal preparation
    • Housekeeping
    • Cinema, theater and theme nights
    • Library, billiard room and card room
    • Convenience store, hairdresser
    • Post office, bank and pharmacy
    • Spa, exercise room and pool
    • Washing room
    • Shuttle service, accompaniment

At the end of the day, it's the size of your budget that will create a list of seniors ' residences that provide the services you need. They are the ones you will then visit.

4 good advice from our team

  1. Think about your long-term needs, not just what you need now;
  2. Check what is included in the monthly rental price. Some à la carte services increase the amount of rent considerably;
  3. Try to discern what is needed from what is not. The services offered are often tempting, but they must really be useful to justify their costs. For example, are you going to use the pool often enough to make it an important choice?
  4. A resident is the best person to talk to you about their experience. Check out the comments of people who lived in the residences you are interested in on our website . These testimonials are a source of reliable information that will help you make an informed choice.

We must expect a period of adaptation when we choose to live in residence. However, once the right place is selected, no doubt you can have a great time!

If you need help in your search, fill out an online accommodation request. A member of our team will be able to find your ideal retirement home.

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