In Quebec, the Home Support Service (SAD) is a public network body that brings together all housing applications for people with loss of autonomy. It is responsible for admissions, decides on placement criteria and priorities and allocates suitable accommodation. To learn more about accessing public senior housing, discover the different types of accommodations, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
Accessing Temporary Accommodation for Seniors
In the public network, access to temporary accommodation is offered under different conditions:
- In the case of a social emergency, transitional housing is provided to ensure the person’s safety while their situation is assessed.
- As a follow-up to a hospital stay if the person is not yet ready to return home.
- To offer respite for a caregiver, allowing them to rest while the senior temporarily stays elsewhere.
To qualify for temporary accommodation, the senior must have a loss of autonomy. These stays typically last 3 weeks in the public system and cost $15 per day.
Temporary accommodations offer a range of services during the stay, including:
- Help with dressing
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Meals and snacks
- Medication management
- Professional services (e.g., social workers)
- Medical and nursing care
- Recreational activities
- Monitoring and supervision
To access temporary housing, the first step is to contact your local CIUSSS. A healthcare professional will assess whether this type of accommodation is appropriate.
Ways to Access Permanent Housing
Permanent housing is divided into three categories, depending on the level of autonomy:
Family-Type Resources (RTF)
Intended for seniors with a mild loss of autonomy, these public senior living offer a natural and home-like environment. They can accommodate up to 9 people and provide services such as:
- Assistance with dressing
- Medication management
- Meals and snacks
- Help with hygiene
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Monitoring and supervision
To access these accommodations, you must submit your application to the CIUSSS, which will evaluate your situation and available spots. Note that family-type resources are limited in number.
Intermediate Resources (IR)
Intermediate resources are private establishments whose services are coordinated by the CIUSSS. They are designed for seniors with a moderate loss of autonomy who require 1 to 3 hours of care daily. These facilities offer a variety of services, including activities, personal assistance, help with dressing, meals, housekeeping, hygiene care, and tailored supervision.
To access an intermediate resource, contact your local CLSC. A social worker will open a file, assess your level of autonomy, and determine the most suitable type of housing for your needs.
Long-Term Care Nursing Homes (CHSLD)
CHSLDs are intended for seniors with significant loss of autonomy who require several hours of care each day. Offered services include assistance with dressing, activities, hygiene, housekeeping, meals, healthcare from professionals, personal support, and supervision. Care is adapted based on each individual’s needs.
To be eligible for a public CHSLD, your case must first be assessed by a CLSC, focusing on your health condition and your ability to safely remain at home. If deemed eligible, your name will be placed on a waiting list until a spot becomes available.
Maisons des aînés et alternatives
Maison des aînés (MDA) are a new type of public senior housing in Quebec, designed for seniors with moderate to severe loss of autonomy. They aim to provide a more human and welcoming environment, better suited to today’s seniors. Unlike CHSLDs, these homes consist of small living units with limited rooms centered around shared spaces that encourage community life.
To access a Maison des aînés, a CLSC assessment is required. Eligibility depends on the level of autonomy, care needs, and the ability to remain safely at home. If accepted, the senior will be placed on a waiting list based on availability.
A long and Complex Integration Process
The Home Support Service platform for accessing public accommodation suffers from many limitations. Here are a few examples :
Strict Admission Criteria
Access to public housing for seniors depends on your health condition and your level of independence. If your social worker considers that you can continue to live at home, you will not be able to apply for accommodation. Your application will be accepted if you require significant health care, or if your current housing is no longer considered safe.
Significant Waiting Time
Once you are admitted through the Home Support Service platform, you are placed on the waiting list for a CHSLD. These are undefined duration and without the possibility for follow-up. Additionally, your ranking may change, even if you’ve been waiting for a while, other seniors can be placed in priority if their case is considered more urgent than yours.
Consult the CHLSD Waiting List
Limited Acceptance Time
When offered a place, you have only 24 hours to accept and proceed with the admission. There is no time to think it over or assess if the environment suits you. If you decline, your application may be cancelled, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Canceled Request
Several scenarios can lead to your request being canceled within the Home Support Service, such as:
- If you live at home and you refuse a transitional housing offer. The social worker may reapply, depending on your situation.
- If you are in hospital care and you refuse an offer of accommodation, you will then be forced to return home.
- If you are temporarily living in a private senior living, the public network may consider your request to be non-urgent.
Limited Choice and Mobility
The public accommodation access network offers little freedom of choice. You cannot visit or contact the available facilities beforehand. You also cannot select your living conditions or environment.
If you’re in a public CHSLD and dissatisfied with the location, you can request a transfer. However, this request will not be treated as a priority since you already have a place, meaning you’ll be placed back on a waiting list.
Private Senior Living and CHSLDs: An Alternative to the Public Network
Given the constraints of the public network, many seniors turn to private housing options, which offer a wide range of living accommodations for different autonomy levels: retirement apartments, intermediate resources, private CHSLDs, senior living, and more.
Though privately operated, these facilities must be certified by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, ensuring a certain standard of quality.
The private network allows you to choose your living environment based on your preferences: region, budget, required care, and desired services. Wait times are generally much shorter, and the admission process is more flexible and faster.
Costs vary depending on several factors, including location, type of accommodation, level of care, and selected services. However, you may qualify for the tax credit for home support, which can help reduce your expenses.
Lastly, many private senior living offer progressive care services, meaning you can move in while still autonomous and remain there even as your needs evolve, without having to change environments.
Get Personalized Advice On Finding Suitable Accommodation
Looking for a senior living that offers care and services suited to your needs? The Bonjour Résidences team offers free personalized support to help you find the private senior living that’s right for you.
Contact our senior housing specialist at 1 844 918-1020 or fill out an online request to share your situation and learn more about how the private admission process work.
