When a senior or their loved one begins considering a move to a senior living residence, several questions may arise: what type of senior living residence should you choose? What are the differences between an independent living apartment and a care unit? In Quebec, care units are specialized sections within senior living residences designed to provide tailored support for seniors with higher care needs, whether for medical care, assistance with daily living activities, or a secure living environment.
What Is a Care Unit?
For seniors experiencing loss of autonomy, many senior living residences offer care units intended for those requiring more than two hours of care per day. These units have a care team on-site 24/7 to respond to residents’ physical or cognitive limitations.
Rooms are typically private and fully equipped, and the living environment is designed to promote autonomy while preserving cognitive health and easing daily life for seniors. Care units offer a structured, welcoming, and stimulating setting where residents can continue to lead an active lifestyle.
Services Offered in Care Units
Residents benefit from a wide range of personalized care and services, including:
- Daily hygiene care
- Nursing care
- Assistance with dressing, getting up, and going to bed
- Bathing assistance
- Housekeeping and linen management
- Adapted activities
- Balanced meals and snacks
- Medication management
- And other personalized care based on individual needs
Care teams are generally composed of nurses, licensed practical nurses, and personal support workers, working closely with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and local CLSCs. Some care units also offer end-of-life support (palliative care).
For seniors experiencing cognitive losses, such as Alzheimer's disease, care units include additional safety measures, such as coded doors to help prevent wandering. All staff members are trained to provide the necessary care and support seniors with professionalism and compassion.
Understanding the Lease and Schedule 6
In Quebec, the lease for a senior living residence is a legal document that outlines the services included, payment terms, and the responsibilities of both the senior living residence and the resident. For care units, the lease often includes Schedule 6, which details the types of care offered, the level of supervision, the senior living residence’s obligations, and the resident’s rights.
Carefully reviewing the lease and Schedule 6 ensures that the chosen environment truly meets the senior’s needs and helps prevent any misunderstandings regarding the services or care provided.
Why Choose a Care Unit?
For caregivers, providing constant support to a senior can be exhausting, especially when specific needs or cognitive losses are involved. A care unit within a senior living residence can offer a reassuring solution.
For seniors, these units provide the opportunity to maintain an active and structured daily routine while benefiting from ongoing care. For families, knowing that a loved one is well cared for in a safe environment brings considerable peace of mind and helps reduce the stress associated with supporting an aging parent or relative.
How to Choose the Right Senior Living Residence?
Each senior living residence and care unit may offer different services tailored to specific needs. To make the right choice, it is important to consider:
- The level of care required by the senior
- The type of senior living residence being sought
- The services offered
- The proximity of nearby services
It is strongly recommended to visit a senior living residence, meet the staff, and ask any questions related to daily life and supervision.
Trust Bonjour Résidences
Finding the right senior living residence for your needs can seem complex, but Bonjour Résidences is here to support you, free of charge, and simplify your search. To ensure your loved one receives quality care in a safe environment, contact us today at 1-844-918-1020 or submit an online request. Our team of senior housing specialists will be happy to guide you through this important decision.