Before signing the lease with the residence, make sure you have the following information:
- whether it is a residence for autonomous or semi-autonomous people;
- a list of services offered and their costs;
- residence rules;
- the procedure for reporting accidents at home;
- a copy of the residence’s staff code of ethics, as well as the activities and leisure calendar;
- a copy of the meal menu, or at least the possibility of consulting it.
Important questions to ask when looking for the ideal retirement home
Making the decision to move into a private seniors’ residence is never an easy one. This means asking yourself the right questions to make sure your choice is perfectly in line with your aspirations and needs.
Let’s take a look at the different aspects that need to be considered to find the ideal retirement home.
1 – Drawing up your budget
When looking for a retirement home, the first thing to consider is the maximum monthly amount you’ll be able to afford. What is the cost of living in a residence?
In addition to the rent, you’ll need to take into account all the services offered in the residence. Depending on the package chosen with your retirement home, some services may not be included. For example
- meals,
- care,
- the laundry room,
- certain extras such as television.
BE CAREFUL, BECAUSE THE PRICE CAN GO UP VERY QUICKLY, SO STICK TO WHAT YOU REALLY NEED.
Take the opportunity to check whether you are entitled to a tax credit, especially if you are aged 70 or over. Once you’ve established your budget, ask yourself what kind of place you’d like to live in.
Each private seniors’ residence has its own strengths, and some are more welcoming than others, depending on the context.
Also consider the surrounding area and neighborhood to make sure it’s the right place for you as a whole.
2 – Is the home you’re interested in certified?
Before you decide on a residence, make sure it is government-certified, in this case by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
If this is the case, you should also ask yourself whether the meals offered are to your liking, and don’t hesitate to ask to try the dishes in question.
Some residences don’t have their own in-house kitchen, so they use an independent caterer. While the quality of the meals will certainly be beyond reproach, you should be aware that the residence will not necessarily have control over the nature and provenance of the food.
Also, don’t forget to check if meal times are convenient for you and if they are flexible.
Ask yourself whether you’d rather have them in the dining room or in your room, as not all residences offer the latter option.
3 – Take the time to read the lease carefully before signing it
It’s important to take the time to read the lease carefully before you sign it, and to make sure that it corresponds in every respect to the idea you have of it. If you don’t like certain aspects or clauses, you’re perfectly entitled to negotiate them.
You can also add your own requirements.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything you’re unclear about, because once you’ve signed the lease it will be difficult, if not impossible, to go back.
