4 steps to choosing a residence for seniors
Regardless of age, we always want to choose the best living environment possible. Whether it’s our first apartment or our first house, it’s natural to want to find the ideal place that will make us feel comfortable and that will best meet our needs. As we reach retirement age, this dilemma continues and may well involve the choice of a seniors’ residence in which to spend the next phase of our lives. Choosing a residence for seniors is not an easy task. We are aware of this. Visavie wishes to help you simplify the process by dividing it into 4 steps through which you can benefit from personalized guidance. Moreover, this service is free. No need to miss out! You will be able to find the retirement home that best suits your needs and tastes, or those of the elderly loved one for whom you are taking all these steps. And we want to help you get there with confidence.
1. Analysis of your needs
Although each step is equally important, it would be impossible to go any further without this first step. A good analysis of your needs will help guide the rest of the process in the right direction. This will ultimately help you choose the ideal seniors’ residence for you. It is therefore essential to take the time to do so. More concretely, an initial meeting will be scheduled with one of our housing advisors. During this meeting, we will examine your situation with you.
Choosing a residence for seniors: a personalized approach
We know that each case is unique. Your Visavie counsellor will make sure to listen to you. During this meeting, we will of course discuss your needs, but we will also invite you to discuss your expectations and preferences. The goal is to draw the best possible picture for the future. In order to make this first assessment as personalized as possible, our accommodation consultants will discuss priority topics with you. Here are a few examples:
- the type of retirement home you are looking for
- your living habits
- the desired area for the residence
- your realistic budget;
- the daily tasks for which you want assistance;
and much more depending on your personal situation.
Analyze your needs
Some more specific questions also allow our advisors to better analyze your needs.
- What is a typical day like for you?
- In what type of environment do you feel most comfortable?
- Do you need assistance to get around?
- Do you suffer from any health problems?
- What are your favorite activities?
- Etc.
Our experienced counselors know how to adapt to your situation. They will ask you the right questions. You will then discuss together the most important points for you in order to determine your real needs and choosing a residence for seniors. All this, in order to guide you towards a living environment that is both stimulating and safe!
2. Presentation of a first selection of residences
Once the analysis of your needs is completed, our housing consultants continue their work for you. They will take the time to study what has been discussed during this first meeting in order to present you with a first selection of residences. At this stage, the goal is to save you precious time. And to avoid unnecessary stress. Each Visavie consultant knows in detail the reality of the seniors’ residences in his or her region. Based on your needs, preferences and personality, he or she will be able to present you with a first series of residences that correspond to your reality.
The main types of seniors’ residences in Quebec
- all private residences for independent seniors ;
- private residences for semi-autonomous seniors
- CHSLDs for seniors with a loss of autonomy;
- some private residences specialized for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other mild cognitive disorders.
At Visavie, we are familiar with the different residences available in each region. Our presentation of a first selection of residences for seniors will therefore be faithful to the availability in your area but especially to your needs. This will save you the trouble of having to do extensive research in order to discover each of the retirement homes in your area. Especially since it is often difficult to evaluate a place by relying only on the photos on the website or on an advertisement. These searches on the internet, or in local newspapers for example, can give a first impression. However, they do not replace the expertise of our seniors’ residence advisors. Don’t worry, you are still in control of your decision at all times.
There are several criteria to consider during this reflection process:
- the location of the residence ;
- the services that are offered
- the amenities included;
- the cost of the rent ;
- etc.
Our goal is to help you make the right choice while simplifying your life. We will share our best advice with you and hope to save you a lot of time!
3. Visiting the selected residences
In order to choose a residence for seniors, it is essential to visit the place. Following the presentation of the residences that we will have suggested to you, it is possible to select the ones that hold your attention for the next step. A visit to the selected residences will then be organized in order to get to know, in person, each of these living environments. We sincerely believe that there is no substitute for going to the site to see for yourself.
All these visits can be planned by your Visavie housing advisor. They can also be present at each visit to the seniors’ residences chosen. Of course, it is also possible to be accompanied by a family member or a trusted friend. After all, the goal is to allow you to feel comfortable in choosing a residence for seniors that will be best for you according to your needs and preferences.
In order to make an informed choice, it is recommended that you visit a few residences so that you can compare them. This will give you a better idea of what you like or dislike. All this is always done according to your criteria and priorities. Take advantage of your visit to see for yourself the facilities on site but also to take the pulse of the atmosphere. You’ll see right away if you feel comfortable there. We also suggest that, whenever possible, you take the time to talk with the staff or even with the other residents who live there. They may be able to answer your questions. You will also be able to notice if the other seniors living there seem happy in their environment.
A few questions can help you make your decision
- Do I feel comfortable there?
- Is there a good ratio of staff to residents?
- Is the staff attentive to my needs?
- Do the services offered in the residence correspond to my needs?
Take the time to talk with your advisor who will be at your side during these visits. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of their experience. Whether it’s during the visit or afterwards, we want you to have all the information you need to make the best possible decision based on your current needs, as well as those to come.
4. The choice of complementary services
Choosing a retirement home is now done! Great things are in store for this next stage of your life. But it doesn’t end there. At Visavie, we can still help you with the rest of the process. That’s why the last step in the process is to choose complementary services. The goal is to offer all the necessary support for seniors, their families and their loved ones on a daily basis. Our goal is to ensure that each senior has the right to a good quality of life, comfort and security.
Using a moving service
We know that a change to a new living environment comes with its share of stress and a heavy load of concerns. In preparation for your move, our counselors are always there when you need them. Whether it is to help you plan or to find you good and reliable movers, we will guide you to the right resources. The goal is to make this experience a pleasant one so that you can start off on the right foot this next portion of your life in the retirement home of your choice.
Take advantage of advice for your financial requests
Did you know that there are financial assistance programs for which you may be eligible? However, it is not always easy to find your way around. If you think you need help, call your Visavie counsellor! Again, they will be able to help you through these steps or refer you to the right resources if necessary. Whether it’s a tax credit or other financial assistance, there’s no need to go without.
Benefit from additional home help even in a residence
Even in a residence for seniors, it is possible to have recourse to additional home help services. Whether it is for the preparation of certain meals, accompaniment during outings or medical appointments, taking medication or simply for your leisure activities, our presence at your side is possible. Our professional caregivers are dedicated and caring people. They want to offer you quality care at all times.
When the time comes to choose a seniors’ residence for yourself or an elderly loved one, think about our four steps: needs analysis, presentation of residences, visit of selected residences and choice of complementary services.
And don’t forget that by using our services, free of charge and at your own pace, a housing advisor will be able to accompany you throughout these steps. We will provide you with all the necessary tools to help you choose the retirement home that best suits your needs. All the reasons will then be gathered so that this next step of your life will be the most pleasant!