Signing a lease with a residence | How to prepare?
Signing a lease is always a milestone in life. Signing a lease with a seniors’ residence is no exception! It is essential to be well prepared. Before you even begin your search for a private seniors’ residence, preparation should begin. Then, when the time comes, it is advisable to take the time to visit several places and gather as much information as possible. Before signing a lease with a residence, it is important to realize that it is a commitment. This lease represents a sort of contract between the tenant (the senior who wishes to live in a residence) and the landlord (the representatives of the private residence). By coming to it well-prepared, you can ensure that you make an informed decision that will be one of the best decisions of your life.
Make sure you are ready for a seniors’ residence
The first question to ask yourself is a simple but important one. Am I ready to live in a seniors’ residence? Before embarking on the formal process of signing a lease, it is essential to ensure that you are ready. Living in a private seniors’ residence has many benefits and a ton of appeal. However, if you are not yet at this stage in your journey, there is a small risk of regretting a transition that is too quick. The answer to this first question must therefore, of course, be positive before going any further. You must be ready to appreciate this next step in your life.
Make a list of your needs and priority services
Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll no doubt be eager to start your search for your dream home! Before you get down to the nitty-gritty of visiting, it’s a good idea to make a list of your needs. Here are some questions to help you do this:
- Do I need daily care or assistance?
- What is my level of independence?
- Am I looking for a place that offers good meal service?
- How much emphasis is placed on recreation and activities offered at the residence?
- Does the location of the building influence my choice?
- What size apartment do I need?
- And so on.
By identifying your main needs, you will be able to determine the priority services to include in your next lease with a seniors’ residence. You can then make the best choice for you!
Take the time to get information and visit several places
You have taken the time to analyze your needs and are now looking forward to moving into a private seniors’ residence? The time has come for you to gather information and compare different residences to determine which one is best suited to your needs. Of course, the budget is another element to consider. Let’s face it, the price of rent is not the same from one residence to another.
In addition to being well informed, it is recommended that you visit the premises in person. You will be able to meet the staff and possibly some of the residents. Take the time to talk with them. Through your visits, you will be able to feel the atmosphere of each of these places. You will be able to determine in which environment you feel most comfortable.
Faced with this important stage in your life, Visavie offers a free accompaniment service to help you find the right residence for each senior. This is part of our commitment and we want each senior to find a living environment in which he or she will flourish.
Don’t hesitate to ask for advice before signing a lease with a residence
Before signing a lease with a private seniors’ residence, don’t hesitate to ask for advice! As often as necessary! You don’t want to feel uncomfortable. If you have family or close friends, you can also ask them for advice. They will probably be happy to do their part to help you.
If not, you should know that Visavie can accompany you and guide you in your search. We will put you in touch with a senior living advisor in your area. Our counsellors are familiar with the different seniors’ residences. They will take the time to listen to you and understand your situation. They will then be able to help you find the residence that best suits your needs.
Finally, it is essential in such a situation to make an informed decision. Before you sign your lease, make sure you :
- You have all the information you need to make your decision;
- You understand each point on the lease;
- Ask questions if necessary;
- Reread the document and pay attention to the services included in the lease (meals, care, etc.);
- Plan an additional visit to the premises if you feel it is necessary;
- And more depending on your personal situation.
Above all, it is important that you feel completely free to accept or refuse what is proposed in the lease form. With proper preparation, enough time to think about it and good advice, signing a lease with a seniors’ residence will undoubtedly be a positive and pleasant experience for you. You will then be able to fully enjoy this new stage of your life!