FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I know if a retirement residence is appropriate for my loved one?

Consider visiting several residences and go prepared with a list of questions. Keep notes to gain a strong feel for each place. This will help you determine if a residence is best suited to your loved one’s needs and interests.

Retirement and residential-care homes vary in location, size, price, amenities, extra costs, programs and services. The mix of staff and residents also contributes significantly to the personality of each place. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the physical structure and spend the necessary time to ask questions, talk with the staff on duty and generally sample the product as much as possible.

Here are several ideas that should help you make the right choice for your loved one:

• While touring a care home, talk to the residents about their perceptions of the place.
• Plan to stay or return another day for a complimentary lunch or dinner.
• Don’t limit your tour to suite and common areas. Ask to see the kitchen.
• If you would really like to “kick the tires”, enquire about a trial visit or an overnight stay.
• Ask for references from the families of residents that you can contact.
• Beyond the standard tour, check stairwells and other less travelled areas to see how well they are cleaned and maintained.
• Ask for copies of any paperwork required for admission along with samples of menus, activity calendar and newsletters.

Use the following checklist to identify extra costs and the types of services and amenities which may be included and/or available:

• Service Available:
  • Meals
  • Tray service to suites
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Weekly housekeeping
  • Dedicated personal care (if required)
  • Dementia unit
  • Visiting dental service
  • Visiting lab service
  • Visiting podiatrist
  • Dispensing medication
  • Personal laundry
  • Recreation program
  • Medication supervision
  • Vitals monitoring
  • Visiting physician
  • Physician on call
  • Visiting physiotherapist
  • Pharmacy services
  • Assisted living services
  • Respite/convalescent care
  • RN/RPN on staff
  • Private duty nursing
  • Transportation

• Building Amenities:
  • Central dining room
  • Library
  • Resident storage
  • Air conditioned common areas
  • Private dining room/area
  • Chapel
  • Tuck shop
  • Fire and/or smoke alarms
  • Lounges
  • Horticulture area
  • Beauty salon
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Sprinkler system
  • Swimming pool

• Suite Amenities:
  • Private bath
  • Heating: individually controlled
  • Air conditioning: individually controlled
  • Call bell system
  • Fire and/or smoke alarms
  • Kitchenette
  • Sprinkler in each suite

Ask the following questions:

• General:
  • What is the staff to patient ratio?
  • What are the qualifications of the duty staff?
  • Is there an RPN, RN or Doctor on duty at all times?
  • How are the patient/family complaints resolved?

• Community Services:
  • How close is the nearest hospital, medical clinic, dentist office?
  • Are there churches, parks, shops and seniors’ centers nearby?
  • How accessible is public transportation?
  • Is there an accessible transit service?

• Financial Matters:
  • What is the daily/monthly rate?
  • Are there charges for additional services you may want or need?
  • Is phone or cable service part of your package?
  • Is there a resident petty cash account with separate accounting?
  • What type of notice period is required should you need, or decide to move?
  • How often are rates for accommodation and/or services increased?
  • What is the average annual rate of increase over the last few years?

• Admission Policies:
  • Are wheelchairs and walkers accepted?
  • What about scooters?
  • Are any forms of oxygen therapy allowed?
  • Is a health assessment required?
  • What happens if your health deteriorates?