What to know about this topic:
- Care types available in retirement homes
- Understanding what care level is right for you
- A survey of Quebec retirement home costs
- Regulation of Quebec retirement residences
- Montreal and Quebec City
Care types available in retirement homes
There are several types of Quebec retirement communities and services you can choose from; each retirement home in Quebec offers it own variation of amenities and services. If you want to retire in Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau or Aylmer these are the broad types of senior care types and home care services to investigate when making your choice:
Understanding what care level is right for you
Before you can make a decision about retirement living in you need to determine your needs, the level of care and the types of services and amenetites you are looking for.
Quebec retirement homes are second to none in terms of care and amenities. Suites feature personal patios/balconies and fireplaces while amenities include community gardens, pubs and whirlpool baths. Various care packages are available depending on your health needs and you can receive services in either French or English.
For instance, assisted living is the designation commonly assigned for some seniors whose faculties have just begun to deteriorate. For example, if a loved one often has an empty refrigerator, frequently lets food spoil, assisted living may be an option for you to consider. Other signs that assisted living may be necessary include difficulty grooming or dressing, occasional falls or cognitive deterioration. This care model ensures that you could live comfortably and make your own rules, while your residence’s committed and professionally-trained staff takes care of your needs and desires.
Assisted living, the so-called ‘middle ground’ between independent living and long-term care homes, offers plenty of benefits. Some of these include:
The ability to enjoy life — Before moving into an assisted living home, a senior typically has trouble completing everyday tasks, like showering. Once you choose on of these homes, you need not worry about those things.
Security from outside threats — Your facility will provide round the clock security, which will probably encompass on-site guards, surveillance cameras, and designated visiting hours. You should feel safe knowing that getting into your home without proper authorization would be really difficult.
Keeping busy: at an assisted living home, you will have plenty of opportunities to partake in community activities (such as shuffleboard, for example) and to merely socialize. Unlike your own home, you can surround yourself with people at anytime. Thus, assisted living homes are a great way to avoid being lonely.
Whatever your care needs, when narrowing your search, ensure you find out what types of ameneties and services are included in the cost of the retirement community or home care service you choose. You want to ask a lot of questions and ensure that the option you choose fits within your budget.
Download our free eBook The Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist which will help you ask the right questions during your residence tour so that you get all the answers you need to make a wise decision.
Having problems deciding which community is right for you? Did you know that many retirement residences offer vacation stays? Seniors can spend a few days at the residence to really ensure that the community is the right fit for them.
A survey of Quebec retirement home costs
Although the costs and services included will vary depending on the type of community or home care agency and the level of care required, Quebec seniors pay an average rent of $1,922 per month for a seniors' housing space (according to CMHC's Senior Housing Report, 2021). Read about costs of retirement living in Quebec for more information about budgeting for retirement.
Debating whether you should choose a retirement community or home care? Download our free eBook The Cost of Living at Home for more information about the cost of home care.
The variety of retirement homes in Quebec also includes retirement condos, townhouses and apartments. Check offerings below to learn more. More homes coming soon.
Below is a further guide to retirement living in Quebec:
Regulation of Quebec retirement residences
All retirement communities in Quebec are required to register with the "Registry of Residences for the Elderly" and hold a Certificate of Compliance that must be recertified every 2 years. In order to obtain the certificate, communities must meet the 25 criteria that regulate Quebec retirement homes including safety, food, medication and insurance. This makes retiring in Quebec a decision you can feel safe and comfortable about.
Montreal and Quebec City
Quebec is one of the largest provinces but it is sparsely populated. Most of Quebec’s population – and of course, most of its senior population – is settled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, with the majority of senior homes in Montreal and Quebec City, two beautiful Quebec cities.
There can be few places in Quebec that offer more retirement homes and better city life than what you will find in Montreal. Montreal offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for you and your family to enjoy, including Old Montreal, The Bell Centre and the Montreal Botanical Gardens. In addition there is the parkland along the shore of the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal and Montreal’s Underground City for some great strolls and sightseeing.
For those living in a Montreal retirement residence, there is plenty of reason for your family to visit. However, there are a variety of reasons why you might want to settle into one of Quebec City’s retirement homes. Quebec City attractions include the spectacular St. Lawrence River, the Parliament Buildings, La Citadelle de Québec and Place Royale. There are also many things for you and your family to enjoy in beautiful, historic Quebec City.
Moving to a senior residence in Quebec City or Montreal also makes financial sense because of Quebec's low cost of living. Whether you are new to the province or have lived in Quebec all your life, retirement in Quebec offers a number of retirement living options.
