Choosing a private seniors’ residence

What is a private seniors’ residence (RPA)?

Impôts : les avantages fiscaux pour les proches aidantsAn RPA is a rental building for people aged 65 or older that offers various services, such as nursing care, meals, housekeeping and recreation activities.

• The term “private seniors” residence’ is reserved for residences that have a certificate of compliance issued by the Government of Quebec. Certification requires operators to comply with a number of regulations to ensure the health and safety of the people who live there
• Private seniors’ residences are designed to mainly accommodate independent and semi-independent seniors. “Care,” “prosthetic,” “cognitive impairment” and "Alzheimers" units offer services for seniors with moderate to severe physical or cognitive functional impairment
• A private seniors’ residence is a home, just like a single-family home or private accommodation. Depending on their situation, residents of a private seniors’ residence may be eligible for the tax credit for home-support services for seniors, the shelter assistance program, the service employment paycheque or the independent living tax credit for seniors. Other tax benefits may be available

There are also other types of accommodations and various establishments in the health and social services network, such as long-term care centres (CHSLDs) and intermediate and family-type resources.

Preparing for a visit to a residence

This is the opportune time to obtain accurate information and assess whether the residence is suitable for the needs of the person you are caring for.

To prepare for the visit, the Ombudsman of Québec has provided a list of topics to discuss with the staff during your visit:

• Rent costs and services included in the rent
• Services not included and their cost
• Health care professionals’ hours of availability
• Meal menus and schedules
• Safety features and measures in place
• Amenities available on site (banking services, pharmacy, convenience store, hairdresser)
• Activity program, organized outings, access to a fitness room, etc.
• Waiting times for admission

Québec has more than 1,500 private seniors’ residences, some for-profit and some not-for-profit. The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) keeps a register of certified private seniors’ residences. Nearly 200 community residences owned by not-for-profit organizations offer approximately 8,500 rental units to seniors.

Understanding the private seniors’ residence lease

Tenants of private seniors’ residences sign a lease that grants them rights provided by law. They agree to comply with several obligations. A private seniors’ residence lease consists of three documents:

• The residential lease form specifies the general terms and conditions of the agreement with the residence
• Schedule 6 identifies the care and services the resident chooses to receive and the rate for each
• The residence rules set out the rules and conditions that tenants must comply with

By law, these three documents must be read and understood before signing the lease.

If the person you are caring for must leave their residence for another private seniors’ residence that offers services specific to their health condition, it is possible to terminate their current lease under certain conditions.

10 tips for choosing a seniors’ residence

1. Take the time with the person you are caring for to discuss their current and future needs. What services are required based on their health and profile, including their age?
2. Ask yourself questions about the location of the residence. Does the person you are caring for want to be closer to family? Would they like to move to a building close to shops, services or places they are already familiar with? Do they have a driver’s licence? Do they want to be able to get around on foot?
3. Be sure to take the senior’s point of view into account and not make decisions for them. A private seniors’ residence may seem ideal to you, but what do they really think? A well-treatment approach is an approach that values respect for seniors, their needs, requests and choices, including their refusals
4. The person must identify what is important to them. For example, are they interested in social, cultural and sporting activities? Leisure activities vary considerably from one private seniors’ residence to another
5. Find out about home support services. The person you are caring for may be eligible and, in some RPAs including small residences, may benefit from the "Programme d'allocation personnalisée"
6. Take stock of the budget, which is a determining factor in choosing a private seniors’ residence. The person considering a move must calculate their income (pensions, annuities, retirement plans, government benefits, retirement savings, etc.) and calculate their expenses. If necessary, consult a qualified organization or seek the support of a trusted person, keeping in mind that the person may wish to manage their own finances and budget
7. Consult the registry of private seniors’ residences certified by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux to find those that meet the criteria you have established with the person you are caring for. Then visit them!
8. Avoid making hasty decisions. Before applying to the private seniors’ residence you have chosen, take some time to think it over
9. Before signing, make sure you fully understand the lease and what it encompasses
10. Be kind to yourself. As a caregiver, you care deeply about the well-being of the person you are caring for

Supporting someone in an RPA

As a caregiver for an elderly person living in an RPA, you are in a position to determine whether the care and services provided meet expectations.

If you have any problems or concerns:

• The person you are caring for can contact the Living Environment Committee (CMV) at their residence
• Assistance and complaint support centers are there to help you. CAAP counselors are knowledgeable about issues related to the renting process, lease compliance, and reporting abuse
• The person you are caring for may express a desire to file a complaint; this may be a way of asking for support
• If you witness a situation that worries you in a living environment during a visit, you can report it to the Ombudsman