Choosing the Right Residence
First, make an accurate and honest assessment of your physical, financial, mental and lifestyle needs. This will help you not only assess the level of care you will need, but also help highlight your desires and interests. The information you gather about yourself will help you ask the right questions when you are visiting the residences.
Examine Your Finances
Can you afford to pay the market rate? If so, for how long? Are there any investments that can be used to help pay for your accommodation? Will family members contribute and if so, how much? Are you eligible for financial subsidies?
Shop Around
Finding a new home takes time and planning. Visit as many residences as you can. Senior residences come in all shapes and sizes. You will find that the number of units can range from as few as three to over 60. Call to set up an appointment with the person who arranges tours of the building.
For a complete list of senior residences in British Columbia, visit
www.seniorlivingmag.com/housing This online database is updated twice a year and is one of the most comprehensive senior housing resources for the BC market.
In addition to this, INSPIRED Senior Living magazine publishes two annual housing guides (Feb & Aug) with listings of some of the most prominent senior residences in BC. Copies can be ordered, for a small fee, through their online bookstore or by calling their office.
Visit all the Residences in Your Chosen Region
Visit as many residences as seem to fit your criteria to get a sense of the choices in your area. To make it easier for family and old friends to visit, choosing a residence that is in close proximity might be an advantage. Your tour guide will usually take you on a tour of the building, show you any vacant suites or a “demo” suite, show you the plan of the building, give you general information about the services and amenities. Often they will invite you to stay for a meal or even stay overnight to sample the services and atmosphere. Make sure you ask questions that address your particular needs if they haven’t covered it in their presentation. Quite often they will have marketing materials you can take away with you to study in greater depth. Ask the tour guide if you can wander around on your own to get a better feel for the place. Use all the information you’ve gathered to rate the residence.
Compare the Residences You Visit
Make an appointment to visit each residence again. If you don’t already have it, ask for a copy of the Occupancy Agreement or Residence Contract and a copy of the policies and procedures. The Occupancy Agreement will provide information about fees, services, resident rights, operator and resident responsibilities, exit criteria and conditions of termination. Policies and procedures will tell you about things like parking, entering and exit processes, having visitors, noise restrictions, pet rules, smoking rules, etc.
Confirm the price and charges for extra services. Are there any price increases expected? What services are included? Is there a maximum percentage the prices can be increased per year? Ask what the price changes have been over the past three to five years – this can give you an idea of what might be expected for the future.
Other areas to scrutinize are environment, staffing, residence safety, emergency procedures, resident/family responsibilities, social activities and the degree to which the residents have choice and autonomy. Ask about exit policies. What would happen if the residence closes? Is there an appeal process for dissatisfied residents? Find out how each resident’s needs are assessed and monitored to establish the point at which your needs may not fit with the level of care provided at that residence, requiring you to move to an alternate level of care. Inquire about policies on refunds, transfers, and discharges.
You may want to schedule a couple of surprise visits to your favorite residence at different times of the day and week. If you can, visit near mealtime or early evening to see how the residence is managed during busy and slack times. Ask residents about their experiences at the residence, both the good and the bad. Take your family members along and ask for their opinion, but make sure they are assessing it from your point of view, not their own.
Want more information about making a housing decision?
INSPIRED Senior Living magazine publisher Barbara Risto is the author of “To Move or Not To Move? – A Helpful Guide for Senior Considering Their Residential Options”. This 128-page book can be purchased for $14.95 from the INSPIRED office at 3354 Tennyson Avenue, Victoria BC. Or you can order it online at www.seniorlivingmag.com/product/to-move-or-not-to-move or call 250-479-4705 ext 100. Taxes and shipping costs are extra.
