Advice & Links - Choosing your Complex
Choosing the Retirement Complex that Fits your Needs
You are autonomous and could do without the daily problems. You wish to take advantage of any service that will make your life easier and you are starting to wonder about retirement complexes.
Are you ready? What would be the benefits? Are you going to like that kind of lifestyle? How is it possible to move after having lived in your house for such a long time?
You have a slight loss of autonomy and you are beginning to think that life would be more enjoyable if you had access to professionals who were attentive to your problems...
Life in a retirement complex could be sweet and more secure and could be exactly what you need right now.
Whatever your current situation, you are starting to think about moving to a retirement complex. But which one should you choose?
The following are some suggestions that we hope will help you in your research.
First of all, don't hesitate to gather information, to sift through all the information that you receive, to obtain information from friends and acquaintances, to verify the reputation of the establishment, to shop around, because nothing compares to a visit if you want to see what the atmosphere is like, if you will feel welcome and what types of accommodation they are offering. You should also make a list of your needs and priorities. What neighbourhood would you prefer? Would you like to live in a small or a large complex? Do you require care services? What services are they offering?
These are so many questions that will enable you to target the retirement complex that will suit you best.
Guide to « Choosing the Retirement Complex that Fits your Needs »
The first thing you must do is prepare a monthly budget. Depending on your income, the amount that you have set aside for your personal needs and the importance you attach to your home surroundings, you are now ready to decide how much you are willing to pay for your rent.
You will find below a list that will be helpful in preparing your budget.
Download our Guide « Evaluation of your budget » PDF
You are now ready to start visiting some retirement complexes. Your first impression will be most important. However, you must also pay close attention to small details; you must take the time to look at everything and ask their opinions from employees and residents.
In order to help you evaluate the cost of services offered by the various complexes, we have prepared a guide that will help you to take note of all the services offered, including care services. We also suggest that you note your general impressions.
This guide was created with you in mind; take the time to print it and carry it with you on your visits. It will help in your decision-making. When you return home, you will be able to compare the different establishments that you have visited and decide which one suits you best.
Download our Practical Guide for Visits: « Choosing a retirement complex » PDF
You have now completed your visits to various retirement complexes and are close to making a choice. This is the most important step. Make sure that you have all the necessary information in hand and don't hesitate to call for more information or to go for a second visit.
Why not go for dinner in your chosen residence to experience the quality of the food first hand? Did you have a chance to meet some residents who could confide in you about their satisfaction? Did you talk this over with your friends and family?
When you have made your choice, don't forget to advise your friends and family, the authorities or any other organization of your change of address.
The following is a short list of organizations or persons that you will want to inform:
- Canada Post
- Telephone and Cellular Companies
- Internet Supplier
- Cable Company
- Financial Institutions
- Your Retirement Fund Manager
- Régie d’assurance-maladie du Québec
- Insurance Companies : personal insurance, car insurance, etc.
- Public Services : Hydro-Québec, Gaz Métro, etc.…
- Credit Card Companies, Membership Companies, etc.
- Income Tax
- Membership organizations
You will also need to plan and organize your move. We suggest that you consult the list that we have prepared in order to provide you with some guidance.