Senior residence visit checklist for Montréal
A well-prepared visit turns vague impressions into concrete data. This checklist helps you assess 18 key criteria, checklist in hand. Print it and check off each item as you go.
Before the visit
Book without giving advance notice if possible — this gives you a truer picture of daily life. Ask to see: MSSS certification, photos of a typical room, weekly menu, activities calendar, and sample lease.
Visit checklist: 18 points
Certification and legal compliance
☐ Current MSSS RPA certification
Is it up to date? What categories are approved (1, 2, 3, 4)? Is it posted publicly? Verify online at MSSS.gouv.qc.ca.
☐ Recent regulatory inspections
Ask for the last inspection report. Any serious issues? Were corrections made?
☐ Liability insurance
Is a copy of the insurance available? Are the amounts covered adequate for accidents?
Staff and teams
☐ Staff-to-resident ratio
Minimum 1 aide per 8 residents (daytime). Is a nurse on site? Full or part-time schedules? Who responds to emergencies at night?
☐ Visible qualifications
Are diplomas posted? Are personal support workers certified? Is ongoing training documented?
☐ Staff continuity
High turnover or stable? A consistent long-term team means better care continuity.
☐ Director/manager accessibility
Easy to reach? Experience in gerontology? Accessible to families?
Physical conditions and safety
☐ Overall condition of premises
Clean? Odours? Adequate lighting? Walls, floors, furniture in good condition? No serious damage?
☐ Rooms: size and equipment
Enough space? Window with a view? Private or shared bathroom? Comfortable bed? Adequate storage? Air conditioning/heating?
☐ Fire safety
Fire extinguishers? Evacuation plans posted? Emergency exits accessible? Audible and visual alarms? Documented evacuation drills?
☐ Fall prevention
Grab bars in bathrooms? Non-slip mats? Adequate corridor lighting? Staff trained in safe transfers?
☐ Access, mobility, and accessibility
Elevator in working order? No stairs blocking access? Wheelchair ramps? Accessible showers (seats, grab bars)?
Meals and nutrition
☐ Kitchen and meal visit
Cooked on site or delivered? Fresh ingredients? Impeccable hygiene? Varied menu? Generous portions? Appetizing taste?
☐ Specialized menus available
Diabetic? Renal? Gluten-free? Liquid? Purée? Religious accommodations (halal, kosher)?
☐ Optional restaurant meals and outings
Dining outings? Can residents eat in an alternate setting? Can family join for a meal?
Medical services and care
☐ Medication management protocol
Nurse responsible for dosing? Medications secured (not freely accessible)? Signed register?
☐ Access to a doctor and nurse
Regular doctor visits? Nurse available 24/7 or set hours? Can residents keep their family doctor?
☐ Nursing care offered
Wound care? Dressings? Catheter management? Injections? Physio/occupational therapy on site or by referral?
Activities and social life
☐ Activities calendar available
Varied? Daily or rarely? Exercise, recreation, cultural events? Outings? Spiritual visits as needed?
☐ Resident participation
Are residents engaged? Smiling and interacting? Or isolated in their rooms?
Escalation and departure policy
☐ Policy if care needs increase
Can a resident stay in cat. 1 if they move to cat. 2? Do costs increase? Is a transfer required? What is the notice period before departure?
☐ End-of-life policy
Palliative care offered? Support around death? Can residents die in the residence or is a transfer mandatory?
☐ Lease termination/eviction policy
Required notice (how long)? Possible eviction grounds? If a resident shows difficult behaviour, is help offered or immediate eviction?
Questions to ask directly
- How many residents currently? Maximum capacity? (Signs of overcrowding or wait lists?)
- Do you provide transport or escort to medical appointments? (Transport costs to budget for?)
- Can family attend medical appointments?
- Who do we call in an emergency at night or on weekends? (Refer to hospital or resolve on site?)
- Do you have long-stay residents (5+ years)? (Stability is a good sign.)
- Is there a residents' or families' committee? (A voice in decisions?)
- What is the staff turnover rate? (High = instability, low = stability.)
- Can I meet 2–3 current residents or families? (Authentic testimonials.)
Warning signs
Avoid residences that show:
- No MSSS certification posted, or expired certification
- Poor hygiene (odours, visible dirt)
- Tired or impatient staff
- Residents who seem sad, immobile, or isolated in their rooms
- No specialized menu despite documented needs
- Refusal to let you see meals or the kitchen
- No nurse on site, only general aides
- Pressure to sign the lease without reading it
- Rates significantly below market (may hide inadequate quality)
Positive signs
- Posted certification, recent, no violations
- Impeccable cleanliness, warm atmosphere
- Smiling, engaged staff who interact with residents
- Active, sociable, happy residents
- Fresh, appetizing, varied meals
- Nurse present and accessible
- Clear written policies, transparent lease
- Families welcomed, volunteers visible
After the visit
- Write down your impressions immediately (memory fades within 2 days).
- Wait 24–48 hours before deciding (avoid emotional decisions).
- Compare 3–5 residences side by side.
- Ask for references from current or former residents.
- Check online reviews (Google, Facebook) — but with caution (not 100% objective).
- If positive, schedule a second visit or bring a family member.
- Verify MSSS certification online before signing.
Sample comparison table
Create a simple table:
| Criterion | Residence A | Residence B | Residence C |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPA certification | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cleanliness (1–5) | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Monthly rate | $2,600 | $2,500 | $2,300 |
| Staff ratio | 1:6 | 1:8 | 1:10 |
| Meal quality | Excellent | Good | Acceptable |
Summary: optimal preparation
- Print this checklist.
- Schedule an unannounced visit (or speak with former residents beforehand).
- Check off each point in real time.
- Ask the 8 key questions.
- Write down your impressions immediately after.
- Compare 3–5 residences.
- Wait 48 hours, decide without pressure.
To go deeper into the 7 selection steps, see our complete guide to choosing a residence.
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