What documents are needed to apply to a senior residence in Québec?

The essentials are: valid photo ID (RAMQ health insurance card, passport or driver's licence), an up-to-date medication and prescription list, the treating physician's contact information, a protection mandate or power of attorney if applicable, and financial information for the cost assessment. An autonomy assessment report (SMAF) is often required for residences offering care.

Is a medical assessment required to enter a residence?

For Cat. 1-2 residences, a simple health declaration or a form completed with the treating physician usually suffices. For Cat. 3-4 residences, a formal autonomy assessment (SMAF or OCCI) is often required - it can be carried out by the CLSC or CIUSSS team.

How far in advance should I gather these documents?

As soon as you start visiting residences, put together a core file (RAMQ card, up-to-date medication list, treating physician's contact details). For admission with care, request the autonomy assessment from the CLSC early, since the assessment appointment can take time. Keeping a digital copy shared with a trusted relative avoids starting over if a document is misplaced.

Documents required to enter a senior residence in Québec

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Preparing documents in advance avoids delays at admission and reduces stress for the entire family. Here is the complete list, organized by category.

Practical tip: Create a binder or digital folder with all this information. Share it with a trusted family member. In an emergency, you'll have everything on hand in seconds.

1. Identity documents

Health insurance card (RAMQ) — mandatory for any interaction with the health system in Québec
Photo ID — driver's licence, passport or identity card
Social Insurance Number (SIN) — required for tax matters (tax credits)
Federal Medicare card — if different from RAMQ (persons born outside Québec)

2. Medical documents

Complete medication list — name, dosage, frequency, prescribing physician. Ask your pharmacy to print an up-to-date list
Current prescriptions — copies of active prescriptions
Treating physician's contact information — name, clinic, phone number
Summary medical record — main diagnoses, recent surgeries, drug allergies
Recent test results — blood tests, ECG, imaging if relevant
SMAF or OCCI assessment report — required for Cat. 3–4 residences; can be obtained through the CLSC

3. Legal documents

Protection mandate (formerly incapacity mandate) — document designating who can make decisions on behalf of the person if they become incapacitated
General or limited power of attorney — if someone manages finances on the person's behalf
Will — not required by the residence but important to have an accessible copy
Advance medical directives — document specifying end-of-life care wishes (level of intervention, resuscitation)

4. Financial documents

Last tax return — used to assess eligibility for financial assistance (housing allowance, CMD credit)
Pension or annuity statements — OAS, QPP, private pension plan
Banking information — for automatic debit of residence fees
Private insurance — private health insurance, long-term care insurance if applicable

5. Documents for the residence contract

The residence will provide its own contract. Before signing, verify that you clearly understand:

The exact list of services included in the base rate
The fee schedule for additional services
The cancellation terms (notice period, refund)
The policy in case of health decline (can you stay? under what conditions?)
The MSSS certification number of the residence (mandatory for certified RPAs)

In Québec, the RPA contract takes the form of a residential lease accompanied by the mandatory schedule specific to senior residences, which details the services and their cost. Take the time to read this schedule: it is part of the lease and is binding. If you disagree with a clause or a rent increase, the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is the body with jurisdiction - keep a signed copy of every document.

6. What the residence may additionally request

Some residences also ask for:

Recent photo of the person
Contact information for family members (names, relationships, phone numbers)
Consent form for emergency care
Authorization form for outdoor outings

Documents to prepare for emergency placement

If you need to find a residence quickly (after a hospitalization, for example), the most urgent documents are:

RAMQ card
Medication list (ask the pharmacy or the hospital team)
Treating physician's name and phone number
Identity of the legal guardian or responsible family member

→ Complete guide for emergency placement in Montréal

Need help preparing admission?

Our advisor can guide you through the admission process and help you gather the right documents for the chosen residence.

→ Financial assistance for senior residences in Québec

→ Checklist for visiting a residence in Montréal

→ All Montréal residences