Internet, TV and phone in senior residences: staying connected

Last updated: June 16, 2026

When choosing a private seniors' residence (RPA), families think first about care, meals and cost. Telecom services — Internet, television, phone — often come second. Yet they weigh heavily on quality of life: it's through them that a senior follows their shows, calls relatives, sees grandchildren on video and keeps a link to the world.

This page covers the practical questions: what's usually included in the rent or billed on top, how Internet and TV work in a residence, how to set up a loved one's phone, and how to support them so they stay connected without feeling overwhelmed. Practices vary a lot from one residence to another; the goal is to give you the right questions to ask before signing.

What's included… or billed on top

There's no uniform rule: each residence decides what it includes in the rent and what it bills separately. Before signing the lease, ask to see in writing what's covered, because the answer changes from one place to another.

• Internet: some residences offer Wi-Fi in common areas only, others all the way into the units; sometimes it's included, sometimes extra, and sometimes it's up to the resident to take their own plan with a provider.
• Television: basic cable may be included, offered as an option, or left to the resident. The number of channels and the ability to add packages vary.
• Phone: a residential landline is rarely included by default; many seniors use their cellphone instead.

Also ask what appears in the lease and its appendix: a service described as "included" should be listed there. Amounts vary and we can't quote them for you — insist on a written breakdown of recurring charges and any installation fees. If you're unsure what your lease provides, the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) can inform you of your rights as a tenant.

Internet and Wi-Fi: coverage and reliability

For a senior, good Internet access isn't a luxury: it's what makes video calls with family possible, lets them use online services, and sometimes follow medical appointments remotely. Several things are worth checking during a visit.

• Where coverage reaches: does the Wi-Fi reach your loved one's unit, or stop at the common lounge? Signal quality can weaken at the end of a hallway or on upper floors.
• Shared Wi-Fi or a dedicated line: a network shared across the whole residence may be fine for browsing but slow at peak times. If your loved one makes many video calls, ask whether they can get their own connection.
• Password and support: who helps connect a tablet or phone? On-site staff or a support service makes a real difference for a senior uneasy with technology.

Run a concrete test during the visit: try connecting in the model suite. A signal that struggles to load a video page tells you more than any brochure.

Television: packages, equipment and setup

For many seniors, television remains a daily companion and a reassuring anchor. A few practical points to clarify:

• Cable included or not: check whether a basic package comes with the unit and how many channels it includes. Some residents want to add specialty channels or channels in their first language — see if that's possible and on what terms.
• Equipment: is a box needed? Does the resident bring their own TV? An oversized screen or a complicated remote can discourage; a simple device with large buttons is often more appreciated.
• Setup: who connects the device and programs the channels on moving-in day? Planning this detail avoids plenty of frustration in the first week.

For a senior who copes poorly with change, finding "their" channels in the new unit contributes a lot to feeling at home. It's a small gesture that eases the adjustment.

Phone: landline, cellphone and useful numbers

Staying reachable reassures the senior as much as their family. Several options coexist in a residence:

• Landline: some seniors are attached to keeping a fixed phone, out of habit and simplicity. Ask whether the residence allows a line to be installed and on what terms.
• Cellphone: increasingly common, it follows the person everywhere in the residence and makes video calls easier. A senior-friendly model — large characters, high volume, emergency keys — may suit better than the latest smartphone.
• Keeping their number: a senior can often transfer their existing number; keeping it avoids confusion and reassures relatives who know it by heart.

Write the important numbers somewhere visible near the phone: family, doctor, CLSC, and the residence's front desk. For a loved one whose memory is fading, this simple cue makes all the difference.

Helping a loved one stay connected

Access to technology is useless if the senior doesn't dare use it. The challenge is often less the equipment than the support. A few ways to help:

• Simplify the device: a clean home screen, large icons, shortcuts to the most-called contacts. The fewer steps, the more spontaneously the senior will use it.
• Set up a routine: a weekly video call at a fixed time becomes an awaited appointment rather than a task to initiate.
• Use on-site support: several residences offer digital-literacy activities or a hand from staff. Ask about it, and encourage your loved one to take part.
• Patience and repetition: learning takes time. A few mastered gestures beat a long list of forgotten features.

Staying connected is above all about preserving bonds — with family, friends and services. With good support, a senior can genuinely benefit from these tools, without them becoming a source of stress.

Choosing well: the questions to ask

Before signing, a few targeted questions will spare you surprises and help you compare residences on an equal footing:

• Are Internet and cable included in the rent, optional, or the resident's responsibility? What does the lease say?
• Does the Wi-Fi reach the unit, and how reliable is it at peak times?
• Who installs and configures the TV, phone and connection on moving-in day?
• Is there on-site support to help a resident uneasy with technology?
• Can the resident keep their phone number and their own devices?

Doing this homework for several residences at once can be heavy. A residence-search advisor can clarify your priorities, target well-equipped Montreal settings for staying connected, and arrange visits — at no cost to the family. It's a detail that seems minor at first but changes daily life once the move is done.

Frequently asked questions

Is Internet included in the rent of a senior residence?

It depends entirely on the residence: some include Wi-Fi in the rent, others offer it as an extra or have the resident take their own plan. Coverage also varies — sometimes limited to common areas, sometimes reaching the unit. Ask in writing what's included and check what the lease provides before signing.

Is cable television included in a senior residence?

There's no uniform rule. Basic cable may be included in the rent, offered as an option, or left to the resident, and the number of channels varies. Ask whether a package comes with the unit, whether channels can be added, and who installs the TV on moving-in day. Amounts vary from one residence to another.

Can a senior keep their phone number when moving into a residence?

In many cases, yes: a senior can often transfer their existing number to a new line or their cellphone. Keeping the same number avoids confusion and reassures relatives who know it. Check with the residence whether installing a landline is possible, and with your provider about the transfer.

How can I help an elderly parent uneasy with technology stay connected?

Simplify their device (large icons, shortcuts to contacts), set up a routine such as a weekly video call at a fixed time, and use on-site support when the residence offers it. Patience and repetition matter more than the number of features: a few well-mastered gestures are better. Several residences offer digital-literacy activities.

What questions should I ask about Internet and TV before choosing a residence?

Ask whether Internet and cable are included, optional or the resident's responsibility, what the lease says, whether the Wi-Fi reaches the unit and stays reliable at peak times. Also check who installs the devices at move-in, whether there's on-site tech support, and whether the resident can keep their number and their own devices.