The Questions to Ask When Visiting a Senior Residence

Last updated: June 16, 2026

A well-prepared visit changes everything. A senior residence may look beautiful, but it's your questions that reveal what truly matters: the quality of care, what's actually included in the rent, and what will happen when your loved one's needs change. This page gives you a list of questions to ask, grouped by theme, so nothing slips your mind on the day of the visit.

It complements our complete senior residence visit checklist for Montréal: the checklist tells you what to observe, this page tells you what to ask. Keep it on your phone and check items off as you go.

Questions about care and staffing

This is the heart of your assessment. Care determines whether your loved one can stay long term, and the quality of the team shows in daily life. To dig deeper, see our guide on the care services to verify in a senior residence.

• Availability: Is there staff on-site 24 hours a day? Is a nurse present or on call overnight?
• Ratio: How many care aides per resident during the day, evening and night?
• Team stability: Is the staff regular, or do you rely on agencies? What is the turnover rate?
• Medication: Who manages medication distribution, and how is it supervised?
• Medical coordination: How is the link organized with the family doctor or the CLSC?
• Reassessment: How often is the care plan reviewed with the family?

Questions about meals and food

Meals set the rhythm of the day and weigh heavily on well-being. Ask to see the weekly menu and, ideally, to taste a meal on-site.

• Choice: Are there several options at each meal? Do menus rotate with the seasons?
• Special diets: Are diets (diabetic, low-salt, modified textures) handled at no extra cost?
• Schedules: Are mealtimes flexible? Can residents eat in their room when needed?
• Guests: Can a relative join for a meal, and at what cost?
• Snacks: Are snacks and drinks available between meals?

Questions about cost: included vs extra

The most common surprise comes from à la carte fees. Always ask what is included in the base rent and what is billed on top. Then compare with our overview of the average senior residence prices in Montréal for 2026.

• Base rent: What exactly does it include (meals, housekeeping, cable, electricity)?
• Care: Are care services bundled or billed per service? How does the bill change as needs increase?
• Common add-ons: Personal laundry, escorting, parking, telecommunications.
• Indexation: How often does rent rise, and on what terms?
• Lease and termination: What are the conditions for leaving or in the event of death? Does the lease follow the rules of the Administrative Housing Tribunal?

Questions about safety and emergencies

Safety reassures the resident as much as the family. Observe the premises, but also ask precise questions about procedures.

• Call for help: Is every room equipped with a call system? What is the average response time?
• Medical emergencies: What is the protocol for a fall or sudden illness? Who notifies the family, and when?
• Access and monitoring: How is access to the building controlled? Are there cameras in common areas?
• Fire: Are there evacuation drills and a sprinkler system?
• Certification: Is the residence certified as an RPA, and is the certification current?

Questions about activities and social life

A rich social life often makes the difference between merely getting by and truly thriving in a residence. Ask to see the month's activity calendar.

• Programming: What activities are offered, and how often? Are they adapted to different levels of autonomy?
• Outings: Are there organized outings and transportation?
• Participation: Are activities well attended? Is there a residents' committee?
• Common spaces: Lounge, garden, exercise room: are they freely accessible?

House rules and changing needs

Finally, clarify the everyday rules and, above all, what will happen down the road. The costliest mistake to avoid is failing to plan for the future. Our page on the common mistakes when choosing a residence details the most frequent pitfalls.

• Pets: Are pets allowed, and under what conditions?
• Couples: Can a couple be housed together, even with different levels of autonomy?
• Visits: Are visiting hours and guest stays restricted?
• Changing care: What happens if health declines? Can the residence increase care, or will a move be required?
• Severe loss of autonomy: In which cases is a person directed to the public network (RI, CHSLD via the CLSC)?

Once your visits are done, the next step is to compare two or three residences after the visits so you can decide with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions should I ask during a visit?

Aim for about ten key questions across your priority themes rather than one long exhaustive list. Focus on care, what's included versus extra, and how needs are handled over time, as these are the most decisive aspects. Write down the answers so you can compare residences afterward.

What is the single most important question not to forget?

Ask what will happen if your loved one's needs increase: can the residence raise the level of care, or will a move be required? This is often the most overlooked point and the one with the greatest long-term impact. Also clarify exactly what is included in the base rent.

Should I visit alone or with someone?

Ideally, visit with the person concerned and another family member. Each of you will notice different details and remember different answers. If possible, make a first scheduled visit, then return at a different time of day to observe the real atmosphere.

Can I get help preparing my questions?

Yes. Our advisory service is free: we help you build a question list tailored to your loved one's situation and can guide you through the process. Simply tell us about your situation to get started.