Private Senior Residences: A Survey Assesses the Situation in Quebec
Private Senior Residences: A Survey Assesses the Situation in Quebec
A new survey conducted by Protégez-Vous magazine, in collaboration with the Coops de l’information and the Réseau FADOQ, paints a mixed picture of the private senior residence (RPA) market in Quebec. While overall satisfaction remains high, concerns persist over costs and the scarcity of available spaces in regional areas.
More than 3,300 seniors and their family members were surveyed to assess the quality of services offered in these residences, including safety, meals, and housekeeping support. At the same time, journalists conducted a mystery-shopping investigation in 35 RPAs across Quebec and Ottawa to evaluate housing accessibility and compare pricing.
The good news: residents gave their living environments an average score of at least 8 out of 10. All evaluated groups have even improved their scores since the previous study conducted in 2022. Marie-Eve Shaffer, a journalist at Protégez-Vous, shares some further details:
Topping the rankings is Groupe Maurice, which received an approval rating of 78%. The company is particularly praised for its safety measures, cleanliness, and organized recreational activities. However, shortcomings were noted in personal assistance—such as help with dressing or hygiene—as well as in terms of cost.
Groupe Édifio ranks second, notably recognized for the courtesy of its staff. Résidences Soleil – Groupe Savoie comes in third, standing out for safety and the lease renewal process. Respondents also found their pricing more reasonable, earning them a place among the “public’s choice.”
According to the survey, the average rent in a private senior residence is around $2,600 per month. This typically covers housing, heating, telecommunications services, and certain personal services such as meals, medication delivery, and housekeeping. Again, Marie-Eve Shaffer adds:
The mystery visits also revealed significant regional differences. In Quebec City and the Outaouais region, the average rent for a 3½ apartment exceeds $2,700 per month, compared with around $2,100 in Montreal. These disparities are attributed to limited competition and the scarcity of available units in regional areas, as well as sometimes lengthy waiting lists.
The survey authors recommend that anyone considering a move to a private senior residence carefully assess their needs and budget, and visit multiple facilities. It is also advised to review which services are included in the lease, which are available à la carte, and the terms for lease renewal.
The full survey results are available on the Protégez-Vous website, as well as on the sites of regional newspapers affiliated with the Coops de l’information.
