FADOQ Montreal has awarded honorary plaques to the first private seniors’ residences that have met the criteria of the new Seniors Housing Quality Program.

The plaque is a tribute to their participation and their commitment to the well-being of seniors living in private residences. Residences receiving the plaque included the Château Pierrefonds, Villa Ukraninienne, Les Jardins d’Elysee, Providence Saint-Dominique, Providence Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, ML Villa, A.L.P.S. Residence and Résidence Jardine.

Replacing the Roses d’Or program, the Senior Housing Quality Program (Programme de Qualité Logi-Etre) was created to complement the Quebec government’s compulsory certification program. While the certification is concerned with safety standards, building and fire codes and the like, Logi-Etre focuses on residents’ quality of life, explained Andre Demers-Allan, regional coordinator of Logi-Etre Montreal.

Financed and supported by the Quebec government, the program evaluates the quality of the human and physical environment provided by private seniors’ residences, based on 26 quality standards. Professionals, assisted by trained senior volunteers, visit residences that want to apply and speak to the residents to get a sense of their level of satisfaction with their living situation.

“If they feel respected, even the older and frailer residents are very capable of responding to questions concerning their living situation,” Demers-Allan said.

Residences that meet the criteria are recognized for two years, at which time they will have to reapply. Improvement is an ongoing project, Demers-Allan noted, and the program provides recommendations, tools and support to residences that sign up for the program.

Private residences strive to make their clients happy by offering the best care and options they can. However, it is important to know what you are looking for when moving into a new residence. “People must negotiate and not accept conditions that makes them unhappy later,” Demers-Allan says.

Some things to consider when moving into a residence include:

• What specific tasks are included in “housekeeping”? Is making the bed extra?

• If air conditioning is included, is it central or is it just one air conditioner? Are common areas air-conditioned?

• If TV is included, is this only the cable connection or the actual TV? If it is cable, is it the channels you like or just basic? How much would it cost to add a few channels, if wanted?

• If you are hospitalized temporarily, will you have to continue paying for services?

• If three meals are included, does the schedule of meals fit your schedule? Is there any flexibility in times or menus? If you hate getting up early and the dining room closes at 9, you may end up missing breakfast.

• If you negotiate any changes or modifications to the norm, make sure it is in writing.

• Make sure you understand before you sign which services are included, what is extra, and what exactly are you paying for.