Planning your accommodation in a residence for the elderly is an important step that requires careful consideration. Among the many questions that future residents and their families ask, the cost of rent often tops the list of concerns. Understanding the factors that influence these costs, the options available and potential financial assistance can greatly facilitate decision-making. This article offers you an overview of rents in residences for the elderly in Quebec and essential information to better prepare for this transition.
Table 2024 of average rental prices for accommodation in a residence for seniors (RPA)
Source: price based on data provided by Bonjour Résidences partner residences in Quebec, in 2023.
| Regions | Average rent for standard housing | Average rent for housing with care | Average cost of housing per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montréal | 2 213 $ | 4 384 $ | Bedroom individual : $2,412 Studio : 1 722 $ 1 bedroom: $2,181 2 bedrooms +: $2,999 |
| Capitale-Nationale | 2 197 $ | 3 670 $ | Bedroom individual : $2,170 Studio : 1 787 $ 1 bedroom: $2,264 2 bedrooms +: $2,897 |
| Montérégie and South Shore | 2 077 $ | 3 387 $ | Bedroom individual : $2,382 Studio : 1 912 $ 1 bedroom: $2,243 2 bedrooms +: $3,014 |
| North Shore | 2 260 $ | N/A | Bedroom individual : $2,574 Studio : 2 176 $ 1 bedroom: $2,124 2 bedrooms +: $2,852 |
| Central Quebec | 1 813 $ | 3 218 $ | Bedroom individual : $1,845 Studio : 1 913 $ 1 bedroom: $1,907 2 bedrooms +: $2,343 |
| Chaudière-Appalaches | 1 880 $ | 2 969 $ | Bedroom individual : $1,907 Studio : 1 867 $ 1 bedroom: $2,091 2 bedrooms +: $2,485 |
| Sherbrooke | 1 973 $ | 4 222 $ | Bedroom individual : $1,841 Studio : 1 752 $ 1 bedroom: $2,091 2 bedrooms +: $2,785 |
| Lanaudière | 1 904 $ | 3 396 $ | Bedroom individual : $1,912 Studio : 1 659 $ 1 bedroom: $1,881 2 bedrooms +: $2,142 |
| Gatineau/Outaouais | 1 941 $ | N/A | Bedroom individual : $1,812 1 bedroom: $2,059 |
| Abitibi-Témiscamingue | 2 199 $ | N/A | Bedroom individual : $1,790 Studio : 1 754 $ 1 bedroom: $2,301 2 bedrooms +: N/A |
| Bas-Saint-Laurent | 2 030 $ | 3 165 $ | Bedroom individual : $1,970 Studio : 2 002 $ 1 bedroom: $2,057 2 bedrooms +: $2,468 |
| North Shore | 2 456 $ | N/A | N/A |
| Estrie | 1 880 $ | N/A | Bedroom individual : $1,892 Studio : 1 766$ 1 bedroom: $1,943 2 bedrooms +: $2,391 |
| Gaspésie/Îles-de-la-Madeleine | 1 875 $ | N/A | Bedroom individual : $1,931 Studio : N/A 1 bedroom: $2,190 2 bedrooms +: N/A |
| Laurentians | 2 011 $ | 2 895 $ | Bedroom individual : $2,153 Studio : 1 862 $ 1 bedroom: $1,882 2 bedrooms +: $2,372 |
| Mauricie | 1 893 $ | N/A | Bedroom individual : $1,754 Studio : 1 667 $ 1 bedroom: $2,148 2 bedrooms +: 2,837 |
| Northern Quebec | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean | 1 746 $ | N/A | Bedroom individual : $1,933 Studio : 1 517 $ 1 bedroom: $2,054 2 bedrooms +: $2,520 |
| Laval | 2 192 $ | 3 877 $ | Bedroom individual : $2,201 Studio : 1 483$ 1 bedroom: $1,978 2 bedrooms +: $2,755 |
What influences rental costs?
The size of the accommodation
The size of the accommodation in a residence for the elderly plays a determining role in the costs. Generally, the larger the unit, the higher the rent will be. The residences offer a wide range of options, from single rooms to apartments of different sizes, such as 2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½ and 5 ½ rooms.
The choice of housing size depends on the needs and budget of each person. For example :
The influence of common spaces and services
Beyond size, common spaces and included services can also influence the choice. Some residents place a high value on common areas, such as living rooms or dining rooms, while others seek specific services such as housekeeping or included meals.
Evaluate your needs before choosing
Before making a decision, it is essential to carefully assess your personal and financial needs. Also consider the features offered by each unit to find the option that best suits your lifestyle and budget. An in-depth analysis will ensure that the choice of accommodation perfectly meets your expectations.
Additional costs to consider
When planning for retirement living, it is crucial to take into account potential additional costs that may be added to the base rent.
Additional service fees
In addition to the monthly rent amount, some specific services may incur additional charges. Among the most common:
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Specialized health care: nursing, personal assistance or medication management service
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Recreational activities: organized programs, outings or workshops which can sometimes be billed separately
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Meal service: Although some meals are included, additional options, such as guest meals, may incur costs
Personal expenses to plan for
Beyond the services offered by the residence, it is important to include personal expenses in your budget, such as:
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Medicines and other health products
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Insurance, whether home or health insurance
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Transportation costs, such as taxi or paratransit
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Expenses related to leisure and external activities
Determine your retirement budget
The decision to move to a retirement home is an important step that requires careful planning. To guide you in this process, our “Where to start” page offers a section dedicated to establishing your budget. There you will find a practical table to inventory your sources of income, such as salaries, pensions or RRSPs, as well as to list your essential expenses, such as electricity, food and other current costs. This structured approach will allow you to have a clear vision of your finances and to better plan your transition to residence life.
Many private seniors’ residences offer advantageous packages combining various services, which can simplify the management of your expenses while optimizing your quality of life. To better understand the cost differences between home support and living in a residence, consult our article “What is the real cost of home support? “. This valuable insight will help you compare the available options and make an informed choice for your future accommodation.
Tax credits and financial assistance for seniors available
You may be eligible for financial support offered by the government, which could significantly reduce your costs. In addition, several resources are available to inform you about savings strategies and the different tax credits to which you may be entitled.
For more information, we invite you to consult the following links
Calmly plan your transition to a residence for the elderly
Choosing a retirement home is an important decision that involves significant financial considerations. With proper planning and exploring available assistance options, it is possible to find housing that meets your needs while staying within your budget. Contact the accommodation specialists at Bonjour Résidences by telephone at 1 844 918-1020 or filling this form. We will be happy to support you in this transition to a new stage of life.
