Skip to Main Content

Frequently Asked Questions

From the kinds of meals you can expect to the kind of care you may need, we’ve answered the questions we’re most often asked. You can also reach out to our advisors to ask more specific questions if you don’t see the answer you're looking for here.

General Questions

There are many different types of senior living. Whether you’re looking for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, Revera has a variety of retirement residence options, including Independent LivingIndependent Supportive LivingAssisted LivingMemory CareShort Term Stay and Respite Care. No matter what your needs are, we have retirement residences in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Much like an apartment or condo, different suites are available, depending on the retirement residence you’re considering. You’ll be able to choose from studios or one- or two-bedroom suites that may include a balcony, full-size kitchen, and more. Whatever your needs are, we’re confident there is a space that’s perfect for you.

We know that can be a tough question, and the answer is unique to you. Perhaps your home is starting to feel a bit big, or it is getting more challenging to maintain it. Maybe you are feeling a little lonely at home and are looking for a more social environment where you can make some new friends. Or possibly you are thinking you could use some support with day-to-day activities. Our Guides cover everything from talking to your kids about your decision to downsizing and planning the move.

Assisted living is best suited for seniors who need some level of support with activities of daily living, while independent living is designed for active seniors who are largely self-sufficient. Both offer optional services for added convenience, such as housekeeping and laundry; assisted living homes offer a broader range of care services to support your daily activities, as well as care options including dementia care. 

If you do not require assistance with personal care, independent living is the right option for you. If you need an extra hand to get through your day, assisted living is the best choice. Either way, you’ll enjoy living in your own comfortably designed suite, come and go as you please, and benefit from the activities you choose each day.

Retirement living is a welcome, affordable option for seniors who no longer want to worry about the upkeep or expenses associated with maintaining their home. In a retirement home, you not only have a suite of your own that you’ve chosen, you have delicious meals, social activities, a thriving environment and the ability to let someone else think about mundane tasks like cleaning, so that you can focus on what matters most to you. You also have the comfort of knowing that you have access to the care and support you need to manage your health, through on-site or visiting care professionals. You can also choose to bring in private services, and there may be government-funded services you can access too.

When you choose to live in a retirement community, you also have the opportunity to choose which suite you like and which services and care options you need. All of these choices have an impact on how much you pay; for most seniors living at a Revera retirement home, it works out to about $3,000–$5,500 per month. For those looking for a truly luxurious experience, Revera also has some retirement residences that cost more per month.

With so many Revera retirement residences across Canada, there is sure to be one in your neighbourhood. Every retirement home is unique, much like the seniors who live in them. Visit the residences in your area to determine which one suits your needs best.

Of course you can! That’s what retirement living at Revera is all about. Residents of our homes are free to spend their days however they’d like. You can explore the neighbourhood, visit friends and family, run errands or just relax. You have the freedom and choice to enjoy retirement however you want. It really is up to you.

No, retirement homes are focused around independence. Revera retirement homes offer you many choices, including your choice of meals and meal plans, recreation and social activities, and the freedom to come and go as you please.

Yes! There are seniors of all ages at our residences. Friends talk over dinner, meet for coffee, take classes together, play card games like euchre, and have game nights together. At a Revera residence, age really is just a number.

Dining Questions

Our retirement homes are proud to offer delicious, healthy, chef-inspired meals in a variety of welcoming settings, such as pubs, bistros, cafés and dining rooms. There are different choices at every meal as well as à la carte options. And we keep in mind the needs for a balanced diet, as well as personal dietary restrictions and preferences, so everything on your plate is just for you.

In some retirement homes, suite layouts include kitchens that are perfect for preparing light meals and snacks. There are common kitchen areas in some of our residences where you can prepare larger meals, and some of our newer residences even offer demonstration kitchens, where you can learn from our talented chefs.

Staying connected to family and friends is important for your overall health. There are lots of common areas and private spaces where you can chat and entertain any time you like. We also host a variety of family-friendly events where anyone is welcome to join in the fun! Our residents are like family to us, and so are their loved ones.

Pet Questions

Revera retirement residences are pet-friendly and welcome cats, small dogs, birds or fish. When you are touring the residence of your choice, be sure to ask if there are any specific restrictions. 

Questions about Care in Retirement Residences

If you are moving into an independent living suite, an assessment may be required depending on provincial requirements. If you are moving into assisted living or memory care, an assessment is an important measure in evaluating your current care needs and wellness, and helps to determine which services could benefit you. During this assessment, we discuss your overall wellness, not just your physical health. This helps us to learn about your individual needs and build a plan of care that is geared to improving your quality of life.

Everyone is unique, and so are their health and wellness needs. That’s why we provide flexible support for the unique physical, mental and social needs you have today – and those you may have tomorrow. We take the time to learn about the things that excite you and the things that may challenge you. Getting to know our residents personally, one on one, helps us to really understand your lifestyle and how we can support you to the fullest.

Whether you need minimal assistance or personalized care, there are a variety of care services to meet your unique needs and help you live your life to the fullest. Many of Revera’s retirement homes offer LiveWell™, an approach that’s all about making you feel your best, so you can keep being you. Whether you need a little help bathing or dressing, require some support with medications, or could use a hand getting to the dining room for meals, our senior living services respect your dignity and support the unique physical, mental and social needs you have today – and those you may have tomorrow.

Medication management is often associated with assisted living, but this kind of personalized support is available for the other retirement living options as well. Just know that at a Revera retirement residence, should you require care, we will always help ensure you get the help you need.

We recognize the importance of family, and that you may have family members concerned about your ongoing care. We also recognize that your health is your own, so we will follow your preferences for sharing information. If you choose, your family members can be actively involved in your care plan on a regular basis. Through our Plan of Care program, we assess each resident’s physical, emotional and mental well-being, and arrange a conversation every six months to reassess. If your needs change, your plan changes, too. Having regular check-ins ensures that we are always providing the best care and support possible.

Questions about Long Term Care

Long term care homes, sometimes referred to as nursing homes, offer a safe, secure and specialized care environment. Long term care facilities welcome people who can no longer live independently because of the high level of care or supervision they require and/or because they need significant support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing or eating.

The costs of long term care are shared by the resident and the government. Typically, residents pay for their accommodations, while the government covers the costs of things like care, food, programming and certain medications. Some provinces offer private pay options.

Rates for all types of long term care accommodations are established by the provincial government; rate subsidies may be available for ward accommodation. The range for the resident accommodation portion is typically between $1,000 and $3,000 per month, depending on factors such as type of room, the province, income and the age of the facility. In some provinces, lower-income residents may be eligible for additional financial support. For information, please contact the appropriate provincial agency.

There are a lot of differences between a retirement home and a long term care home. Even though they are both places where seniors can live, the cost, services and moving in process are very different. Learn more about the differences between long term care and retirement living.

Revera’s long term care homes offer private rooms (one bed) and shared accommodations to suit your needs and preferences. Think about whether you need a private space, or would benefit from the social connection that shared accommodation can offer. Your choice may also be determined by cost, as outlined below.

All resident rooms in long term care homes include basic furnishings, such as a bed, bedside table and chair. We encourage you to bring personal items and make your room feel like home.

Revera has long term care homes in Manitoba and Ontario. Search for a long term care home.