Question 1

When is the right time to move to a retirement residence?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend that people start to explore their senior living options sooner rather than later, just so that when they are ready for a move a lot of the research and potential groundwork has been established already, i.e. getting some initial questions answered, visiting some residences in a desired area, understanding affordability, considering a potential downsize, etc. Proactive planning is so helpful in ensuring you or a loved one find a residence you really love, and that no hurried decisions have to be made if a health event or something else comes up. If you're interested, we have a great complimentary guide that can help get you started in your thinking/planning!

Question 2

Is there a minimum age for retirement living?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum age to move into a retirement residence! Depending on your needs and preferences, we have many options catering to your or a loved one's lifestyle, including seniors' apartments ideal for younger, independent individuals looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle. Please contact us online or call 1-855-461-0685 anytime for further inquiries.

Question 3

Who owns Chartwell?

Accepted Answer

Chartwell is a publicly traded company and therefore not privately owned by any one person. Many wonderful organizations are invested in our company, including many of our residents themselves. For more information on Chartwell investor’s relations, please visit our investor relations website.

Question 4

Which senior living option is best for me?

Accepted Answer

As experts in the aging care industry, we are here to help you and your loved ones find the ideal Chartwell residence that matches what you’re looking for in your next chapter of life. We can also help you navigate the healthcare system in your province, educating you on your options and guiding you every step of the way so you feel confident and supported during your search. Please contact us online or call 1-855-461-0685 to connect with one of our senior living experts. If you’re still conducting some initial research and not quite ready to get in touch, you may visit our Senior Living Options page to find some brief explanations of the living options available in Chartwell retirement residences. We have retirement homes in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Question 5

How do I schedule a tour of a Chartwell residence?

Accepted Answer

To schedule a tour of a Chartwell Residence, you may fill out our Book a Tour form or call 1-855-461-0685. For advice on what to look for during your tour, feel free to download our Tour Checklist.

Question 6

Can I bring my pet?

Accepted Answer

Many of our residences are pet-friendly! If you want to determine which Chartwell residences in your area allow pets, we invite you to contact us online. One of our representatives would be happy to help you!

Question 7

Is there a waiting list?

Accepted Answer

There may or may not be a waiting list at a Chartwell residence. It depends on the specific location. However, you may contact us online or call 1-855-461-0685 and one of our representatives will help you find a residence best suited to your needs despite a possible wait list.

Question 8

Can my family come for a visit?

Accepted Answer

At Chartwell, we understand the value of staying connected to family and friends. Your loved ones are always welcome to drop by at our residences! We have private dining rooms available by reservation, where you can gather around for a meal with your loved ones. We also host events designed to keep you connected with them. For more specific inquiries, including overnight stay policies, please contact the residence you're interested in.

Question 9

Is a trial stay possible at a retirement residence?

Accepted Answer

Chartwell offers a Respite Program designed to accommodate older adults interested in experiencing the benefits of retirement living but not yet ready for a full commitment. Perhaps you just want a safe space to recover from surgery, or you have a caregiver who will be away on vacation for a few weeks? It may even be that you want a vibrant, secure place to live in during the bleak winter months. Whatever your reason, a respite stay provides you with the option to experience retirement living for as little as two weeks and up to 60 days.

Question 10

Where can I leave a review?

Accepted Answer

We’d love to hear about your experience with us! You can leave a review on Google by searching for the specific Chartwell residence you’ve visited or are interested in, then select “Write a review.”

Question 11

What is Independent Living?

Accepted Answer

Independent living caters to a wide range of seniors’ needs and provides access to many beneficial services and flexible care options. Older adults who choose independent living may be active, independent, and looking for convenient services like dining, housekeeping, and social activities to make life easygoing. They may also be looking to benefit from an independent lifestyle that offers a variety of optional care and support services.

Question 12

Can I bring my own car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most of our residences have outdoor and/or indoor parking. During your residence tour, feel free to mention that you own a car, and our Retirement Living Consultant will present you with available parking and pricing options (if applicable).

Question 13

What is Assisted Living?

Accepted Answer

Chartwell’s assisted living program offers highly individualized care to residents with physical limitations and mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Assisted living can look different from province to province regarding the level of care provided, as well as the accommodation found within a retirement residence. Regardless, assisted living services generally come as an all-inclusive package that can be customized or added to in order to reflect your or a loved one's unique needs, preferences, and abilities. Expect the following: Three delicious and nutritious meals a day Housekeeping and laundry Emergency response Access to enriching activities and on-site amenities A comprehensive list of care services geared to supporting moderate-to-high care needs and mobility challenges

Question 14

Am I ready for Assisted Living?

Accepted Answer

It may be time to consider assisted living if you or a loved one would benefit from significant daily support to live in comfort and with the quality of life you deserve. This includes seniors managing moderate-to-heavy care needs, mobility challenges, or mild cognitive impairment. If you're looking for an assisted living residence, or would like more information about our care offerings, please contact us online or call 1-855-461-0685 and we'd be happy to guide you through the options in Chartwell residences near you or a loved one.

Question 15

Who is eligible for Assisted Living?

Accepted Answer

Chartwell’s assisted living program is designed to meet the needs of individuals living with physical limitations or mild to moderate cognitive impairment who require assistance with managing daily activities. For complete peace of mind, our Assisted Living Managers carry out assessments of all individuals looking to join the program to ensure their needs can be met safely in our residences. For further explanation of our program qualifications, please contact your residence of interest.

Question 16

What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

Accepted Answer

Assisted living at Chartwell features high resident-to-staff ratios. Residents will have access to registered staff 24 hours a day and will be cared for by our trained and dedicated care staff. The Assisted Living Neighbourhood is also supported by dietary servers, housekeepers, and a dedicated Activity Aid.

Question 17

What types of services and amenities are offered?

Accepted Answer

Assisted living residences generally provide care services such as assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and much more. Some Chartwell residences have dedicated neighbourhoods or floors where assisted living residents can benefit from specialized dining, activities, and amenities. Care packages are customizable in order to reflect your or a loved one's unique needs, preferences, and abilities.

Question 18

What is Memory Care?

Accepted Answer

Chartwell’s memory care services are offered to seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. In addition to convenient retirement living services like nutritious dining and housekeeping and laundry, seniors benefit from specific care services and activities for individuals living with cognitive challenges. Caring staff are specially trained on how to support seniors living with cognitive challenges. Chartwell retirement residences offering memory care services have dedicated, secure neighbourhoods or floors with their own dining rooms and activity lounges for added security and peace of mind.

Question 19

How do I know it's time for Memory Care?

Accepted Answer

If your loved one has recently been experiencing significant cognitive challenges or is living with dementia, it may be time for them to consider Memory Care at Chartwell.

Question 20

What types of services and amenities are offered in Memory Care?

Accepted Answer

Seniors who choose one of our secure assisted living neighbourhoods to call home benefit from: High staff-to-resident ratios Specialized dining and activities Housekeeping and room refreshes Laundry A range of valuable memory care services like assistance with daily routines, an escort to meals and activities, and much more.

Question 21

How much does it cost to live at Chartwell?

Accepted Answer

The cost of our retirement residence varies according to a variety of factors, including location, the type of suite you’re interested in, care services, etc. When you search for a specific retirement residence, you'll find the details in the 'Suite Plans' section. To ensure you have a clear understanding and to guide you through the pricing of residences in your desired area, our dedicated representatives are at your service. We strongly encourage you to call 1-855-461-0685 or book a tour for a more personalized discussion.

Question 22

Is retirement living subsidized by the government?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the level of care and province, a government subsidy may be available to you. Visit our Senior Living Options page for more information on which care levels and provinces offer government subsidies.

Question 23

What funding options are available for senior living?

Accepted Answer

We understand that affordability looks different to every person. If you are interested in retirement living but need some assistance understanding our pricing, or perhaps insight into some of the financial strategies our current residents use—like investing the proceeds of a sale of a home—our Retirement Living Consultants would be happy to provide some guidance at 1-855-461-0685, or you can fill out our contact form.

Question 24

What is the additional monthly cost for a second person occupying the suite?

Accepted Answer

In many Chartwell residences, an additional monthly fee may apply for a second occupant, reflecting the added use of services and amenities. This can vary by province and residence. In some regions, a standard supplemental fee is applied, while in Quebec, pricing is often more flexible, with services and meals selected à la carte. To find the most accurate information for your preferred residence and suite type, we recommend visiting our Find a Residence page to explore options near you, then contacting the residence directly for details.

Question 25

What is the additional cost for optional services or added features?

Accepted Answer

Many Chartwell residences offer optional services and added features to make daily living more comfortable, such as meal plans, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care or support services (where available). Costs and availability can vary by residence and province. In some locations, especially in Quebec, services are often selected individually and priced separately, while in others, convenient packages may be offered. To learn more about what’s available at a specific location, we recommend visiting our Find a Residence page to explore your options, then contacting the residence directly for details tailored to your needs.

Question 26

Are there cooking facilities in residences or suites?

Accepted Answer

Full or half kitchens are available depending on the selected suite plan. You can find out which suite plans offer these amenities by visiting Find a Residence.

Question 27

What suite plans does Chartwell offer?

Accepted Answer

Chartwell offers a range of well-equipped suite types, including studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom suites. Various sizes and layouts are available, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your priorities and finances.

Question 28

Are the suites furnished or unfurnished?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in living in a Chartwell residence on a short-term basis, your suite will be furnished. Otherwise, suites are unfurnished prior to move-in.

Question 29

Can Chartwell accommodate certain diets?

Accepted Answer

Our dedicated dining teams strive to accommodate residents' dietary restrictions and preferences as much as possible. We encourage you to reach out directly to the Chartwell residence(s) you're interested in to see how they can best accommodate your specific diet. Feel free to contact us online or call 1-855-461-0685 for more details. One of our representatives would be happy to assist you.

Question 30

Are meals included in the monthly fee, and if not, what is the cost per meal?

Accepted Answer

Meal options can vary by residence. At many Chartwell locations, meals are included in the monthly fee as part of a dining plan, while at others, they may be optional and available at an additional cost. In Quebec, meals are often offered through a flexible à la carte approach rather than included in the base rent. As meal options and pricing differ by residence, we recommend visiting our Find a Residence page to explore options near you, then contacting the residence directly.

Question 31

Are group activities at Chartwell mandatory?

Accepted Answer

At Chartwell, residents have complete freedom over how they spend their days. Resident outings and activities are optional, so you have the freedom to decide what appeals to you and what doesn’t, joining only what brings you fulfilment.

Question 32

What types of activities does Chartwell offer?

Accepted Answer

At Chartwell, we believe that active living is a critical component in wholesome living for seniors. Our LiveNow life enrichment program provides residents with opportunities to have an actively engaged lifestyle. Fitness programs, art classes, hobby clubs, outings, themed social events—you’ll find there’s always something on offer that can entertain you, intrigue you, connect you or challenge you—and the choice is entirely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? We’re here to help.

General Questions

Questions about Independent Living

Questions about Assisted Living

Questions about Memory Care

Money & Pricing

Suites & Amenities Questions

Dining Questions

Life at Chartwell

Questions? We’re here to help!