If you or a loved one are struggling with daily home maintenance and cooking, or if you’re feeling lonely and unmotivated, it may be time to consider retirement living or an RPA.

One of the biggest misconceptions about RPAs is that you should only consider moving when there is no other option: The opposite is true. Starting your search early gives you more time to compare communities, understand your options, and make a decision without feeling rushed.

“Feelings of isolation can occur when interactions with others become less frequent, which can negatively impact your well-being,” the JuridiQC wrote on their website. “Moving to a new living environment where assistance is more readily available could bring you real relief.”

Moving to a retirement community while you’re still active and independent allows you to settle into your new home, build friendships, and enjoy everything the community has to offer before additional support may be needed. Services like Seniors’ Apartments and Independent Living offer many seniors the chance to enjoy the benefits of retirement living while maintaining a higher level of independence. 



What Are the Signs That an RPA Might Be a Good Option?

People choose RPAs for many different reasons, but some signs it may be time to start looking include:

• You’re feeling lonely or isolated.
• Home maintenance has become overwhelming.
• You find yourself eating out more or having low-nutrient foods, such as cereal for dinner, to avoid cooking.
• Grocery shopping and housekeeping are becoming more difficult.
• You’re making fewer trips out of the house or visit friends less frequently.
• You feel you’re missing a sense of purpose and belonging.
• You want the peace of mind that comes with having support available, or you have anxiety about being alone.

Retirement communities can offer residents not just services to help them feel secure, but also a sense of purpose and belonging. Whether you choose to move now or later, researching retirement living now will help you understand what you’re looking for in your new home, making the decision easier when you’re ready to move.

Will I Lose My Independence if I Move to an RPA?

No, in fact seniors often find a new sense of freedom. RPAs are designed around increasing the holistic health of residents. It’s about more than just removing responsibilities like cleaning and home maintenance. With regular nutritious meals, daily fitness classes, and a wide range of social activities available, many residents find their health improves after they move to a retirement home.

Many residents also feel more confident to do things for themselves knowing that help is available if they need it. Assistance getting ready in the morning or an escort to meals can be the difference between a full, social day and staying alone in their room.

In an RPA, residents decide how they spend their day. Whether that means participating in activities, visiting with friends, enjoying quiet time in their suite, or exploring the local community, retirement living is about supporting independence, not taking it away.



How do RPAs affect seniors’ quality of life?

A study researching the effect of assisted living communities on quality of life in aging populations was published by the National Library of Medicine and found that while it was a nuanced topic, overall there was a positive change for many residents.



“The majority [of participants/residents] seemed to be engaged in [friendships] with other residents [at their community],” the study said in its conclusion, highlighting how assisted living communities could benefit the social life of aging populations.

One interview from the study that stood out was as follows:

Researcher: So what was your quality of life before moving here?

Paula: I really didn't have a life. Like I said, I was alone, my children busy in their work and raising their little ones, so I really didn't have any quality of life at being alone at home; where I feel alive here.

Researcher: So you say that you feel alive here, so how would you describe your quality of life now?

Paula: Well in comparison you know, it's this way. I do feel quality, I feel at home, I feel friendship, I feel my social needs are met, my medical needs are taken care of, so it's good, it's good.

Researcher: Have you changed doing things after moving in to this place?

Paula: I am more involved than I was at home. At home I kind of wasted my time; I was depressed living alone and where here, like I say, I'm more involved.

Ready to learn more about retirement living?

Start your search by viewing our Quebec locations, or you can learn more about how to find your perfect retirement community on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions



Most seniors are between 70-90 years old. However, some may be as young as 55 or over 100. Each retirement community is unique. When you tour retirement homes, be sure to spend some time speaking to the residents to ensure you will be a good fit.

Yes. Most retirement communities have free parking for residents, and many residents still drive.



If you’re feeling lonely or overwhelmed with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and home maintenance, it may be time to consider moving to a retirement community.

Many retirement communities are pet friendly. Ask the community you’re interested in if they have any restrictions on pet size or species.