FAQ

Start by clarifying the unknowns.  The Transition Checklist –Step 1. Making the Decision to Move – guides you in sorting through the unknowns. Call Domus if you need assistance with this step.

Retirement residences are secure home environments that typically offer medical alert systems in the apartments and a security entrance. Most retirement residences offer meals, recreation, a social environment, housekeeping and various forms of medical and personal attention. Each residence is unique, offering different services and having different characteristics.

Once it is clear that your parent should move to a retirement residence, call Domus to discuss a plan for the move. The discussion would clarify what you would like to undertake and what you would like to delegate to Domus.

The difference among these housing choices is the level of health care provided. Adult buildings are designed for mature adults but do not offer health services. Retirement residences offer a wide range of health and wellness services that may be increased should the need arise. Long-term care facilities are government administered, require admission and offer advanced health care.                   

Each residence offers different services and has different characteristics. Domus identifies residences that most closely match your parent’s lifestyle, needs, routine, likes and dislikes listed in the Domus checklist.

You can certainly do this on your own: you may download the Domus Checklist free of charge to get started. If you need help, call Domus.

On moving day or for the following week, Domus can coordinate a telephone or video call between you and your parent. You will know first-hand how the move and / or the settling-in period is developing. You and your parent can discuss if anything needs to be adjusted immediately following the move. This eases the settling in period for your parent and reassures the family.

After an initial discussion with Domus, you decide what you want to take on and what you want to delegate to Domus. You can be involved as little or as much as you want. Domus will then coordinate with service providers, for example: transportation to visit residences, moving truck, storage facility, home stager, boxing/unboxing, real estate agent, organizer, installer, distribution of extra house contents, settling-in period, etc. as required. Domus can also assist with individual requests that may arise during discussion.

If requested by you, Domus may provide videoconferencing with members of the family.

Domus coordination fee and individualized service:  $75 per hour. Providers will invoice you directly for their service.

Costs may be recovered partially or entirely. Contact Domus for more information.

Domus does not deal with financial and health matters.

Domus provides services for parents who would be moving to a retirement residence in Ottawa, Ontario or Gatineau, Québec and surrounding areas. Individuals who are working with Domus on behalf of their parent may be located nationally or globally.

Domus may be available to work in other locations in Canada – call to discuss.