Frequently Asked Questions

The transition to retirement living can be an intimidating and overwhelming process. It’s important to ask questions so that you are well-informed throughout your senior living journey. Below are answers to the most frequently asked senior living questions about Chartwell. If you still find that your question is unanswered, please call us directly at 1-855-461-0685 or fill out our contact form.

Explore our FAQs:

General Questions
Independent Living
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Money & Pricing
Suites & Amenities
Dining
Life at Chartwell

General Questions

When is the right time to move to a retirement residence?
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!
Is there a minimum age for retirement living?
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.
Who owns Chartwell?
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.
Which senior living option is best for me?
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.
How do I schedule a tour of a Chartwell residence?
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.
Can I bring my pet?
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!
Is there a waiting list?
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.
Can my family come for a visit?
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.
Is a trial stay possible at a retirement residence?
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.

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Questions about Independent Living

What is Independent Living?
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.
Can I bring my own car?
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).

Questions about Assisted Living

What is Assisted Living?
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
Am I ready for Assisted Living?
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.
Who is eligible for Assisted Living?
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.
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
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.
What types of services and amenities are offered?
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.

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Questions about Memory Care

What is Memory Care?
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.
How do I know it's time for Memory Care?
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.
What types of services and amenities are offered in Memory Care?
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.

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Money & Pricing

How much does it cost to live at Chartwell?
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.
Is retirement living subsidized by the government?
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.
What funding options are available for senior living?
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.

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Suites & Amenities Questions

Are there cooking facilities in residences or suites?
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.
What suite plans does Chartwell offer?
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.
Are the suites furnished or unfurnished?
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.

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Dining Questions

Can Chartwell accommodate certain diets?
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.

Life at Chartwell

Are group activities at Chartwell mandatory?
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.
What types of activities does Chartwell offer?
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.

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Questions? We’re here to help!

Our retirement living experts are ready to support you or a loved one on your journey of discovery.

Ask a question

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

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

Is there a minimum age for retirement living?

Who owns Chartwell?

Which senior living option is best for me?

How do I schedule a tour of a Chartwell residence?

Can I bring my pet?

Is there a waiting list?

Can my family come for a visit?

Is a trial stay possible at a retirement residence?

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Questions about Independent Living

What is Independent Living?

Can I bring my own car?

Questions about Assisted Living

What is Assisted Living?

Am I ready for Assisted Living?

Who is eligible for Assisted Living?

What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

What types of services and amenities are offered?

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Questions about Memory Care

What is Memory Care?

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

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

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Money & Pricing

How much does it cost to live at Chartwell?

Is retirement living subsidized by the government?

What funding options are available for senior living?

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Suites & Amenities Questions

Are there cooking facilities in residences or suites?

What suite plans does Chartwell offer?

Are the suites furnished or unfurnished?

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Dining Questions

Can Chartwell accommodate certain diets?

Life at Chartwell

Are group activities at Chartwell mandatory?

What types of activities does Chartwell offer?

Loading component...

Questions? We’re here to help!

General Questions

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

Is there a minimum age for retirement living?

Who owns Chartwell?

Which senior living option is best for me?

How do I schedule a tour of a Chartwell residence?

Can I bring my pet?

Is there a waiting list?

Can my family come for a visit?

Is a trial stay possible at a retirement residence?

Questions about Assisted Living

What is Assisted Living?

Am I ready for Assisted Living?

Who is eligible for Assisted Living?

What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

What types of services and amenities are offered?

Questions about Memory Care

What is Memory Care?

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

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

Money & Pricing

How much does it cost to live at Chartwell?

Is retirement living subsidized by the government?

What funding options are available for senior living?

Suites & Amenities Questions

Are there cooking facilities in residences or suites?

What suite plans does Chartwell offer?

Are the suites furnished or unfurnished?

Life at Chartwell

Are group activities at Chartwell mandatory?

What types of activities does Chartwell offer?