Frequently Asked Questions
Why work with Tea and Toast over contacting a retirement residence directly?
With over a decade of experience in the retirement residence industry and backgrounds in Marketing and Psychology, our advisors work daily with seniors and their families to find retirement residence solutions, and are experts in terminology, diffusion, communication and transition.
Our philosophy is to be an open book with clients as well as other marketing managers in order to find the best solution for families, in a timely and cost effective manner.
Working with Tea & Toast allows you to have industry expertise at your fingertips. Our advisors are unbiased and look out for your best interests, directing you to top choices for your unique situation.
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I’ve never heard of a senior living advisor, what is a comparable service?
A senior living advisor is similar to a broker – searching for the best solution for each client.
What can I expect if I work with Tea & Toast?
You can expect to work with compassionate, understanding industry professionals who have your best interest in mind. Our main objective is to do our very best to ensure that you or your loved one is well taken care of and completely happy with not only our service but with their new home.
Are there any costs or obligations for this service?
There are absolutely no costs for this service. Tea & Toast is paid by the Ottawa retirement residences. We do ask you to sign our privacy agreement, which protects both you and us.
Do you work with all the retirement residences in Ottawa?
Tea & Toast has the highest number of retirement residence partners in Ottawa. Contrary to what some might say, not all retirement residences have contracts with advisors. For these few, Tea & Toast has worked out other methods of payment to ensure that all of the options are available to you, and we can remain unbiased.
What do you do with my personal information?
Your personal information will be kept confidential and will be used to assist in determining the retirement living options that meet or exceed your criteria. Once we choose our top 3 retirement options, your personal information will be shared with the Marketing Director in order to book tours and to assist in personalizing the tour and providing relevant information.
What kind of questions will I be asked?
You will be asked questions about your personal situation. In order to do an accurate retirement search, we need to know things like; care needs, location preference, budget and social interests. To help start the conversation, please have a look at our pre-meeting questionnaire.
What does all the terminology mean?
As there are many different terms, we have separated them out in the way we use them:
Independent Living
An apartment separate from the retirement home (either in the home or in a separate building) that does not usually include services, but residences are free to partake in meals/activities in the retirement home.
Assisted Living – Level 1
Assisted Living Level 1 refers to services related to an individual needing one personal support worker to assist them in activities of daily living. ex. Bathing, Transfers etc.
Assisted Living – Level 2
Assisted Living Level 2 refers to services related to an individual needing two personal support worker to assist them in activities of daily living. ex. Bathing, Transfers etc.
Assisted Living Advanced Options
Additional costs may be associated with these options. But they include: oxygen, mechanical lift, picc line and feeding tubes.
Physical Care Floor
A floor dedicated to individuals who require additional care with physical movement and daily activities. This floor usually has a nursing station and personal support workers on it.
Secured Memory Care Floor
A floor dedicated to individuals who are in need of a high amount of cueing and supervision. This floor is also for individuals who are considered a “flight risk” meaning they try to leave the building when they should not due to confusion. This floor usually has a nursing station and personal support workers on it.
Do you have a criminal background check?
Yes, the Owner as well as all senior living advisors have background checks.
