1. You have trouble following conversations (especially in groups)

In a busy restaurant, at a family dinner, or in a crowded waiting room, do you find yourself reading lips or nodding along without really understanding what’s being said? It might not just be background noise — it could be difficulty filtering sounds.

You hear… but you don’t always understand. It’s as if some words slip through the cracks. That feeling that people don’t enunciate anymore is a classic sign of diminished perception of high-pitched sounds — often one of the first symptoms of hearing loss.

3. You often ask people to repeat themselves

“Sorry?” “What did you say?” “Huh?”
Are these phrases becoming more frequent than you’d like? It’s easy to get used to asking people to repeat themselves — until the moment you realize you’re no longer keeping up. If it happens regularly, it may be time to consult a professional.

4. You turn up the TV volume (and others complain)

You think the sound is just fine… but others find it way too loud. This is often one of the first signs of progressive hearing loss, especially in people who live alone and don’t have anyone to point it out.

5. You hear buzzing, ringing, or phantom sounds

These sounds, known as tinnitus, can be temporary or chronic. They’re often linked to overexposure to noise (headphones, loud workplaces, concerts, etc.) but may also signal hearing damage. If you hear these sounds frequently, it’s important to get your hearing evaluated.

Without realizing it, you start ignoring calls, limiting your outings, or withdrawing in group settings. This gradual retreat is often a defense mechanism: when hearing becomes difficult, socializing turns tiring, frustrating, even anxiety-inducing. It can lead to isolation — a major risk factor for mental and cognitive health.

7. You have been (or still are) regularly exposed to noise

You work in a noisy environment (construction site, factory, school, restaurant)

You often listen to music with headphones

You’ve attended many concerts or festivals

You frequently use power tools or noisy machinery

Even if you’re young, your ears aren’t invincible. They can suffer invisible — yet irreversible — damage.

What are the symptoms of a ruptured eardrum? – Centres Masliah

Ignoring the signs only lets the problem grow

Hearing loss isn’t a life sentence. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to treat, manage, or adapt to. And contrary to popular belief, wearing a hearing aid doesn’t mean “getting old”… it means staying connected to the world.

A hearing test is quick, painless, and simple — and it helps you get clarity. It’s never too early — or too late — to check in on your hearing.

 is one of Quebec’s largest networks specializing in hearing health. With locations across the province, they offer:

Free professional hearing screenings year-round

Personalized follow-ups with attentive specialists

Innovative solutions to improve your quality of life

Book a free hearing screening – Centres Masliah

Hearing health affects more than just your ability to hear. It impacts memory, relationships, autonomy, balance… even your sense of self.

If you recognize one or more of these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait. Take action now.

Because the real silence is the one you didn’t choose.

If your hearing health is limiting your daily life, or if you want to get tested but have trouble getting around, know that support services are available. Professionals can help you with appointments, assist with paperwork, or even accompany you to your clinic visits.

There are silences that are not normal. The ones where you don’t hear what everyone else hears. The ones where you guess, instead of understanding. The ones where your world becomes a little more blurry — without you even realizing it.

When we talk about hearing health, we often think of old age. However, hearing loss doesn’t just affect the elderly. It can occur at any age, and its effects are often underestimated.

According to the World Health Organization, over a billion young adults worldwide are currently at risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to noise. And yet, few people think about getting their hearing checked before it’s too late.

So, how can you know if your hearing health is optimal? Here are 7 signs that deserve your full attention.

Struggling to follow conversations? Turning up the TV too loud? Discover 7 early signs of hearing loss you should never ignore. Act before it’s too late.

7 signs your hearing health may be declining

7 signs your hearing health may be declining (and why you shouldn’t ignore them)

Palliative home care encompasses a range of medical and psychosocial services designed to alleviate symptoms and pain for patients nearing the end of life. Delivered by a multidisciplinary team—including doctors, nurses, social workers, and trained volunteers—the primary goal is to allow patients to spend their final moments with dignity, surrounded by family.

Learn more about palliative care through the 

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

: Staying at home provides a sense of security and comfort, crucial for the patient's emotional well-being.

: Care is tailored to the specific needs of each individual, ensuring a customized approach.

: Loved ones can actively participate in care, strengthening emotional support and family cohesion.

For a detailed guide on the benefits, visit 

Services Included in Palliative Home Care

Services may vary based on the patient's needs and available resources, typically including:

: Administration of medications and other interventions to relieve pain and discomfort. Learn more at Health Canada.

: Guidance to help patients and families cope with the emotional and spiritual challenges of end-of-life.

: Help with daily tasks such as personal hygiene, feeding, and mobility.

: Organization of healthcare professional visits and management of necessary medical equipment at home.

Additional resources are available through the 

In Quebec, various organizations and programs facilitate access to palliative home care. The 

 provides detailed information on the procedures to follow.

Palliative home care offers end-of-life patients the opportunity to receive compassionate and personalized support in the comfort of their own homes. At 

, we recognize the importance of this stage and provide tailored services to meet the needs of patients and their families. Our dedicated professionals are here to support you with high-quality care and a compassionate presence. 

s to learn more about our palliative home care services.

Palliative home care provides individuals with serious and incurable illnesses the opportunity to receive comfort care within the familiar surroundings of their home. This approach aims to enhance the patient's quality of life while supporting their loved ones.

Palliative home care provides compassionate and tailored support for end-of-life patients. Learn about its benefits, included services, and access in Quebec.

Is Palliative Home Care a Good Choice ?

Several financial aids are offered by the Government of Quebec to support entrepreneurship. Here are a few:

Support for the operation of economic development organizations

: Obtain financial contributions for the operational costs of organizations that support entrepreneurship, economic development, or exports.

Support for economic development projects

: Promote the growth of businesses and their market presence, as well as support the development of strategic sectors or Quebec regions.

: Access financial aid for projects of collective enterprises and organizations working in the social economy.

: Support from regional county municipalities to help bring business projects to life.

: Offer services to entrepreneurs and provide funding opportunities for innovative startup projects.

For a complete list of available financial aids, visit 

 on the official Quebec government website.

Futurpreneur Canada facilitates obtaining funding for young entrepreneurs (aged 18 to 39). In partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), it is possible to apply for an 

 of up to $60,000 and benefit from two years of mentorship to help you launch your business. Here are some eligibility criteria:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Agree to work with a mentor for a period of up to two years.

Submit a complete and viable business plan before the application process ends.

 to small business owners and self-employed individuals through its Liaison Officer service. This service is available across Canada and aims to help with understanding tax obligations. During a personalized visit, the liaison officer can recommend ways to improve bookkeeping systems and provide suggestions on accounting records. Other benefits of this meeting include:

Helping to better understand tax obligations and informing about potential business deductions.

Explaining bookkeeping concepts and best practices.

Offering advice to avoid common tax mistakes.

Introducing CRA's online tools and electronic services.

Demonstrating how to use financial performance data to compare business income and expenses with those in the industry.

In addition to traditional financial services, many banks also offer mentorship programs and training resources for entrepreneurs just starting out. These programs can provide personalized guidance, practical advice, and seminars on key topics such as strategic planning, cash flow management, marketing, and sales. Such initiatives aim to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and foster the long-term growth of newly launched businesses.

Some banks also offer innovative solutions like online platforms for financial management, data analysis tools to assess business performance, and crowdfunding services to help raise funds from interested investor communities. These digital tools and services enable entrepreneurs to quickly access valuable information and manage their financial operations effectively, even without extensive financial management experience.

In summary, banks play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs by offering a wide range of financial services, specialized advice, and innovative tools to help them successfully launch and grow their businesses. This collaboration between banks and entrepreneurs contributes to fostering innovation, job creation, and economic prosperity within communities.

Becoming a Bien Chez Soi franchisee means choosing a rewarding job that positively impacts the community. It also means committing to our mission and values. Ready? We're here to support you in making your project a reality.

Thanks to our training program, you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to run your franchise. The training for our new franchisees includes an observation period at our offices, followed by personalized training delivered by one of our home care specialists.

Each franchisee receives a detailed operations manual and training on home care, as well as on business operations (financial management, marketing, customer service, staff recruitment, human resources management). After this comprehensive training, you will be ready to manage your own Bien Chez Soi franchise.

At every stage of your business startup, our specialists provide the necessary support to ensure the smooth development of your activities. Surrounded by experienced professionals, you can grow confidently and securely. This support is reflected in regular coaching sessions with experts specialized in each aspect of your business operations. Whether it's sales, business development, employee and client satisfaction, or finances, every aspect of your business and the efficiency of your operations are evaluated through our Health Checkup. The results of this evaluation will assist you in the daily management of your business.

Over the past 16 years, our team has developed various work tools, operating procedures, documentation, and evaluation forms essential for the smooth functioning of our business. These resources include evaluation forms for housekeeping, family assistance, and home care needs, an operational manual, a caregiver evaluation form, as well as training programs approved by the Quebec Ministry of Education.

Bien Chez Soi has been awarded an excellence prize by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its development and quality of human resources. This distinction highlights our innovative practices and avant-garde methods, ensuring the satisfaction of our employees, clients, and, of course, our franchisees, like you.

By becoming a Bien Chez Soi franchisee, you not only embark on a journey for a healthier society, but it is also an exceptional business opportunity.

91% of seniors want to stay home as long as possible.

The population aged 65 and older will double by 2050.

Bien Chez Soi’s retention rate is 50% higher than that of the industry.

Want to launch your franchise in Quebec? Why not do it with us? Discover the

 and explore the opportunities to build a successful business right away.

Becoming a franchise owner can be a lucrative and rewarding opportunity, providing the chance to run your own business while benefiting from the support and recognition of an established brand. However, one of the main challenges many aspiring franchisees face is securing the initial funding needed to bring their project to life. In this article, we will explore various financing solutions, from bank loans to private investments, to help you find the best financial strategy to achieve your dream of becoming a successful franchisee.

Discover financing options to become a franchisee and start your own home care business.

How to Finance the Purchase of a Franchise? - Bien Chez Soi

How to finance the purchase of a franchise?

Entrepreneurship attracts individuals with varied motivations and backgrounds. According to research from 

, four personality types stand out among entrepreneurs, each with a unique leadership style. Find out which profile best describes you and how this insight could inspire your entrepreneurial journey.

Drivers are determined, results-oriented, and highly confident. Always looking for the "next big thing," they focus heavily on their product or service, sometimes at the expense of team dynamics. Like Steve Jobs, Drivers possess a strong vision but can struggle with shared leadership.

Curious and analytical, the Explorer is fascinated by challenges and innovation, thriving on solving complex problems. However, like Mark Zuckerberg, Explorers may have difficulty handling the emotional and human sides of scaling a business.

Mission-driven and passionate about changing the world, Crusaders lead with their values. Audacious and compassionate, they inspire their teams through long-term missions. Yet, they can struggle with operational challenges, as seen with Twitter's co-founder Jack Dorsey.

Captains are pragmatic and team-oriented leaders who value collaboration and building a cohesive company culture. Jack Ma of Alibaba is a prime example of this personality type, where "we" is more important than "me." Captains excel at managing human dynamics and make decisions through consensus.

Understanding your personality can help you leverage your strengths and address your weaknesses as a business leader. Whether you're a results-driven Driver or a collaborative Captain, each profile offers a unique path to success.

At Bien Chez Soi, we value every entrepreneur’s unique contribution. If you identify with one of these profiles and want to build a business that helps others,

 opening a franchise with Bien Chez Soi could be the perfect opportunity for you

. Together, we can revolutionize home care services in Quebec while respecting your entrepreneurial style.

Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset but wonder what type of leader you truly are? Every entrepreneur has a unique style, and understanding yours could be the key to unlocking your full potential. Whether you're ready to revolutionize an industry or build a strong team, now is the time to discover what type of entrepreneur you are.

Are you a Driver, Explorer, Crusader, or Captain? Learn more about these 4 entrepreneurial personalities and explore franchise opportunities with Bien Chez Soi.

What Type of Entrepreneur Are You? Discover the 4 Main Profiles

Both the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec have established various tax credit and benefit systems to assist caregivers. Here is a comprehensive list to help you understand these options better:

: Provides a tax credit of $2,350 or more, depending on the status of the person you are caring for.

: Eases the tax burden for a person with a disability or a family member to offset additional expenses due to the disability.

: Offered to caregivers who need to take time off work to care for someone who is seriously ill or injured. During this leave, you can recover up to 55% of your salary (up to a maximum of $650 per week).

: A tax credit available in two parts, providing up to $1,299.

Part for caregivers living with a person aged 70 or older.

Part for caregivers assisting a person aged 18 or older with a severe and prolonged physical or mental disability.

: You can apply when filing your annual income tax return. If you are unsure about which lines to fill out, consult an accountant who can guide you.

For Employment Insurance benefits and leave

: You can apply directly online, by phone, or by mail. After submitting your application, the government will review your file and contact you once a decision is made.

A caregiver is someone who provides moral or physical support to a person suffering from mental or physical disabilities. The support can be continuous or occasional and take various forms.

Caregivers can be family members, but they don’t have to be! They can also be friends, neighbors, and come from all age groups (teens, adults, seniors). A blood relationship is not essential for someone to become a caregiver.

Can be family members (spouses, children, parents, etc.), friends, or simply part of the immediate circle (e.g., neighbors) of the person with a disability.

Aim to support a person’s recovery or improve their quality of life.

According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec, at least one in five people can be considered a caregiver in the province.

Sometimes, a person is a caregiver without even realizing it!

Caregiving can be carried out in various ways: providing care, doing household chores, helping with medication, being present at home, or making regular phone calls, etc.

In this context, there are many ways to help. But generally, the assistance provided falls into one or more of these categories:

Medical care and/or assistance with medication.

#1 - Utilize the Financial Aids Available to You!

Depending on the duration and involvement of your role as a caregiver, it is possible (and entirely normal) that you also need respite and/or financial support. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the financial aids available to you. The government has set them up for use.

These aids can provide a little extra support over time and help if caregiving impacts your financial stability.

We’ve already discussed the credits and benefits available from different levels of government. But did you know that caregiver support services also exist?

Professional caregivers can step in to provide care for your loved one, giving you a break as well.

Being a caregiver is a very honorable activity. However, if you are not in good health yourself, it will be difficult to provide support to another person in the medium/long term.

So, be careful not to exhaust yourself, as overextending yourself might make you unable to help at all.

Would you like to learn more about the various aids for caregivers or the caregiver status in Quebec? Here are some resources that helped build this article. If you want to explore further, they will be just as useful to you as they were to us.

Your dedication to your loved one is admirable, and at Bien Chez Soi, we understand the challenges you face every day.

Allow us to share this effort with you so that you can spend more precious moments with your loved one. Discover how Bien Chez Soi can simplify your daily life while providing the best support to those you care about.

Caregivers play a fundamental role in supporting those in need. Through emotional support, caregiving, home assistance, or logistical support, these individuals have a decisive impact in alleviating the burden on people with disabilities. However, being a caregiver takes time and energy! The weight of responsibility can also become a strain on caregivers. 

To help you, here is a list of the financial and logistical assistance you are entitled to as a caregiver!

Discover our complete list of financial assistance available to support caregivers.

What Financial Assistance Exists for Caregivers? Complete list

Financial Assistance for Caregivers: The Complete List

By creating local alliances, you can not only increase your presence but also develop a qualified audience ready to use your services.

Human Relationships: A Powerful Lever for Local Development

One of the biggest challenges in home care is gaining the trust of clients and their families. This is where relationships become a powerful differentiating tool. Meeting local partners—associations, healthcare facilities, pharmacies—allows you to create trust-based connections and recommendations, which digital advertising cannot always guarantee.

 Collaborating with senior associations in your area or rehabilitation centers can open doors to clients who have an immediate need for your services. Instead of relying solely on paid advertisements or social media posts, these recommendations based on human relationships will have a more direct impact.

Time Savings and Access to Qualified Leads

Partnering with local actors allows you to save time in your business development strategy. These alliances give you access to "qualified leads," meaning potential clients who have already been pre-selected based on their actual need for home care. Instead of targeting too broad an audience, you are directly reaching people actively seeking solutions for themselves or their loved ones.

Understanding the Concept of "Qualified Audience Pool"

A qualified audience pool is a group of people sharing common needs or interests and who are highly likely to use your services. In home care, this can include seniors themselves, their families, or caregivers. This pool often forms naturally around local partners already in contact with these audiences.

Solutions to Strengthen Your Partnerships and Boost Your Local Visibility:

: Establish trust-based collaborations with senior associations. Offer free workshops to enhance your visibility.

Collaborate with Local Healthcare Facilities

: Establish partnerships with clinics, hospitals, and senior residences. This can include referral agreements to recommend your services.

Establish Connections with Pharmacies and Private Clinics

: Offer to distribute your brochures or train staff to identify home care needs.

: Participate in business networks to meet potential partners and better understand your region's needs.

Partnerships with Municipalities and Social Programs

: Collaborate with senior support programs, allowing you to reach a population that already needs your services.

Increasing your presence in the field is not just about boosting your visibility; it's also about building strong relationships with the right partners. By reaching qualified audience pools through associations, healthcare facilities, and professional networks, you can establish lasting foundations for your business.

In such a human-centric sector as home care, relationships and local partnerships play a crucial role in the development of a business. While digital marketing tools are now essential to reach a wide audience, the importance of going directly into the field to build solid collaborations should not be underestimated.

Learn how to grow your home care business through local partnerships. Strengthen your market presence, build client trust, and access qualified leads to optimize your growth.

Home Care: Grow Your Business Through Local Partnerships.

Working after retirement can provide a valuable supplementary income for various reasons.

Working after retirement allows you to supplement your pension income, such as that from the

. While these pensions are essential, they might not be enough to maintain your desired standard of living. A part-time or temporary job can provide a significant additional income each month.

By continuing to work, you can choose to 

 from retirement plans such as the QPP or Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). Delaying these withdrawals can result in higher benefits later, as the amounts increase for each month of deferral.

Certain tax advantages are available for those who choose to work after retirement. For example:

: Pension income can benefit from tax credits, reducing the amount of tax owed.

: Couples can split pension income to reduce their overall tax burden.

Tax Exemption on the First $3,500 of Employment Income

: The first $3,500 of employment income for individuals aged 65 and over may be exempt from tax in Quebec, making post-retirement work even more attractive.

 continue to be made, which can increase your future retirement benefits. Even if you are already retired, these additional contributions can contribute to a rise in monthly benefits.

Having supplementary income from work enhances financial security. This can be particularly important in case of unexpected expenses, such as healthcare costs or home repairs. Additional income can also allow you to continue participating in social and leisure activities you enjoy.

6. Socialize and Focus on Your Well-being

Beyond the financial aspect, working after retirement helps you stay socially active and mentally stimulated. Interacting with colleagues, participating in projects, and facing new professional challenges enriches daily life and combats the isolation often felt by retirees. This can contribute to better mental and physical health, reducing stress and increasing personal satisfaction. By working in home care, you also help elderly individuals remain in their homes longer and contribute to their well-being, making them happier thanks to your support.

Working in home care during retirement offers numerous advantages:

Home care work provides unmatched freedom and flexibility, allowing you to choose hours and days that perfectly fit your lifestyle. Whether you wish to work a few hours a week or more, in the evenings or on weekends, you have complete control over your schedule. This opportunity allows you to easily balance personal commitments with a fulfilling professional activity. Enjoy the best of both worlds: stay active and engaged while savoring the freedom to set your own work pace.

You can leverage your skills and life experiences. Those with a background in nursing, social work, or simply experience in managing a household and providing care may find this work particularly suitable and rewarding.

Home care involves regular interactions with beneficiaries, helping to prevent the social isolation often experienced in retirement. Building connections with those you assist can be emotionally fulfilling and offer a sense of community and connection.

Working in home care is mentally and physically stimulating. Tasks may include helping with shopping, meal preparation, and providing companionship, keeping both body and mind active.

Working in home care allows you to make a positive contribution to your community by supporting the elderly, people with disabilities, or children. It provides a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction by helping those in need, offering respite to the families you assist.

Are you interested in starting a career in home care? Great news! Bien Chez Soi is hiring in your area and looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Whether you are a caregiver, nanny, nurse, or have other skills in care and support, there is a place for you in our community of Caring professionals.

: 2, 10, 20, or 30 hours a week—anything is possible. Well-being is a core value at Bien Chez Soi. That’s why we offer flexible working hours that allow you to choose times that match your lifestyle. You can opt for part-time or full-time work, making it easier to balance professional and personal life.

: We prioritize personalized matching to connect beneficiaries with the right Caregiver. Once the match is made, it remains unchanged, fostering trust between the caregiver and the family they support.

: By joining our community of Caregivers, you will be supported, valued, and listened to every day. With our management team celebrating key moments in your career, you will feel fully recognized and cared for. Additionally, we ensure your work and communication with other Caregivers and internal support teams are facilitated by our advanced technology.

Are you retiring? That doesn’t necessarily mean the end of all professional activities. On the contrary, many retirees aim to stay active by supplementing their income. Home care is an ideal opportunity if you want to make a real difference in your community. It’s more than just a job opportunity; it’s a path that offers a multitude of benefits and possibilities, both personally and professionally.

Discover how working in home care can supplement your retirement and provide valuable support to others.

Supplement Your Retirement by Working in Home Care

 Supplementing Retirement Income by Working in Home Care

The choice of a mobility scooter largely depends on your personal situation. Before you start, consider the following aspects:

: Will you primarily use your scooter indoors, outdoors, or both?

: Do you need it for short trips or longer journeys, such as visiting loved ones or taking extended rides?

: Is the terrain around your home flat or uneven? Will you use the scooter in tight spaces or on rough surfaces?

Mobility scooters come in various categories based on their features and usage:

: Ideal for indoor use or confined spaces, they are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and often foldable. However, they usually have limited speed and battery range.

: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, these scooters offer moderate battery range and wheels adapted to a variety of surfaces.

Learn how to choose a mobility scooter that fits your needs: key criteria, tips for comfort and safety, and available financial assistance.

STAY INFORMED TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS