After 60 years of marriage, Bernard Renaud had to move his wife Micheline Bickley, who has Alzheimer’s, into a new seniors home in Chateauguay, south of Montreal. The couple was offered a place at Maison des aînés et alternative de Châteauguay, a long-term care facility for seniors with dementia and adults with special needs. The facility is unique in the way residents are cared for, with 96 seniors and 24 younger special needs adults organized into 10 households. Each unit has 12 people living in a small household environment, with a large common living space and full kitchen for residents and their families to use.
Head manager Caroline Brookes emphasizes the importance of creating a home-like environment for residents, with each room having its own private shower with safety features and access to a balcony. Renaud visits his wife daily and praises the facility, stating that it does not feel like an institution. He notes that Bickley is thrilled with the care she is receiving, as there is flexibility in their daily routines and a focus on individualized care. The facility plans to introduce a daycare program, allowing children to interact with the seniors, promoting intergenerational relationships.
Quebec minister responsible for seniors, Sonia Bélanger, highlights the opening of the 28th seniors and alternative home in Châteauguay, with a total of 3,480 places announced across Quebec. This signals a shift towards a new way of caring for seniors, focusing on providing personalized care and not pushing them aside. The facility in Châteauguay opened in March and will continue to welcome more residents in the coming weeks. The aim is for generations to mix and benefit from each other, creating a supportive community environment for all residents.
Overall, the focus on creating a home-like environment with personalized care at Maison des aînés et alternative de Châteauguay is changing the way seniors are cared for in Quebec. With a shift towards intergenerational interaction and individualized care, the facility is providing a model for future care homes. Renaud’s experience with moving his wife into the facility showcases the positive impact that this type of care can have on residents and their families, highlighting the importance of creating supportive and inclusive communities for seniors and individuals with special needs.
