Care of the Elderly: the Canadian example

From Sunday, December 3 to Thursday, October 7, a study trip on the care of elderly people was held in Montreal, Canada. This immersion in Quebec institutions devoted to the well-being and accommodation of senior citizens was launched under the impetus of AD-PA (Association of Directors serving the Elderly) and FEHAP (Federation of Non-profit Private Hospitals and Personal Assistance Establishments). It is part of a comprehensive study program made up of several trips. They make it possible for participants to have an international perspective on the treatment and care given to the old aged.

During these five days in Montreal, the collaborators who were present had the opportunity of visiting several institutions, meet professionals and attend conferences held by well-known experts in Geriatrics.

Aware of the inexorable aging of its population (25% of the population will be more than 65 years old in 2031), the Canadian government introduced an action plan called "Ageing and living together". This policy includes a set of 74 actions and measures, and aims as much as possible to keep the elderly in working life. On the other hand, the plan focuses on home assistance for people losing their independence and institutions accommodating the elderly.

Throughout their Quebec experience, participants had the privilege of visiting reference locations where the elderly are taken care of: The CHSLD St-Georges, which is one of the largest private long-term care accommodation centres in Quebec, The University Institute of Geriatrics of Montreal (IUGM), which begun with an exchange with the researchers there, and Marie-Clarac Hospital and its end of life care unit - The Oasis of Peace, which is the largest palliative care centre in Quebec.

The trip ended with a conference held by Christine Fournier on the issues and objectives of the Alzheimer Plan set up by the government.