The delegation was accompanied by Fany CERESE, Doctor of Architecture and co-manager of Atelier AA - Architecture Humaine. Her analysis and the relevance of her remarks stimulated discussion and reflection within the delegation, and raised awareness of the importance of architecture in the field of medical-social establishments.

The training began with a two-day immersion at the Maison Carpe Diem in Trois-Rivières. This unique establishment was founded by Nicole Poirier in 1995. Accommodating 15 residents, this home is distinguished by its humanistic philosophy shared by all staff, volunteers, and families. The French professionals had the opportunity to discover this living environment and exchange ideas with their Canadian colleagues over two days, immersing themselves in the Carpe Diem approach and rethinking the care of people living with the disease.

On Wednesday, May 8, the delegation visited Pax Habitat in Joliette, inaugurated in February 2023. Located on the site of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix Abbey, this residence offers a continuum of services to avoid repeated relocations for seniors aged 65 and over, with 60 units for the autonomous and 32 for health care (Maison Humania). Twenty-five units are reserved for beneficiaries of the Rent Supplement Program. Pax Habitat promotes inclusion and intergenerational links through cohabitation with nuns and children from the early childhood centre.

The delegation then visited the Maison des Aînés de l’Assomption, which opened in January 2024. This establishment offers a human-scale environment with 48 places spread across four households of 12 people, aiming to recreate a “home-like” setting for the residents.

The day on Wednesday concluded with a visit to the Résidence Riviera, a private conventioned CHSLD with 128 beds in Laval, managed by the Groupe Santé Nadon. This establishment, focused on the Client Experience, stands out for its commitment to quality care and services.

On Thursday morning, the delegates were welcomed at the iVVi residence of the Maurice group, located in Laval. Designed for a contemporary and active clientele, iVVi offers 375 service apartments and 24 care units, providing comfort and modernity with high-end finishes.

Finally, the afternoon was dedicated to home care with meetings with the Baluchon Répit Long Terme association and the Réseau de coopération des EÉSAD, which provide more than 7 million hours of services to 100,000 users with reduced autonomy each year.

This international mission offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and draw inspiration from innovative approaches aimed at improving the quality of life of elderly people, their families, and caregivers.