Insights into the Carpe Diem Approach and Quebec’s Innovations in Aged Care

As part of this study tour, from Trois-Rivières to Montréal, nine French professionals from the health and social care sector had the opportunity to discover inspiring organizations and projects, illustrating the richness and diversity of the Quebec model in supporting older adults and people living with cognitive decline.

The program began with two days of immersion at the Maison Carpe Diem – Alzheimer Resource Center in Trois-Rivières, alongside its founder Nicole Poirier and her team. Founded in 1995, Maison Carpe Diem is internationally recognized for its deeply humanistic, person-centered approach. Participants discovered an environment where residents continue to live their daily lives much as they would at home, in a warm and family-like atmosphere. Every gesture and every word reflects a philosophy of respect, freedom, and dignity. Through workshops, exchanges, and visits, the French professionals explored the Carpe Diem philosophy, which seeks to change the way society views Alzheimer’s disease and promote care practices that are respectful and free of stigma.

On October 8, the delegation traveled to Joliette to visit Pax Habitat, a community-based, multigenerational housing project initiated by two religious communities. Inaugurated in February 2023, Pax Habitat brings together independent seniors, those with loss of autonomy, and a childcare center welcoming 70 children. The residence, which includes 60 independent units and 32 semi-autonomous units, fosters social inclusion, solidarity, and intergenerational relationships. This innovative approach redefines the place of older adults in society, encouraging continuity of life, community participation, and meaningful connection between generations.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Maison des Aînés de l’Assomption, a new public senior residence model opened in January 2024. With 48 individual rooms divided into small living units, this human-scale home prioritizes conviviality, close relationships with staff, and a genuine sense of belonging. Every architectural and organizational detail is designed to restore meaning, freedom, and dignity to residents’ daily lives.

On October 9, the delegation continued its visits in Laval at the Coopérative de soutien à domicile, a social economy organization that has been supporting older adults and people with loss of autonomy for over 25 years. The cooperative provides personalized home support services including housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care assistance, and respite for caregivers. Its model is rooted in proximity, solidarity, and the promotion of independence at home.

The study tour concluded in Montréal, with a visit to Résidence LIZ by Le Groupe Maurice, located in Westmount. Recently opened, this private senior residence offers over 300 apartments and 24 care units in a modern and refined environment. It provides a wide range of services – dining, personalized care, diverse activities, and inviting community spaces – designed to enhance residents’ quality of life, safety, and social engagement. This model highlights the excellence and innovation of Quebec’s private sector, successfully combining comfort, autonomy, and well-being.

This study tour allowed participants to explore various care models (public, private, and community-based) and to deepen their understanding of the challenges of aging. From the humanist philosophy of Carpe Diem to the intergenerational vision of Pax Habitat, from public innovation in the Maisons des Aînés to the vitality of the private sector, the mission demonstrated that true innovation in elder care is inseparable from humanity, dignity, and respect for individual life journeys.