After 60 years of marriage, Bernard Renaud was faced with the difficult decision of moving his wife, Micheline Bickley, into a new seniors home due to her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Fortunately, they were offered a place at the Maison des aînés et alternative de Châteauguay, a long-term care facility for seniors with dementia and adults with special needs. This facility is unique in the way residents are cared for, with 96 seniors and 24 special needs adults organized into 10 households, each with 12 people living together in a small household environment.
The head manager, Caroline Brookes, explains that residents in each unit share a common living space and kitchen, allowing for a more homely atmosphere where families can come and spend time with their loved ones. Each room has its own private shower with safety features, and clients have access to a balcony so that they do not feel confined. Renaud visits his wife daily and notes that the facility does not feel like an institution, and Bickley is happy with the care she is receiving. The facility aims to provide a more personalized and flexible approach to care, allowing residents to maintain their independence and routines to the best of their ability.
In addition to the current services provided, officials plan to introduce a daycare program where children can interact with the seniors, promoting intergenerational relationships and a new way of caring for seniors that focuses on inclusion and community. Quebec Minister responsible for seniors, Sonia Bélanger, highlights the increasing number of homes like Maison des aînés et alternative de Châteauguay being opened in the province. The facility in Châteauguay was opened in March and is expected to receive more residents in the coming weeks, providing a total of 3,480 places in Quebec across 46 seniors and alternative homes.
Overall, the story of Bernard Renaud and Micheline Bickley reflects the challenges and choices faced by many families dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The innovative approach taken by the Maison des aînés et alternative de Châteauguay demonstrates a shift towards more personalized and community-focused care for seniors and adults with special needs. With increasing demand for such facilities, Quebec is actively expanding the number of homes available to meet the needs of its aging population. This model of care, which prioritizes dignity, independence, and intergenerational connections, represents a positive development in the field of senior care.
