The Residential and Long-term Care Policy put forth by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux is regularly discussed in the CHSLDs of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. But what is the policy’s goal? What tangible impacts does it have on the well-being of our residents?

Anne-Marie Daoust and Mélanie Di Caprio are senior advisors with the Accommodation Services Directorate (SAPA) explain the intentions of this new policy. 

What is the Residential and Long-term Care Policy?
Anne-Marie: “This policy was launched in 2021. Its intention is to ensure the well-being of everyone in residential care. A multidisciplinary committee of experts and numerous partners collaborated to define the policy’s inclusive orientation. It focuses on five areas: Loved Ones, Service Providers, The Living and Care Environment, The Resident, and The Community. The action plan that accompanies the policy contains 25 measures, each connected to one of those five areas.

Together, they present a series of concrete frontline actions that will standardize and improve the healthcare and social services provided to people in residential care across the province. All types of residential long-term care are covered by this policy, including, CHSLDs, intermediary resources, family-type resources, maisons des aînés, and alternative homes.”

How will residents benefit?
Anne-Marie: “A number of concepts, including autonomy, well-being, and well-treatment will make a real difference in the lives of residents. It is essential that people be well supported throughout their stay in their new living environment. For example, developing a welcome guide that contains a wide variety of useful information can help to reassure a person when they move into a CHSLD.

A standardized survey to learn about the person’s life history is another tool that will help provide a great deal of relevant details. It’s a tool that will allow the person to share their life’s experiences, values, culture, preferences and more from their own point of view.”

Mélanie: “There is also an effort underway to inform people of the role of beneficiary attendants who accompany the residents, and to reinforce that role. That will also help to improve residents’ well-being. During a recent consultation process with residents and their loved ones at each of our CHSLDs, one point was mentioned again and again, namely the turnover in staff who care for the residents.

By matching a beneficiary attendant to a resident, it will be much easier for them to develop trust. That trust is one of the primary concerns raised by our residents. The staff member needs to become the resource person the resident can turn to, the one who knows them the best, and who can best meet their needs. That beneficiary attendant will also become the key contact for the resident’s loved ones.”

You mentioned a consultation process. What conclusions did you draw from that process?
Anne-Marie: “By meeting with people directly on site, we had the opportunity to hear the real concerns of residents and their loved ones, and occasionally also potential solutions. Collecting this information will undoubtedly influence the direction of our future actions and priorities.”

Mélanie: “The on-site consultation process allowed us to hear what things are like at each facility, to hear about things that have been successful, but also things that have not gone as well. Service providers also took the opportunity to speak with us. They had some interesting ideas for improve residents’ well-being that also took into consideration the resources available.”

What comes next?
Anne-Marie: “We plan to consult with the site managers at our CHSLDs to develop local action plans that address the specific needs mentioned at each of these facilities.”

Mélanie: “For example, one point came up at every site, namely the need to improve on recreational activities. We will make sure that the activities that are available meet the interests of residents at each of the facilities.”

Anne-Marie Daoust and Mélanie Di Caprio both have the well-being of our residents at heart and are doing everything they can to make a difference in residents’ lives.