The choice to live and age at home
Répit-Ressource has been serving the most vulnerable seniors and their caregivers for nearly 30 years. The mission of all EÉSADs is to make homecare services, partially financed by the RAMQ, available to those who request them. “Le choix de vivre et vieillir chez soi” is an initiative that respects the widely expressed wish to live and age at home.
Why this project?
Home support for seniors and their caregivers is a social issue. For over 30 years, we have seen the current demographic reality coming, and we have the means to meet it. EÉSADs serve every home in Quebec, and PEFSAD is a universal tool that facilitates access to services for the population, so that anyone who so desires can make the choice to live and age at home in safety and dignity.
Répit-Ressource’s aim with this project is to make the services and resources available to the entire population of the areas it serves, so that everyone can make an informed decision and exercise their freedom of choice.
The objectives of the project are to :
- Identifying and supporting vulnerable, isolated seniors
- Deploying home support services in every region
- Create a strong link between local players, organizations and professionals in the healthcare network
Objectives and areas of action
Répit-Ressource is responsible for serving 14 cities and boroughs on the Island of Montreal, making it the largest EÉSAD in the region. All seniors residing in the areas served by Répit-Ressource can avail themselves of the services and financial assistance provided to facilitate access. People under the age of 65 can also take advantage of the services by working with their CLSC or a health institution.
Project impacts
Social impact
Preserving freedom of choice for each person facing a lack of autonomy and in need of home support services has the main impact of combating social isolation and fostering intergenerational and intercultural links by deploying local services offered by residents for other residents.
Skills development, ongoing training for attendants, recognition of their role and the essential nature of the services they provide, all contribute to enriching life paths and are an integral part of the organization’s caring approach.
A network of sentinels has been set up to identify isolated or at-risk seniors, while the social geriatrics approach enables us to put people in touch with existing resources. The use of technological tools facilitates communication and follow-up in the field, and services are continually adjusted in line with observed needs.
Economic impact
Since their creation, EÉSADs have been working to enhance the value of homecare jobs, counter the underground economy, and professionalize an entire economic sector by establishing dignified working conditions while respecting the financial capacity of service users through RAMQ support.
Supporting the elderly at home helps caregivers to stay in work and maintain a balanced life. In Quebec, one person in 4 provides care to a loved one, and caregivers contribute $12 billion to the province’s health care and services through their daily involvement.
Ultimately, offering 600,000 hours of community services a year will mean the creation of 425 new full-time jobs in the 14 towns and territories we serve, which represents a colossal economic lever.
Systemic impacts
Supporting Quebec families by offering homecare services adapted to their needs eases the pressure on the health and social services system. Without this support, thousands of people would be forced into costly relocations and hospitalizations.
By supporting families, EESADs reduce the mental burden on caregivers, preventing burnout and enabling loved ones to experience quality time in the final years of their loved ones’ lives.
Pooling and transferring innovation
The integration of artificial intelligence, decision-making algorithms and other digital tools promotes better coordination, streamlines communication between teams, staff and customers, and enables finer management of field priorities. The development of these tools is also shared with other organizations such as Répit-Ressource, for our mutual benefit.
Innovations implemented
A network of sentinels has been set up to identify isolated or at-risk seniors, while the social geriatrics approach enables us to put people in touch with existing resources. The use of technological tools facilitates communication and follow-up in the field, and services are continually adjusted in line with observed needs.
Why this project?
seniors supported in their home life course
hours of quality service in the field
attendants mobilized, trained and valued in their essential role
You can be part of the change
This structuring project cannot be developed without the commitment of those who believe in a more inclusive society.
Whether you’re an institutional partner, a community organization, a healthcare network professional, a researcher, a donor or simply a committed citizen, you can contribute to this collective mission.