2024-10-14 08:00:00
Around thirty researchers from Laval University have gradually moved into the Sainte-Foy Seniors’ House since its opening in December 2023. Their goal? Make it a “living laboratory” which will make it possible to evaluate this new accommodation model promised and created by the government of François Legault.
Even if he considers that it is still early to draw conclusions, the head of the research team, neuropsychologist Carol Hudon, explains that the model of seniors’ homes triggers behavioral changes in certain residents. Already, researchers are noticing that some seniors are more active and more sociable than in CHSLDs.
The example I often give is that of a resident who was formerly in a CHSLD, who did not leave his room and who did not interact with other residents. Since he was [à la maison des aînés]he comes out of his room, interacts and even starts playing the accordion again, says this full professor at the School of Psychology at Laval University.
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Carol Hudon is a neuropsychologist and full professor at the School of Psychology at Laval University. He leads the team of researchers assigned to the “living laboratory” of the Sainte-Foy Seniors’ House.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pierre-Alexandre Bolduc
Academics use the Seniors’ Home as a “living laboratory” to find best practices based on the opinions and proposals of the residents themselves, their loved ones and staff members. Researchers ultimately hope that these new approaches will be extended to all establishments to improve long-term care.
Change working methods
If, until now, the quality of life of residents seems to be better than in CHSLDs, there is still work to be done to change the working methods and mentality of staff in the field, according to researchers.
Need to be less task-oriented and more focused on the needs of the resident […]. It is to be in reaction and in response to the needs of seniors.
A quote from Carol Hudon, neuropsychologist and full professor at the School of Psychology at Laval University
We are used to seeing beneficiary attendants focus on the number of baths they have to give in a day. That’s not the goal here, explains Carol Hudon.
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Élodie Marois is a doctoral student in psychology. His research project at the Seniors’ Center involves evaluating whether personalized music can improve residents’ quality of life by reducing behaviors or feelings such as agitation, wandering, depressive symptoms and anxiety.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pierre-Alexandre Bolduc
However, adaptation will take time, because the staff worked in CHSLDs and had a certain way of doing things. We must now learn to work differently.
It is certain that we must accompany them to help them, explains the coordinator of the “living laboratory” of the Sainte-Foy Seniors’ House, Alexandra Ribon-Demars.
There is still work to be done with communication and change management […]. We ask them to offer care services at different times, to serve meals at different times, so it’s definitely not like a CHSLD, she adds.
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Alexandra Ribon-Demars is the coordinator of the “living laboratory” at the Seniors’ House. She acts as a link between researchers, seniors and CIUSSS administrators. She also finds project ideas.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pierre-Alexandre Bolduc
Relearn to work without resistance
Head of the living unit at the Sainte-Foy Seniors’ Home, Isabelle Létourneau, manager of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, welcomes Laval University researchers and their research project ideas with open arms.
We really focus our care on the needs of the residents at the moment when the need arises.
A quote from Isabelle Létourneau, head of the life unit at the Sainte-Foy Seniors’ House
However, she says she is aware that working methods are being disrupted. Technology replaces paperwork in seniors’ homes and the approach to care is completely different from that in CHSLDs.
It is certain that any change brings with it its share of resistance, explains Isabelle Létourneau. We try to support employees through the different stages of change. But yes, I won’t hide from you that it’s normal: we are always a little resistant.
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Isabelle Létourneau is head of the living unit at the Sainte-Foy Seniors’ House. She is an employee of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale. Before the opening of the Seniors’ Center in December 2023, she worked in a CHSLD. The technology tools she and employees now use, instead of paperwork, are forcing them to adapt.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pierre-Alexandre Bolduc
Innovate in a context of shortage
Researchers must also take into account the reality on the ground. Although academics have many good ideas, the concepts are not always applicable in real life due to labor shortages.
We meet [problèmes]I won’t hide it from you, admits Professor Carol Hudon. Ideally, it would take more manpower, but it still works.
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