New care provider in life in Quebec emphasizes the growing demand for girl
Dr. Nathalie Allard, a seasoned palliative caregiver with nearly 30 years of experience, has witnessed the end of life in hospital corridors filled with chaos and noise. She has often found herself consulting with families behind flimsy curtains, separated from the turmoil on the other side. However, her perspective on end-of-life care took a positive turn when she recently visited a new palliative care facility in St-Charles-Borromée, northeast of Montreal.
This state-of-the-art facility, valued at $8 million, boasts 10 rooms dedicated to providing compassionate care for patients nearing the end of their lives. In addition to inpatient services, the facility also offers outpatient care for individuals with terminal diagnoses. One of the unique features of this facility is a special unit designed for medical assistance in dying, providing families with a peaceful and dignified space to say their final goodbyes.
As the need for end-of-life services continues to grow, especially in regions like Lanaudière where the percentage of medically assisted deaths is higher than the provincial average, facilities like this play a crucial role in providing comfort and support to patients and their loved ones. Dr. Louis Daigle, a physician and provider of medical assistance in dying in Lanaudière, acknowledges the increasing demand for these services and the pressure it puts on healthcare resources.
The demographics of Lanaudière paint a picture of an aging population, with a higher proportion of older adults compared to the rest of the province. This demographic shift, coupled with the implementation of new rules allowing palliative care homes to offer medical assistance in dying, underscores the importance of facilities like the one in St-Charles-Borromée.
Sonia Bélanger, the minister responsible for seniors, highlighted the need for a variety of services to support the aging population in Quebec. From senior housing to palliative care and medical assistance in dying, the demand for these services is expected to rise in the coming years.
The opening of the new palliative care facility in St-Charles-Borromée marks a significant milestone in end-of-life care in Quebec. With its focus on providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients and their families, it sets a high standard for future facilities in the region. As Philippe Ethier, the head of the local health authority, aptly puts it, “The end of life is part of life. The more we can have facilities that promote well-being, serenity, and careful planning, the better we can serve our community.”
