We understand how difficult it can be to cope with changes in a loved one’s independence. This is often a time marked by stress, uncertainty, and many questions about what steps to take.
To support you during this challenging time, we have created a clear and comprehensive guide. This guide helps you navigate the various steps, from assessing needs to finding suitable solutions, so you can identify an option that meets your loved one’s expectations and promotes their well-being, while also lightening your load.
You are not alone in this process; we are here to help.
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When it comes to your loved one, you’re often the expert. You are the person who knows them best, the one who observes daily changes in their independence, physical or cognitive abilities, and emerging needs. That is why the first essential step is to get a clear picture of the situation. Take the time to note your observations: what is working well, the challenges encountered, and the specific needs you have identified. Every detail counts. This information will be invaluable in guiding discussions with professionals and finding the solutions best suited to your loved one.
Make an appointment with their family doctor, if they have one, to assess your loved one’s overall health and needs. This will help confirm your assessment of the situation. If necessary, request an assessment by an interdisciplinary team (occupational therapist, social worker, nurse, etc.).
Don’t have a family doctor? Consult the Quebec government guide “How to Get a Consultation: Primary Care Health and Social Services”
* Steps 2 and 3 can be done simultaneously. There is no need to wait.
If your loved one has recently lost their ability to care for themselves, contact your CLSC to request an assessment of their needs.
If your loved one is already known to the CLSC or has been assessed before, contact the social worker handling the case and request a new assessment. It is important to note down the social worker’s contact information (email, phone number, and, if available, cell phone number as well).
The purpose of this process is to clearly identify all the services necessary for your loved one’s well-being and safety.
Depending on the findings, various options can be explored. The CLSC may, for example, offer services such as home care and nursing care, or take steps to connect you with an intermediate resource.
* Steps 2 and 3 can be done simultaneously. There is no need to wait.
When facing the challenges associated with changes in a loved one’s independence, it is essential to combine short-term and long-term solutions.
Short-term:
Our respite care units or temporary stays can provide valuable support while waiting for a room in an intermediate care facility (RI) or a long-term care facility (CHSLD). These stays not only address your loved one’s immediate needs but also give you the necessary respite to better manage the transition.
At the same time, it’s important to plan for long-term solutions that will ensure a stable environment adapted to your loved one’s evolving needs. Our teams are here to support you every step of the way and help you find the options that best suit your situation. If the public system has been unable to accommodate your loved one, and after exhausting all your options, you have not found a solution, our care teams can assess your loved one in their home and find a room in one of our assisted living facilities.
Long-term care:
If your loved one can no longer remain at home despite the available support, your doctor or CLSC may recommend a move to a suitable care facility, such as a private residence, a CHSLD, or an intermediate care facility.
We offer a range of options to meet these needs, including intermediate care facilities (ICFs) and assisted living facilities (ALFs).
If you feel that you and your loved one are ready to begin this transition to a safe and suitable environment, please don’t hesitate to contact our living environment advisor. She will guide you through the steps and help you find the best solution to ensure your loved one’s well-being.
Contact the living environment advisor
Consult our guide to the steps of transitioning to a residence
When a person’s ability to care for themselves changes—whether due to physical or cognitive reasons—it may become necessary to take certain administrative, legal, or tax-related steps to ensure that their new needs are met.
Power of Attorney
Your loved one may choose to draft a power of attorney to allow you to represent them in carrying out administrative tasks on their behalf. A power of attorney may be sufficient for managing routine tasks, such as paying bills or managing bank accounts, as well as for more complex matters, such as signing a lease or even selling a property. This legal tool offers flexibility and peace of mind for your loved one, while allowing you to act in their best interest without waiting for a complete loss of autonomy. Make sure you fully understand the scope of the powers granted by the power of attorney and, if necessary, consult a legal advisor to ensure the document meets the needs of all parties.
Consult the Quebec government’s guide on power of attorney for more information.
Learn more about power of attorney
The Protection Order
In some cases, a person who is losing their capacity may no longer be able to make informed decisions for themselves, whether regarding their health, finances, or personal affairs. It then becomes crucial to put measures in place to protect them and ensure that their needs are met. A protection mandate (formerly known as a mandate in case of incapacity) is essential for designating a trusted person who can manage their finances and medical decisions.
Consult the Quebec government’s guide on protection mandates for more information.
Learn more about the protection mandate
Government Assistance Programs
It is also important to explore the insurance options and government assistance programs available to help offset the costs of care and housing. From prescription drug coverage to tax credits, optometry services, housing allowances, and the financial exemption program for home care services, there are several services available for seniors.
Consult the government guide Programs and Services for Seniors to learn more.
Learn more about the programs
Making these arrangements in advance ensures the safety and well-being of your loved one, while making it easier for the family to manage
these complex matters.
A living environment that feels like home—that’s
what NOTREmaison offers!