The Henri-Bradet, St-Andrew, Father-Dowd and St-Margaret Residential Centres offer a substitute living environment that is adapted to the needs of their residents. It takes into account the tastes and differences of the residents and respects their freedom of choice and action within a context of group living.

Our organization received a visit from the Ministry of Health and Social Services in April 2011 to assess the implementation of the "living environment" approach at the Father-Dowd and St. Andrew's Residential Centres. The organization developed an action plan to follow-up on the recommendations which were made following this visit. The improvement plan indicating the level of achievement is available by clicking here (in French only).

Access to services

The resident must first make a request for placement with the social services of his or her CLSC (or with the hospital if the person is hospitalized). The request is then evaluated and submitted to the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal. Once the request has been accepted, the name of the future resident is added to the waiting list of a residence of his or her choice. The organization invites the person to visit the residence prior to admission.

Services offered

• Medical services – Medical services are available 24 hours a day.
• Nursing services – Nursing care is offered 24 hours a day. The staff (nurses, assistant nurses and attendants) offers high quality services. Care is planned according to the resident's physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs. It is planned in collaboration with the resident, his or her family and the multidisciplinary team. The objective is to promote the autonomy of the resident within the context of his or her capacities.
• Social services – The goal of social services is to promote personal, familial and social well-being of the resident in order to strengthen his or her ability to adapt to and integrate into the new living environment. A social worker is available to residents and their families. Individual counseling and family support groups are offered.
• Recreation activities – Recreation services provide an opportunity for residents to participate in activities that reflect their current and past cultural interests. Residents may choose whether or not to participate in specific activities however they are encouraged to become involved in the social life of the residence. A varied program of activities is offered in a homelike environment: library books, discussion groups, music, arts and crafts, games, cooking, baking, outdoor activities. Programs for therapeutic sensory stimulation called snoezelen are also available to the clientele. The garden is a real oasis for residents and their families who want to get some fresh air. 
• Occupational therapy – The occupational therapy program helps residents to maintain their functional and cognitive capacities. 
• Physiotherapy services – Physiotherapy treats and prevents mobility problems resulting from pain, injuries, accidents, illness or problems linked to aging.
• Nutrition services – Nutrition services provide nutritious and balanced meals. A meeting with the dietician or dietetic technician allows residents, from the time of their arrival and at any other time, to evaluate their needs and food preferences in order to maintain or improve their state of health.
• Volunteer services – Volunteer services complement the programs and services offered. Volunteers work in collaboration with the staff members but do not replace them. They act as a vital link between the residence and the community. Many volunteers work in our community.
• Pastoral services – Pastoral services promote the spiritual well-being of the residents. Religious services for various faiths as well as a variety of other religious and spiritual activities are available.
• Laundry services – Laundry services are available and are free.
• Pharmaceutical services – The pharmacist works in close collaboration with the medical team and is responsible for the use of medication in the residences, its control and conservation as well as filling of prescriptions.
• Pedicures – These professional services are offered at a moderate price. A foot care clinic is organized once a week.
• Safety and security – In order to ensure the safety and security of our residents, all rooms, bathrooms and common areas are equipped with an easy to use nurse calling system. An emergency measures plan is in place to address various situations should they arise: heatwaves, flu pandemic, fires, disasters and psychosocial emergencies. Security is the responsibility of everyone.