In the Quebec home care sector, private companies play a leading role. They deliver services funded through public programs, a model unique to the province in Canada.
The province’s population is aging faster than the current long-term care residence system can handle, and many seniors prefer to remain in their homes. Developing a well-developed home care network would help to alleviate the pressure on existing long-term care institutions. This would reduce the cost of institutionalization and ensure that Quebecers receive the level of care they need.
Currently, the home care network is relatively underdeveloped and underfunded, compared to the amount of money dedicated to maintaining existing long-term care residences. The government needs to prioritize promoting home care and autonomy support services, so that seniors are aware of the options available to them. This should be done in collaboration with health care professionals treating the senior, as they can inform their patients about the existence of home care programs.
The home care network should be seen as a complement to CHSLDs, rather than an alternative. This should help to avoid the premature institutionalization of seniors who are not yet ready for an institution, and it should relieve the pressure on existing CHSLDs by freeing up space that can be used to accommodate new residents. The province should also facilitate the development of a training program for informal caregivers to provide them with the skills they need to assist their loved ones at home. Montreal home care