On June 16, Miriam Home and Services began an important construction project at its Guimont Residential Complex in Laval. The project involves the demolition of one of the buildings on the property, and the construction of a new wing that will be attached to the main building and closer to the other units. A new one-story building allowing for seven additional bedrooms and a transition apartment will help us to better respond to the needs of our clientele and their families. The construction project will last until approximately March 2020.
Opened in 1970, the Guimont Complex serves adults with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder that have severe behavioral problems, with the goal of offering intensive therapy that will help them to return to their home environment. Sean Stirrup, manager for Guimont, says that the demand for transition beds for this clientele has significantly increased over the years. “Some clients are being referred to psychiatric units as we are at capacity. They are taking up beds that are needed by another clientele, so having a new unit will allow them to take in more clients and provide services meant for them.”
Over 60 staff members work at the Guimont Complex. Clients range in age from 18 to 64 years old. In addition to the intensive therapy, residents benefit from activities such as zootherapy, massage therapy, and dance nights.
Clients referred to Guimont are mainly from CIUSSS West-Central Montreal territory and other CIUSSS in the Montreal region. The new unit will potentially see clients referred from across the province, as no other type of intensive residential service exists in Quebec.
