Let’s celebrate the successes of the SAPA team

The Support Program for the Autonomy of Seniors, better known as SAPA, is responsible for long-term care, home care, day centres and intermediate resources. This fourth portrait presents a series of success stories related to an aging and often more vulnerable clientele in our network.

See the complete successes of the SAPA team

CLSC René-Cassin and CLSC de Benny Farm: a team effort 

Due to the gas leak on Thursday, September 6, the CLSC René-Cassin team had to review its procedures quickly. Fortunately, the team had counted on the collaboration of the staff at CLSC de Benny Farm. These remarkable efforts ensured that the users were met and the visits were completed. 

Extreme heat: mobilization of our teams

The teams at our five CLSCs rallied together during the oppressive heat this summer. In partnership with the Montreal Police Department, a rigorous daily follow-up, by phone or visit, was carried out to ensure that the most vulnerable clients were safe.

Telehomecare: a new service offer 

More than thirty users from the five CLSCs have recently joined the telehomecare service. Using an electronic tablet, homecare users can now benefit from the help of their nurse – remotely. 

Intermediate resources: harmonization of practices and processes 

To facilitate the stakeholders’ work, certain nursing and psychosocial practices in terms of intermediate resources have been reviewed. This is particularly the case for tools for clinical assessments and the harmonization of computer records. In addition, two employees of the former de la Montagne and Cavendish establishments have been identified and are now assessing requests for intermediate or family-type resource accommodations. Once a user’s file has been opened, the person in charge of the housing access mechanism (MAH) knows who to contact within our CIUSSS to ensure the necessary follow-up.

UFIS Program: for continuous care 

Since spring 2018, the program for low service intensity users has been offered throughout our network. The coaching of Michel Marc Huberdeau, head nurse at CLSC Métro, made it possible to extend this service offer to all five CLSCs in our CIUSSS. Whether they are elderly or geriatric clients, ongoing care is available for single users, at home and after surgery. 

Homecare services: 970,000 hours and counting  

Since March 2018, a nurse specialized in clinical activities (SAC) has been present in the five CLSCs. Through their presence, the teams were able to take care of 9207 different users, meet the service hours objectives set and ensure the financing of activities in our CIUSSS.

Administrative supervision in Lean management mode 

The SAPA-CLSC Assistant Management Team’s, with Program Administration Managers (CAPs), recently participated in the LEAN training offered by the CIUSSS Innovation Team. Project management is now carried out according to this methodology and the benefits are very positive.

Partner committees: improving care and prevention

Since 2017, a committee has been responsible for plans to improve the quality of care. Composed of approximately ten people, this committee’s mandate is to analyze the daily care offered, discuss the issues, identify common problems and find solutions. Just recently, a prevention committee was set up with a mandate to develop a vision and policies for falls prevention and management, wound management and control measures.

Recognition activities for staff 

Nearly a dozen activities have been organized since the beginning of the year to recognize the work of employees in long-term care facilities. Congratulations to the program coordinators and unit heads in each of the sites for their initiatives!

Hand hygiene: 93% of objectives met 

Audits of long-term care facility employees in May and June revealed that they are 93% compliant with hand washing standards. The standard to be achieved is 80%. Thank you to all employees for their efforts!

Partnership with the Shadd Health & Business Centre 

Since winter 2018, the DB Maimonides Geriatric Centre has been working in partnership with the Shadd Health & Business Centre. This school offers theory and internships to future orderlies at the Maimonides site. This offer helps to attract new recruits and train the next generation who want to continue working in our network.

Reduction of the self-employed workforce (MOI)

Within three years, the need for MOI for orderlies, nursing assistants, nurses and clerks has decreased significantly from 41,726 hours per year to 14,479 hours. Efforts continue this year to completely eliminate this MOI. 

Renovation of the Henri-Bradet site

Henri-Bradet Residential Centre is currently undergoing major renovations to better meet the needs of its clientele. This project will improve the quality of life for the 124 residents and the working environment for employees. Work will continue until January 2019.

Community meetings: in place of exchanges

Once or twice a year, community meetings are held in each of the long-term care facilities. Facilitated by Rosalie Dion, with the help of the users’ committee, these meetings allow residents, families, employees, students, volunteers or visitors to exchange with representatives of the various directorates and to be informed of the projects completed and to come. 

Harmonization of the dining experience program (DEP)

Meals are an important time for long-term care residenys. In order to meet departmental standards and improve timing, the DEP has been harmonized for each site. All the elements were considered, in a unique way by the SAPA team.

OPUS-AP project: reduction of antipsychotics in CHSLDs

To reduce the inappropriate use of antipsychotics among residents with a diagnosis of major neurocognitive disorder (dementia), a new project was implemented this year. The objective is to replace antipsychotics with individualized non-pharmacological interventions and to adopt an interdisciplinary approach focused on the resident’s well-being.

Let’s celebrate the successes of the McGill RUIS Centre for Excellence in Longevity

See the complete successes of the Centre for Excellence in Longevity.

Although not part of the SAPA team, the CIUSSS can also rely on the McGill RUIS Centre for Excellence in Longevity to develop its knowledge of the health, longevity and quality of life of seniors. 

Inclusive art for our seniors

Since 2016, the Centre has been offering workshops in Geriatric Inclusive Art. This art form improves the emotional state of older participants, develops and increases awareness of their abilities and builds new relationships with health professionals and their families, while improving their well-being. Supported by the Users’ Committee, these workshops are coordinated and facilitated by Samantha Remondière, gerontologist and art therapist. Nearly 1000 patients hospitalized in geriatrics at the hospital have been able to benefit from this activity since the implementation of these workshops.

Improving the care of seniors in emergency departments

In partnership with the Jewish General Hospital Emergency Department, the Centre initiated a research project on the use of a tool to improve the care of seniors visiting the emergency room. The ER2 makes it possible to quickly detect seniors at risk of long hospital stays and to trigger actions that reduce the length of their stay. Some 12,000 patients were included in this study, more than 4,000 were evaluated, of which 2,000 benefited from the recommendations.

To share a project, an initiative, or an idea that made a difference to your team, contact Julie Beauvilliers, Communications Specialist at julie.beauvilliers.ccomtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.