Maison des aînés et alternative de Sherbrooke

Hello, I would like to find accommodation with you. I have multiple sclerosis and use a wheelchair. I currently live in a residence, Hôtellerie Beausejour, Sherbrooke, QC. Thank you.

Modern facilities, friendly and efficient staff, lovely atmosphere, decent food. Easy access

This review concerns the Maison alternative de Sherbrooke (more precisely the Maisonnée du Cardinal) section of the MDA MA (Maison des aînés et alternatives de Sherbrooke) where my 23-year-old son has been living since the beginning of last December. He is part of the first cohort of 12 residents (out of 36 ultimately for the Maison alternative section) to have moved into the building. I would like to emphasize my reassurance in knowing that my big boy is in this place, which is innovative in its philosophy and its approach to living environment compared to everything that can be found in the health and social services network in Quebec. After a stay of almost a year in a CHSLD following the closure of his previous living environment, I feel reassured and at peace knowing that Renaud is in an environment that he clearly loves, that he makes his own - he no longer asks me when he will be released from the hospital - a bright environment, both literally and figuratively, and warm. An environment that advocates and works remarkably hard to adapt the environment to the resident (and not the other way around) and to meet the specific needs of each resident. An environment that is still under construction, of course, but one that inspires us to participate in this unique construction and allows us to believe that doing things differently for the benefit of all stakeholders: residents, loved ones, employees, and others is possible. Marie, mother of Renaud

Testimonial from a Close Relative This testimony follows last week's media report about the MDAMA Seniors' and Alternative Home. A report that left my wife and me quite frustrated, considering that the latest story about the MDAMA in Sherbrooke was highlighting far more negative than positive aspects! Obviously, there are still plenty of issues to iron out and problems to solve! Following these media flashes, I received a call from another close relative, Marie, who expressed the same unease about these publications. We are the parents of Josée Delorme, 52, who has had cerebral palsy since birth. She is quadriplegic. Her physical disability is significant, but Josée is particularly intellectually functional. Josée first lived with us for 29 years, then for 22 years in a private residence, Les 2 Rayons de Soleil, a happy experience that ended in February 2022 when the residence closed. So we took her back with us for 10 months before she moved in. Josée joined the Maison Alternative as soon as it opened on December 14, 2022, and from the very first day, we were delighted by the welcome from the staff, and we were delighted with the entire site. The atmosphere is positive; we work with cheerful, enthusiastic, dedicated, and warm staff. Josée has never been so well looked after in the past, despite the fact that she generally received very good personalized services at Les 2 Rayons de Soleil. However, we often felt the effects of a limited staff that limited daily interaction, despite the owner's superb resourcefulness. At the Alternative Residence, the nurses, nursing assistants, and orderlies all work together to provide care and entertain the residents. They are all so involved on the floor, both in meals and other care, that it's difficult to recognize what each person's profession is. In addition to the other professionals, highly involved since the very beginning: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and specialized educators, I'm told that recreation is coming soon. I must highlight the excellent work and involvement of Ariane, the occupational therapist, since the first week; Josée is currently experiencing positioning issues in her wheelchair, and Ariane is exemplary and effective in addressing this difficult challenge. Lisette and I would like to mention the names of the staff involved with whom we have had excellent contact to date. They are all guardian angels for Josée: Christine, Marie-Ève, the two Stephanies, and not the least, Kili-Anne, Karine, Suzie Frisettes, Sébastien, Anny, Ginette, Winy, Justine, Lucie, Alexis, Daphné, Isabelle, Camilla, Jessica, Pascale, Yanfei, Amélie, Jean-Michel, Patrick, and Nathalie at the reception desk. Josée often tells us from her communication board: "It's more than I dreamed of, she is always happy to return to the residence for her weekly visits." She has already established excellent communication with other residents. We're seeing new friendships develop with several residents and staff. At the end of the week, she told us that she didn't have time to follow the TV shows she used to watch when she was with us; she's always in communication with one or the other! During her first days at the residence, I was more involved in informing the staff about Josée's special needs, and Josée told me, "It's like a party here!" That's reassuring for us as her loved ones, and that's exactly what we were looking for. We're receiving VIP service, whereas the media coverage seemed to indicate a fiasco, an empty elephant with no future!!! Lisette and Alain, Josée's parents Thank you all, every single one of you!