The Carpe Diem approach to Alzheimer's
Explore the innovative approach of Carpe Diem to support persons living with Alzheimer's or similar cognitive diseases in Quebec
An eJourney in partnership with
The background
People living with Alzheimer’s disease have special needs that are difficult to meet in group living facilities, especially because of the strict operation of some organizations. Sometimes it’ a strict application of rules, without enough flexibility.
Maison Carpe Diem is designed to adapt to the needs of people living with cognitive impairments and their families: day and night operations, a focus on abilities and not solely on limitations, and a multi-task staff that assists people at home and in the facility to help with landmarks and transitions when necessary. The daily life at the Maison Carpe Diem encourages residents to maintain their skills and habits, such as cooking, bathing, dressing, eating or even chopping wood.
The impact of the Carpe Diem model
The Carpe Diem model of support to people living with cognitive impairment has been subject to several studies. A study with the University of Sherbrooke in the early 2000s revealed that there are significantly fewer psychotropic drugs (neuroleptics, anxiolytics, antidepressants and sleeping pills). The study showed that people live longer in an environment like Carpe Diem because their abilities are always being challenged.
In terms of autonomy, people remain independent longer and experience less rapid loss of cognitive function.
Carpe Diem staff are more motivated to work in an environment like this even though it is not easy. The challenges are difficult and tiring, but it also prevents us from falling into a routine where we lose sight of the person as a whole.
There were also proven impacts on family satisfaction, the feeling of being reassured, the feeling of knowing that the person is safe even if they are also entitled to their freedom, their identity.
In terms of autonomy, people remain independent longer and experience less rapid loss of cognitive function.
Carpe Diem staff are more motivated to work in an environment like this even though it is not easy. The challenges are difficult and tiring, but it also prevents us from falling into a routine where we lose sight of the person as a whole.
There were also proven impacts on family satisfaction, the feeling of being reassured, the feeling of knowing that the person is safe even if they are also entitled to their freedom, their identity.
Meet the experts of your case study
Nicole Poirier
Nicole Poirier est directrice et fondatrice de Carpe Diem – Centre de ressources Alzheimer, et co-auteur
du livre « Alzheimer : de Carpe Diem à la neuropsychologie ». Elle a terminé un cycle complet d’études en
psychologie et en gérontologie auprès de l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières et possède une maîtrise
en administration publique de l’École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP).
They will also guide you
Charlotte Berjon
François Dessureault
Diane Sirois
Stéphanie Hubert
Marie-Claude Gagnon
What you will get on this eJourney
A complete step by step program
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1
Tutorial
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How to use your eJourney platform
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2
Workbook
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Download the Workbook recaping key takeaways
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3
Video Steps
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The benefices
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The start of an approach
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The principles of the approach
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User profiles
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Feedback from a resident
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Feedback from a family caregiver
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Carpe Diem's way of support
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The continuity of the approach
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The use of technologies
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Decompartmentalized management
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A not-for-profit organization
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4
Feedback Survey
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Feedback Survey
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