New Home Care Trends in Quebec Show Increase in Services
Since taking office, Santé Québec has seen positive developments in home care services in Quebec. A recent report reveals that 9,300 more individuals are now receiving home support compared to last year, with a 12% decrease in the waiting list for initial services. However, there has been a slight reduction in the total number of hours provided.
In the upcoming 2024-2025 period, an estimated 395,700 people in Quebec will have received home care services, signaling a 2.4% increase from the previous period. Despite a reduction of 400,000 hours compared to the previous year, a total of 38.2 million hours were still provided in the current year.
Paul Guyot, Director of Residential Services and Accommodation at Santé Québec, attributes these positive changes to a review of caseloads, optimized staff routes, and reduced administrative burdens within the system.
According to Santé Québec, the reduction in paperwork has resulted in the recovery of over 100,000 hours that are now dedicated to direct care, emphasizing a more efficient allocation of resources.
One key factor contributing to the decrease in the number of hours spent with users is the evolving needs of individuals. Guyot explains that personalized assessments aim to provide the most appropriate interventions for each case, sometimes leading to alternative solutions beyond home care.
J. Benoit Caron, Executive Director of the Social Economy Home Support Enterprises Cooperation Network (EÉSAD), highlights the importance of timely interventions in maintaining individuals’ health and potentially reducing service hours needed.
With a focus on enhancing services, EÉSADs are experiencing growth in various aspects, including an 8-11% increase in the number of hours and users. Collaboration with Santé Québec and the Ministry of Health is paving the way for pilot projects aimed at offering comprehensive services in selected regions by spring 2026.
The shift towards a more streamlined and effective service delivery model is underway, with a commitment to training home care workers to provide a wider range of personalized assistance services. This approach aims to enhance the quality of care and support individuals in remaining at home for as long as possible.
Keyphrase: Quebec home care trends
