The $1.2 million in aid announced this week by Quebec for the Nova Soins à domicile organization makes all the difference for the NPO, which provides free palliative home care in Montreal. ©al.
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“Essentially, this year it ensures that our activities are absolutely maintained,” said the general director of Nova Soins à domicile, Anne-Sophie Schalder, in an interview with LCN.
“For 125 years we paid for our services with donations, but the donations were no longer enough,” she added.
The need for palliative care at home has increased significantly since the pandemic. Due to the aging population and hospital overcrowding, more and more people are requesting treatment at home.
“IF we can keep them at home and provide them with good care, with their partners and in the comfort of their home… we see how much we can help people […] We are part of the solution,” says Anne-Sophie Schalder.
Nova Home Care would also like to see the government invest more resources in these types of services.
“I think it's important because we lack the workforce. So if we invest in infrastructure, we also have to find the workforce. If people stay at home and we offer nursing staff better working conditions, in my opinion it makes a lot of sense to invest at home,” emphasizes Ms. Schalder.
“What we want is access for all, regardless of whether people prefer their place of residence, a hospital or a home. [On veut] that they can choose and access good palliative care with dignity,” she adds.
To watch the full interview, watch the video above.