Quebec opens Dorval residence for adults with physical, intellectual disabilities

Quebec has opened a new alternative home in Dorval that will help those with physical or intellectual disabilities find long-term housing.

Finding a place that feels like home and not an institution is not easy, and the home, located next to the Batshaw Youth and Family Centre, is part of the government’s push to create more humane living spaces.

“It is their house,” said junior Health Minister Lionel Carmant. “This is where they live, and people who come here will live for the rest of their lives here, so it's important for housing to be in a family type environment.”

Carmant was at the location to officially open the home and take a tour.

So far, Quebec has opened 36 similar homes across the province, mostly for seniors.

The ratio of care is higher in Quebec, which makes the budgets higher.

“It's expensive. It's about $1 million a door, but again, we believe that it is what is needed for our elderlies, as well as those with, severe handicaps,” said Carmant.

The building in Dorval has room for 72 adult residents living with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum.

There are also places for family members to stay at any time.

“The approach that we do here with residents is a soft, integration,” said West Island Health Authority president Dan Gabay.

“So as opposed to having a resident just integrate overnight, we give families an opportunity to transition. Try it out, see if they enjoy the experience, see how they feel having their loved one, integrated into its environment.”