Information: Anna Andrianova, Coordinator, Area of Expertise in Caregiving, CREGÉS, CIUSSS West-Central Montreal

For close to 30 years, the CREGÉS has developed a Domain of Expertise dedicated to the development and knowledge transfer of evidence-based and best practices for caregivers.

The Caregiver Support Center was its first accomplishment in developing Leading practices based on a strength and resilience approach. It was followed by the development of respite services, a home-based stimulation program, a consultation and short-term psychosocial counselling service for caregivers, as well as, psycho-educational support groups and workshops. This led to the creation of several training programs, lectures, presentations and partnerships to educate professionals, students and healthcare partners on the challenges caregivers face in Quebec, Canada and the world.

Research projects that support the development of Leading practices in this Domain of Expertise stem from the recognition of the diversity of the lived experience and the shared psychosocial and practical needs of caregivers.

CREGÉS organizes various activities develops a variety of materials (e.g. scientific publications, programs, guides and tools, etc.) on a variety of themes such as reconciliation between work and care, bereavement, loss and adaptation, identity, the living environment, self-care, public policy, etc.


Programs, guides, tools


Narrative review: Explorer l’impact de la pratique de la présence attentive (mindfulness) sur la réduction des pensées négatives répétitives chez les personnes proches aidantes de personnes vivant avec un trouble neurocognitif majeur : une approche transdiagnostique de la santé mentale et du bien-être psychologique

This narrative review (available in French only) was carried out as part of the development of a leading-edge practice in order to better address needs identified by practitioners. Its purpose is to analyze the impact of interventions aimed at reducing negative thoughts among caregivers of those living with a major neurocognitive disorder.

Report: Entre les services, les bonnes pratiques et les mesures : Mise en perspective du soutien aux personnes proches aidantes

This report (available in French only) on support for caregivers presents the results of a ministerial mandate given to CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal in 2018 by the Ministère de la Santé et Services sociaux. Based on work carried out by the CREGÉS team, the report provides a portrait of services and support measures for caregivers in Quebec, Canada and internationally, as well as the challenges related to support for caregivers.

Guide: Cartographie des facteurs influençant l’expérience des proches aidants face aux pertes : pour repérer et agir en conséquence.

This tool (available in French only) presents this tool aimed at practitioners, which maps out the factors influencing the experience of loved ones facing grief. 

Caregivers of Long-Term Care Residents in the Context of COVID-19: Current Knowledge, Inspiring Practices and Recommendations.
Rapid response led by CREGÉS to help the Health and Social Services Network better support caregivers during the pandemic and beyond.

Guide to Conducting Collective Bereavement Rituals in Montreal in the time of COVID-19.
Tool produced by the Direction de la Santé Publique of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, in collaboration with experts from CREGÉS: Valérie Bourgeois-Guérin, Isabelle Van Pevenage et Zelda Freitas.


Research Projects: Improving support for families and communities who provide care through innovative tools


Lived Experiences of Aging Immigrants: a narrative-photovoice study.

Dr.Shari Brotman conducted a study of immigrant older adults and their families. In order to improve support for families and caregiving communities, recommendations are proposed and supported by various resources: reports, policy briefs, educational webinars, etc.

Strengthening a palliative approach in long-term care (SPA-LTC).

Dr. Tamara Sussman conducted a research project based on advance care planning tools in long-term care homes to assist residents and their caregivers/families with various resources: clinical forms/procedures, fact sheets and videos, research reports, etc.


Interactive workshops for families caring for someone living with serious illness


A serie of 10 free interactive workshops in French and English was offered from April to June 2021 by CREGÉS experts.

Download the pamphlet for more information.

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