Hello! Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Luna. I am a Goldendoodle who is over 12 years old. My human parents are Pierre and Elena. My human grandmother is Madeleine Deschamps, a patient at La Maison de la Sérénité for some months.
Almost every day since Grandmother Madeleine Deschamps entered La Maison de la Sérénité, I accompany my owner Pierre when he visits his mother. Since Madeleine was admitted a few months ago, I now know all the wonderful people working at La Maison! Not only are they all so caring and generous with me, but they are even more so with my beloved grandmother and all the other residents. They demonstrate extraordinary patience and empathy.
Every day, I visit Madeleine and she always welcomes me with a small homemade cookie baked by my owner Elena. You will understand that my owners ensure that there is always a good supply of cookies in the freezer of grandmother’s room. You will also have guessed that my visit pleases not only Madeleine, because her face lights up when she sees me, but also the devoted staff of La Maison and the residents I encounter here and there.
The first days after the arrival of Madeleine at La Maison de la Sérénité, I used to bark when I saw an attendant or a nurse, but now, I welcome them gently when they enter grandmother’s room. I appreciate their great attention, their smiles, and their kind words. Some staff members even bring me delicious treats!
Also, to be sure not to go unnoticed and to brighten up the daily routine of the care team and residents, my owner Elena has fun making me costumes and dressing me up like a runway model! I now have a wardrobe worthy of the most fabulous designers (I hardly exaggerate!) My tiny costumes make anyone I cross paths with at La Maison smile. Occasionally, even patients from other rooms let me in so that I can show them how cute I look!
You know, when I stroll the corridors to greet the staff members, I sometimes have the chance to visit the residents in other rooms. Don’t worry, I always ask permission before I go in! Over the weeks, my owner and I have had the opportunity to interact with several residents who seem to appreciate my presence. Some people gently pet me, and others give me a treat. When people can’t come to me, my owner takes me in their arms and approaches them so that they can pet me a little bit. I am so spoiled!
Here we are at Halloween, a holiday that Madeleine enjoys very much. Do you like my costume? I am dressed as a mini pope, Pierre as a monk and Elena as a nun. How we made the staff and my grandmother laugh that day!
Sometimes, despite the staff's splendid care, Madeleine goes through difficult moments. I then gently lay down beside her and let her pet me softly.
You must have guessed by now that I particularly love treats, no matter what kind! Madeleine and I have dinner together when my visit fits mealtime. The food here is delicious, and Madeleine is always so generous!
At Christmas, I wore my best Mrs. Claus outfit!
Through me, as you must have understood, my owners, Pierre and Elena, want to express their profound gratitude towards all exceptional caregivers who work at La Maison de la Sérénité. All these caring, patient, and always smiling beings make an enormous difference in Madeleine Deschamps's life and her family's. Thanks to the highly qualified staff and the humanistic philosophy of La Maison, our mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother is surrounded by warmth and humanity.
We are so grateful and want to say a massive and sincere THANK YOU!
With all our gratitude,
Pierre, Elena, and Luna
''Before I begin, you must first understand that Dad had always been the most caring man, especially towards my mother, as she was the apple of his eye. She was at his bedside every day at La Maison de la Sérénité. Even with my brother during his battle against multiple sclerosis and when he had to place his sister in a nursing home, Dad took care of his loved ones. It is very emotional when we are in a vulnerable situation, such as an ill father who needs to be cared for at the end of his life. Palliative care was new to me, and I had never even visited such a place. Let's just say my parents have always been in pretty good shape until my dad's illness began two years ago. My father always said he wanted to live to 109 (he'd been saying that for 50 years!) The disease settled in quickly, and end-of-life care is not a subject my parents' generation wanted to discuss. Therefore, this experience was a great learning process. This house offers customized and quality care to patients and extraordinary support to families. Employees and volunteers are all passionate about their work; we can feel it. A place like La Maison de la Sérénité exists for real! My father even made friends with his nurse, Sylvain.
Dad and Sylvain had a special relationship, and it deeply touched us. The staff is caring, professional, and warm and listens to patients and their loved ones. When I visited the place with Anie, I saw smiles, tender moments, and tears; I smelled some good food in the kitchen, and all in a peaceful atmosphere. Anie and everyone at La Maison reassured me, even if this was very emotional for me to know that I would have to place my dad against his wishes since he did not want to die anywhere but in his home. However, in retrospect, La Maison was predestined for him. My fear of being unable to keep my promise to care for my dad until his last breath faded away thanks to La Maison de la Sérénité. My mother, sister, and I were at peace to know that Dad was receiving the necessary care for his comfort. A moment I will always cherish was when I took my dad in his wheelchair to the "Grand Salon" where there was music. My mother was with us, and my father, seated in his wheelchair, danced with her. It is an unexplainable love. If you ask me how I would describe this house, it is a paradise for an end-of-life. Outstanding services filled with respect and dignity. Everyone should have the choice to leave gently in a place filled with respect for the human being. A big thank you. You are all people with genuine passion and amazing hearts."
– Mrs. Lorraine, daughter of Mr. George G., patient of La Maison that passed on December 8, 2021.
"La Maison de la Sérénité welcomed us in the fall of 2021. Our mother was weakened and suffering after a long illness. From our arrival, a sense of comfort was felt, smiling and attentive people were waiting for us. Despite a short stay, we received nothing but good services without feeling any pressure. All our questions and requests have been answered quickly. Respect for the human being is, without question, the priority of La Maison. This is written in the "we" form because although our mother's comfort care was their primary concern, the staff equally supported us, who were exhausted and helpless to see her so uncomfortable. Our mother returned to a rested and calm state before her departure, which was done with dignity. This priceless feeling of comfort will stay with us throughout our lives. Everyone should be entitled to it. Thank you to La Maison de la Sérénité."
- Marc, Danie and Denis Déragon, children of Hélène Tessier.
A granddaughter tells us about her grandmother!
"Losing a loved one is never easy, let alone when you don't expect it. Learning that my grandmother Therese's remaining days could be counted on one hand has been, to this day, one of the most difficult moments of my life. My grandmother was not a woman like others. She was a heroine in the shadows, a poet of great sensitivity, a woman in motion. La Maison de la Sérénité came as a balm on this painful event. I never saw as much kindness in a square foot as in this place. The gentleness and humanity of the employees allowed my grandmother to leave in peace and with dignity. I was especially touched by the fact that each person that entered the room took the time to introduce themselves to my grandmother, even though she had been unconscious for a long time. Following her death, all employees of La Maison, from the director to the janitor, formed a guard of honor. They all stopped momentarily, in line and in silence, to honor this extraordinary woman they had never known. One thing is certain: La Maison de la Sérénité carries its name perfectly. Everyone should be able to say goodbye to a loved one in this place that, rather than mourning death, allows us to celebrate life."
- Ms. Gabrielle Benoit, granddaughter of Mrs. Thérèse Rainville
A brotherly bond
"After a cancer diagnostic and many treatments in different hospitals, it was decided that my brother Ronald would be admitted in a palliative care center. I had only heard of such a place and of the wonderful care they provide, although I had never set foot there. For the family member who is living their last days, this is extremely difficult in itself, but it is also true for everyone involved. After many difficult and stressful months, everyone faces a harsh reality, which everyone deals with differently. Attention to detail and the warm, compassionate care provided by the entire staff gave the family comfort and peace of mind. Nurses and doctors were always available to explain what "end of life" could mean, as we all tried to make sure my brother was free of pain and as comfortable as possible. They explained to us that their main objective was to provide a compassionate end of life with humanity and dignity. The death of a loved one is extremely emotional, difficult, and stressful. Volunteers, nurses, doctors, and the entire staff understand it and strive to make everyone involved as comfortable as possible. Our thanks to the entire team of La Maison de la Sérénité."
- Mr. Steve Bianchi, brother of Mr. Ronald Bianchi
Family ties
"I promise to love you for better and for worse, in sickness and health, until death do us part." Mr. Jean Richard, Mrs. Caron's husband for over 50 years, is the ultimate definition of these marriage vows. Mr. Jean Caron took care of his better half these last four years tirelessly. Whether it be to change the bandages, feed her, wash her, and cheer her up, all without any expectations of reciprocity. When they arrived at La Maison de la Sérénité on September 23, 2021, our interdisciplinary care team welcomed Mrs. Caron and her family. "The palliative care and this Maison were an unknown world for us. We had some fears, but they were immediately dissipated, and we felt the human warmth of everyone. My wife fell the day before she arrived and knew then that the next and final stage of her life would take place at La Maison.
In the previous six months, we could see that the decline had begun and that she had little time to live and share her daily life. It wasn't easy because she had fought to live for four years. She was a fantastic woman, full of joy, active, the pillar of the family, and she cared for the whole house! On September 23, my two daughters and I were immediately stress-free because we were at 655 Bellevue Avenue in Laval. Placed in room #7, she was treated with great care, empathy, and attention. One moment engraved in our memory is when Mrs. Carole Desmarais, P.A.B. at La Maison de la Sérénité, asked her what she would like for dinner. She immediately answered, "Ham with pineapple sauce." Even though this meal was not on the menu that day, Carole went to the kitchen to make the special request, and their Chef prepared a feast for her! Francine was over the moon, and she showed her most beautiful smile. "Taste it; it is so good!" she repeated a few times. This moment of happiness was one of many unforgettable moments. Such a simple gesture, but most appreciated. The staff, the volunteers, and the management of La Maison de la Sérénité are available 24/7 for patients and families. Moreover, it is all FREE!
Sadness and tears were present, but more laughter, jokes, hugs, and memories occurred during Francine's 11 days at La Maison de la Sérénité. There is no limit here; angels taking care of my wife have also given their heart and soul to my daughters and me. The support and comfort they showed us will never be forgotten. The words THANK YOU will never be enough to express our gratitude. Francine left us peacefully and serenely. I couldn't have asked for better, even though I still feel a great void. I have already told my daughters that when my turn comes, I want to die here, at La Maison de la Sérénité."
- Mr. Jean Richard, husband of Mrs. Francine Caron and father of Stéphanie and Isabelle Richard.
"Father's Day is a moment to celebrate what they mean to us. In our father's case, he will have been concerned with family life, present, loving, and generous for his family and the people in his entourage. His favorite song admirably describes his love for life:
"Que c'est beau la vie" by Jean Ferrat. Throughout his life, this man of great culture and a love of words made Mother Teresa's words his own:
"The smallest action done with great love changes the world." This is precisely what he found at La Maison de la Sérénité, allowing him to leave us with dignity. Here is a concrete example from his last days when Dad was unconscious. After washing and moisturizing him, the staff always combed his hair and put on his perfume; this ended most of the time with a kiss on the forehead, as one would do for a loved one. We encourage you to donate at La Maison de la Sérénité, which lives mainly on donations and does not discriminate between the wealthy and the not-so-wealthy in accessing their services. These donations will make a difference in our loved one's last moments."
- The children of Mr. Clément Charette, deceased on March 16, 2022.
"Before arriving at La Maison de la Sérénité, I had already heard of this majestic place. I had no fear but wanted to be well and take some of the burden off my family. My daughter, however, was not familiar with La Maison. Palliative care homes are a good thing for society. It is serene; we are well-received here. The site is enchanting, and the staff spends time with patients and families to understand their needs. It is idyllic here! La Maison de la Sérénité was a destiny that life put on my path. "I was going to stop here," states Annette Hamel. "Before my first visit, I sincerely believed that palliative care homes were "death houses." But when we had the confirmation that Mom would come here, I visited the website, and I immediately changed my mind. I even showed my mother the website, and she was delighted to be able to come here. Yes, palliative care homes essentially offer accompaniment towards death, but life goes on at La Maison de la Sérénité and is celebrated daily. It is not death that surrounds my mother; it is life and joy; this will be her last home before she enters heaven," shares Isabelle. "I am here every day with my dearest mother, and like her, I have created solid connections with the staff. We feel life. I have no fear when I leave for the day because the staff cares for my mother, pampers her, listens to her, takes the time to have long conversations with her, gives her great care, is not isolated, and can flourish. Her room is decorated for Christmas; her children and grandchildren come to visit her every day, and they play piano pieces for her in the large living room of La Maison. My mother radiates in these moments. She is never alone. This house has all the best features; outstanding care, a VIP view of the river, music, touching moments, gastronomic meals, human warmth, a golden staff, and angelic volunteers. It is a haven and a space where meaningful conversations can take place in complete serenity, supported by La Maison's team and with respect. Everyone deserves to die with dignity, surrounded by loved ones, and in the greatest comfort. Feeling alive before taking one's last breath is crucial and allows families to experience such precious moments with their loved ones. My mother feels alive, and it is beautiful to see her so fulfilled. The words thank you, and gratitude are in all my conversations, internally and externally. Our family is part of the great family of La Maison de la Sérénité. It is a privilege. So that others can benefit from the exceptional free services that are offered at La Maison de la Sérénité, we must help them. Dying in a hospital is often sad and very tragic. Why not ask for the best possible care for your loved one? Please support La Maison de la Sérénité; it is for the patients and the families to come. Give generously!"
- Mrs. Annette Hamel, patient of La Maison de la Sérénité and her daughter, Isabelle Audet. *Mrs. Hamel's health has dramatically improved. She returned to live in her previous RPA in December 2022.
"My mother, Mrs. Claudette Dickner (Clo), was employed at the CHSLD Fernand-Larocque Long-term care nursing home. She has witnessed the process of implementing La Maison de la Sérénité, located on the grounds behind the CHSLD. She was impressed by the mission of La Maison de la Sérénité.
Clo was diagnosed with cancer at the end of the year 2021. As of January 2022, I moved in with my parents to support them in this difficult time and to care for my mother as a caregiver. On this occasion, Clo expressed the desire to spend her last days at La Maison de la Sérénité. A few weeks before she passed away, Clo met Dr. Patrice Valcin, through the "Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de Laval" (CISSS of Laval). Dr. Valcin let us, gently, serenely, and pressure-free, learn about the end-of-life care process. He generously accepted to become my mother's family physician and has taken the appropriate steps to transfer her to La Maison de la Sérénité. This transfer took place on July 15, 2022.
We experienced significant relief, and our anxiety faded quickly as soon as Clo arrived at La Maison de la Sérénité. As I had been used to caring for my mother for more than six months, I was reluctant to give up my place on the team at La Maison. We soon found the right balance in this regard. I realized quickly that the objective of La Maison de la Sérénité is to make things easier for the patient and their loved ones. Having adapted its interventions to the image of our expectations, the team in place quickly developed a feeling of benevolence, collaboration, mutual trust, and even serenity. Clo and I describe our stay at La Maison de la Sérénité as mother–daughter vacation. I slept next to her in her room on a sofa bed permanently installed for this purpose. We organized movie nights with pizzas and chips! Such moments would not have been possible if my mother had been hospitalized. Moreover, thanks to the availability of the staff and the care given to my mother, we did not experience any stress and felt safer and more relaxed than if we had stayed at home.
When Clo peacefully passed away in the afternoon of July 29, 2022, a flock of fifteen birds flew past her bedroom window as if to accompany her to the afterlife. It was magical, gentle, and calm. We were all there, my father, my brother Simon-Pierre and myself. My mother shed a tear for a split second before exhaling her last breath.
Because of the support offered by La Maison de la Sérénité, I did not experience any trauma at the time of my mother’s death. When the time comes, my biggest wish would be to spend my remaining days in this place and offer myself an ideal end of life.
The care provided is free; La Maison obviously needs financial support and loving, available, empathetic, reliable, positive, responsible, and smiling volunteers to ensure its continuity. " Each donation counts and makes a big difference."
- Mrs. Marie-France Laliberté, daughter of Mrs. Claudette Dickner.