Testimonials from our caregivers
Find out more about Baluchon Long-term Respite Care through the testimonials of caregivers who have benefited from our services.
Here are a few testimonials:
“My mother had a great time with Marjolaine. She laughed a lot, she was happy, she even told my family that Marjolaine was like her little sister. I left knowing that my mother was in very good hands, I had peace of mind about leaving my mother with Marjolaine and I was completely right because my mother really enjoyed the time she shared with her. The cat that Marjolaine brought was a very special touch, much appreciated by my mother and myself. The care journal reflected exactly how I live with my mother every day. Thank you, Marjolaine, for taking care of my mother with as much care as I do.”
“This is the second time Mrs. Barsalou has come to our residence. My mother was reassured because she already knew her. Mrs. Barsalou is a calm, caring person who listened to my mother’s needs. The fact that she’s a nurse also brought us more reassurance. So, we left with complete confidence and our minds at ease. Many thanks.”
“It was very ‘liberating,’ both morally and physically. Our sincere thanks to the entire Baluchon team.”
“To Baluchon, thank you for this gift that we couldn’t have experienced without you and Anne-Lauriane. Thank you for your kindness, your attention, your generosity, your heart of gold that allowed me to have some respite and recharge my energy. Anne-Lauriane, you know how to create joy, how to make people smile and laugh, how to soothe, how to care, how to listen beyond disabilities. Thank you!”
"I was supported with respect and reassurance before and after. We left with confidence and were able to enjoy our moment of respite. Thank you to everyone I had the chance to speak with during the process. You are wonderful!"
“Once again, we are totally satisfied with the service offered by Le Baluchon. The fact that Mom can stay in her own environment makes all the difference, and she appreciates Marie-Claire's calm, reassuring presence.”
“I greatly appreciated this respite. When I came back, my spouse was calm and cheerful.”
“To Mrs. Joanne Doucet, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unfailing support. Your presence with Marie-Danielle has been a great comfort to me and I greatly appreciate everything you have done for her. I’m infinitely grateful to you, because from the first moment I made contact with you, I felt confident, and thanks to you I was able to spend a worry-free week. With all my gratitude, thank you again. To the Foundation Baluchon Long-term Respite Care, I would like to sincerely thank the Foundation Baluchon Long-term Respite Care for your support and commitment to the Alzheimer cause. The week’s respite I enjoyed was truly beneficial, and I was able to resume my activities as a caregiver, rested and full of energy. I would also like to thank all the staff who took care of me so that I could get this respite.
Testimonials on the usefulness of Baluchon Long-term Respite Care for aging in place
Do you believe that respite care (baluchonnage) promotes aging in place?
“Yes, certainly, because we cannot be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Rest is needed to continue aging in place.”
“Yes, it allowed me to keep my loved one at home for two more years.”
“Yes, it allows the person being cared for to remain in their environment. It avoids them experiencing anxiety because they stay 'in their own things.'”
“Any person who works full-time needs and looks forward to their vacations. It's the same for us caregivers. Knowing that respite care is approaching gives us the little boost we need to continue. Having time to recharge gives us the strength and courage to continue until the next respite care. It is necessary that respite care continues to exist to support us.”
“Yes, I came back less tired, calmer, and more patient to take care of my husband. Before leaving, I was at my wit's end. After almost 2 months, I still have enough energy for, hopefully, a few more months.”
“With the help of Baluchon Long-term Respite Care, I was able to take 7 consecutive days to really rest. Without the organization, I wouldn't have been able to afford someone 24/7. And it's quite possible that I wouldn't have been able to continue taking care of my husband.”
“Yes, it promotes aging in place because the person with Alzheimer's stays at home, in their familiar environment. It is much less traumatic for them, and it also facilitates the caregiver's task: they don't have to pack their personal belongings (clothes, medications, etc.) and transport the person to another environment.”
“Absolutely, because the patient feels safe at home: they have their routine and their landmarks. But the caregiver quickly becomes a slave to this environment, making simple outings like groceries or the pharmacy difficult. When organizations (like ALPA, support co-op, day center, etc.) struggle to meet demands for short respite (a few hours), the long-term respite offered by Baluchon Long-term Respite Care is perfectly suited to the situation, allowing the caregiver to ventilate for a few days.”
“Oh yes, for my part, I was able to rest, recharge, I was able to reconnect with my life and come back stronger. I kept my mother at home much longer thanks to various resources including Baluchon's, what would I have done without you?”
“Yes, sincerely, because to be able to keep one's spouse at home for as long as possible, we need help. Being a caregiver demands a lot, it's 24 hours a day.”
“Yes, certainly. The person with Alzheimer's needs stability and to be able to recognize themselves in their environment. This is what an organization like yours provides to our loved ones.”
“Of course, these little moments of freedom allow us to be more alert and fit to stay at home.”
“Absolutely. Baluchon Long-term Respite Care gives me a break every year, with the peace of mind knowing that mom is in good hands and well.”
“Yes, because in addition to giving us the respite we need to continue, the respite caregiver gives us tips to help us adjust.”
“Certainly! How can one endure the role of caregiver (24 hours/day, 365/year, unpaid, without vacations or sick leave...) without respite? Respite to allow for a breather and save between $50,000 and $70,000 for society. So yes, Baluchon Long-term Respite Care has every reason to exist.”
“Aging in place provides well-being to the loved one, delays the increase in symptoms. They continue their regular routine at home. They are much happier and allow the family to enjoy some rest time with confidence.”
“Certainly. It's important for the person with Alzheimer's to stay in their familiar environment receiving personalized care from a loving, smiling, and dedicated person. I've met extraordinary respite caregivers. They deserve our admiration and recognition. Baluchon Long-term Respite Care occupies a unique place in our society where permanent aging in place is the dream of tomorrow.”
“Of course. It's been 5 years since my mother was evaluated and it was deemed that she couldn't stay alone. She absolutely refuses to go into care. Despite the help of friends, family, the CLSC, and the Alzheimer's Society, it becomes heavy. Without the hope of vacations, a little trip, we end up wanting to resign and consider placement.”
“Thanks to this rejuvenation made possible, I better understand the role of affection in aging in place. My husband trusts me completely. We evolve together without fear in our familiar universe. Baluchon Long-term Respite Care rebalances me and keeps me as a useful companion, responsible for our quality of life. Thank you, Baluchon Long-term Respite Care.”
“Yes, without a doubt. When I left, I felt liberated because I could trust the person staying with my wife. The fact that she stays at home 24/7 with the person she cares for is very important. Another very positive point: the report submitted by the respite caregiver at the end of their stay shows their insightfulness and encourages the caregiver, as we sometimes doubt ourselves and wonder if we're doing it right.”
“Yes, because there comes a point where it's no longer possible. I've experienced it and I've also seen it with several close family members. This gained respite time is precious.”