New “Comprehensive Pathway of Care for the Aging Adult” to Transform Elder Care in Québec with Innovative One-Stop Model
Montréal, Québec – September 30, 2025 – The St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation announced today that it will be funding the new Comprehensive Pathway of Care for the Aging Adult – a groundbreaking initiative designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of Québec’s aging population. The program will establish new standards in geriatric medicine while positioning St. Mary’s Hospital Centre as a regional leader in elder care.
Made possible by the generous support of major donors, including Power Corporation of Canada, Ms. Jane Skoryna, and other benefactors, this initiative addresses a critical demographic challenge. By 2031, seniors are expected to outnumber youth in Québec for the first time in the province’s history. St. Mary’s new one-stop care model will combine emergency and outpatient services to provide integrated, multidisciplinary care that reduces hospital stays and improves patients’ quality of life.
An Integrated Approach to Geriatric Care
The Comprehensive Pathway of Care for the Aging Adult unites geriatricians, family physicians, and nurse practitioners in a seamless, collaborative model of care. From the moment a patient enters the Emergency Department (ED), this innovative approach ensures expert, coordinated support – extending through multidisciplinary assessments, outpatient clinics, and ongoing follow-up services.
“This approach represents a fundamental shift in how we provide geriatric care,” said Dr. Julia Chabot, the Chief of St. Mary’s Division of Geriatric Medicine. “By creating an integrated pathway that addresses the full spectrum of older adults’ needs, we are not only strengthening the continuum of care, but also improving patients’ overall experience.”
A Pioneer in Caregiver Support and Clinical Innovation
The program also establishes St. Mary’s as the first geriatric clinic in the Montréal region to offer a dedicated space for caregivers – an innovative hub set to officially open in November 2025 that will provide crucial resources, including educational workshops, peer support groups, and recreational activities specifically designed for those caring for loved ones with dementia.
This new initiative builds on St. Mary’s proven track record of excellence in Geriatrics. The Hospital’s recently-launched Geriatric Multidisciplinary Team (Geri MDT) in the Emergency Department has already achieved remarkable results, reducing the average length of stay for geriatric patients in the ED by a staggering 11.5 hours and decreasing geriatric ED admissions by 16.1% within its first year of implementation. St. Mary’s is also expected to become the first Emergency Department in Montréal to receive the prestigious Geriatric-Friendly Certification (Bronze level).
Driving Academic Excellence and Research
Beyond its clinical mission, the Comprehensive Pathway of Care for the Aging Adult strengthens St. Mary’s role as a leader in medical education and research. The program will continue to train 50-60 residents, medical students, and nursing students annually. By leveraging existing partnerships with St. Mary’s Research Centre and McGill University, the initiative will advance geriatric innovation through a living lab model – a real-world environment for evaluating care outcomes and facilitating real-time knowledge transfer.
“The generous support from our donor community not only addresses one of Québec’s most pressing healthcare challenges but also lays the foundation for a future where senior care is defined by dignity, compassion, and innovation,” said Nadia Wendowsky, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. “This initiative will serve as a model for geriatric care across the province and beyond.”
