CSA Group invites you to take part in public review and information sessions to share your comments and input.
More than 425,000 Canadians live in long-term care (LTC) and assisted living (AL) settings¹. This number is expected to rise as the population in our country is aging.
People living in LTC and AL homes often have chronic health conditions, including disability and frailty. Historically, their physical health and safety have been a priority, but their mental health and well-being are equally important to a good quality of life.
Mental health problems are common in LTC and AL settings. More than three-quarters of people living in LTC homes have been diagnosed with a mental health condition or dementia². While there are only a few studies of AL, evidence suggests a similar situation in these settings. Moreover, care and services in LTC and AL settings typically address the needs of people 65 years or older. Their needs are often very different from those of younger residents, defined by more severe disabilities, higher rates of mental health problems, and much longer stays.
New standard to help improve the quality of life in LTC and AL settings
Leaning on CSA Group’s earlier research on mental health and well-being in long-term care, in late 2022, expert members of the CSA Technical Subcommittee started working on a new national standard, CSA Z2004.
This standard intends to provide guidance for developing policies, procedures, and practices that focus on the psychosocial and emotional needs and mental health of people living in LTC and AL settings in a compassionate way. The standard also emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as well as cultural safety and humility principles. Implementing the recommendations of CSA Z2004 can help facilitate a positive care environment and improve the quality of life of people living in LTC and AL homes.
CSA Z2004 will also address considerations for the physical environment that can promote mental health and well-being, from a resident’s room to outdoor green spaces.
Share your feedback during the public review process.
The draft standard CSA Z2004 will be available for your comment and input from September 18 to November 17, 2023 at the CSA Public Review site.
Throughout the fall, CSA Group is also hosting information and consultation sessions. To join one of the sessions, visit CSA Group’s consultation and information sessions.
¹ Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing and residential care facilities in Canada, Statistics Canada, 2021
² Kehyayan, V., Chen, J., and Hirdes, J. P., Profile of Residents with Mental Disorders in Canadian Long-Term Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study, Journal of Long-term Care, 2021
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