Ébèn résidences pour aînés takes meaningful action to support people living with dementia who are long-term residents at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal. The $12,000 gift to the Fondation Institut de gériatrie de Montréal will help provide the care team with new therapeutic aids designed to alleviate behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia without relying on medication.

Members of the team at Ébèn résidences pour aînés, including Louis-Philippe Beaudoin, President, and Cynthia Létourneau, Director of Community Engagement and Philanthropy, came together to welcome Marie-Hélène Vendette, General Manager of the Foundation, and share in this special moment of community and generosity.

This partnership is great news for patients, their families, and the care teams at the Institut. It reflects a tangible commitment to the well-being of seniors living with a major neurocognitive disorder, while directly supporting the Foundation’s mission.

“At Ébèn, we believe every person deserves compassionate care delivered with respect and a human touch,” said Louis-Philippe Beaudoin, President of Ébèn résidences pour aînés. “That’s why it was only natural for us to partner with the Fondation Institut de gériatrie de Montréal and support an initiative that makes the well-being of seniors a central focus of care.”

Therapeutic items that bring comfort and reassurance

Using sensory and therapeutic aids can help ease some of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including agitation, wandering, and aggression. Through this donation, patients at the Institut will have access to innovative solutions, such as:

• Robotic pets that offer a comforting presence and help reduce feelings of isolation.
• AI-powered companion phones that offer reassuring support and encourage conversation by adapting to the person’s interests and mood.
• Wooden activity boards (with locks, latches, handles or switches) and lacing boards that allow patients to perform familiar tasks, stimulating their memory and giving them a sense of purpose.
• Musical instruments, such as ocean drums and rain sticks, that promote relaxation while stimulating hearing, sight, and touch.

These tools enhance clinical practices and provide care teams with new ways to support individuals living with dementia.

“At the Foundation, we believe innovation is key to addressing the challenges of aging,” said Marie-Hélène Vendette, General Manager of the Fondation Institut de gériatrie de Montréal. “The gift from Ébèn résidences pour aînés will enable us to fast-track the implementation of non-pharmacological approaches proven to have beneficial effects on people living with dementia. Through partnerships such as this one, we can change the way care is delivered, while contributing to lasting improvements in the quality of life of seniors.”

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: The Institut puts its expertise to work for Quebecers

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) refer to a range of mood and behaviour changes that affect the well-being of people with dementia and their loved ones.

The Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal is recognized provincially for its leading expertise in BPSD. Its mobile team, which has been designated as Quebec’s BPSD expert team, works closely with healthcare professionals and family caregivers across the province. It also delivers remote training and consultations to physicians and other healthcare providers. What’s more, to ensure family and friends have the tools they need, the team has also published a practical guide that can be accessed online free of charge.

Explore the guide

¹AQUIN, C., VERITE-AUBRY C., NELSON-DROLET S., CARTER M., GOYET-LEROUX L. (2025). Guide pour les occupations des personnes vivant avec des symptômes psychologiques et comportementaux de la démence. Montréal, Québec : Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Santé Québec Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal – Universitaire, p. 14.