Our Services Maison
André-Gratton
Tour Guide of Maison André-Gratton
Maison André-Gratton
When night falls, Maison André-Gratton is like a lighthouse, with its shining light that guides sailors through the fog. By day, it is a haven where seriously ill children find comfort.
Sailor’s Café and Seaside Delight
Children meet in the Sailor’s Café to laugh, play, and enjoy meals that are prepared to meet their own particular needs. Everything is cooked on site at the Seaside Delight.
Buccaneers’ Port
Buccaneers’ Port is a warm and welcoming living room, where children meet to relax, sing, dance, play, have a game of Wii or watch movies. Visitors (parents, siblings and friends) are also welcome to join them here.
The Aquamarine
At the Aquamarine, children make arts and crafts, draw, paint, discover photography, write scripts, direct short films and explore many other creative interests.
The Fog Horn
Children develop their own musical world at the Fog Horn, where different instruments are on hand for them to play, create sound and express themselves.
Dolphins’ Pond
Dolphin’s Pond, or the swimming pool, is a special place for sick and disabled children, who discover the lightness and ease of moving through water. Two caregivers always accompany each child: one of which takes the child to the pool while the other monitors the activity.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is a wonderful place where children stimulate their senses and are brought to a state of wonder and awe in three different environments: relaxation, discovery and interaction. The room is equipped with a bubble column, ball pit, solar projector, luminous optical fiber and a sound system. Upon admission, our staff determines what type of activity in this mobile Snœzelen unit is best suited to their needs. It is safeguarded with pillows, mattresses and foam mats, and a caregiver always accompanies the children to stimulate their sensory exploration and make sure they are comfortable.
High Tide
High Tide, or the shower room, is equipped with a therapeutic bath where children can relax while they are bathed. A lift, stretchers and bath chairs are used for their safety and comfort.
Deckhand’s Corner
Deckhand’s Corner is a small playhouse where our younger guests can play with toys adapted to their needs – caregivers discretely watch over them through the cabin window.
The Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is a caregiving team that oversees the children’s’ health needs and administers medication, which is safely stowed away in the pharmacy, commonly referred to as the Engine Room.
Cabins
The cabins, which are named after marine animals, are comfortable and decorated with taste. The guests either sleep in a bunk, regular or special bed, based on their age and needs (fold-away beds are also available for families). Every room is equipped with a state of the art security system, call button, lift, television, DVD player, radio, CD player and alarm clock.
Backyard and Neighborhood
The playground is called the Coral Reef because of its bright colors. When the weather is nice, children can play in this stimulating and safe environment. There is a swing set that is adapted for wheelchairs and children discover the wonderful smell of fresh herbs and flowers on the Coastline. Staff and volunteers also regularly take the children for walks to the park nearby.
A Dedicated Interdisciplinary Team
Our medical and psychosocial team includes physicians (on duty 24/7), nurses (on site 24/7), liaison nurses, attendants, social workers, family coordinators and psychologists (as needed). Our support staff and qualified volunteers also provide different activities that are adapted to the children’s physical and intellectual needs. The team includes pet therapists, music therapists and Dr Clown’s activity leaders.
Caring Environment
The organization provides a caring and safe environment that is adapted to the needs of children and their families. It is just like being at home: meals are served in a dining room and the living room overlooks a backyard where children can play when the weather is nice. The bathroom and bedrooms are comfortable, well equipped and very relaxing. As for activities, there is a heated pool, Snœzelen multi-sensory room, arts and crafts room, music room and playroom for the younger ones. There are also to suites for families who wish to stay on site with their children.
We ask families to stay with their children for the first 24 hours every time they are admitted at Maison André-Gratton to assess their needs, provide the best quality of care and make them feel right at home.
Types of Stay
Regular Respite
planned stays – up to 30 days a year.
Psychosocial Emergencies
family crisis or unexpected events – variable length.
Transition Services
children may be referred by the hospital once they are discharged from the acute care unit to adapt to their new situation. For this type of stay, a parent accompanies the child – variable length.
Symptom Management
once the advance care planning is complete, the organization provides any necessary care to children up to the end of their life – unlimited stays.
End-of-Life
children can stay at Maison André-Gratton as an alternative to the hospital or their own home. They are cared for by a team of fully qualified professionals up to the end of their life – unlimited stays.