MS Canada Applauds the Publication of the First Standard in the Long-Term Care Sector to Include Considerations for Young Adults

[Toronto, ON, November 28, 2024] - MS Canada applauds the CSA Group’s release of the new National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being in Long Term Care (LTC) and Assisted Living (AL). For the first time, consideration for younger adults living in LTC has been added to care standards. Through a person- centered care approach, the new Canada-wide standard aims at improving the lives of Canadians living in LTC and AL facilities, covering the planning, development, and implementation of services, programs, education, training, policies, and procedures. 

Since about 60 per cent of the more than 90,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (MS) receive their diagnosis between the ages of 20 and 49 there are younger residents in LTC who live with MS. The reality is that LTC homes are not designed to support the social and emotional needs of young residents. This leads to a reduced sense of autonomy, which can leave younger residents with a decreased sense of belonging.   

Understanding the different ways in which younger residents may need support is key in ensuring proper care and quality of life. A personalized approach to care should be the goal, helping younger adults transition into a completely new living situation. Family preparation, financial planning, selecting someone in charge of their medical decisions and equipment needs are important considerations in making the experience of younger residents of LTC homes a positive one.  

MS Canada takes meaningful action to advocate for improvements in government legislation and polices, private industry practices, and public attitudes. In this case, an MS Canada representative joined the subcommittee that developed the new standard, bringing much needed attention to the experience of younger residents in LTC. To further support LTC staff who may take care of younger residents in long term care, MS Canada has created a guide that will be available in early 2025. 

“Everyone’s journey with MS is unique, and the inclusion of younger residents in the standard is an important step in our ability to support all Canadians living with MS. Together, the standard and the resource we are developing for staff in LTC facilities move us closer to a future where person-centred care meets the needs of all people living in LTC.” said Benjamin Davis, Senior Vice-President, Mission at MS Canada. “However, our work must continue in years to come. Further consideration to the experience and needs of younger residents is key to improving quality of life in LTC.” 

“Roughly 9% of people living in long-term care institutions are aged between 19 and 65, and while they have a wide range of disabilities, multiple sclerosis is one of the most prevalent,” said Michelle Hewitt, PhD Candidate and MS Canada Ambassador. “Young residents of LTC often feel isolated as the care they receive does not fit their needs. The new standard guidelines add to the weight of evidence that long-term care institutions must change. The new section in the standard focusing solely on younger disabled adults is an exciting and crucial step forward in ensuring that these young people are no longer invisible.” 

To learn more about National Standard of Canada Mental health and well-being in long-term care and assisted living settings, visit CSA Z2004:24. 

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About MS Canada  

At MS Canada, we are inspired by the vision of a world free of multiple sclerosis. We focus on support, advocacy and research that will positively impact the lives of people living with, and affected by MS. For over 75 years, we have been a trusted connection for the MS community to valuable resources and programs needed on their unique MS journey. We advocate for improved policies and systems that will better support Canadians living with MS. We invest in life-changing research that will advance treatment and care, enhance well-being, help to understand and halt disease progression, and ultimately prevent MS. For more information visit mscanada.ca  

About multiple sclerosis (MS)  

Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. MS is a neurological disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49. It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of episodes of illness and disability can vary, often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive.  

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Media Contact: 
Laila Namur 

Manager, Corporate Communications 

MS Canada 

778 874 4876 

Laila.Namur@mscanada.ca