Toronto, ON – July 23, 2024 – Canada’s long-term care and assisted living sectors face a wide range of challenges, including the need for mental health supports. This is detrimental to the mental and physical well-being of residents. Today, CSA Group announced the release of the National Standard of Canada for mental health and well-being in long-term care and assisted living settings (CSA Z2004). This new standard provides comprehensive guidance for planning, developing, and implementing programs to support the mental health needs of Canadians living in these settings.

Developed by CSA Group’s Technical Subcommittee on Mental Health and Well-being in Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Settings, CSA Z2004 addresses critical aspects such as organizational commitment, quality improvement, workforce training, design considerations, therapeutic recreational activities, and support for residents with mental health conditions. Led by Dr. Julia Kirkham, a geriatric psychiatrist and researcher, the subcommittee also included guidance in the standard for managing critical events and considerations for younger residents.

“CSA Z2004 sets a new benchmark for community care by integrating principles that enhance the quality of life and mental health for all residents, regardless of whether they have a mental health condition,” said Dr. Julia Kirkham. “It represents a significant step towards long-term care and assisted living settings that support the whole person, including their physical and mental health and well-being.”

CSA Z2004 emphasizes a holistic approach, encompassing residents across the mental health continuum – from those without symptoms to those with or at risk of mental health conditions. The standard was shaped by the needs and voices of healthcare workers, residents, families, care partners, and the public. Throughout the standard’s development, external feedback was gathered via extensive public engagement activities, including targeted consultations.

This new standard expands the current suite of National Standards of Canada for long-term care. In 2023, CSA Group and the Health Standards Organization (HSO) released standards aimed at improving physical safety (CSA Z8004:2022) and service quality (CAN/HSO 21001:2023) for residents of long-term care homes. CSA Z2004 specifically addresses the mental, psychological, and social needs within long-term care and assisted living settings.

“By focusing on mental, psychological, and social needs, CSA Z2004 complements existing standards for long-term care, including those aimed at physical environments and service quality,” added Kay Penn, Director, Health and Safety Standards, CSA Group. “This holistic approach fosters environments that promote resilience, dignity, and a sense of community for all residents.”

For this standard, like many others, adoption into legislation is voluntary for governments. With its comprehensive scope and consensus-based development process by experts in this field, healthcare professionals are encouraging governments at all levels to consider referencing this standard in legislation. By aligning regulatory efforts with this standard, policymakers can further support residents’ mental health and well-being, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to exemplary standards of care.

CSA Group is committed to help improve healthcare standards through rigorous research, collaboration with industry experts, and consultation with interested parties across the healthcare spectrum.

For more information about CSA Z2004 and to access a copy of the standard, please click here.

About CSA Group

CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. We are a leader in North American standards development and in product testing, inspection and certification around the world. Our mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.

Media May Contact

Claire Brassard
CSA Group
[email protected]
+1-647-631-4712