An investigation entrusted by Quebec reveals that “mistreatment in all its forms” was committed in two private CHSLDs in the southwest of Montreal.
In light of these findings, the new Minister for Health and Seniors, Sonia Bélanger, has promised to take steps to ensure the quality of care and the safety of residents in all living environments for seniors in Quebec. She also announced Thursday the implementation of several measures that will affect the entire private network of the province.
In particular, Minister Bélanger wants to recruit about twenty inspectors to increase unannounced visits and inspections in private seniors’ residences. The elected caquiste also wants to agree “more quickly” about twenty private CHSLDs in the next year.
The residences Les Floralies, located in the boroughs of Lachine and LaSalle, have been placed under supervision by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) for a period of 180 days, since September 1. The CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is temporarily administering these establishments following allegations of abuse.
Abuse and neglect
A retired MSSS manager, Michel Delamarre, was appointed last August to conduct an investigation into Les Floralies residences. His report released Thursday confirmed acts of “violence and negligence on the part of certain employees and negligence related to the deficient management of the residences”.
“A multitude of care and services have not been provided to residents or have been provided too often in deviation from recognized practices,” he writes.
Understaffing, deficient governance and disorganized work are among other things singled out. The primary responsibility is “definitely” the operator, indicates Mr. Delamarre. The two Les Floralies residences are owned by Maison Vivalto, but are managed by a local shareholder.
In his report, the investigator makes some twenty recommendations.
This article was produced with the financial support of the Meta Fellowships and The Canadian Press for News.