Quebec will invest 50 million over five years to fight against elder abuse, announced Sunday the Minister responsible for Seniors and Caregivers, Marguerite Blais. This funding will be used to raise public awareness, train workers and develop practices that promote good treatment.
Posted at 11:17 a.m.
“Today, we are taking another step, all together, to step up our collective fight against the mistreatment of older adults,” said Minister Blais at a press conference on Sunday morning.
The majority of the budget – 31 million – will be used to improve the management of situations of abuse. This funding will make it possible, among other things, to set up an assistance, assessment and referral center for mistreatment of older adults or those in vulnerable situations. This amount will also support CHSLD staff who must identify and refer situations of mistreatment of their residents.
Photo Philippe Boivin, THE PRESS
The government will also invest 5 million to raise public awareness of abuse, in particular through activities for the general public. An additional $6 million will be used to train various stakeholders in the community, through the development of tools and training content.
In addition, $2.5 million will be dedicated to the implementation of practices promoting good treatment, in particular by financing projects aimed at fostering favorable environments for seniors and by supporting private seniors’ residences in implementing best practices.
Finally, Quebec will invest $4 million to support the Research Chair on Elder Abuse at the University of Sherbrooke, fund the Survey on Elder Abuse in Quebec (EMPAQ) and conduct research projects .