Residents of a private CHSLD in Quebec narrowly avoided a dizzying rent increase they were facing, which was finally suspended after media coverage of the case.
The children of a 92-year-old resident denounced the situation to TVA Nouvelles, but also on a daily basis The Press.
Jean and Carole Bédard’s mother’s lease was renewed last year at a price of $3,488 per month. Last September, they were informed that the rates went up to $5,475, then in January to $7,448 per month, including accommodation and care.
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This is an amount that borders on $89,000 per year.
The overall increases for all residents are between 30% and 50% annually. Another family told The Press that it will cost them $97,000 annually.
“It’s outrageous, appalling, I don’t know anyone who could tolerate a rise like that without saying anything without doing anything. I find it even worse that we do it to the elderly, who no longer have an increase in income. These are victims who cannot even defend themselves,” denounced Carole Bédard, the daughter of a resident.
The family, who were thinking of moving the resident because of the exorbitant prices, couldn’t find a place for her elsewhere because there simply isn’t one.
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The management of the CHSLD Domaine Saint-Dominique, currently under supervision, explains the increase in costs by the government’s desire to transform the place into a CHSLD under agreement.
This new status brings a greater supply of care, and therefore costs that are not absorbed by Quebec, says management.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services is currently working to find a way through, in collaboration with the management of CHSLD Saint-Dominique, to the situation experienced by our establishment and especially, by our residents. Thus, pending a viable solution, we are placing a temporary moratorium on the rate increase as of today,” said Patrick Gilbert, president of the CHSLD.
For Sonia Bélanger, Minister for Health and Seniors, it is not up to users to assume these cost increases.
“The rent increase sent to several residents under the agreement is completely unacceptable! I asked the CIUSSS-CN to intervene,” she wrote on Twitter.