Quebec’s private long term care homes riks closing 1,200 beds

Quebec’s long-term care system is facing a funding crisis that could force the closure of 1,200 beds in private subsidized CHSLDs, exacerbating an already strained healthcare network. Annick Lavoie, Director General of the Association des établissements privés conventionnés (AEPC), warns that without immediate government action, seniors will bear the brunt of the financial shortfall.

Lavoie explained in an interview that the issue stems from years of inadequate budget indexation for essential goods such as food and cleaning supplies. “Over the past five years, our budget for essentials like food and cleaning supplies has fallen behind by about 12 per cent,” she said. While funding for direct healthcare services remains stable, facilities are struggling to maintain day-to-day operational standards.

The impact is already being felt in CHSLDs, where cleaning protocols and food quality have been affected. “During COVID-19, we cleaned three times a day,” Lavoie noted. “Now, we may only be able to do it once because we simply don’t have the budget for the supplies and manpower.”

Pour lire la suite : The Record