Most of Quebec’s level 3 seniors’ homes haven’t complied with new security requirements

The deadline for Category 3 private seniors’ homes to install new security systems passed last week, and more than half of them still haven’t complied.

The deadline for Category 3 private seniors’ homes to install new security systems passed last week, and more than half of the affected RPAs still haven’t complied.

There are now growing concerns the requirements could force many private seniors’ homes to shut their doors for good, at a time when the province’s population is aging and beds in the public system are sorely lacking.

“We are not responsible for the lack of units in CHSLDs,” said Hans Brouillette, a spokesperson for Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés (RQRA), which represents private seniors’ homes in Quebec.

He claims the province is pressuring RPAs to take on residents with more serious health concerns, who are at risk of wandering away. Brouillette adds that Category 3 RPAs are technically for seniors who can come and go freely, but the government wants them to install security devices that would prevent those with dementia and Alzheimer’s from leaving the building without staff being aware.

“If they do want to welcome this kind of clientele of course they should and will have the devices, but why should all residents and residences comply with this regulation and pay for that?” he said.

Brouillette says in recent years, an increase in new regulations for RPAs has been causing financial strain for many homes, and it creates higher fees for the residents themselves.

The deadline to comply with this latest regulation was July 15.

In a statement to CTV News, Santé Québec said it is currently reviewing the regulations for RPAs but added, “notices of non-compliance may be issued in the event of non-compliance with a regulation.”

Santé Québec also confirmed more than 1,000 RPAs are operating in the province, and around 53 per cent still do not have a security system in place.

Patients’ rights advocate Paul Brunet worries some RPAs will have to close.

“We’re lacking beds in longterm care facilities so we’re putting some pressure and some more requirements on the shoulder of the RPAs,” he said.

He’d like to see the provincial government help RPAs to pay for the increased security.

Following a fatal fire in a seniors’ home in L’Isle Verte, Que., 11 years ago, many RPAs struggled to install sprinkler systems the government required.

“In those days we lost more or less 300 RPAs already so we have to be careful,” Brunet warned.

Meanwhile, Brouillette says it’s unclear who should be charged with tracking residents, how RPAs should ensure the rights and autonomy of their other residents, and what types of security devices should be used.