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

 By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

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.”

Food services are another area being compromised. With the rising cost of fresh produce, some homes may have to turn to canned alternatives. “Instead of fresh vegetables and fruit, we may have to rely on canned goods,” Lavoie said. “It’s unfortunate because fresh food is more nutritious and tastes better.”

According to a press release signed by Lavoie and AEPC board president Stéphane Roy, the financial instability is the result of a long-standing underfunding issue. The organization has been urging the Quebec government to revise its funding model for years, warning that failure to act will lead to serious consequences for both seniors and the broader healthcare system. The AEPC argues that private subsidized CHSLDs provide the same services as public facilities, employing unionized staff under identical conditions, yet they are being left to struggle financially.

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L’article Quebec’s private long-term care homes risk closing 1,200 beds est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.