"We took out the gun to kill a fly" - Yves Desjardins - Hebdo Rive Nord

Stephane Gregoire

Dominik Bellemare, owner of the Residence La Belle Epoque takes stock of certification in its establishment.

Five months after the implementation of new standards of quality and safety for private homes for the elderly, Dominik Bellemare, owner of the Residence La Belle Epoque, is said to be one of the “lucky ones” who ways to adapt to this new certification.

“Prior to the implementation of the new rules, we were ahead of them. We already had the additional staff required, call bells, and our employees are certified. We had to install water taps, but for the rest, it is already in compliance with most of the requirements, “he says.

The total bill for the taps of water is increased to $ 20,000. “This is a big amount to absorb in a short time, he adds. This is not all private residences that will comply with all measures in a short time, “says Mr. Bellemare.

as regional representative for the Quebec Coalition for retirement homes (RQRA) Dominik Bellemare says many homes require reinforcements to comply. “We may even believe that some of them dying. Especially those who were not to meet the basic standards required, “he says.

“In fact, it does not. This is unrest among the owners private residence, adds Yves Desjardins, CEO of RQRA. Without blaming anyone, I do not think people realize the scope of the new measures on the ground. “

Inconsistency

the biggest challenges at the moment, according to Yves Desjardins is the lack of consistency in the region. “The program is not oiled. We are still waiting for a connection to be provided by the Department of Public Safety regarding the request for criminal records for employees. “

part is not provided, the players involved passing the buck “and homeowners who want to comply do not know what to do and how. There are many skirmishes, “Mr. Desjardins.

RQRA sent a request to the Ministry to try to review certain aspects of the regulations. “We took out the cannon to kill a fly. The government did not take into account the different types of residences. We want to review the regulations without back on safety, but to find a balance that does not jeopardize the middle of life for seniors, “says Desjardins.

No sound government

Jean Bellemare, owner of the Residence La Belle Epoque, laments the lack of attention from the government in this matter. “The government does not listen at all and we put before a fait accompli. It requires things to private residences without taking the pulse on the ground. No negotiation is possible, “he says.

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FADOQ is concerned respect the quality of life of seniors in private residence