Congestion to be expected in NURSING homes

Archival Photos, QMI Agency

Héloïse Archambault

Saturday, 24 February, 2018 01:00

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Saturday, 24 February, 2018 01:00

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While 3000 Quebecers are already waiting for a place in a CHSLD, the prediction of the double of cases of dementia in 20 years suggests a major congestion in the accommodation centres.

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While 3000 Quebecers are already waiting for a place in a CHSLD, the prediction of the double of cases of dementia in 20 years suggests a major congestion in the accommodation centres.

“Inevitably, there is a problem,” said Nouha Ben Gaied, director of research and development at the quebec Federation of Alzheimer societies.

Photo courtesy

Nouha Ben Gaied

Federation of quebec Alzheimer

The vast majority of people with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, end their lives in a shelter for long-term care (CHSLD), agree the experts. At the present time, approximately 80 % of the customer base is suffering from cognitive deficit.

No reserved seats

Last January, 2839 Quebec were waiting for a place in a CHSLD, according to data from the ministry of Health (MSSS).

“Everyone wants to grow old and die at home. But it becomes a fatality. You will have to think what will be put in place for these people, ” said Ms. Ben Gaied. For the moment, we do not see something go in that sense. “

Questioned about this, the HSS responds that it has invested $ 55 million in the last year to create 1472 new places in CHSLDS. However, one does not have accurate data on the number of places reserved for people with Alzheimer’s in NURSING homes, or in homes that specialize in this disease.

According to the minister of Health, Dr. Gaétan Barrette, the home support will be a major issue.

“Yes, these people will end up in NURSING homes. But before […], they will be at home, ” he said. It is very likely that we need more seats of different types, ” adds the politician.

Real progress ?

Moreover, the MSSS ensures you have been proactive to address the increase in the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease, including better access in the first line, and better training of doctors.

In 2009, experts have filed an “Alzheimer Plan” with the HSS to improve the care of this clientele.

“If I look at 10 years back, yes, there is a real progress “, responds Dr. Howard Bergman, who chaired the ” Plan Alzheimer “.

“It’s not perfect, but there is a greater awareness of the importance of this disease in the hospital environment,” he says.

In 2013, 19 projects have been implemented in family medicine groups to improve services, says the department. Between 2016 and 2019, the best practices will be deployed to the entire network.