The Les Residences Floralies sites in the Lachine and LaSalle arrondissements went into receivership on Sept. 1 amid allegations of poor care. A report by a retired Department of Health official released Thursday alleged “abuse in all its forms” at the residences, including violence and neglect by workers and a lack of treatment and services. Residents were found with untreated wounds, dehydration and signs of violence such as bruising, and the report found there were few measures in place to prevent falls or address dementia-related behaviours. Researcher Michel Delamarre also concluded that poor care and infection control probably exacerbated last summer’s strep A outbreak that killed a total of six people. Seniors Minister Sonia Belanger pledged to act to implement Delamarre’s 21 recommendations and improve the quality of care for all residents of the long-term care system. “What we saw at Floralies was not the treatment our seniors deserve,” she said in a statement. She said changes were being made across the network, including adding more inspectors, and said her department would monitor to ensure homes were up to standard. “I will not tolerate any form of abuse, particularly when it affects the elderly,” he added. In the report, which is dated Oct. 7, Delamar found widespread problems with the management of the homes, including a lack of qualified staff and a lack of coordination and planning. Professional services were almost nonexistent, and the facility had no programs and policies regarding “wound care, use of restraints, weight monitoring, hydration, dementia-related behaviors, pain assessment, or end-of-life care,” the report states. . His recommendations included creating a comprehensive plan to improve care, including ensuring adequate staffing, as well as working more closely with residents. He also suggested that the province should clarify the roles and responsibilities of local health authorities and private homes. While the homes are privately owned, half or more of their beds were occupied by residents covered by an agreement with public health authorities. The long-term care units of the homes were put under guardianship by local health authorities for 180 days, starting Sept. 1, but that could be extended if needed, the province said. — This article by The Canadian Press was first published on November 17, 2022.
