Safety in Private Seniors’ Residences

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The draft Regulation amending the Regulation respecting the certification of private seniors’ residences in Quebec addresses critical safety measures for category 3 and 4 private seniors’ residences, particularly regarding residents prone to wandering. This amendment, effective from December 15, 2023, for category 4 residences and July 15, 2024, for category 3 residences, mandates operators to implement specific safety protocols to prevent vulnerable residents from leaving without supervision.

Key components of the draft Regulation include the installation of security devices on designated evacuation doors as outlined in the fire safety plan of the residence. These devices must alert staff if a resident attempts to leave. Operators are also required to establish clear procedures for staff to follow in response to alerts from these security devices. Notably, these security measures can be deactivated when no residents are identified as prone to wandering.

The Regulation highlights the urgency of these amendments due to several factors: the potential pressure on category 2 and 3 residences if the new security requirements were delayed, challenges in hiring qualified staff, and the risk of non-compliance leading to potential service disruptions and closures of residences.

The draft Regulation adjusts the timeline for care attendants in personal assistance services to complete necessary training. Previously, attendants needed to be trained before starting work; now, they must complete training within one year of their employment. This change aims to alleviate hiring difficulties that could impact care quality.

The amendments are designed to ensure that operators of private seniors’ residences are held accountable for the safety of their residents while recognizing the operational challenges they face.

Overall, the draft Regulation is to be a proactive approach to improving the safety and care of seniors in private residences, aiming to balance stringent safety requirements with the practical realities of staffing and operational capacities in the sector.

Quebec (Draft) November 4, 2023