CHSLD Occupancy: Up to 30% Still in Shared Rooms After Pandemic

Transforming Long-Term Care: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic

As we look to the future of long-term care facilities, the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic still resonate profoundly within our communities. The tragic stories of residents in CHSLDs (Long-Term Care Centers in Quebec) highlighted vulnerabilities that society can no longer afford to ignore. Can we truly say we’re prepared for the next wave? How can we fundamentally reshape long-term care to ensure safety and dignity for all residents?

The Promises Made: Learning from the Past

In a compelling address at the start of a public inquiry in February 2021, coroner Géhane Kamel made it clear: her aim was to formulate recommendations that would prevent further losses. By the time her report was released in 2022, it became evident that action was not just necessary; it was urgent. Kamel urged the Quebec government to facilitate the provision of individual rooms in long-term care settings—an intervention considered crucial in reducing transmission during health emergencies.

The Risks of Shared Spaces

Kamel sounded alarms over the risks associated with shared rooms. “Double or multiple occupancy rooms pose a significant risk factor during any kind of outbreak,” she noted. Research indicated that up to 30% of available beds were still in shared quarters as late as 2024. For many, the idea of living in close quarters during a pandemic seems unfathomable, yet this remains a reality for a considerable number of residents.

Progress on Infrastructure: A Glimmer of Hope

The investment of billions of dollars since 2020 in the construction and renovation of 46 senior homes and other facilities has slowly begun to change the landscape of long-term care. Reports show that the introduction of individual rooms has notably reduced the percentage of shared beds, most dramatically in areas such as Laval. Here, for instance, the opening of a 92-bed senior residence contributed to decreasing dual-occupancy from 29% to 16%, pointing to real progress.

Balancing Couple Reunification with Safety

While Kamel’s recommendations focus on health safety, there is an undeniable human aspect to consider—many facilities have maintained shared rooms to accommodate couples. CISSS in the Laurentians indicates that this has been beneficial for residents who wish to remain with their partners, adding a layer of complexity to the discussions around room configurations. It raises the question: How do we balance safety with the emotional needs of our seniors?

Preparing for Future Health Crises

Despite the substantial resources allocated to reforming long-term care, experts consulted by Radio-Canada in 2024 expressed concerns over the healthcare system’s preparedness for another pandemic. There’s an apparent disconnect between Kamel’s 2022 recommendations and the actual implementation within the healthcare structure.

The Disheartening Delay in Action Plans

The Protecteur du citoyen reported that as late as in the spring of 2024, there was still no comprehensive plan in place to address future pandemic threats. While the Ministry of Health promised an integrated national pandemic preparedness plan, the delay has been disconcerting. In a world where health crises seem increasingly common, how can we justify these timelines?

The Culture of Preparedness: Simulations and Strategies

A significant recommendation from Kamel included conducting triennial simulations linked to pandemic preparedness. Some facilities have begun planning such drills for 2025; however, only the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS reported that they had organized drills in the past year. Why haven’t other facilities followed suit? Increasing preparedness means prioritizing realistic training exercises, yet this interest seems tepid across many establishments.

Staffing: A Major Challenge Lies Ahead

The staffing crisis plaguing long-term care facilities is another pivotal area raised in Kamel’s report. She called for the implementation of secure ratios of healthcare professionals to residents, emphasizing that inadequate staffing compromises both care quality and safety. Despite the glaring need for more healthcare professionals, less than 9% of physicians in Quebec offered time in CHSLDs in 2024, mirroring pre-pandemic levels. This stagnation starkly contrasts with the 2,500 doctors who participated during the health crisis.

Telemedicine: A Lifeline Yet Untapped

Amidst the staffing shortages, telemedicine has emerged as a potential solution for healthcare access. Unfortunately, it remains underutilized in long-term care settings. How can we harness technology effectively to bridge the care gap? Enhanced telemedicine could improve communication between medical professionals and residents, offering timely interventions even in the framework of limited staffing.

Community and Civic Engagement: An Unexpected Solution

In her recommendations, Kamel suggested the creation of a voluntary emergency civic service overseen by the Ministry of Public Security. She pointed out that we cannot rely solely on military assistance in times of crisis—community engagement is vital. This concept, akin to spontaneous citizen initiatives observed during natural disasters, calls for a deeper connection with local communities to foster a culture of support and resilience.

Reimagining Emergency Response

Envision a scenario where able-bodied community members are trained and ready to lend a hand during health emergencies, reducing pressure on professional healthcare staff. This initiative could transform community relationships with healthcare sectors, enriching local social networks. But how can we implement this vision? The Ministry of Public Security is expected to update emergency response reserves soon, yet proactive measures must be taken now to encourage community involvement.

Conclusion: Adapting Our Future Through Lessons Learned

The lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic in long-term care facilities are lasting, and the path forward must be built upon them. As the industry stands on the brink of reform, the question is not merely about what changes need to occur, but about whether our collective will can guide us toward the necessary action.

What’s Next? A Call for Collective Action

The crisis of COVID-19 presented many challenges but also opportunities for systemic change. An integrated solution must address room configurations, staffing, telemedicine, community involvement, and robust emergency planning. The challenges may appear daunting, yet with concerted effort and innovative strategies, there is hope on the horizon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What measures are being taken to improve safety in long-term care facilities?

Recent recommendations emphasize transitioning to individual rooms, increasing staffing ratios, and utilizing telemedicine.

How can communities support long-term care facilities better during health crises?

Community engagement through volunteer initiatives can provide crucial support and alleviate staffing pressures during emergencies.

What role will technology play in future healthcare solutions?

Telemedicine is positioned to bridge gaps in service availability and improve access to healthcare, especially in long-term care settings.

Transforming Long-Term Care: An Expert’s View on Pandemic Preparedness and the Future

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities within long-term care facilities.With potential future health crises on the horizon, Time.news spoke with Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading expert in geriatric care and health policy, to discuss key lessons learned and her insights into the ongoing efforts to reshape long-term care for the better.

Time.news: Dr.Reed, thank you for joining us. The pandemic highlighted significant issues in long-term care facilities. What do you see as the most crucial lesson we must learn from the COVID-19 crisis?

Dr. Reed: The pandemic tragically illustrated that preparedness is paramount. We can no longer ignore the urgent need to reinforce our long-term care infrastructure and protocols. Coroner Géhane Kamel’s recommendations, following the public inquiry, emphasized the absolute necessity of individual rooms to reduce transmission during health emergencies. The high number of deaths in shared rooms during the early stages underscored that vulnerability in stark terms. Long-term care facilities need to be made safer, and that starts with infrastructure.

time.news: Speaking of infrastructure, the transition to individual rooms has been a key focus. What progress has been made, and what challenges remain?

Dr. Reed: Considerable investments have been made towards constructing and renovating senior homes, leading to a noticeable decrease in shared beds in some regions. The situation in Laval, where dual occupancy decreased significantly after the opening of a new residence, is certainly encouraging. Though, progress is uneven. As of 2024, a considerable percentage of beds remained in shared quarters. Moreover, balancing safety with residents’ emotional needs – like allowing couples to share rooms – adds complexity to decisions about room configurations. The human element is a critical part of this discussion.

Time.news: Beyond infrastructure, concerns have been raised about overall preparedness for future pandemics. Can you elaborate on this?

Dr. reed: Despite investments and recommendations, ther’s a worrying disconnect between proposed reforms and actual implementation. Reports indicate a significant delay in developing comprehensive plans to address future pandemic threats. the Protecteur du citoyen reported the lack of a comprehensive plan as recently as the spring of 2024. Furthermore, only a small percentage of facilities have conducted pandemic preparedness simulations, despite Kamel’s advice for triennial drills. we need a shift towards a proactive “culture of preparedness” – not just written plans, but actively practiced strategies.

time.news: Staffing shortages have been a persistent challenge in long-term care. what steps can be taken to address this critical issue?

Dr.Reed: The staffing crisis is a significant threat to care quality and resident safety, and something must be done to address it. Coroner Kamel rightly highlighted the need for secure healthcare professional-to-resident ratios. Unfortunately, the number of physicians offering time in long-term care facilities remains alarmingly low, almost unchanged from pre-pandemic levels. We must incentivize more healthcare professionals to dedicate their time to these facilities.Telemedicine also offers a promising solution for bridging the care gap, ensuring timely interventions despite staffing limitations. We should be actively exploring and implementing telemedicine solutions.

Time.news: Community involvement has emerged as a potential solution. can you discuss the significance of civic and community engagement in supporting long-term care?

Dr. Reed: Community involvement is crucial and cannot be overstated.Relying solely on military assistance during crises is unsustainable. Kamel’s suggestion to create a voluntary emergency civic service is a valuable step. Imagine trained community members ready to assist during health emergencies, alleviating pressure on healthcare staff and strengthening community bonds. This initiative can transform the relationship between communities and healthcare sectors, fostering a culture of support and resilience. Getting ahead on these projects is essential if we are to be ready for the next crisis.

Time.news: What practical advice would you give to our readers who want to advocate for improved long-term care?

Dr. Reed: Stay informed, speak up, and get involved. Contact your local representatives to advocate for policy changes that prioritize long-term care improvements. Support local initiatives aimed at bolstering community involvement in long-term care facilities. If you have time and skills to offer volunteer to give back. Advocate for increased funding for staffing, infrastructure upgrades, and telemedicine initiatives. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to creating a safer and more supportive environment for our seniors. Long-term care is something we should all care about.