RPCU to track and ensure Premier's measures for seniors

The Regroupement provincial des comités des usagers (RPCU) is pleased with Premier Jean Charest's announcement updating the Vieillir chez soi government initiative, introduced in his opening address to the National Assembly.

"The major investments announced by the Premier mean that seniors can receive the services they are entitled to. It's a step in the right direction," asserted Claude Ménard, head of the Regroupement provincial des comités des usagers. "Seniors wishing to stay in their homes need services that are better adapted to their needs."

These measures would usually be implemented in institutions. The RPCU hopes that administrators of these institutions will hear the message and provide the appropriate services to the elderly.

As a means of tracking these measures and ensuring that they meet seniors' needs adequately, the Regroupement provincial des comités des usagers is launching an extensive study group to reflect on housing in Quebec. The RPCU will assess the situation and suggest possible solutions.

"One topic we will look into is taking charge of people with reduced autonomy, from their homes to public residential and long-term care centres. The route they must take is often a difficult one for both users and their loved ones," stressed Pierre Blain, director general of the RPCU. "What type of society do we want for our elderly? What can we do?"

The RPCU will promote the "life environment" approach in a public home-care centre - a philosophy that will need to evolve over time, in light of changed societal values and the increase in clients needing these services. It will offer services provided by a team of professionals, comprising academic researchers, community practitioners and experienced managers, who are able to deal with an aging population and the issue of accommodations.

On March 15, when Bill 127 - An Act to improve the management of the health and social services network - goes to a parliamentary commission for study, the RPCU will also submit a proposal to the Minister of Health and Social Services, stating that users' and in-patients' committees advocate for seniors living in intermediate and family-type resources, as well as in private residences.

"There has been too much abuse in these places. The rights of their residents must be protected and users' and in-patients' committees can help improve quality," specified Pierre Blain. Implementing the RPCU-proposed solution is simple and easy.