After all of her residents had to leave their rooms in the middle of winter 2021 due to allegations of mistreatment, an owner of senior residences can finally reopen one of her two living environments.
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The owner of private senior residences Nathalie Boisclair was given a second chance for her activities since in February 2021 she was forced to close the two private senior residences she runs.
Recording by TVA Nouvelles
On Tuesday she opened the doors of the former Villa du Parc, now Maison Des Petits Bonheurs, to the media. The Integrated University Center for Health and Social Services (CIUSSS) of Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec has reversed its decision and has just offered it a temporary certificate allowing it to reopen its accommodation resources. For one year, the CIUSSS will closely monitor the activities of the residence.
“I told them: ‘What happened, it happened, we can’t undo it.’ Yes, there were shortcomings on all sides, but today I want us to work well together and be partners,” explained the owner.
Recording by TVA Nouvelles
The withdrawal of a residence permit is rare anyway, and the subsequent return is even rarer.
“To my knowledge this is the first time we’ve seen this, but I see it as a positive. This is someone who has made amends. She underwent training to come back. She is a good person to take care of the elderly and at the moment we need help in caring for the elderly, especially those who are losing their autonomy,” added the spokesman for private senior residences in Mauricie and Centre-du-Mont. Quebec, Richard Maziade.
The CIUSSS explains its decision. “Applicants have been strongly supported to ensure that concrete funding was provided in relation to the elements that led to the revocation almost three years ago. For example: acquire training, experience and surround yourself with a support team,” the CIUSSS wrote in an email to TVA Nouvelle
Ms. Boisclair has actually completed management training and is currently completing her practical nursing degree. This means that 18 semi-autonomous people can be accommodated by December 1st.
Recording by TVA Nouvelles
Although everything starts from scratch, what happened in 2021 leaves scars and trauma on families and residents. The CIUSSS’s decision at the time was met with strong criticism, particularly by beneficiaries and their relatives. Many have spoken publicly about the good care offered at both the Saint-Pie X residence and Villa du Parc.
“In my opinion, the families could have been informed and asked for their opinion. To the residents… Because once you make it your home, despite what people say about it, you don’t want to be uprooted quickly. If we do not speak to anyone and respond to staff complaints without speaking to residents, it is possible that these people will be confused and sent anywhere,” explained the president of the Council for the Protection of the Sick, Paul Brunet.
Several families have already contacted the owner to reserve a place in her residence. In less than an hour, four people expressed interest in visiting.
For Nathalie Boisclair and her partner, this second chance is worth its weight in gold and they don’t want to take it lightly.