The Quebec Alliance of Living Environments for Seniors (AQMVA) is warning of a looming crisis in senior care services in Quebec. By 2035, an estimated 111,000 seniors may be left without access to essential home care services or suitable living arrangements, highlighting a significant gap in resources.
A recent study commissioned by AQMVA predicts a sharp increase in the demand for support and assistance services for seniors over the next decade. The number of seniors requiring assistance for independent living is projected to surge from 289,000 in 2025 to 400,000 in 2035, representing a substantial 38% rise. This includes various forms of support like aid with daily tasks, medication management, and more, either at home or in residential settings.
The report reveals that by 2040, an additional 40,000 long-term care beds will be needed to accommodate the growing demand. Certain regions, including Montérégie, Montreal, Laurentians, and Capitale-Nationale, are expected to bear the brunt of this increase, with over half of the surge in home support services concentrated in these areas.
Carl Veilleux, chair of the Quebec Association of Intermediate Housing Resources (ARIHQ), emphasizes the urgent need for government action to address the impending crisis. He points out concerning trends such as the closure of retirement homes and challenges in securing funding for care services, indicating a critical need for sustainable solutions to support aging populations.
With 25,000 seniors currently lacking necessary care and services, the pressure on the existing system is evident. Veilleux stresses the importance of preventing further closures of care facilities and emphasizes the necessity of enhancing and maintaining services for seniors across different care settings.
The report underscores a significant financial strain on the government, with projected costs for senior care set to quadruple from $6.2 billion in 2020 to $25.6 billion by 2050. The AQMVA urges a shift towards prioritizing cost-effective home care solutions to mitigate this growing financial burden and ensure adequate support for seniors.
In response to these pressing challenges, Veilleux calls for collaborative efforts and urgent reforms to avert a full-blown crisis in senior care services. He appeals to the Minister responsible for Seniors and Caregivers to engage in dialogue with AQMVA to develop and implement effective solutions for the benefit of seniors in Quebec.
