High death rate of older persons from COVID-19 in Quebec (Canada) long-term care facilities: chronology and analysis

• Published in: The journal of adult protection Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 110 - 115
• Main Authors: Beaulieu, Marie, Cadieux Genesse, Julien, St-Martin, Kevin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brighton Emerald Publishing Limited 24.05.2021; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Adults; Armed forces; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Employees; Hospitals; Human resources; Human resources management; Living conditions; Long term health care; Long term hospitals; Long-term care; Military; Military personnel; Mortality; Mortality rates; Older people; Pandemics; Protection; Public health; Quality of life; Social services; Society; Workforce; Canada; Quebec Canada; COVID-19; Dignity; Organisational mistreatment; Long-term care facilities; Neglect; Political response; Health-care organisation
• DOI: 10.1108/JAP-08-2020-0033
• ISSN: 1466-8203

Purpose Among the ten Canadian provinces, Quebec has experienced the most significant excess mortality of older persons during COVID-19. This practice paper aims to present the chronology of events leading to this excess mortality in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach Documented content from three official sources: daily briefings by the Quebec Premier, a report from the Canadian Armed Forces and a report produced by Royal Society of Canada experts were analysed. Findings Two findings emerge: the lack of preparation in LTCFs and a critical shortage of staff. Indeed, the massive transfer of older persons from hospitals to LTCFs, combined with human resources management and a critical shortage of permanent staff before and during the crisis, generates unhealthy living conditions in LTCFs. Originality/value To our knowledge, this paper is the first to analyse official Quebec and Canadian statements concerning COVID-19 from the angle of quality of life and protection of older adults in LTCFs.