High death rate of older persons from COVID-19 in Quebec (Canada) long-term care facilities: chronology and analysis
The Journal of Adult Protection
ISSN: 1466-8203
Article publication date: 6 May 2021
Issue publication date: 24 May 2021
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The Research Chair on Mistreatment of Older Adults is “funded by the Québec Government”.
Citation
Beaulieu, M., Cadieux Genesse, J. and St-Martin, K. (2021), "High death rate of older persons from COVID-19 in Quebec (Canada) long-term care facilities: chronology and analysis", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 110-115. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-08-2020-0033
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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