The Quebec government has entered into a four-year, $293,000
agreement with Dr Clown, a provincial non-profit organization that sends clowns
to visit residents in nursing homes. It’s part of a program aimed at breaking
the isolation and loneliness of nursing-home residents.
Not everyone agrees with the government’s priorities.
Paul Brunet who heads the Council for the Protection of Patients said this to the Globe & Mail: “If anybody thinks this is a priority, then they must be living on Mars. There are some elderly residents that stink. They aren't bathed because there isn't enough staff to do the work. They lose their dignity and, when that happens, they lose the desire to live. Their basic needs aren't being met. And that's what they need more than clowns.”
I’ve conducted qualitative research in Quebec for a major player in the nursing homes sector in North America. The issue isn’t just a question of inadequate resources. The isolation and loneliness many seniors suffer from in Quebec nursing homes may have to do with the fact that they could be getting less attention from their immediate family.
In May 2003, Ipsos-Reid asked Canadians if they were concerned about having to care for parents or in-laws when they get older. Quebeckers were least likely to be concerned.
In the same study, Canadians were asked if they believe they will be a burden to someone when they get older. Again, Quebeckers were least likely to feel that way.
Ten years ago, Yankelovich asked Canadians about the major challenges facing most people over 55. Quebeckers were significantly less likely than Canadian in the ROC to say “taking care of elderly parents” and “the expenses of assisted living arrangements”.
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