France, Alternative Libertaire AL #235 - Retirement Homes: Gold and gray of silence (fr, pt)

Abuse, neglect, people over 90 years' trademarks emergency "for non-payment by the family. 
That daily in Establishments for hosting frail elderly (nursing homes), modern name of 
nursing homes or homes for the aged. ---- Nursing homes are largely properties of the 
private sector itself in the hands of often very large groups (DomusVi, Dolca / Vendome 
Orpea Korian, Emera ...) and sometimes very wealthy CEO. Is that old, it can pay big 
dividends: the "white gold". ---- When we get information for a home there is no shortage 
of luxury brochures touting the quality of reception. But quality comes at a price: on 
average from 2 500 to 3 000 euros per month. Some institutions may reach 5,000 euros or 
more. Obviously these are not all retirees are who can afford it! And conditions of 
support (people often dependent) are not always up ....

Increasingly, staff number is insufficient to support an up to the rates charged and the 
quality deteriorates: wait times ringtones that extends, or lack of response, maintenance 
dubious premises, lack staff to eat those unable to do so alone, isolated residents 
"forgot-es", animation and presence particularly deficient elderly deficit, not to mention 
the decisions taken by medical officers sometimes without even informing the families ...

"Users customer"

Of course there are "instances" where residents and residents and their families can 
express themselves. The Council of social life (CVS) to meet mandatory quarterly. But this 
instance is only "advisory" so "users-clients" are powerless except to present their 
grievances without any obligation for directions to follow.

On "instances" of control (such as regional health agency) should not rely on them for 
disturbing a well-oiled mechanism where the private sector and fattens overcomes neglect 
of public services. When sometimes visits LRA are not announced, the opinion of residents 
is asked (knowing that many of them have declining capacity) but not that of their family 
or indeed "representatives of families" in CVS. Curious is not it?

As for the "quality services", "satisfaction surveys" and even "reporting forms," ??this 
is all handled internally and there are little consequences for complaint ...

To top it off, the staff is encouraged not to report too malfunctions and when it does the 
direction or minimizes choking. If, unfortunately, a rebellious employee of this state of 
affairs is trying to inform families, may sanctions for misconduct.

Conclude by affirming our solidarity with the employee-es in this sector are facing harsh 
working conditions for menial tasks and often unrewarding pay.

Henri (friend AL)