Quebec Faces Senior Care Crisis as Retirement Homes Close

The ongoing closures of retirement homes in Quebec are raising significant concerns about the state of senior care in the province. The Regroupement québécois des résidences pour aînés (RQRA) has described the situation as a crisis, highlighting inadequate funding for care in these facilities. In the past eight years, approximately 740 retirement homes have shut down, with current figures indicating around 1,350 homes remain operational.

Although the rate of closures has slowed in the last year, the troubling trend persists, with an average of one retirement home closing each week. The RQRA emphasizes that when a home announces its closure, residents face limited options, as the waiting list for long-term care facilities—known as CHSLDs—stands at just under 3,500 people. Additionally, approximately 5,000 individuals are awaiting placement in intermediate resources (RIs). In many cases, seniors find themselves in hospital rooms while awaiting available accommodations.

Marc Fortin, President and CEO of the RQRA, has expressed the organization’s efforts to collaborate with Santé Québec to address the issue. “We are trying to work with Santé Québec on measures to reduce transfers to hospitals because, obviously, people should not be hospitalized if they don’t need to be,” Fortin stated. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that many individuals are hospitalized due to a lack of available spaces in CHSLDs and seniors’ homes.

The financial challenges faced by retirement home operators are a key factor in the crisis. Fortin argues that the government does not allocate sufficient funds for care in retirement homes. A recent poll conducted by Léger revealed that nearly 80 percent of retirement home owners believe that the payments from CISSSs and CIUSSSs do not cover the actual costs of care and services provided to residents. While many retirement homes operate on a for-profit basis, it is important to note that not all are profit-driven.

According to Fortin, the contribution of retirement homes to the healthcare system is significant. “We save the government nearly $4 billion a year for the 38,000 dependent people in our network,” he explained. This amount reflects net savings after accounting for other programs and home care. He emphasized that while the system benefits from the financial efficiencies provided by retirement homes, this comes at the expense of the owners.

The funding allocated to retirement homes varies significantly, with the lowest rate being $21 per hour for care. Fortin pointed out the unsustainable nature of this compensation: “When you’re paid $21, $28, or $32 an hour, you’re providing care at a loss.” He warned that many homes have ceased providing care altogether, adjusting their classification from category 4 to categories 2 or 3, which cater to less dependent seniors.

The majority of retirement homes are intended for seniors who require a higher level of assistance, specifically those classified as category 3 or 4. Fortin urged policymakers to address the ongoing funding issues. “We must stop taking advantage of RPA owners when it comes to the care that people need, and we must pay them appropriately,” he stated.

The Léger survey, which included responses from 453 residents and 91 managers of retirement homes located in Montérégie and Lanaudière, was conducted during the summer and fall of 2025. The margin of error for residents is plus or minus 4.6 percent, while for managers, it is plus or minus 10.3 percent.

When asked about who provides their care, 84 percent of seniors reported that residence staff were responsible, despite a larger proportion of care theoretically falling under the jurisdiction of CLSCs. Among respondents receiving care from CISSS/CLSC, approximately 34 percent indicated that their caregiver had not shown up for a scheduled appointment, leaving many unsure of how to proceed.

Fortin explained that many essential services—including bathing, administering medication, and mobility assistance—often go unprovided due to staffing shortages. “Often, we are forced to do it for free because the people from the CISSS or CLSC don’t show up,” he said. He attributes these issues to labor shortages and cuts to healthcare budgets.

In light of these pressing challenges, Fortin is calling for a collaborative approach to find solutions. He proposes discussions among all stakeholders involved in senior care, including Santé Québec and the Ministry of Health. “Everyone needs to sit down together and work on finding a solution. A tidal wave is coming, a wall is coming down on us with Quebec’s seniors in the next few years, and we’re not ready,” he warned.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, with Fortin emphasizing that immediate action is required to avert a greater crisis in the coming years. “We are in a crisis; we have both feet in the crisis. We need to take action now because the price of inaction will be so high in the next three to five years. We have to do it now.”