RPCU Reacts to Government's New Policy on Ageing "Vieillir et vivre ensemble"

MONTREAL, May 3, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Regroupement provincial des Comités des usagers (RPCU) commends the government's new policy on ageing "Vieillir et vivre ensemble, chez soi, dans sa communauté, au Québec", made public today by Mrs Marguerite Blais, Minister Responsible for Seniors, Mrs Dominique Vien, Minister for Social Services, along with Dr. Yves Bolduc, Minister of Health and Social Services.

For the president of RPCU, Mr. Claude Ménard, the government's policy on ageing and its related investments meet the expectations of seniors wishing to remain at home as long as possible. "To view ageing from a human perspective rather than an exclusively medical one is a significant change in attitude. It represents a real acknowledgement of seniors' contribution to our society that opens the door to greater citizen involvement on the part of our seniors" stated Mr. Ménard as he congratulated the Minister Responsible for Seniors and her commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of seniors.

In the context in which seniors, by their very condition, require more health care services than others, they represent a significant portion of the health and social services network's users. Home care and its allotted funds are critical elements enabling seniors to stay at home for as long as possible.

However, Mr Pierre Blain, General Manager for the RPCU, which represents Users' and In-patients' Committees, recalled the Quebec Ombudsman's recent investigative report "Is Home Support Always the Option of Choice?" The report noted that the budget compressions instituted by the Department of Health and Social Services had an effect on home care support.

"This shouldn't be allowed to happen again. We hope that the funds announced today as part of this policy will be entirely dedicated and used for the purpose they were intended for by those in charge of health and social service establishments In fact, RPCU proposes its expertise in implementing this policy, more specifically in evaluating user satisfaction" concluded Mr. Blain.

Profile of the RPCU

The Regroupement provincial des Comités des usagers (RPCU) advocates on behalf of users and is the spokesperson for 600 Users' and In-patients' Committees in Quebec's health and social services establishments. These committees' mission is to defend users' rights and work to improve the quality of services provided to users of the health and social services network.

Myriam Lapointe, Communications Officer
Pierre Blain, Director General
514 436-3744