INTERVIEW – Faced with chronic understaffing, EHPAD staff accumulate physical and psychological burdens, according to a parliamentary report.
A delayed return to school, for lack of subsidized contracts. In several cities, the announcement of the abolition of these devices, supposed to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries, upset the last minute preparations. At the other end of the age scale, the announcement made less of a stir.
But on September 13, the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Commission sounded the alarm. The end of subsidized contracts could have dramatic consequences for the elderly living in EHPADs (1). This measure allows establishments to maintain a delicate balance. This is threatened concludes the “flash” mission.
The French population is aging, this is nothing new. But in establishments that welcome seniors, this aging weighs more and more heavily. Entry into an institution is often made after the age of 85. As a logical consequence of this delay, these new residents are less autonomous. But the means of EHPADs do not adapt to this growing dependence. On the contrary, they suffer from a chronic understaffing.
Monique Iborra, MP for Haute-Garonne (LREM), learned the lessons of the interviews conducted at a brisk pace over 4 days. French EHPADs are faced with a double problem, notes the vice-president of the Social Affairs Commission. Interview.
What is the staffing situation in nursing homes?
Monique Iborra : The staff ratio, ie the number of staff in relation to the people accommodated, has not changed for several years. It is estimated at 0.6, whereas a report dated 2007 indicated that it should be 1 to 1. There are not enough coordinating physicians. A third of establishments do not have one, although the law requires each EHPAD to have one. Again, their status is unclear and there is a hiring problem.
The full interview with Monique Iborra
How do these difficulties translate?
Monique Iborra : First, the workload is very high, which leads to physical consequences. The number of accidents at work is higher than those in the construction sector. That is to say… Absenteeism is also high, since it stands at 10%.
The pressures are also psychological. I remind you that we are in end-of-life support. Finally, there are recruitment issues. Jobs as they are exercised today are not attractive. In addition, there is a problem with the qualification of the people who are recruited in place of those who should be there.
What do you suggest to improve the situation?
Monique Iborra : It is necessary, quickly, to set up at the Ministry of Health a working group which particularly concerns nursing auxiliaries. There is an urgent need to review their possibilities and skills. Today, they carry out acts that they have no right to do. We must update their skills and especially review their status.
Without upgrading, we will face recruitment problems. If tomorrow, we increase the rate of supervision in a firm way, we will not have candidates to work in these establishments. It is therefore urgent, just as it is urgent that there be night nurses in nursing homes, to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.
>> Find our long format: Dependency, the forgotten of solidarity
(1) EHPAD: Accommodation establishment for dependent elderly people
.
