Seniors denounce that air conditioning is not compulsory in new RPAs

While a heat wave affects the region, Saguenay elders denounce that air conditioning is not compulsory in new housing located in seniors (RPA).

Radio-Canada met seven people who deplore this situation and who agreed to testify under the guise of anonymity.

Several of them said that they believed that air conditioning would be included in their newly built accommodation and located in the Place Desainay residence, in the chicoutimi borough, while rent sometimes exceeds $ 2000 per month.

However, their leases do not mention that the air conditioning is understood, but some have the impression of having been cheated when signing the agreement.

It is 39 ° C. All they can offer us is ice water, popsicles. They take us for children, it’s as simple as thatsays a resident.

However, the Ministry of Health and Social Services does not require the air conditioning of housing or common areas to grant the necessary certification for the opening of a RPA. For his part, the son of a resident would like the province to legislate to force the hand to the residences.

I would like the government to make a law […] So that new residences for the elderly, in 2025, absolutely have air -conditioned tunes because I find that it makes no sense to leave elderly people in an apartment at 31.2 ° C at 7:15 p.m. in the evening.

The management of RPA Place Desainay refused the request for an interview with Radio-Canada. However, she recalls that air conditioning is not compulsory in new seniors and that it was not mentioned in the lease of its residents.

Show vigilance, according to FADOQ

The regional branch of the Quebec Golden Age Federation (FADOQ) reminds the elders to be attentive when signing a lease.

The Director General of the Organization, Patrice St-Pierre, invites the elderly and their families to analyze the details of the agreement and not only to trust the comments they have heard or to the appearances of a residence.

I think what is important to look at is what is important for basic needshe said.

It looks primary to say that, but we must also think that at one point we are going according to a health situation which is current today, but we must see the degradation also that we will haveadds Mr. St-Pierre.