Building issues force relocation of Kuujjuaq elders home residents

Residents of Kuujjuaq’s Tusaajiapik elders home are expected to be relocated due to what local health authorities say are “technical” issues with the building.

Options are being looked at to provide care for the elders in Nunavik and southern Quebec, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and the Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre said in a joint statement released Wednesday.

The statement called the relocation a “precautionary approach” but did not explain the building’s technical issues.

“This situation is deeply concerning, and our first responsibility is to ensure that every resident is safe, treated with dignity, and supported throughout this transition,” said Jennifer Munick-Watkins, the health board’s executive director, in an emailed statement.

Ungava Tulattavik executive director Larry Watt offered a similar message in the same email.

“We know that this situation can cause concern for families and for community members,” Watt said.

“This is why our teams work with great care and respect to assess each situation individually and to ensure that each resident receives the appropriate care in a safe environment. We are committed to supporting families every step of the way and communicating transparently throughout this process.”

Both organizations declined interviews in order “to allow teams to focus on the transition process,” in an email signed by health board and Ungava Tulattavik spokespeople.

Tusaajiapik is home to 13 elders, 10 of whom are described as “in wheelchairs or bedridden” while the other three are “mobile.”

There are 35 people on staff including nurses, social workers, personal care attendants and support staff.

The health board and Ungava Tulattavik have not said how long the disruption is expected to last. They also haven’t described the housing or care facility options they are considering.

Staff are meeting with families in person to answer questions and provide guidance. Residents and families will be accompanied during the relocation process, the joint statement said.

Further updates will be provided via news releases, the health board and Ungava Tulattavik said.