Families seek answers after Nunavik elders home residents relocated to Montreal

Alaku Kululaa says she was shocked to learn her 90-year-old mother would be relocated south after building issues forced the closure of Kuujjuaq’s Tusaajiapik elders home this fall.

Originally from Quaqtaq, Louisa Inuluk Kululaa had been living at the home for approximately three years.

Alaku Kululaa said she received no written notice about the decision and that the head nurse instead verbally informed her in mid-September, about two weeks before the move was scheduled to take place.

On Sept. 30, Louisa Inuluk Kululaa was checked into the Argyle care home, located in the Montreal suburb of Point-Claire, about 1,500 kilometres away from Kuujjuaq.

“I feel so far away from her,” Alaku Kululaa said. “It is stressful not knowing how she is. Without communication, how could I know?”

Problems at the Tusaajiapik elders home have been persistent since April, when Nunavik health officials announced there were technical issues with the building’s heating system. With cold weather setting in this fall, the facility is closed and officials are working to assess the cost and feasibility of fixing the problem.

Now, families are calling for better communication and assurances there will be culturally appropriate care and support for their loved ones in the south.

Alec Gordon is on FaceTime with his brother, Mark Gordon, who was relocated to Montreal.  (Photo courtesy of Alec Gordon)

Alaku Kululaa said she is concerned about language barriers because her mother is not fluent in English, as well as access to country food.

Alec Gordon shares those sentiments.

His 33-year-old brother Mark Gordon has lived with a physical disability since birth. He spent several years at the elder’s home in Kuujjuaq because there was no other suitable facility for him in the community. Mark Gordon moved into the Argyle care home on Oct. 6.

Alec Gordon travelled to Montreal to help him settle in. He said he noticed during his visit that some staff members were unfamiliar with where the residents came from, leaving relatives to explain their background and needs.

There were also problems with the travel portion itself, Alec Gordon said.

Flights and accommodations were covered for up to two support people per patient, for a maximum of seven days.

Alec Gordon said he paid for meals and transportation and expected to file his receipts for reimbursement. However, when he submitted them, he said, nobody could say which department was responsible for paying him back.

Now, he’s calling for clear procedures to allow relatives living in Nunavik to visit their loved ones.

“It’s not really our fault that we were moved south,” he said. “They should really iron out the administration part for visitors.”

Gilles Cloutier, the Ungava health centre’s community services director, said in an interview that the reimbursement issues, such as the ones flagged by Alec Gordon, would be resolved but did not specify when or whether all expenses would be covered.

“We don’t wish to transfer our clients outside of the region. It’s really heartbreaking. But, be sure that we will do everything that we can to facilitate those things,” he said.

Cloutier acknowledged that families were verbally notified about the impending move, and staff only had access to family listed on residents’ files and those who visited most often, which meant it’s possible information did not reach all family members.

“If the person doesn’t share the information, we’re a bit trapped,” he said.

Cloutier added that he believes all families were notified of the problem in April, when the heating malfunction first occurred.

To improve communication, Cloutier said a social worker will be hired to share updates about residents’ care, well-being and adjustment to the facility. He added families can contact the Argyle home or cultural safety staff at Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre for information about residents.

Three cultural worker positions have been created for Argyle’s Nunavik unit, and one had their first day last week, the health board said in an unsigned email to Nunatsiaq News.

These hires will speak both Inuktitut and English and will help interpret between residents and healthcare staff.

Residents also have access to electronic tablets to facilitate video calls.

Food safety regulations restrict facilities from serving traditionally harvested meat unless it comes from approved suppliers, the email said. The facility serves bannock and tea daily, with fish, seal and venison also planned for menus when available from approved suppliers.

“Residents may receive country food brought by family members or visitors,” the email said.

Overall, Alaku Kululaa said she was pleased with Argyle’s facility.

“The facility itself is really nice. More homey, I noticed right away. The workers are really nice there.”