Ehpad: the government calls on the sector to think about sharing value

Europe 1 with AFP 11:45 a.m., January 27, 2023, modified at 11:47 a.m., January 27, 2023

The Minister of Solidarity Jean-Christophe Combe said on Friday "very favorable" to companies managing nursing homes reinvesting part of their profits in actions of general interest, at a time when the government is seeking to better fight against the abuse of vulnerable adults.

"We have a real question about this model, it does not shock me that we can make money in this sector, simply it is necessary that before the interest of the shareholders come the interest of the residents, the families, the quality of life at work for employees. And so this sector must ask itself the question of the sharing of value in its companies", indicated the minister on Franceinfo.

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"The actors take charge"

"I would be very favorable to the sector being able to reinvest part of its profits for actions of general interest. (...) We are going to have a discussion with the operators, I am not in favor of setting up a coercive system , I am rather for the actors to take charge and tomorrow commit to being at the forefront” of this subject, added Mr. Combe.

Published a year ago, the book

, by journalist Victor Castanet, shed light on the embezzlement of the Orpea group, accused of serious shortcomings in the care of residents of its nursing homes and of financial offences.

The emotion aroused by these revelations led to reinforced controls, stricter budgetary rules and more transparency.

This case has also brought to light a serious lack of personnel throughout the sector.

Initially centered on Orpea, the scandal had consequences for the entire sector of private, associative or public retirement homes.

Regarding the shortage of staff in nursing homes, at least 3,000 nurses and nursing assistants must come and reinforce the workforce of retirement homes this year, the first stage of a plan for 50,000 additional recruitments by 2027. he hour, there are "not enough" candidates, lamented Friday Mr. Combe, specifying that "the priority today is to make these jobs attractive, to increase salaries (...), convince young people that these jobs make sense".