Home / Health / Half of Quebec Residences Miss Wandering Safety Rules
Half of Quebec Residences Miss Wandering Safety Rules
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Over 550 Quebec residences still lack mandated security for wandering residents.
- Category 3 and 4 residences must install devices by July 2025.
- Advocates stress high costs versus life-saving necessity of security systems.
In Quebec, a significant number of seniors' residences are failing to implement crucial safety measures designed to prevent residents at risk of wandering from leaving unsupervised. Data reveals that over 550 category 3 and 4 residences have not yet installed the required security devices, despite regulations first announced in 2022.
These mandates require specific residences to have systems that alert staff when residents prone to wandering attempt to exit. While some residences face financial challenges and express concerns about unrealistic implementation timelines, advocacy groups underscore the life-or-death importance of these safety protocols, especially as the elderly population grows and cognitive issues become more prevalent.
The provincial government acknowledges the situation and is reviewing cases individually. However, past incidents, including deaths from exposure, highlight the urgent need for compliance. The costs of these systems, while substantial, are weighed against the potential for preventable tragedies, prompting calls for stricter oversight and the exploration of various technological solutions.
