Recent Inspections Lead to Closure of Three EHPAD Facilities in France
A national inspection program reveals mixed results in the care facilities for the elderly, raising ongoing concerns among professionals in the sector.
A recent inspection report from the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) covering establishments for dependent elderly individuals (EHPAD) in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions has led to the closure of three care facilities.
The inspections, conducted from March 2022 to December 2024, involved on-site assessments and document reviews of 150 EHPAD in Alpes-Maritimes and 129 in Var, aimed at improving the quality and safety of resident care in both public and private establishments.
This national initiative was prompted by a major scandal concerning the Orpea group, following the publication of Victor Castanet’s book "Les Fossoyeurs" in 2022, which highlighted significant deficiencies in elderly care in France.
By the end of 2024, nearly 96% of the country’s 7,500 EHPAD had undergone inspections, and this figure is expected to reach 100% by June 2025. Approximately 90% of the inspections did not result in formal injunctions, demonstrating a significant compliance rate.
Out of the inspected facilities, eight have faced administrative sanctions within the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions, contributing to a national total of 41 sanctions.
The closures include the Bel Âge in Vallauris and Kérios in La Garde, along with a recently added facility, the Résidence Le Castel in L’Escarène, which was closed following the assessment.
The ARS reported that where deficiencies were found, corrective measures were implemented and monitored.
In defense of the sector, the ARS emphasized that the majority of EHPAD provide quality care supported by dedicated staff.
The ARS stated that the inspections primarily aim to support ongoing improvements in resident care practices.
Recent statements from the Minister of Health, Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq, reiterated this sentiment, highlighting that nearly 90% of inspections concluded without any injunctions and identifying areas of improvement in around 70% of facilities inspected.
However, reactions from professionals in the sector suggest a more cautious perspective.
The Association of Directors of Services to the Elderly (Ad-Pa) expressed concern regarding the reliance on document reviews for 70% of the controls, suggesting this approach may not fully reflect the realities on the ground.
Magalie Bilhac, Vice-President of Ad-Pa, noted apprehensions that the limited scope of the inspections could provide a misleadingly positive view of the sector's conditions.
Bilhac highlighted ongoing issues such as staff shortages and high turnover rates, emphasizing the urgent need for adequate resources and legislative reforms, including a long-awaited "Grand Age" law.
The Association, alongside the National Federation for the Future and Quality of Life for the Elderly (FNAQPA), is calling for immediate dialogue among key stakeholders to address these critical needs in the elderly care sector.
These discussions are framed within a context of historical commitments from the state, dating back to the aftermath of the 2003 heatwave, which promised enhancements for professional support in elderly care.
The inspections, conducted from March 2022 to December 2024, involved on-site assessments and document reviews of 150 EHPAD in Alpes-Maritimes and 129 in Var, aimed at improving the quality and safety of resident care in both public and private establishments.
This national initiative was prompted by a major scandal concerning the Orpea group, following the publication of Victor Castanet’s book "Les Fossoyeurs" in 2022, which highlighted significant deficiencies in elderly care in France.
By the end of 2024, nearly 96% of the country’s 7,500 EHPAD had undergone inspections, and this figure is expected to reach 100% by June 2025. Approximately 90% of the inspections did not result in formal injunctions, demonstrating a significant compliance rate.
Out of the inspected facilities, eight have faced administrative sanctions within the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions, contributing to a national total of 41 sanctions.
The closures include the Bel Âge in Vallauris and Kérios in La Garde, along with a recently added facility, the Résidence Le Castel in L’Escarène, which was closed following the assessment.
The ARS reported that where deficiencies were found, corrective measures were implemented and monitored.
In defense of the sector, the ARS emphasized that the majority of EHPAD provide quality care supported by dedicated staff.
The ARS stated that the inspections primarily aim to support ongoing improvements in resident care practices.
Recent statements from the Minister of Health, Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq, reiterated this sentiment, highlighting that nearly 90% of inspections concluded without any injunctions and identifying areas of improvement in around 70% of facilities inspected.
However, reactions from professionals in the sector suggest a more cautious perspective.
The Association of Directors of Services to the Elderly (Ad-Pa) expressed concern regarding the reliance on document reviews for 70% of the controls, suggesting this approach may not fully reflect the realities on the ground.
Magalie Bilhac, Vice-President of Ad-Pa, noted apprehensions that the limited scope of the inspections could provide a misleadingly positive view of the sector's conditions.
Bilhac highlighted ongoing issues such as staff shortages and high turnover rates, emphasizing the urgent need for adequate resources and legislative reforms, including a long-awaited "Grand Age" law.
The Association, alongside the National Federation for the Future and Quality of Life for the Elderly (FNAQPA), is calling for immediate dialogue among key stakeholders to address these critical needs in the elderly care sector.
These discussions are framed within a context of historical commitments from the state, dating back to the aftermath of the 2003 heatwave, which promised enhancements for professional support in elderly care.
