The bill would guarantee and promote seniors’ autonomy by supporting dignified living conditions adapted to their needs. It would give priority to enabling each senior to remain in their living environment for as long as possible through access to quality home care and support services, affordable and suitable housing, and accessible mobility options. Its application and the development of related measures would be guided by respect for dignity and autonomy, safety and benevolent care, universal accessibility, active participation in society, intersectoral coordination and the adaptability of services.

The bill would recognize a range of rights for seniors. A senior experiencing a loss of autonomy would be entitled to assistance measures adapted to their needs, resources, aspirations and life plan. Seniors would have the right to remain in their homes for as long as possible, with access to home care and support services that include, among other things, medical, psychological and social support. They would also have rights to affordable and suitable housing, protection from physical, psychological or financial abuse, a dignified end of life and compassionate palliative care, financial security, and active participation in social and community life.

A national strategy for seniors’ autonomy and remaining at home would be established. Its aims would be to ensure adequate access to quality care and services, give priority to remaining at home by providing the resources needed to live safely and comfortably, and monitor seniors’ satisfaction with public services. Its directions would include home support, protection of seniors’ rights, health and well-being, civic participation and social inclusion, and financial security. Planned actions would include making local community service centres the primary entry point for home care and support services, supporting caregivers, improving access to public transportation, funding palliative care, improving access to mental health services, addressing ageism and social isolation, and providing tax and financial assistance measures.

The government would be required to adopt a five-year action plan setting out the measures to implement the strategy. The plan would include targets for home care and support services, the development of affordable and suitable housing in every region of Québec, and intersectoral coordination mechanisms. The Minister responsible for Seniors would report on progress and necessary adjustments no later than one year before the end of each five-year period. The first plan would have to be adopted and made public within six months after assent. The Charter of human rights and freedoms (chapter C-12) would be amended to add respect for the rights recognized by the proposed Act to the mandate set out in section 57. The Act would come into force on the date of assent.