In a significant response to the allegations of mistreatment that shook France's nursing home sector, the government announced that 55 nursing homes, referred to as Ehpad, have either been closed or placed under strict supervision. This decisive action follows the widespread outrage sparked by the publication of Victor Castanet's investigative book, 'Les Fossoyeurs,' in January 2022, which uncovered alarming cases of financial malpractice and abuse of elderly residents within facilities operated by the Orpea group, now known as Emeis.
On the eve of a special broadcast on France 2 featuring these developments, Minister of Autonomy Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq confirmed, "It has been decided either to immediately close the establishment or to place it under trusteeship due to serious acts of mistreatment, significant malfunctions, or problems in the care management." The revelations led to significant public outcry and raised pressing concerns regarding the oversight and treatment of one of society's most vulnerable populations.
In a bid to restore trust, the government initiated a comprehensive control plan overseeing the nation's 7,500 Ehpad facilities. This plan mandated that all nursing homes would undergo inspections within two years, promoting greater transparency concerning their operations and public fund utilization. As of December 2024, over 96% of these establishments had indeed been inspected, with regional health agencies (ARS) prioritizing a third of these sites where there were signals of doubt or concern.
According to Parmentier-Lecocq, these inspections involved both on-site evaluations and extensive document reviews. The ARS checked vital metrics such as personnel turnover, staffing levels, sick leave records, incident reports, and care protocols. "We need to restore transparency in the system, to regain trust," reiterated Parmentier-Lecocq. She emphasized that without transparency, the expectations of families would not be met, potentially unfairly tarnishing the reputation of committed professionals within the sector.
Furthermore, the introduction of new regulations has mandated nursing homes to adhere to qualitative standards regarding residents' nutritional care, ensuring both quality and quantity in meals. An important change under the law on healthy aging, adopted in 2024, guarantees residents the right to unrestricted daily visitation without prior notification to the facility.
Despite these reforms, criticism persists. The Association of Directors Serving Elderly People (AD-PA) expressed concerns, stating that three years post-Scandal, the state has yet to offer solid solutions to increase the number of healthcare professionals in nursing homes. In a statement released on March 24, 2025, the AD-PA remarked, "The State is not proposing any solutions at this stage to increase the number of professionals and ensure services that meet the expectations of the elderly and their families." This ongoing critique underscores the reality of high demand for care professionals in an industry grappling with both reputational damage and pressing operational needs.
The discussion surrounding nursing homes has highlighted deep-seated issues concerning the dignity and care of elderly individuals. Through a national strategy for 2024-2027 aimed at combatting mistreatment, the government hopes to combat the silence often associated with maltreatment faced by vulnerable older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those relying on social aid.
The commitment to improving transparency and oversight in French nursing homes is clear, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges. As the country grapples with the implications of the Orpea scandal, the collective goal must remain clear: the safety, dignity, and well-being of those residing in nursing homes across France. The revelations and subsequent measures are steps toward that objective, yet the call for more action is both urgent and essential.
